Boone County Magazine December 2022

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CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING SOAKS UP BOONE COUNTY CHAMBER IMPACT AWARD

Writer / Rebecca Wood Photography Provided

Most remember the catchphrase “Hey Culligan man!” This familiar slogan launched Culligan Water Conditioning into a well-known enterprise dedicated to bringing better water to the public. Culligan Water Conditioning of Boone County brings this same devotion to the local community with its added passion for serving the public. These efforts have gathered attention and earned the company a special recognition within the community.

In September, the Boone County Chamber of Commerce awarded the Chamber Impact Award to Culligan Water Conditioning of Boone County. The Chamber noted the business has offered eco-

friendly, sustainable drinking water to Boone County since 1948.

Sam Mitchell, owner, expresses delight in receiving this distinction. “It’s very fulfilling to receive this award and know this company is making an impact in the community in which I was raised.”

The Boone County Chamber of Commerce explains how they selected Culligan as the recipient. “I bet there isn’t a non-profit around that hasn’t benefitted from a donation from Culligan at some point. They are always gracious to invest in walks, runs, other sporting events, fairs, expos, and fundraisers support the community. Water is a basic but important commodity, and they are always willing to share.”

Mitchell has been Culligan Water Conditioning’s owner for over a year. However, he has worked for the Boone County company for the last 30 years in many areas, including working with salt delivery, installation and service management.

“I went to college, but I didn’t want a job where I would sit in an office,” Mitchell says. “I wanted to be out serving people. I like to help people as much as I can.”

Culligan Water Conditioning was established in 1936 with the idea of making conditioning water treatment methods available to homeowners. In the years since, the company has expanded worldwide and offers a line of water softeners, water filtration systems, commercial and industrial water treatment solutions, drinking water systems and bottled water delivery.

The company offers these products and services to the local community. “We are locally owned and operated. All our employees live and work within the county,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell grew up in Boone County and graduated from Western Boone High School. He likes to give back to the community in which he was raised. Mitchell serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Advance Volunteer Fire Department. He also acts as a Project Leader for the Boone County 4-H fairgrounds. In addition, Mitchell officiates basketball games in the community.

Under Mitchell’s helm, Culligan Water Conditioning of Boone County gives back to charitable fundraisers and other community events. Mitchell says the company always looks for ways to serve kids. “I’m a big kid at heart, and I have a heart to serve kids.”

Mitchell encourages others within the community to also give back. “The prior owner of our company encouraged me to be a good steward of the community,” Mitchell says. “I encourage others to volunteer and look for the needs.”

Culligan Water Conditioning of Boone County is located at 1328 W. Main Street in Lebanon. You can reach them at (765)482-2570 or visit them online at www.culligancentralindiana.com.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

For 10 years Emily Sullivan worked in the field of ophthalmology. When the pandemic hit, she switched gears and stayed at home to be with her two daughters. Though she loved seeing her girls and her husband more often, she struggled a bit with the stay-at-home transition, and found herself researching outlets to keep her busy.

“I was on Pinterest looking for ideas on what to do if you’re a bored stay-at-home mom,” says Sullivan with a chuckle. “I wasn’t very good at not working.”

She liked cooking, so she tried doing meal preparation for families. After moving to Zionsville, she stumbled upon something that piqued her interest even more - charcuterie.

“I fell into this charcuterie hole and was like, ‘That looks fun. I’m doing that,’” she says.

She began putting together charcuterie boards for friends and family, and soon the “bored” lady became the “board lady” - or, more accurately, Board Ladies, as Sullivan invited her friend Lyndsey Nirider to join the new venture.

Nirider, a stay-at-home mom, had studied hospitality and tourism management in college. She coordinated events before working as a restaurant manager at Traders Point Creamery, where she became well-versed in all things cheese. She also has a business background, having worked for 10 years at IGH Steel, her husband Jim’s family’s metal fabrication shop.

Lyndsey Nirider and Emily Sullivan

Nirider relished the idea of launching a business with her friend, whom she had known since high school. In June of 2021, The Board Ladies, LLC took their first official order.

“People around here have been overwhelmingly supportive,” says Sullivan, who spread the word by dropping off sample boards to local businesses. Interest quickly spread from there.

“I didn’t realize how supportive Zionsville is of local businesses and of local women,” Sullivan says. “Zionsville has its own little niche pocket full of local businesses that support one another. We accidentally fell into that and it’s been awesome.”

Nirider says she appreciates not only the creative side of the business, but also the freedom that comes with setting their our own schedules.

The pair cater primarily to baby showers, bridal showers, company parties and holiday events. In addition, picnic companies frequently reach out to them, asking them to provide boards for luxury picnics, which Sullivan describe as “boho chic fancy, perfect for girls days, proposals or date nights.”

Though charcuterie businesses are popping up all over the place, The Board Ladies provides a whimsical, boho, floral flair. They sell both charcuterie boards and graze boxes, which are essentially small charcuterie boards with lids. These work well for picnics or traveling.

Each charcuterie board includes a couple types of hard cheese, a soft cheese, nuts, chocolate, and a meat like salami or prosciutto. When possible, the owners try to incorporate local produce and spreads on their boards and grazing tables.

The women also partner with Schakolad Chocolate Factory.

Certain foods are always fan favorites, including the blueberry goat cheese as well as the white cheddar cheese. Customers also request the salami roses, as they provide a pretty way to display meat.

“A lot of companies use more hardy meats and veggies, whereas we use fresh fruits, though we’ll add veggies if people ask us to,” says Sullivan, who loves personalizing the boards with holiday customizations and themes.

For instance, when the latest James Bond movie was released last year, a woman hired Sullivan and Nirider to create boards for her husband and his friends, who hosted a pre-movie party. The pair spelled out “Bond,” putting charcuterie in all of the letters.

For more information or to place an order with The Board Ladies, email theboardladies@gmail.com or visit theboardladies.com.

Owner Dan Killinger

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer/ Krystal Dailey

Imagine walking through the door after a long day at work. Instantly, lamps emit the perfect amount of light, the fireplace starts up and strains of music are heard. Spirits can’t help but rise as smart home technology designed by Intelligent Living Solutions makes life easier, safer and energy efficient.

In smart homes, programs are put in place to make things happen systematically, but features can be interacted with and adjusted in a moment. Movement and the sound of conversation are sensed in each room to initiate as much or as little automation as the homeowner wants. It’s not just for new construction; an older house or business can easily be converted to offer technical

INTELLIGENT LIVING SOLUTIONS MAKES RUNNING YOUR HOME OR OFFICE EASIER AND MORE EFFICIENT

solutions to practical aspects of a home. Intelligent Living Solutions owner Dan Killinger started the business in 2013, but roots for it began while he was growing up.

“My dad was an electrical engineer, and I grew up playing with tech gadgets. I put an alarm system in my room as a kid. I became a landscape architect and owned a landscape and pool business. After designing outdoor spaces for clients that included televisions and speakers plus automated swimming pool lights, heaters and waterfalls, people asked me to automate the inside of their houses,” Killinger says.

The business progressed from there, and today Killinger works with builders, carpenters, remodelers and even senior living advisors so clients can age in place. Every smart home plan is unique to each individual customer. For instance, an office building may have a conference room that is only used a few times a week. A plan can be put into place for HVAC and lighting systems to turn on during meeting times,

but individuals can adjust the systems in the room any other time as well.

Clients may have an idea of what they would like to automate, but to truly grasp what is possible, a visit to Intelligent Living Solutions Experience Center is necessary. An appointment is needed to book a 60-minute session to view what has been referred to as ‘Disney Land for adults.’ The space, located at 85 East Cedar Street in the Village, is set up to a show what can be done in rooms typically found in a home.

The brains of the system, which control different modules, are located inside the building. It knows where it is on earth and so lights come on and shades rise and lower at just the right times. Likewise, precipitation and soil moisture are measured, so irrigation operates only when needed.

As visitors to the Discovery Center move through the house, they encounter automation that encompasses personal

safety, security, energy savings and aspects that enhance quality of life by making tasks easier. Homeowners are alerted when their mailbox is opened and can they tell who has entered the house by the individual codes assigned to people such as house cleaners or dog walkers.

Continuing inside, an alarm goes off and a text is sent if a water leak is detected. Lights and other control switches are discretely embedded in the décor. Television can be watched in the shower and at night, low level lighting in the bathroom comes on when motion is detected.

There are other security benefits that aid young families all the way to seniors. One option is cabinets for cleaning chemicals or liquor that can only be unlocked through a phone app. In addition, secret doors are hidden by bookshelves and there are spaces behind paintings. Audio speakers are installed behind drywall, making them invisible. Aging family members can have soft lighting that emits when their feet touch the floor at night and relatives can be notified if there is no motion within certain periods of time.

“If something has internet or an electrical connection, we can integrate it. There is no one size fits all. Most people don’t know all the possibilities. The Experience Center shows them what a smart home can do and then they can tailor the ideas for what they want,” Killinger says.

Intelligent Living Solutions is located at 85 East Cedar Street in Zionsville. You can reach them at 317-942-0502 or by visiting www.intelligentlivingindy.com.

ON A MISSION

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY GIVES BACK TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

Writer / Shelly Sack Photography Provided

This year marks the 10th anniversary since the first annual National Day of Giving for the Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC). The foundation has found a unique way of turning what could typically be a day of asking assistance into its own unique way of giving back to nonprofit organizations around the county.

On Nov. 22, CFBC descended upon 10 local nonprofits to surprise them with funds to help their organizations further their individual missions that connect with community residents.

Ten organizations each received $2,500 checks from CFBC’s grants committee, representing groups from arts/ culture, mental health, food insecurity, the disabled population and programming that supports local youth struggling with home, school

and life direction.

This program is in its fourth year, according to president and CEO Jodi Gietl, who says she was inspired when she assumed her role with CFBC at the time.

“We need donations just like the rest, but we’re here to support 175 nonprofits. Why don’t we do it backwards and make it the Day of Giving Back?” Gietl says.

The first year, 10 nonprofits were chosen at random to receive $1,000 gifts each from the grants committee, which is comprised of some members of the CFBC board of directors and local residents. The program then grew to be more focused in the years since.

“It was super fun the first year and we said, ‘let’s do that again,’” Gietl says. “This is our fourth year of the program. The first year was random with names out of a hat. The second year we focused on libraries and

parks departments, town municipalities and local chambers. Basically, these are the unsung heroes that don’t get a chance to play in the big sandbox of grants. They are civic servants.”

Gietl continued to explain the program’s strategy for 2022.

“This year, we went to the grants committee and said there are pieces of the pie that haven’t been able to benefit from the impact of the community foundation. How can we come alongside them and fill in the pieces of the pie for those who maybe missed a grant opportunity?”

Gietl adds that instead of a random draw, this year’s recipients were chosen from a more data-driven approach from area gaps that weren’t previously addressed in 2022. In addition, the award more than doubled, increasing from $1,000 awards to $2,500 apiece.

Of all the past grants, which Gietl says are all well-deserved, one sticks out from her first year awarding the grants.

“We always load up in my truck to surprise the recipients. Sugar Creek Art Center, which is a warehouse for local artists with no studio of their own, is located in Thorntown. We walked in with a $1,000 check and the executive director started crying because the nonprofit had just spent $1,000 on a new elevator. It’s a three-story

old factory and the elevator keeps them ADA compliant. We were thrilled and touched to see the timing.”

For those interested in donating to the community impact fund year, call (765) 482-0024 or email info@ communityfoundationbc.org. You can also follow on social media via Facebook at @CFBooneCo, on Twitter at @CFBooneCo or Instagram at @ communityfoundationboone.

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PRESENTED BY Scheetz

Scheetz

TITLE SPONSOR GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

TO ZIONSVILLE WINTERFEST

Recreation programming is a priority for our town. Not only does it enhance our quality of life, but it invites visitors to our town and increases the economic vitality of local businesses. Coming into office, I asked our Parks and Recreation Department to offer more recreational and cultural programing during all seasons and to residents and visitors of all ages. Recreation is fundamentally important to families and adds to our high quality of life.

I am thrilled to announce that Winterfest will return this year— bigger and better! For nearly one month, Mulberry Fields Park will once again transform into a winter wonderland. While the real ice skating rink is the focal point of the event, there are programs for people of all ages from a campfire and s’mores station, to crafting shadow box ornaments, to themed ice skating sessions. This year attendees will skate on a bigger rink and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at the Open-Air Maker’s Market.

During the inaugural Winterfest last year, my son and I enjoyed returning to the ice again and again, catching up with friends and family and skating to music under the rink lights. With Winterfest, new traditions are created and our town shines — residents and visitors have an outdoor recreational opportunity and then explore the array of downtown shops and restaurants. I am grateful to our Parks and Recreation Department for bringing this wonderful experience to our community.

See you on the rink!

Zionsville Parks & Recreation thanks these generous sponsors for giving our community this special experience.

Mayor Emily Styron

WELCOME

The second annual Zionsville Winterfest will light up the grounds of Mulberry Fields Park December 9, 2022 to January 2, 2023. 9645 Whitestown Rd, Zionsville, IN 46077

Free parking is available at Mulberry Fields Park with additional lots at Zionsville United Methodist Church to the north, and Zionsville Middle School to the south.

Neighbors can also bundle up and walk or bike to Winterfest using the Big-4 Rail Trail that runs parallel to Pleasant View Rd/Ford Rd.

DAILY SCHEDULE

SUN DEC 11

12-3pm Community Showcase (4 shows) 3:30-5pm Maplelawn Tea

MON DEC 12 3-5pm Make & Take 6-7:30pm REG Holiday Greens

TUES DEC 13 3-5pm REG Prance & Dance 5-8pm Stranger Things Skate

SAT FRI PRE-FEST WEEKEND

SAT DEC 3, 6–8pm

Zionsville Town Hall Frozen Fête REG

SUN DEC 4, 6–8pm Elm Street Green Park Luminary Walk *

SEE WEBSITE FOR THE DAILY SKATE RINK SCHEDULE

WED DEC 14 3-5pm REG Homeschool Day

THUR DEC 15 1-2pm REG Reindeer Games 3-5pm Make & Take

DEC 10 DEC 9

3-5pm Make & Take 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

10am-12pm Reindeer Encounter 10am-2pm Maker’s Market 12pm Community Showcase 3:30-5pm Maplelawn Tea 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

FRI DEC 16 3-5pm Make & Take 5-7pm REG Ugly Sweater Decorate 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores 6-8pm Maplelawn Luminary Walk

SAT DEC 17

1-2:30pm REG Winter Shadow Box Ornament 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

SUN DEC 18 12-3pm Community Showcase (4 shows) 6:30pm Santa Vists

MON DEC 19 3-5pm Make & Take 6-7:30pm REG Gnome for the Holidays

TUES DEC 20 3-5pm Make & Take 6-7pm REG Ice Cream Party

WED DEC 21 12-2pm Selfies with Santa 1-3pm Meet the Town 6-7pm REG Campfire Sing-Along

THUR DEC 22 12-2pm Indy Fuel Day 4-4:30pm REG Prance & Dance

FRI DEC 23 3-5pm Make & Take 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

SAT DEC 24

1-2pm REG Night Tree 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

SUN DEC 25

WINTERFEST IS CLOSED TODAY

MON DEC 26 TUES DEC 27

3-5pm Make & Take Winterfest is open, but no timed programs are scheduled

WED DEC 28

1-4pm REG Winter Break Camp: Ice Expoloration

THUR DEC 29 3-5pm Make & Take 6-8pm Halloween on Ice

FRI DEC 30 12-4pm REG Scout Day 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

SAT JAN 31

11:30am12:30pm Noon Year’s Eve 5-8pm Campfire & S’mores

SUN MON JAN 1 JAN 2

Winterfest is open, but no timed programs are scheduled

1-2pm REG Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Share your #zvillewinterfest fun!

PRESENTED BY Scheetz

ALL THOSE WHO ICE SKATE MUST COMPLETE A WAIVER.

To keep the ticket line moving, please complete this waiver in advance. The waiver only needs to be completed once and will remain on file for the duration of the event.

• Skate rink session admission* $12

• Skate rental $2 (children must be shoe size 9 or above to rent our skates)

• Skate aids $10 (limited quantities)

• Season passes** $129 (limited quantities) (includes admission and skate rental)

• Rent the ice rink*** $900 (limited quantities)

* Skate sessions are 90 minutes in length.

** We will offer a limited number of season passes before the event. Season pass holders must check in with the ticket booth each visit.

*** We will offer limited opportunities to rent the ice rink for personal use, business holiday events and parties. You get exclusive use of the rink for 1.5 hours. Maximum occupancy is 120 people on the ice at one time. No alcohol is permitted at the park.

welcome to WINTERFEST!

www.zionsville-in.gov/winterfest for reservations and tickets.

Luminary Walk

Sunday, December 4

Bundle up and gather your family and friends – even the four-legged ones – and experience winter’s beauty by candlelight as the trail around the park glows with the lights from hundreds of luminaries.

Location: Elm Street Green Park, 165 N Elm St Time: 6:00–8:00 pm

Campfire & S’mores

Fridays & Saturdays December 9 – December 31

Frozen Fête

Saturday, December 3

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Presented by Fundae’s Ice Cream and Sweets Princes, princesses, and their royal adults are cordially invited to dress in evening attire and step out in style to celebrate all things winter! Zionsville Town Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a visit from Anna and Elsa of Frozen fame, dancing, snacks, raffles, desserts and drinks, crafts, activities, photo stations, luminaries and more! All attendees must register.

Location: Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W Oak St Time: 6:00–8:00 pm Ages: 2 and up Fee: $25 and raffle tickets are 6 for $5

Relax with family and friends around a crackling campfire. Bring a story to share or a song to sing as you roast marshmallows or enjoy a beverage or bite to eat from our food truck vendors. Campfire & S’mores will be offered on Fridays and Saturdays throughout Winterfest. S’mores kits will be available for purchase on-site for $5. Each kit makes 4 s’mores.

Time: 5:00–8:00 pm

PRESENTED BY

Make & Take Fun at Winterfest

Join the Zionsville Parks and Recreation staff on select dates to make and take home a fun craft to decorate your tree or gift to someone special this season. Crafts are free while supplies last.

Time: 3:00–5:00 pm

• Friday, Dec 9 Macrame Ornament

• Monday, Dec 12 Mini Yarn Hat

• Thursday, Dec 15 Reindeer Cocoa Craft

• Monday, Dec 19 Holiday Stitch Card

• Tuesday, Dec 20 Winter Animal Suncatcher

• Friday, Dec 23 Watercolor Winter Hat

• Tuesday, Dec 27 Watercolor Snowflakes

• Thursday, Dec 29 Pinecone Birdfeeder

Community Showcase

Saturday, December 10

• 12:00 pm : Louise McKay, ZCHS Senior, US Figure Skating triple gold medalist

Sunday, December 11

• 12:00 pm : Louise McKay, ZCHS Senior, US Figure Skating triple gold medalist

• 12:15 pm : Expressenz Dance Center, Day of Dance

• 2:00 pm : Social Distance – father, daughter singer-songwriter duo

• 3:00 pm : Bach to Rock

Sunday, December 18

• 12:00 : Louise McKay, ZCHS Senior, US Figure

Skating triple gold medalist

• 1:00 pm : Pleasantview Elementary Choir with selections from Frozen Jr. the Musical

• 3:00 pm : Bach to Rock

Would you like to perform during this Showcase?

Reach out to wschrepferman@zionsville-in.gov

Zionsville Parks Concession Stand

Need a quick snack, bottle of water or something to warm you up after your time on the ice? Want to snag a Winterfest ornament? The Zionsville Parks Concession will be open when no food truck is on site. Times vary, visit www.zionsville-in.gov/winterfest for most current food truck list and times. All proceeds support Zionsville Parks and Recreation programming.

Park and PLAY: Sleds and Snowmen

When we get two inches or more of snow, check the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page for this pop-up event. Join us at the Mulberry Fields hill for snowy fun and activities! We will have sleds to borrow, our snowmen building kit and other fun activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Reindeer Encounter

Saturday, December 10

Look who’s dropping by for the opening weekend of Winterfest! Santa’s reindeer will be on hand for a chance to make new holiday memories. Join us to make environmentally friendly “Reindeer Food” to take home and attract Santa and his helpers to your home this holiday season (whilte supplies last). The reindeer encounter and craft are made possible thanks to the Zionsville Parks Foundation.

Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm Ages: 2 and up

Open-Air Maker’s Market

Saturday, December 10 Welcome to our first ever Winterfest Maker’s Market, opening weekend at Mulberry Fields Park. Shop local makers, crafters, and artists for one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays. Vendors will be set up around the circle. For a full list visit www.zionsville-in. gov/winterfest

Time: 10:00 am–2:00 pm

Holiday Greens Monday, December 12

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department and design experts from Blooms by Dragonfly to create a beautiful holiday swag with fresh greens, ribbons, berries and other accents while enjoying a warm beverage, music and good conversation. This event will take place in one of our shelters with temporary walls, so plan to dress for the elements.

Time: 6:00–7:30 pm Ages: 14 and up Fee: $50/resident, $60/nonresident

Prance and Dance

Tuesday, December 13

REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT HMMPL.ORG

Join the Hussey-Mayfield librarians at Winterfest at Mulberry Fields for a Prance and Dance! Come and move your bodies to holiday music with us! The Hussey-Mayfield Public Library Bookmobile will be on site from 3:30–5:00 pm.

Time: 4:00–4:30 pm Ages: 5 and under with adult

Reindeer Games

Thursday, December 15

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Stranger Things Skate

Tuesday, December 13

This program is made possible thanks to Indy Grills

Join us for a mad 80s music-filled night filled with leg warmers and crazy hairstyles.

• Dress up as your favorite Stranger Things character

• Participate in our awesome air guitar contest for a chance to win a bodacious prize

• Make some stellar waffle s’mores

• Compete in the “Runnin’ Up That (Mulberry) Hill” race

Skate sessions can be purchased in advance online or on-site if desired. Waffle s’more kits will be available for purchase on-site for $5.

Register for Air Guitar Contest by December 12 Time: 6:00–8:00 pm

Homeschool Day Wednesday, December 14

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Take your studies out on the ice with Zionsville Parks and Recreation for our first ever Homeschool Day. Homeschoolers will have an opportunity to explore several different curriculum stations and activities at the Mulberry Fields shelters at their own pace. Activities include ice experiments, snowflakes and other winter weather phenomenon, winter animal tracks and traces, and more. Most stations will have materials you can take home to continue your studies. Cost for activity stations does not include skate rental, which can be purchased in advance online or on site if desired.

Time: 12:00–4:00 pm

Ages: 4 to 16 years

Fee: $3/resident, $4/nonresident

Grab your mittens and hat and stop by Winterfest for a chance to play some reindeer games. Take a selfie with Rudolph and then try your skills at reindeer ring toss, family relay races, and other activities.

Time: 1:00–2:00 pm Ages: 4 and up

Ugly Sweater Decorate Friday, December 16

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Who doesn’t love a good ugly Christmas sweater? To celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day bring a sweater or sweatshirt to Mulberry Fields and Zionsville Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand with ribbon, paint, bells, and other baubles to help you decorate your garment. This event will take place in one of our shelters with temporary walls, so plan to dress for the elements.

Time: 5:00–7:00 pm Ages: 8 and up Fee: $3/resident, $4/nonresident

Winter Shadow Box Ornament Saturday, December 17

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Winter is snow much fun! Get into the holiday spirit with the help of this fun craft featuring pine trees, snowmen, snowflakes, sparkles, and ornaments. This event will take place in one of our shelters with temporary walls, so plan to dress for the elements.

Time: 1:00–2:30 pm Ages: 6 and up Fee: $5/resident, $7/nonresident

Santa Visits Winterfest

SUNDAY, December 18

Zionsville Fire Department’s tradition of Santa on the fire truck is back and will add Winterfest to the schedule as a part of the annual Area Familiarization Driver Training program. Follow the ZFD Santa Tracker for updates. Note: Emergent runs always take priority.

Time: 6:30 pm

Gnome for the Holidays Monday, December 19

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Learn how to make an adorable gnome with fun mismatched socks while enjoying a warm beverage, music, and good conversation. This event will take place in one of our shelters with temporary walls, so plan to dress for the elements.

Time: 6:00–7:30 pm Ages: 8 and up Fee: $5/resident, $7/nonresident

Ice Cream Party Tuesday, December 20

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Winter break has officially begun. What better way to celebrate than with a party! Join us to create your very own ice cream, then top it with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Time: 6:00–7:00 pm Ages: 5 and up Fee: $5/resident, $7/nonresident

Selfies with Santa Wednesday, December 21

Here’s your chance, kids! Grab your letter to Santa and head to Mulberry Fields! Santa Clause will be dropping by Winterfest. Please be aware that the line to visit Santa may be cut off in advance of the end time listed so that Santa can make it back in time to feed his reindeer.

Time: 12:00–2:00 pm

Meet the Town Wednesday, December 21

Load up your family in the car and start your engines to head over to Winterfest! Kids can explore Zionsville’s fleet of big rigs including police cars, fire trucks, tractors, and snowplows. It’s a great opportunity to meet the different Town Departments and explore what they do for our great community.

Time: 1:00–3:00 pm

Campfire Sing-Along Wednesday, December 21

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

It’s the official start of winter, and the longest night of the year. Celebrate with songs and roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire.

Time: 6:00–7:00 pm

Indy Fuel Day Thursday, December 22

This program is made possible thanks to Poplar Pediatric Dentistry Winter break has officially started! Don’t be a duster, come hang out with the Indy Fuel’s mascot, Nitro! Try your luck in the slap shot inflatable, and skate with Nitro on the Winterfest rink. Skate sessions can be purchased in advance online or on-site if desired.

Time: 12:00–2:00 pm

Prance and Dance Thursday, December 22 Registration Required at HMMPL.ORG

Join the Hussey-Mayfield librarians at Winterfest at Mulberry Fields for a Prance and Dance! Come and move your bodies to holiday music with us!

The Hussey-Mayfield Public Library Bookmobile will be on site from 3:30–5:00 pm.

Time: 4:00–4:30 pm Ages: 5 and under with adult

Night Tree

Saturday, December 24

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us this holiday season in bringing the book, Night Tree by Eve Bunting, to life. After the story we’ll create edible tree decorations for our wilderness friends while sipping hot cocoa. This event will take place in one of our shelters with temporary walls, so plan to dress for the elements.

Time: 1:00–2:00 pm

Ages: 3 to 10 years Fee: $3/resident, $4/nonresident

Winter Break Camp: Ice Exploration

Wednesday, December 28

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Campers will have an opportunity to explore ice through experiments and activities, including lacing up and hitting the ice at the Winterfest skating rink. Camp fee includes skate session.

Time: 1:00–4:00 pm Ages:6 to 12 years Fee: $38/resident, $42/nonresident

Halloween on Ice

Thursday, December 29

This program is made possible thanks to Indy Grills What’s better than skating under the stars? Dressing up for a fun skate-themed night for a spooky good time of course! Dust off your Halloween costume and let Winterfest put a spell on you.

• Participate in our Halloween costume contest

• Take a Halloween Selfie on our spooky stage

• Try a Halloween Candy S’more

Skate sessions can be purchased in advance online or on site if desired. S’more kits will be available for purchase on site for $5.

Time: 6:00–8:00 pm

Scout Day

Friday, December 30

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Leaders, here’s a great opportunity for your scouts to work on a variety of badge activities. Scouts will have an opportunity to explore several different stations at their own pace at the Mulberry Fields shelters. Activities focus on animal habitats, fire building, arts, science and more! Cost does not include skate session which can be purchased in advance online or on-site if desired.

Time: 12:00–4:00 pm

Ages:6 to 14 years

Fee: $3/resident, $4/nonresident

Noon Year’s Eve

Saturday, December 31

This program is made possible thanks to Poplar Pediatric Dentistry New Year’s Eve is a great time to celebrate all we’ve done and all we will do in the coming year. However, midnight can come too late for young ones, and let’s face it, sometimes the adults. Join the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department as we celebrate the New Year a little early with activities for all ages. Join us for a countdown to noon, and then party afterwards with friends during this icy themed celebration! Skate sessions can be purchased in advance online or on-site if desired. The Winterfest skating rink opens at Noon. Time: 11:30 am–12:30 pm Ages: 3 and up

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Monday, January 2

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us for some spectacular snow facts and create your own snowperson sculpture to take home. This event will take place in one of our shelters with temporary walls, so plan to dress for the elements. Hot cocoa will be served.

Time: 1:00–2:00 pm Ages: 5 and up Fee: $5/resident, $7/nonresident

MORE HOLIDAY FUN AT maplelawn farmstead

Located at 9575 Whitestown Rd (adjacent to Mulberry Fields Park)

Christmas Tea Saturday, December 10 or Sunday, December 11 Don your ugly sweater or Christmas outfit and have fun with your friends at Historic Maplelawn Farmstead! Contact 317-873-3792 or stacylabolts@indy.rr.com by December 5 to prepay for a reservation.

Time: 3:30–5:00 pm Fee: $20/adults, $12 children under 12

Luminary Walk at Maplelawn Friday, December 16

Bundle up and gather your family and friends to experience the beauty of Maplelawn by candlelight as the grounds around the farmstead glow with the lights from hundreds of luminaries. Park at Mulberry Fields Park and follow the luminaries.

Time: 6:00–8:00 pm

HOW TO REACH US

Zionsville Parks & Recreation 1100 W Oak Street Zionsville, IN 46077 317-733-2273 recreation@zionsville-in.gov

Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm

Winterfest evenings and weekends: 317-733-2273 Police non-emergency number: 317-873-5967

MIGHTY VINE

CELLARS OWNER TALKS 10 YEARS IN ZIONSVILLE AND UPCOMING NEW FACILITY

Writer / Alli Donovan Photographer / Krystal Dailey

Longtime winemaker Ron Hopwood owns and operates Hopwood Cellars Winery, a family-owned business in Zionsville. The business focuses on bringing premium, full-flavored wine to the consumer at a very good cost.

Formerly a real estate broker, Hopwood describes his experience as a “hobby gone wild.” From making wines in a basement, then a kitchen, Hopwood has developed an incredibly successful business that continues to grow in the heart of Zionsville.

Originally from the west side of Indianapolis, Hopwood and his wife, Janet, searched far and wide for a place to call home for their winery.

“We looked in all different types of communities,” Hopwood says. “We looked

in different neighborhoods, different cities, even different states, but our home turned up right here in Zionsville.”

Hopwood will be the first to tell you that it’s not a hobby anymore. Hopwood Cellars has taken off, with a 16-acre vineyard and event center in development, tourists coming from all over to try the wine, and award-winning offerings. He and his family have a business model that aims to preserve the business and its tremendous growth for a long time. Yet, with all the business development, the passion is still as strong as ever.

“We just love to sell wine, and we want to sell a lot of wine,” Hopwood says.

The Hopwood Cellars team currently offers 33 wines in its collection. Within this assortment, wine lovers will be able to find any flavor they are craving. Hopwood

Cellars has explored the community, listened to customers and delivered premium wine that customers love.

The admiration has been reciprocated. Hopwood wine has been given more than 150 awards in its 10 years of operation. Most notably, they were awarded the 2019 Best Cabernet Sauvignon by the American Wine Society.

One of Hopwood Cellars’ most desirable features is their Wine Club, which is not just any typical wine club. It offers three different levels of membership including the Vintners Wine Club, Èquipe Wine Club and Create A Case Club. Membership includes huge perks such as exclusive party invites, free monthly wine tastings and access to the event center as it is being built. Each level has very specific benefits and details that can be found on the official website.

HOPWOOD

Not much of a wine drinker? Hopwood Cellars offers bourbon and whiskey through their William Rose Distillery brand. Currently stocked with three whiskeys and two bourbons, Hopwood Cellars Winery and William Rose Distillery offer options to accommodate all customers.

Hopwood Cellars Winery is constantly evolving and growing to meet customer needs. Hopwood is very excited to introduce a new, beautiful 16-acre winery and event venue. This new location is just six minutes up the road from their current location. All the wine is produced at that facility. In addition to the building of the winery and event venue, they are renovating a 200-year-old barn where the distillery will be located.

Hopwood Cellars Winery is located in downtown Zionsville at 12 East Cedar Street. To shop, join the wine club or learn more about the business, visit hopwoodcellars.com.

Owner Ron Hopwood

POPPING UP POPPING UP

WEAVER POPCORN MANUFACTURING INVESTS IN GROWTH

Writer/ Brenda Geren Photographer / Krystal Dailey

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing has made a $25 million capital investment at its Whitestown location. Weaver has been conducting business in Boone County since 2014 when the company moved the manufacturing plant and corporate headquarters to AllPoints at Anson. Nearly 500 employees are employed at this location.

“This $25 million allowed us to invest in high-tech automated equipment from kettles to packaging. Acquiring this type of stateof-the-art equipment changes the scope of work and the level of employee wages by creating highly skilled positions. It is an amazing addition to the building,” says Tim Ingle, Weaver’s chief operating officer.

Weaver currently touches 71% of the world’s popcorn supply and exports to 90 countries. Product lines include seed, bulk kernels, portion packs, microwave and ready-to-eat popcorn. Most of the corn is grown predominately in the heart of the Midwest in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska.

The acquisition of the new equipment will, over time, require a significant need for additional employees. Ingle anticipates the largest demand will be for associates with skilled trade backgrounds specifically in engineering and automation. He also expects the need for personnel across other departments.

“There is such a variety of jobs in the food industry. It’s fun to be in the business of plant-based foods because you can choose a career in the technical and automation side or customer service and other non-technical roles. Positions in food production will always be in demand,” Ingle says.

Ingle continued to explain.

“It’s fair to say that what has happened in the last 10 years, and accelerated during COVID-19, is everyone has been extremely interested in plant-based foods and plant-based snacks. When you add the demand for organic food to that equation, it’s just kind of a multiplier. I would say organic popcorn is a high growth area for us. We continue to see increases in demand from both consumers and corporate clients.”

Weaver does not limit its attention to popcorn. The 90-year-old, privately held, fourth-generation managed company believes in corporate stewardship. Committed to the environment and best agricultural practices, Weaver’s contract farmers, many of whom are organically certified growers, regularly conduct soil testing and practice crop rotation. Weaver supports INvets and Folds of Honor, both non-profit Veteran organizations. Through the Trail’s End product line, the manufacturing company has had a long-held partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. Closer to home, Weaver employees have become involved with the Boone County Day of Service events.

“I think Weaver’s investments have had a positive ripple effect in Boone County starting with the number of employees we have hired. Some of our corporate customers have established distribution centers in the county simply because they wanted to be closer to us,” Ingle says. “We see ripple effects as the automation companies we work with turn to partner with Vincennes University for robotics. I believe a rising tide lifts all boats and I believe we have made, either directly or indirectly, a positive impact on this community.”

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing is located at 4485 South Perry Worth Road in Whitestown, Indiana. You can learn more at weaverpopcorn.com.

Josh Collins, Holly Miller, and Chief Operating Officer Tim Ingle

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.

BOONE

CANDLE COMPANY

We're not just talking about the weather. This holiday

features scents Silent Night, Winter Wonderland and White Christmas. With each of these complementary candles offers a unique and fresh scent you'll surely want in your home for the holidays. Now through December 24th get these three candles for $36. www.boonecandleco.com / 101 E Main St / Lebanon, IN

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR SENIORS

own holiday-themed family photo shoot for grandma, grandpa and the whole family to enjoy!

Storyworth: This is a great gift for engaging a parent or grandparent’s memory. With a Storyworth subscription, they are emailed a question each week, and at the end of a year, Storyworth will bind their life stories into a beautiful hardcover book. “I love the book because it brings back good memories and allows my loved ones to share them with future generations.” Go to storyworth.com to start a book for your loved one.

—

Holiday shopping can be tricky. Do you lean more towards practical or personal presents? Older loved ones can be especially hard to shop for, as they seem to have it all — lifetimes of knick-knacks and keepsakes. How can you shower them with gifts that are new and different but also avoid cluttering their homes?

To keep up with its mission of being “local, helpful and personal,” CarDon & Associates — an Indiana-based senior living management company — compiled these staff picks of presents for seniors this holiday season! From space-saving gifts with universal appeal to Hoosier-specific ideas, you’ll surely find something for your loved ones on this list.

Skylight Frame: “Imagine a digital picture frame with rotating photos added in real time, and you have the Skylight Frame! To capture and share life’s many happy moments as soon as they happen, family members can simply email photos to the frame, where they will show up in a matter of seconds. This is an especially great gift for keeping loved ones connected to festivities if they won’t be able to visit during the holidays.” With a premium subscription plan, you can also include photo captions, create photo albums and send videos. Perhaps best of all, a digital frame is a great space saver for collecting memories. You can order this product directly from Skylight as well as Amazon or Walmart. — Kendra Fauth-Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer

The Simple Music Player: Reminiscent of an old-fashioned home radio, this music player instantly takes listeners down memory lane. Research shows that listening to familiar music improves mood and awareness in older adults facing memory loss. This music player works right out of the box with pre-loaded American classics, but gift-givers can also upload songs themselves, gathering all of their loved one’s favorites. “We loaded a mixture of my mom’s favorite songs, and she absolutely loves it! It keeps her company and brightens her spirits. We can also enjoy it together by reminiscing about when we first heard and fell in love with these songs.” Manufactured by SiMPL Technology, the Simple Music Player is available on Amazon, and it also ships for free from the MindCare Store and the Alzheimer’s Store. — Susan Bonner, Director of Marketing

Photo Shoot: The Internet has made it easier than ever to book photographers. Try Honeybook or PhotoSesh, and plan your

Jen Barnhart, Director of Product

Integration & Business Development

Personalized Picture

Blanket: Go online or head to Bed Bath & Beyond or Walmart to wrap your loved one in a warm blanket of memories over the holidays. What better way for them to curl up on the couch than with a cozy collage of pictures? This is an ideal gift, as it’s practical and personal, and it doesn’t take up as much room as photo albums.

The Gift of Experience: Make new memories over the holidays with experiencebased gifts for your loved ones. These are great alternatives to material gifts if you’re having trouble filling their stockings. “Visit the Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees with them or take them to the Indiana Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration. Getting tickets to fun, festive events like these will surely help make the season bright!” — Beth Cattoi, Regional Director of Marketing Book Club for Two: A book is a more traditional, physical gift, but you can make it special by sharing the reading experience with your loved one. Buy a copy for yourself, set mutual reading goals and schedule a time to meet with them — either virtually or in person — to discuss the book. What a beautiful way to bond!

Splurging on Something They Wouldn’t: “I love to find dependable splurge items for my parents — stuff they’d never spend the money on. Ugg is my go-to brand for slippers and cozy blankets. My parents fussed at me for ‘spending so much on slippers,’ but now it’s something they can’t live without. The slippers are nonslip, durable and super warm and fuzzy! The following year, I found the Ugg sherpa blanket for my dad, and it was another winner.”

— Laurie Lasbury, Director of Community Engagement

For more information about CarDon & Associates, visit www.cardon.us

For the last seven years, Boone County Mentoring Partnership (BCMP) has been helping kids looking for guidance and a leader they can count on.

Matt Wilson, executive director, says BCMP does a lot of good for the community through its Mentoring, Youth Assistance and Graduation Coach programs. It also connects young people with adult volunteer mentors and resources that may help them overcome obstacles.

“Through the connection with caring, encouraging adults, we believe the young people in our program will have a greater opportunity to see their potential, value and worth,” Wilson says. “This may introduce them to the hope that their present circumstances are not the end, but simply obstacles that can be endured and overcome. Practically speaking, if young people embrace this idea and believe they matter, they will experience improvements in academics, job performance, relationships, coping skills and other life skills we may take for granted.”

Wilson notes that the program officially started in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but goes back further than that.

“In 2009 a group of community members were concerned about those kids who drop

GUIDANCE AND GROWTH

BOONE COUNTY MENTORING PARTNERSHIP HELPS LOCAL YOUTH REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL

out of high school without earning their diploma, and what impact that has longterm on the person and the community as a collective whole,” Wilson says.

The community members attended a summit that raised awareness, and offered insight for ways to implement community change to help change a young person’s life trajectory.

“One group decided to focus on implementing the Graduation Coach Program at Lebanon High School, while another decided to focus on community mentoring,” Wilson says. “Several models were studied, and ultimately the group decided it would be best to house a mentoring program at the Lebanon Area Boys & Girls Club.”

After that, Huck Lewis, Lebanon mayor at the time, helped to raise awareness and support for a mentoring initiative which became SCORE Mentoring, according to Wilson.

“Meanwhile, a group of teachers at Lebanon Middle School developed an in-school mentoring program called SOS,” Wilson says. “In 2015 the mentoring advisory board determined it would be best to form a nonprofit focused on mentoring, and in December 2015 the Boone County Mentoring Partnership was formally recognized as an organization.”

BCMP absorbed as many matches from the

other programs as possible.

“SCORE was dormant for nearly a year and SOS was looking for assistance in recruiting mentors in 2016, and reached out throughout all of Boone County to gain credibility as a countywide organization willing to work with youth throughout,” Wilson says. “We really want to be noticed as a countywide organization because, as one of the original board members noted, ‘If there is a young person in need of a mentor in any corner of the county, we should insist on finding a mentor for that child.’”

In 2018 the BCMP team was approached by Boone County Youth Assistance Program leaders about merging.

“The board approved this and we now operate three critical programs,” Wilson says. “Now we average between 90 and 100 active matches in our mentoring program, and a majority of the matches have been together for over a year - many of which matched for four to five years. The Youth Assistance Program has consistently increased the caseload, connecting over 50 young people and families with a variety of local resources. Additionally, the Youth Assistance Program has provided over 500 tutoring hours to kids in the past year.”

Wilson and others often hear hard stories, or frustrations about why a match is not working the way anyone envisioned.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

“Our mentors or mentees do not always share the great, impactful stories because they do not mentor for the attention or to be celebrated,” Wilson says. “They do it because they want to invest in the young generation, and they genuinely care about the well-being of the kids. But we hear, ‘My mentor is like family,’ or ‘My mentor is family,’ and we know the impact is real. For a young person who has experienced trauma, they may not change their behavior or grades easily and they will act out, but when those kids know their mentor is available for them or they know they are loved, changes do occur. It just might not happen as quickly as we expect.”

Wilson says the program included a young man who graduated from high school recently, and didn’t expect to graduate.

“He always thought he would drop out of school at some point,” Wilson says. “He now has a full-time job. During his senior year in high school he was working two jobs while

finishing school. He has an apartment. He has his own car. These are huge milestones for him, and he credits his time with his mentor.”

This story is just one of many that Wilson and several others with the program have to tell.

Wilson says they are always looking to get more people involved.

“People can be involved with their time or resources,” he says. “We need more mentors. Approximately 1,000 kids in our county cannot identify a positive adult role model in their lives. We have 90 to 100 kids matched. We need more people willing to give four hours a month for a commitment of a year. We also need financial support. In order to increase capacity to manage more mentors and mentees, we need to increase personnel as well, which requires increasing the budget.”

Visit boonecountymentoring.org for more details including donation and volunteer info.