Boone County Magazine April 2023

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER/CEO

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

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MEET STACY SNIVELY Zionsville Realtor Named Top 50 Indiana Real Estate Agent for Second Year in a Row 23 GOING DOWN SMOOTHLY Tropical Smoothie Cafe Opens Whitestown Location 27

TALK OF A TOWN The Town of Ulen Has a Small Footprint, but a Substantial History

BOONE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

221 North Lebanon St.

Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-1320

boonechamber.org

BOONE COUNTY CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU

PO Box 644, Lebanon, IN 46052 765-484-8572 boonecvb.com

BOONE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2030 Indianapolis Ave.

Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-5761

betterinboone.com

BOONE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

116 West Washington St., Suite B202

Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-3942

boonecouny.in.gov

BOONE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

1905 Indianapolis Ave. Lebanon, IN 46052 317-873-5613

boonecountyindianasheriff.com

HUMANE SOCIETY OF BOONE COUNTY

5366 South Indianapolis Rd. Whitestown, IN 46075 877-473-6722

hsforbc.org

ADVANCE

ADVANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

112 Main St., Advance, IN 46102 765-676-6611

facebook.com/advance-police-department

ADVANCE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

106 East Wall St., Advance, IN 46102 765-676-5328

facebook.com/avfd51

BOONE COUNTY CONTACT NUMBERS

TOWN OF ADVANCE

112 North Main St., Advance, IN 46102 765-676-6611

townofadvance.com

JAMESTOWN

JAMESTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

450 West Main St., Jamestown, IN 46147 765-676-9700

JAMESTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

421 East Main St., Jamestown, IN 46147 765-676-6331

TOWN OF JAMESTOWN

421 East Main St., Jamestown, IN 46147 765-676-6331

jamestownin.com

LEBANON

CITY OF LEBANON

One Municipal Plaza, Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-1201

lebanon.in.gov

LEBANON FIRE DEPARTMENT

975 Lasley Dr., Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-8827

facebook.com/lebanonfire1872

LEBANON POLICE DEPARTMENT

201 East Main St., Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-8836

facebook.com/lebanonpolice

THORNTOWN

THORNTOWN/SUGAR CREEK

TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

301 West Grant St., Thorntown, IN 46071 765-436-7788

facebook.com/thorntownfire

THORNTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

107 West Main St., Thorntown, IN 765-436-7677

facebook.com/thorntownpolicedepartment

TOWN OF THORNTOWN

101 West Main St., Thorntown, IN 46071 765-436-2205

townofthorntown.com

WHITESTOWN

TOWN OF WHITESTOWN

6210 Veterans Dr., Whitestown, IN 46075 317-769-6557

whitestown.in.gov

WHITESTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

6800 South Indianapolis Rd. Whitestown, IN 46075

317-732-4600

facebook.com/whitestownfire

WHITESTOWN METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

6210 Veterans Dr., Whitestown, IN 46075 317-769-2677

facebook.com/whitestownpolice

ZIONSVILLE

TOWN OF ZIONSVILLE

1100 West Oak St. Zionsville, IN 46077 317-873-5410

zionsville-in.gov

ZIONSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

112 North 9th St. Zionsville, IN 46077

317-873-3836

zionsvillechamber.org

ZIONSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

1100 West Oak St.

Zionsville, IN 46077

317-873-5358

facebook.com/zionsvillefiredepartment

ZIONSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

1075 Parkway Dr. Zionsville, IN 46077 317-873-5967

facebook.com/zionsvillepd

LEBANON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CENTRAL ELEMENTARY

515 East Williams Street, Lebanon 765-482-2000

leb.k12.in.us/ces

@CentralLeb

LEBANON COMMUNITY

SCHOOL CORPORATION

1810 North Grant Street, Lebanon 765-482-0380

leb.k12.in.us

@lebanonschools

LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL

510 Tiger Way, Lebanon 765-482-0400

leb.k12.in.us/lhs

@lebanontigers

LEBANON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Lebanon, IN 46052 765-482-3400

leb.k12.in.us/LMS

@lebanonmiddleschool

HARNEY ELEMENTARY

1500 Garfield Street, Lebanon 765-482-5940

leb.k12.in.us/

@harneyelementarylebanon

HATTIE B. STOKES ELEMENTARY 1005 Hendricks Drive, Lebanon 765-482-5950

leb.k12.in.us/hbs

@HattieBStokes

PERRY WORTH ELEMENTARY 3900 East 300 South, Lebanon 317-769-3286

leb.k12.in.us/pwe

@perry-worth-elementary-school

THE STATE OF LEBANON SCHOOLS

LEBANON

COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION IS GETTING STUDENTS COLLEGE AND CAREER READY

Writer / Amy Adams

Photography Provided

From state-of-the-art science labs to dedicated police officers at each school, Lebanon Community School Corporation (LCSC) is committed to meeting the needs of its 3,400 students. LCSC serves the communities of Lebanon and Whitestown by employing more than 400 professional educators in Lebanon High School, Lebanon Middle School, and four elementary schools including Harney, Central, Hattie B. Stokes and Perry-Worth.

In addition, the Young Scholars Preparatory Pre-Kindergarten offers a play-based, handson academic program operated by Mental Health America of Boone County.

In May of 2022, district residents voted to pass both a capital and an operating referendum. As a part of the operating referendum, in September of 2023, LCSC will be breaking ground on a new elementary school at the intersection of John Bart Road and Fordice Road.

Both Harney and Perry-Worth will undergo substantial renovations, including the addition of classrooms for future growth, a new gymnasium and stage for Harney, and a

new kitchen for Perry-Worth.

“These elementary school designs represent high-quality, modern facilities that were the centerpiece of our promise to our community during the recent capital referendum,” says Superintendent Dr. Jon Milleman.

Milleman also says the middle school will get a major renovation in 2024.

The district is prioritizing dedicated STEM space, along with providing a certified STEM teacher at each school.

At the high school level, high-quality educational opportunities include 14 Advanced Placement courses, 40 Career and Technical Education courses, and 36 dual-credit or college-credit courses. Such a rigorous academic curriculum and specialized programs led to more than $2 million in scholarships in 2022.

LCSC partners with more than 100 local businesses and organizations to provide work-based learning experiences that can provide students with skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. With as many as 46% of Lebanon High School

seniors participating in this robust program, students have interned in the mayor’s office, the fire department, law firms, veterinary clinics and more.

“I want to give credit to the city of Lebanon,” says Milleman, explaining that the Lebanon Redevelopment Commission has committed $120,000 per year for four years to the internship program at LCSC.

“It gets students in a professional work environment and prepares them for employment skills,” Milleman says. “And, of course, our goal is that we want kids to stay here or to come back and work here in our community.”

Beyond academics, extracurricular activities abound. March was a memorable month for DECA participants, winter sports studentathletes, and members of the Madrigal Singers and Concert Choir.

“Quite honestly, I think Lebanon is the bestkept secret, ” says Emily Wolfgang, Lebanon High School English teacher.

Find out more about LCSC at leb.k12.in.us, and visit them on social media. You can also call the administration center at 765-482-0380.

GRANVILLE WELLS

ELEMENTARY

5046 South SR 75, Jamestown, IN 46147 765-485-6311

gwes.weboschools.org

THORNTOWN ELEMENTARY

200 West Mill Street, Thorntown, IN 46071 765-485-2447

tes.weboschools.org

WESTERN BOONE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WESTERN BOONE COUNTY

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

1201 North SR 75 Thorntown, IN 46071

765-482-6333

weboschools.org

@weboschools

WESTERN BOONE

JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

1205 North SR 75 Thorntown, IN 46071

765-482-6143

webo.weboschools.org

@webojrsrhigh

STATE OF THE SCHOOLS

WESTERN BOONE COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION, CELEBRATING SMALL SCHOOL SUCCESS

Writer / Amy Adams

Photography Provided

Praised for its family-oriented feel, the Western Boone County Community School Corporation serves the residents of rural Boone County and beyond. Approximately 1,680 students attend the three district schools: Western Boone Junior-Senior High School, Granville Wells Elementary School and Thorntown Elementary School.

The $17 million building project at Thorntown Elementary will expand learning spaces, renovate existing areas and improve outdoor amenities.

Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, WBCCSC offers an affordable, academic-based preschool program at both elementary schools following the normal school schedule.

The district’s one-to-one technology initiative provides every student, kindergarten and above, with a laptop. WBCCSC also outfits classrooms with state-of-the-art instructional technology.

Western Boone Junior-Senior High School offers 30 dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) classes in addition to career and technical education opportunities.

Multiple times, the school has been recognized as an Indiana Department of Education “A” School.

“Our students are known by name and provided with big opportunities,” says WBCCSC Superintendent Rob Ramey. “They leave Western Boone as well-rounded individuals prepared for the next step of their journey.”

From their award-winning Future Farmers of America (FFA) program to their fourtime IHSAA Class AA state champion football team, WBCCSC offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including 20 athletic teams at the varsity level that allow the Stars to shine.

“We encourage students to participate in multiple activities,” says Ramey. “A multi-sport varsity athlete can also participate in fine arts programs while belonging to a variety of clubs.”

About five years ago, Jeremy and Casey Horn transferred their two daughters into the Western Boone schools since WBCCSC accepts non-resident students.

“After the first meeting with the administrators, I was sold,” says Casey Horn. “I cannot speak highly enough of the school system. My kids love to go to school, and

they want to be involved in everything.”

“Western Boone is very communityoriented,” says Leisa Burgin, the art teacher at both elementary schools. “I really feel like we’re a family.”

For the spring art show at Sugar Creek Art Center in Thorntown, Burgin hung two art pieces for each of her nearly 800 students.

“Events like this bring the community together even more,” she says, “because they enable people outside of the schools to see what the kids are doing.”

The Sugar Creek Art Center will be hosting the high school’s Senior Art Show which will be open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. May 5. Community members are also welcome at the Choir Pops Concert at 7 p.m. May 19 and 20. Tickets are $5.

Sign your child up for a Stars summer sports camp at https://weboathletics.com/ Registrations.

Find WBSCCS online at https://www. weboschools.org/ and check out the recently-released “Why WEBO?” video at http://www.weboschools.org/whywebo. You can also reach the administration office at 765-482-6333 with any questions.

ZIONSVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOONE MEADOW ELEMENTARY

5555 Main Street, Whitestown 317-873-2226

bme.zcs.k12.in.us

EAGLE ELEMENTARY

350 North 6th Street, Zionsville 317-873-1234

eag.zcs.k12.in.us

PLEASANT VIEW ELEMENTARY

4700 South 975 East, Zionsville 317-873-2376

pve.zcs.k12.in.us

STONEGATE ELEMENTARY

7312 West Stonegate Drive, Zionsville 317-873-8050

sge.zcs.k12.in.us

UNION ELEMENTARY

11750 East 300 South, Zionsville 317-733-4007

uni.zcs.k12.in.us

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

1000 Mulberry Street, Zionsville 317-873-3355

zhs.zcs.k12.in.us

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

900 Mulberry Street, Zionsville 317-873-2858

zcs.k12.in.us

ZIONSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

900 North Ford Road, Zionsville, 317-873-2426

zms.zcs.k12.in.us

ZIONSVILLE WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL

5565 South 700 East, Whitestown 317-873-1240

zmw.zcs.k12.in.us

STATE OF THE SCHOOLS

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, WELCOMING GROWTH & CHANGE

Writer / Amy Adams Photography Provided

For Zionsville Community Schools, the 202223 school year has been a time of welcoming the new while still delivering the excellence the community has come to expect.

In February, Dr. Rebecca Coffman completed the transition into her new role as superintendent of Zionsville Community Schools. Coffman began her career in 2001 as a science teacher at Zionsville Middle School and served as Union Elementary School principal for three years before becoming ZCS chief operations officer/assistant superintendent in 2015.

“I love this community,” says Coffman, who has three children in ZCS. “My ‘why’ as the superintendent is to make the most positive impact in the lives of children, families and teachers.”

ZCS serves approximately 8,000 K-12 students through nine schools: Zionsville Community High School, Zionsville Middle School, Zionsville West Middle School and six elementary schools, including Boone Meadow, Eagle, Pleasant View, Stonegate and Union.

Most recently, Trailside Elementary School opened its doors in August 2022 and welcomed around 500 students and 48 staff members.

“I am excited to be building a new school community with the teachers, students and families,” says Trailside Elementary Principal Jen Raycroft. “I want to continue the reputation of excellence that has become synonymous with ZCS.”

All ZCS elementary schools are IDOE STEM Certified Schools, meaning each school has a STEM teacher/coach to support both students and teachers. Additionally, all ZCS elementary schools focus on early literacy skills.

Pleasant View Elementary recently received an Excellence in Early Literacy Award Grant from the Indiana Department of Education to fund materials and training.

“The grant has allowed the district to develop and employ strategic efforts for sharing and expanding our success beyond PVE and throughout the school system,” says ZCS Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Janet Mann.

Of last year’s 556 graduates, more than half earned an Indiana Core 40 diploma with academic and/or technical honors. Nearly 75 students received recognition from the Boone County Workforce Ready Partnership or the J. Everett Light Career Center.

During the 2021-22 school year, students

passed a total of 1,081 Advanced Placement (AP) exams and 294 dual-credit courses valued at more than $1 million in college tuition.

ZCS students participate in award-winning performing arts programs at the Star Bank Performing Arts Center, and athletes compete in the Eagles’ many accomplished sports teams.

According to the most recent enrollment projection study, ZCS has grown roughly 200 students per year since the late 1990s and will continue on the same trajectory for the foreseeable future.

In Zionsville Community Schools, we will continue to plan for expansion while fulfilling the core mission to “foster student growth and success in all areas.

“I am passionate about ensuring all children have the opportunity to grow academically,” says Coffman, “and to be seen, known, heard and loved in their school environments.”

You can learn more about Zionsville Community Schools by visiting their website at www.zcs.k12.in.us or calling the administrative office at 317-873-2858. You can also find ZCS on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vimeo and YouTube.

2023 DIRECTORY & RELOCATION GUIDE

NICE COAT

SPRAY-NET PROVIDES INNOVATIVE PAINTING SOLUTIONS

Photography Provided

A home makeover can often be as simple as a new paint color. Spray-Net North Indy offers an innovative exterior and kitchen cabinet repainting solution. Spray-Net specializes in painting exterior siding, doors and windows, and kitchen cabinets, with proprietary coatings engineered specifically for each surface.

AFTER BEFORE

Owner Rodney Kuhl says Spray-Net offers its own proprietary coating specifically formulated for each type of paintable surface. Kuhl says each proprietary coating provides a factory finish warrantied for 15 years, engineered specifically for the needs of that surface. For instance, the kitchen cabinet coating is a hard, durable finish that is scratch and stain resistant, and washable, made to withstand the daily activity in your kitchen. Whereas the brick coating isn’t a paint at all. It’s actually a stain. The stain allows the porous brick to breathe so moisture isn’t trapped inside and the coating won’t peel.

“We’re a much more cost-effective alternative to replacing your kitchen

cabinets or exterior siding, often saving clients 50-75% vs. replacement,” Kuhl says. “Our process is always brush-free, only using paint sprayers. For kitchens, our twocomponent paint is odorless and dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes, so you can return to using your kitchen as soon as we leave.”

The brush-free finish means newly painted cabinets look brand new. Spray-Net provides a thorough process by bringing the factory directly to the client’s home. Kuhl says they bring a portable spray booth they can set up inside a home or garage. From

there, the Spray-Net team prepares the rest of the home by covering any exposed surfaces.

“We have a HEPA air scrubber running to clean the air while we paint,” Kuhl says. “We take the doors off the cabinets and spray those in our portable spray booth, ventilating dust outside. The cabinet boxes stay on the walls to be painted, but we mask off everything else and put up a plastic barrier from floor to ceiling to protect the rest of your home.”

Writer / Renee Larr

Rodney Kuhl

The majority of their projects are completed in two to three days.

Kuhl was looking to get out of the corporate world and find a business opportunity that allowed him more freedom, time and flexibility in his work life. Kuhl was drawn to Spray-Net because of its unique approach to home renovation.

“I liked the idea that Spray-Net could bridge the gap between painting and replacing, and filled a large void,” Kuhl says. “I liked my corporate job but I was sitting behind

a computer all day. I love getting out and meeting new people. Spray-Net was an opportunity to provide a high-value service and a great employment opportunity for those in our community.”

Kuhl says each surface type is different, necessitating different formulations of primer and paint. Spray-Net customizes both and combines it with a patented process to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish each time

“One of the other nice aspects is our clients can be in their home while we work,”

Kuhl says. “There is minimal disruption to their everyday lives. We thoroughly protect everything else in the area. Also, conventional cabinet repainting rarely holds up and often has to be redone every few years. With our process, your cabinets, exterior siding, doors, and windows are guaranteed for 15 years, so you save a lot of money vs. replacement now, and compared to conventional painting in the long run.”

For more information about Spray-Net, call 317-342-1649 or visit spray-net.com/ exterior-painting-north-indy.

TOP LOCAL Nominations Now Open!

HOW TO QUALIFY

NOMINATE YOUR TOP LOCAL BUSINESSES

To be considered, your business must be nominated by someone other than the owner(s) of the business. Those with the most nominations will be considered before others, so make sure you get your most loyal local fans to nominate your business. When being considered, Towne Post Network editorial staff will review the following criteria to insure these qualifications are met:

We are looking for your favorite local businesses to feature in our Towne Post Network magazines, website, and social media. Each month, we will acknowledge Townies’ Top Local Award recipients and list them in our monthly print publications. There is no cost to be recognized, we’re just looking for the businesses that locals feel are the best!

Online Ranking 4.5 Stars or Higher

Listing on TownePost.com

Supports Local Charities

Locally Owned

ZIONSVILLE OLIVE OIL GALLERY

OWNER:

Angie McCloskey & Julie Woolridge

ADDRESS:

31 E Pine St, Zionsville IN 46977

WEBSITE:

zionsvilleoliveoil.com

RATING:

Facebook 4.8 (33 Reviews)

Zionsville Olive Oil Gallery is locally owned by two women. In July they will be celebrating their 5 years anniversary. They offer customers the freshest, finest, purest olive oil and balsamic vinegar available on the market today. They want you not only to enjoy the amazing tastes of these products but to have the opportunity to learn where they come from, how they are made, the abundant health benefits, and why you should include them in your diet. Ultimately, they hope to inspire you to explore new food adventures and flavors while you create delicious meals in your own kitchen. Local charity involvement includes Zionsville Show Choir and Alzheimer’s. They donate product to multiple silent actions.

TOP LOCAL

I contacted Julie to put together a variety gift basket for my daughter. It was beautiful and filled with so many great items. Great prices. And they even delivered for free. So very pleased with the service and product! – Renee Nickel

OWNER: Danielle Hoffman

ADDRESS:

1522 Austin Dr, Lebanon IN 46052

WEBSITE: thatsportsbar.com

RATING:

Google 4.4 (515 Reviews)

Facebook 4.5 (375 Reviews)

THAT SPORTS BAR

They're open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 8am-1pm. They love music and they want to showcase some of the best talent around. Theye bring you live music from local artists every week, as well as karaoke, trivia, and board games to make your date night a great one. What local hangout would be complete without delicious food?  They buy fresh meats and vegetables and prepare them for each order.  Local charity involvement includes Chicken Nugget & Gang and Waterford Senior Living.

A great, friendly, and inviting staff, great food, great drinks, great prices, awesome weekend events, and an overall great experience every time I go there. Rather you go there just to drink, or to eat, or just to hang out, THAT Sports Bar is overall a very great place to go! – Eric Capps

ZIONSVILLE EYECARE LLC

Zionsville Eyecare proudly serves the Zionsville area with a tradition of quality service and friendly staff. Their doctors take great pride in offering every patient the absolute best in vision care, whether through fitting them with eyeglasses or contact lenses, diagnosing cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases, or recommending LASIK and other eye surgical procedures.

Their expert optometric physicians and experienced staff will take the time to answer all of your questions, explain treatment options, and provide the highestquality eye health treatments available.

OWNER: Nicholas Garn

ADDRESS:

1120 W Oak St. Suite 100

Zionsville IN 46077

WEBSITE: zeyecare.com

RATING:

Google 4.9 (578 Reviews)

Facebook 4.8 (86 Reviews)

Built on the foundation of patient convenience and satisfaction, Zionsville Eyecare serves all of your family’s eyecare needs under one roof. Come and experience quality vision care in a relaxed, professional environment.

TOP LOCAL TOP LOCAL

SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE AND LEAVE THEM A REVIEW

SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE AND LEAVE THEM A REVIEW

Local charity involvement includes being big supporters financially of thier local schools, their PTO's and the Zionsville Education Foundation. They have a list of over 100 charities and non-profits they have supported financially over just the last 3 years. They currently run a day of giving where last September they were able to serve 68 individuals with absolutely free eye exams and glasses offering a benefit to their local and surrounding communities worth upwards of $30k.

Writer/Matt Keating Photography Provided

Ever since Michael T. Spears, Chief of Police for the Town of Zionsville, joined the police department in 2020, he has enacted several new programs that have made the town of Zionsville better.

Spears also credits the officers of the police department for doing an outstanding job.

“The citizens of Zionsville should be extremely proud of its police department,” Spears says. “Its men and women are extremely caring officers who are dedicated to duty and a serviceoriented style of policing. Each day they place the needs of others ahead of their own to help others. The work of our officers has made Zionsville one of the safest communities in Indiana, and people should check out the safe

THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT

ZIONSVILLE POLICE

CHIEF

MICHAEL SPEARS HIGHLIGHTS DEPARTMENT ADVANCEMENTS

city website, safewise.com/blog/safest-citiesindiana/.”

Building on an already solid foundation of professionalism, Spears says many advancements have been made in the past few years.

“Among the most notable of these advancements is the full national certification from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA),” Spears says.

CALEA assessors recently conducted an exhaustive review of the operation and management of the Zionsville Police Department (ZPD).

“In November of 2022, I appeared before the CALEA review board and completed the final portion of the accreditation process,” Spears says. “ZPD was awarded accreditation following my presentation. This distinction affirms and recognizes the professionalism, outstanding work and devotion of our police officers. There are almost 500 law enforcement agencies in Indiana. The ZPD is now one of only 13 municipal police departments, four sheriff’s departments and the first in Boone County to earn this important accreditation.”

Recognizing the need to bring community resources together for the purpose of safety and to assist and help resolve behavioral crisis issues, the REACH Unit (Resources, Evaluation, Assistance in Community Health) was also created.

“Zionsville police officers receive crisis intervention training (through REACH) to help recognize persons who may require law enforcement assistance and access to community mental health and substance abuse

resources,” Spears says. “The ideal resolution for a crisis incident is to connect those in need with resources which can provide long-term stabilizing support through the department’s REACH Unit. Our REACH officers partner with mental health professionals to offer help, counseling, and services designed to assist those in need.”

Spears added that to encourage officers to maintain good health and a readiness to serve, a physical fitness incentive program was created.

“Officers are tested annually, and their fitness level are assessed,” Spears says. “Those meeting standards are recognized and rewarded. Maintaining good physical fitness benefits both the officer and our police department. To further assist officers in maintaining their health, a very comprehensive annual wellness examination is offered.”

Supervisory and leadership training, along with career development and succession planning, has been emphasized, according to Spears.

“Members of our police department now regularly attend highly rated courses of leadership training to improve in their current assignments and prepare for the future,” Spears says. “Officers now also can earn distinction as ‘Masters’ in patrol or investigations as an alternative to promotion. Officers currently holding supervisory or managerial positions work to help prepare those in their charge for positions of leadership in the future.”

To help ensure consistency and fairness within the department, Spears notes that several organizational changes have also been made including shift bidding based on seniority, implementation of a new work schedule, development of a disciplinary matrix and

increased training opportunities.

“These and other enhancements with the police department combine to help ensure our officers are highly trained, physically fit, and highly motivated to serve the people of Zionsville,” Spears says. “These attributes are reflected in the work and our town’s extremely high safety rankings and low crime rate.”

Spears has high praise for Zionsville.

“Zionsville is an extremely desirable community,” he says. “It has much to offer its citizens and those who are considering making it their home, starting a business, or visiting its many wonderful shops and restaurants. Although there has been much growth in the town and much more to come, Zionsville has maintained its quaint charm and rich history.”

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Spears says the police department had also

maintained a solid relationship with the Zionsville community.

“Our police department desires to maintain and increase its relationships and friendships with the people of Zionsville,” Spears says. “Our police officers are not detached or separate from the community but are part of it. We are always available to attend community events, neighborhood association meetings and other such events. We offer a variety of programs to engage our residents including our Teen Academy in the summer and Citizens’ Academy in the fall.”

Monthly reports are also shared with the community.

“To share our work with the people of Zionsville, we post a detailed monthly report available through our website,” Spears says. “Each year we prepare a very comprehensive annual report to present the work and accomplishments of the past year. I believe our town should be fully informed of our

progress.”

Trust and understanding are also emphasized.

“We want to get to know the people of Zionsville on a personal level and for them to know us,” Spears says. “Our police officers do a great job. However, we can serve better when we partner with citizens through a relationship of trust and understanding. Their input and suggestions are very important and meaningful.”

Spears notes there are many things he enjoys about being police chief.

“Certainly, the kindness and support from the people of Zionsville rank high,” he says. “I also enjoy working with our officers and helping develop them into the future leaders of our police department. The Town of Zionsville and its police department have a very bright future. I am extremely fortunate to serve the town. I look forward to helping provide the best in police services to Zionsville which deserves our very best every hour of every day.”

DREES HOMES CELEBRATES 95 YEARS OF BUILDING EXCELLENCE

DREES HOMES IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE 95 YEARS OF BUILDING DREAM HOMES FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

A FAMILY BUSINESS

The Drees Homes story began in 1928 when German immigrant Theodore Drees crossed the Atlantic with visions of a better life. Today, the first Drees home ever built, a brick cape cod in Wilder, Kentucky, still stands as a testament to Theodore’s dedication to craftsmanship. Theodore’s son, Ralph, joined the business in 1959 after serving in the Army. It was Ralph Drees’ philosophy of diversification and industry leadership that took the company into new markets. Today, Drees Homes builds in 10 different metros spanning the Southeast, Texas and the Midwest including Greater Indianapolis. Drees is the nation’s 19th largest privatelyowned home builder – the 36th largest overall.

FOUR GENERATIONS OF EXCELLENCE

When it comes to home building, every Drees home is built with a focused approach that always begins and ends with quality, personalization and customer service. In fact, this commitment to excellence runs four generations deep. Siblings Scott Drees and Alexa Drees Walker grew up with a passion for home building. Scott’s current role includes overseeing sales in the Indianapolis area, and Alexa is Corporate Director of Design. Their unique knowledge of the industry has cultivated a rich understanding that home is more than a dwelling - it’s a personal expression of each and every customer, and their ultimate goal is to bring that vision to life. This commitment to excellence and customer focus has earned Drees Homes the Triple Crown of national home building awards, including “America’s Best Builder,” “National Builder of the Year,” and the “National Housing Quality Award.” Most recently, Drees Homes has been selected as a 2022 U.S. Best Managed Company, a program sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal.

DREES HOMES COMMUNITIES IN GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

Drees Homes builds throughout Greater Indianapolis, from Avon on the city's far west side to Carmel just north of Indy to exclusive neighborhoods nestled around Geist Reservoir on the northeast. Shopping, dining and entertainment options are minutes away, and you can easily get to Indy's thriving downtown. Drees is very excited to announce the opening of their newest communities that are now selling: Albany Village in Carmel, Belle Crest in Westfield and Vintner’s Park in McCordsville. Trescott in Plainfield and Carramore in Westfield are both coming soon!

Each one of Drees Homes’ communities compliments the area’s natural surroundings and an ample selection of floor plans are available to suit every need, ranging from single-family ranch and two-story layouts to low-maintenance paired villas. All plans are designed with open spaces and today’s most desirable features, plus energy efficiency and smart home technology. In addition to build-to-order homes, Drees offers new homes that are near completion so you can find a luxury home without the wait.

To learn more about Drees Homes, visit dreeshomes.com or call (317) 268-2988.

Meet STACY SNIVELY

ZIONSVILLE REALTOR NAMED TOP 50 INDIANA REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

Stacy Snively is taking the Zionsville real estate market by storm. With a booming market, an abundance of buyers and so many desirable areas in the Indianapolis area – Stacy has perfectly mastered helping her clients navigate through the real estate process.

Her mantra? She lives, works, and plays in Zionsville. She focuses only on buying and selling in the Zionsville area which has made her an expert in the market.

Snively is a graduate of Purdue University’s Krannert School of Business. After graduating, Stacy worked for Eli Lilly and then eventually worked for a commercial development company in Chicago. As time progressed and their family grew, Stacy and her husband, Scott, moved back to Indiana and instantly fell in love with Zionsville.

Being raised in the small town of Wabash, IN, Snively and her family love that Zionsville had the perfect combination of a small-town feel with the convenience and amenities of a big city.

Stacy’s journey into residential real estate began eight years ago. She is currently an agent through Keller Williams Realty and

was recently named as a top 50 Indiana Real Estate Agent on social media by PropertySpark for the second year in a row. In addition to realty, Stacy has been involved with Habitat with Humanity since arriving in Zionsville and has recently joined the Habitat for Humanity Boone County Board of Directors as secretary in January of 2018.

Recognizing that buying a house is one of the largest and most significant decisions a person can make, and Stacy and her team are dedicated to providing the best service possible in every step of this process.

“My team and I are driven for customer service,” Snively says. “We stage our homes to make them look amazing, we always do professional photography and we always go above and beyond on the marketing for a home.”

Social media and word-of-mouth have been big components on recruiting clients for their home-buying or selling journey. Within the past two years, Stacy has also had the most out-of-state buyers that she’s ever worked with.

“I decided to niche myself to Zionsville a couple of years ago,” Snively says. “I live here, I work here, my family is here and I can testify to this area.”

After the decision to stay focused on buying and selling in Zionsville, Stacy developed Zionsville Homes. This is her website and resource that hosts all the information on the homes that her clients are currently selling, contact information if you’re interested in buying and her real estate process. Last but not least, it has all the information on her Airbnb properties.

Stacy has three rental properties that are listed on Airbnb, her Zionsville Homes website and directly on All Good Nights, the name of her property website. Stacy had a dream with furthering her entrepreneur experience. She had a vision for some further investment opportunities and kicked off that dream by purchasing a property in Westfield near the Grand Park Sports Complex.

“Because I had so many people reaching out to me about renting the properties, we decided to create All Good Nights as a direct link to the properties instead of going through AirBnb and incurring extra costs,” she says.

“The Time Out” and “Overtime” are properties both located less than a mile away from Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield. The third property is called Liv on Oak, a two-bed, two-bath property located in the heart of Zionsville.

Writer / Alli Donovan Photography Provided

To check out the short-term rental properties in Zionsville and Westfield, visit allgoodnights.com for information, availability and pricing.

Stacy Snively is a realtor through Keller Williams Realty. To contact her about buying a new home or selling your current home, visit her website, Zionsville Homes, at zvillehomes. com or call her at 317-937-2577. You can also follow her on Instagram at @ yourzvillehome to see new listings, testimonials, and how her and her team stage their houses.

Habitat for Humanity is a cause that Stacy is very passionate about. To get involved, you can receive more information on volunteer opportunities at boonehabitat.org/ get-involved. To donate to Habitat for Humanity Boone County, visit boonehabitat.org/waystogive.

Far away enough, yet close to everything

T h e C i t y o f L e b a n o n i s a w e l c o m i n g , f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y c i t y b a l a n c i n g s m a l l - t o w n c h a r m w i t h a p r o g r e s s i v e g r o w t h p l a n I t ' s a w e l c o m i n g c o m m u n i t y f o r r e s i d e n t s , v i s i t o r s , a n d b u s i n e s s e s .

T h e c i t y p o s s e s s a m e n i t i e s a n d c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s f o r p e o p l e w h o v a l u e c l o s e c o n n e c t i o n s t o t h e i r n e i g h b o r s a n d f a m i l i e s

L e b a n o n i s h o m e t o h i g h - q u a l i t y s c h o o l s , o u t d o o r s p a c e s , e v e n t s , a n d p a r k s f o r f a m i l i e s a n d f r i e n d s t o

e n j o y - a l l i n a h i g h l y d e s i r a b l e l o c a t i o n t h a t ' s j u s t f a r a w a y e n o u g h , y e t c l o s e t o e v e r y t h i n g

Seashore Waterpark

T h i s i s a t h e p l a c e w e c a l l h o m e . W e h a v e a c l o s e

c o n n e c t i o n t o w h a t m a t t e r s m o s t - f a m i l y , f r i e n d s , a n d c o m m u n i t y .

A s w e e v o l v e a n d g r o w , w e w e l c o m e o t h e r s t o c o m e d i s c o v e r w h a t m a k e s L e b a n o n s o s p e c i a l .

Lebanon, Indiana #ThisIsHome

H o m e , a s e v e r y o n e k n o w s , i s w h e r e t h e h e a r t i s . A n d b y p u t t i n g y o u r h e a r t i n t o y o u r c o m m u n i t y - i n a p l a c e t h a t n u r t u r e s r e a l c o n n e c t i o n s - y o u e s t a b l i s h r o o t s w h e r e g r o w t h i s h e a l t h y a n d t i m e l e s s .

W e k n o w t h a t o u r o p t i m a l l o c a t i o n n e a r t h e i n t e r s t a t e a n d c l o s e p r o x i m i t y t o I n d i a n a p o l i s , L a f a y e t t e , a n d C h i c a g o p r o v i d e s a s t r o n g b a s i s t o b u i l d o n , b u t w e ' v e a l s o g o t a n a p p e t i t e f o r m o r e u n i q u e r e t a i l o p t i o ns , h e a l t h y l o c a l r e s t a u r a n t s , a n d g r e a t a r t a n d c u l t u r a l a t t r a c t i o n s

Lebanon Tiger Trail

" T h i s I s H o m e " m e a n s t h a t i n L e b a n o n , t h e r e ' s a n u n b r e a k a b l e c o n n e c t i o n t o w h a t r e a l l y m a t t e r s A b o n d b e t w e e n w h e r e y o u l i v e , a n d w h o y o u a r e .

F r o m g r e a t s c h o o l s t o s a f e s t r e e t s , o u t d o o r

f u n a n d f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y a t t r a c t i o n s , t h e r e ' s j u s t a l o t t o l o v e h e r e

Back to the Fifties Festival

There's just a lot to love here

GOING DOWN SMOOTHLY

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE OPENS WHITESTOWN LOCATION

Be prepared to enjoy a unique taste experience at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Whitestown. Many people think of smoothies, especially the green ones, as something consumed by health-conscious individuals who don’t mind blandness or the taste of grass. That’s not the case at the newly opened eatery, located on Perry Worth Road. Visitors are amazed when they sample the flavor combinations of

the smoothies, and the food served. Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., it’s easy to choose something healthy and delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

“We like to watch the faces of customers when they take the first sip,” says Jamie Volpert, co-owner and operator. “Most actually say ‘Wow!’ because it’s not like anything they have ever had before. Another thing that surprises people is we sell food. Everything has a beach vibe, from the fresh

fruits and vegetables to our decor.”

The Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Whitestown is the sister shop to another location in Zionsville. Part of a group that began in Destin, Florida, it seeks to give its patrons a bit of tropical paradise right in their own backyard. When Volpert was exploring the opportunity to be a franchise owner, it was clear that opening two stores in growing Boone County was important to the company.

Writer / Julie Yates

Photographer / Krystal Dailey

Co-owner and Operator Jamie Volpert

Ever have a smoothie made from avocado? The popular Avocolada includes avocado blended with coconut and lime. Four categories of smoothies are featured: Super Veggies, Balanced Fusions, Fruit Blends and Tropical Treats. Volpert says it’s all about the taste, and a few of his favorites are

Bahama Mama, which includes pineapple and coconut, colorful Sunrise Sunset, and Mango Magic. Nine different supplements such as Probiotic, Vitamin C Complex and Fat Burner can be added. There are three different kid-size flavors.

fruits and vegetables are loaded into blender smoothie,” Volpert says. “Besides other fruits, each location uses 100 pounds of bananas and 100 pounds of strawberries every day. They can be made with or without sugar. Tropical Smoothie Cafe works with sports nutritionists and coaches who order them for their teams. Athletes are concerned about what they put into their body. Some people add whey powder or B12 to make the smoothie one of their meals.”

“The food is healthy but fun,” Volpert adds. “Kids love the quesadillas and I’m amazed

at how many adults order the Smoky Grilled Cheese. Some favorites are the Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Hummus Veggie and Thai Chicken wraps. There are flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and several breakfast options.”

In March of this year, Volpert and his wife headed to Las Vegas to meet up with other franchise owners. Chefs from Atlanta, where the company’s headquarters is now based, were on hand to hear feedback after rounds of taste testing. The chefs suggest pairings of the food and smoothies, and each quarter

they develop special seasonal offerings. Featured this summer will be a Watermelon Mojito smoothie.

“Kids really seem to like the smoothies, but we serve a range of ages, about half adults and half young people,” Volpert says. “We do a ton of catering from sports teams to corporate lunches and dinners. Plus, it’s all about giving back to the community. We have donated smoothies to Riley Dance-athons and a fundraiser for Crohn’s disease. The great thing was that individuals with Crohn’s disease could consume the

smoothies without having any side effects.”

“Our staff is so well-versed on flavors that they can suggest what smoothie goes best with what food,” Volpert continues. “We love bringing the beach vibe to Whitestown and we want everyone to find the flavor they love.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Whitestown is located at 6075 Perry Worth Road, Suite 100. View the menu at tropicalsmoothiecafe.com, and call 317768-2833 for more info.

TALK OF A TOWN

THE TOWN OF ULEN HAS A SMALL FOOTPRINT, BUT A SUBSTANTIAL HISTORY

Nestled in the City of Lebanon, Ulen is a little gem of a town. It was incorporated in 1929, yet many Boone County residents don’t realize it exists. The architecture of the 50 or so houses on its four streets is a throwback in time, and the Ulen Country Club anchoring it has one of the bestkept-secret golf courses found anywhere in Indiana. Due to the efforts of the Henry C. Ulen Foundation, the town and country club are listed on the National Register of

Historic Places.

Ulen was founded and named after Henry C. Ulen, a successful industrialist during the first half of the 1900s. Today, historians marvel that as a successful owner of a world-class company based in New York, he first built a country club and then a town to entice his executives and engineers to move back home with him to Indiana. From recorded accounts of those who knew him, Ulen was a savvy businessman but never forgot his roots, and later in his life, he humbly and quietly supported many Boone County causes.

Ulen was born in 1871 and until he passed away in 1963, he lived an extremely interesting life. His father was Lebanon’s postmaster, yet Ulen dropped out of school when he was in the fifth grade. During his teenage years, he explored cities all over the country by jumping on trains and hopping off when he got to a destination he wanted to see. In between his travels, he always returned to Lebanon and worked odd jobs.

“It’s amazing he stayed alive during the time he was riding the trains like that,” says Sally Tanselle, secretary of the Henry C. Ulen Foundation. “He eventually married his first wife, Mary, a girl from nearby Thorntown. He ‘read law,’ as they called it back then,

from books in his father-in-law’s office, and passed the Indiana bar exam in 1897.”

Later he gravitated toward infrastructure projects, especially those that involved waterworks, electricity and railroads. In 1901, he cofounded the American Water and Light Company based in Indianapolis. His partner bowed out, and the business became Ulen and Company as it took on international projects such as a waterworks system in Greece and railway infrastructure improvements in Bolivia, Argentina and even Persia (now Iran). Before eventually going out of business sometime in the late 1950s, the company built what was billed at the time as the longest tunnel in the world. The 1924 project, Shandaken Tunnel, ran through the Catskill Mountains and provided New York City with water.

Mary Ann Henry, clerk and treasurer for the town, and her husband were looking for a place farther out of the city when they stumbled on Ulen. Charmed by the neighborhood and impressed by the golf course, they moved to Ulen close to six years ago. They joined their other neighbors, some of whom have lived there for decades, and other new residents such as themselves, in being stewards dedicated to preserving the historic homes.

Writer / Julie Yates

Photographer / Krystal Dailey

Henry C. Ulen

THE GOLF COURSE IS WONDERFUL AND PEOPLE JUST RAVE ABOUT IT. IT’S VERY AFFORDABLE COMPARED TO OTHER CLUBS AND IT’S VERY OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS.

“Most of the houses were built in the late 1920s and early 1930s,” Henry says. “Each is different and very sturdy. They were built by Ulen and Company’s engineers and have steel I-beams in the basement. All the utilities were underground, which was very forward-thinking for that time. The town has a big livability factor. It’s centrally located and not far from downtown Lebanon.”

“Ulen’s own home, which is still standing today, was built inside a big barn,” Tanselle says. “It was completed in 1929 and when it was revealed, it was something like the

christening of a ship. It was covered by the Indianapolis News and there is a photo of a woman smashing a bottle of champagne. My feeling is that Ulen was a practical man, and he knew Indiana winters were rough to deal with when building a home.”

Ulen hired golf course architect William “Bill” Diddel to design the country club’s golf course. Diddel went on to plan over 300 golf courses in the United States. Words such as immaculate and pristine have been used to describe the Ulen course, and it’s been the site for many golf tournaments. Construction for the course began in 1922

and was completed in 1924. This year marks the start of its 100th year in existence.

“The golf course is wonderful and people just rave about it,” Tanselle says. “It’s very affordable compared to other clubs and it’s very open to new members. Special promotions are run from time to time, and there are both social and golf memberships. Members come from all over central Indiana.”

In 2010, the Henry C. Ulen Foundation began, with the purpose to preserve, maintain and enhance the history of the

town, country club and golf course. In 2015, the 501(c)(3) was able to get all three listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The young foundation is looking forward to the future as people rediscover all Ulen has to offer.

“What Lebanon looks like now will change with the upcoming LEAP industrial park and new Eli Lilly industrial project,” Henry says. “It will be a huge shot in the arm for Lebanon. It will be interesting to see what that will mean for the future of the golf course.”

Newcomers are sure to be welcomed to the country club with the Hoosier hospitality that Ulen was known for. The clubhouse of the country club was often the site of parties Ulen hosted for his many friends. The residents of Ulen and members of the Ulen Country Club plan to continue that spirit for years to come.

Visit the town of Ulen’s website at ulen. town, and Ulen Country Club’s website at ulencc.com. Donations to the Henry C. Ulen Foundation can be mailed to: The Henry C. Ulen Foundation, 100 Country Club Drive, Lebanon, IN 46052.

NO STONE UNTURNED

LOCAL PRE-CIVIL WAR CEMETERY RESURRECTED AFTER YEARS OF NEGLECT

headstones could barely be deciphered. The pioneer cemetery had literally been lost in the woods and underbrush, and was unknown to all but a few of the town’s residents. But that was not to be the end of this hidden cemetery’s story.

Thanks to the extensive research and work of fifth-generation Whitestown resident and local historian, Mike Hancock, and the Worth Township Trustees Office, the once-forgotten cemetery has been restored, surveyed, mapped and protected for future generations. Hancock also acknowledges the efforts and contributions made by Janice West years ago to document this cemetery, as her work was a contributing factor in locating portions of the research data.

rushed to build homes in the growing area. Although abandoned, neglected for decades and completely unknown to most residents, Hancock began his research out of concern for the cemetery and its preservation. He worked with the landowner to transfer the deed for the property to the Trustees Office, ensure the cemetery was properly surveyed and recorded, and re-establish a legal record of the burial ground on official county documents.

Story & Photography Provided

McCord Cemetery in Boone County was abandoned, nearly forgotten and in complete disarray. The names of the founders and leaders of the local community that were engraved on the

The story of the restoration of McCord Cemetery begins in 2016, when booming development threatened to destroy this unique piece of history forever. Since the cemetery no longer showed up on any legal documents or plats, it could have been accidentally plowed under as developers

With support of the Worth Township Trustee and Advisory Board, restoration began in the summer of 2022. The stones were professionally repaired and cleaned by Stonehugger Cemetery Restoration, LLC. Ground-penetrating radar was also used to ensure no buried grave markers were missed. Headstones that were badly broken and unreadable had to be carefully pieced back together like a puzzle. One even had to be delicately removed from a tree that had grown around it. But the results are nothing short of astounding.

Before-and-after photos show the amazing transformation. The once dead and forgotten, pre-Civil War cemetery has now been brought back to life. Hancock feels relieved that the final resting place for these early Boone County pioneering souls will now be protected and preserved forevermore, since the survey and mapping data has been shared with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archeology.

“I am thankful for my wife, Cheryl, for her assistance and support through this lengthy and sometimes painstaking process,” Hancock says. “I am also thankful for the Worth Township Trustee and Advisory Board for their support. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to lead the effort to protect, preserve and restore this pioneer cemetery. I am thrilled with the results.”

After the project was complete, Rich Green with Historic Archaeological Research reached out to Hancock concerning the massive scope of this particular cemetery restoration. “My crew commented on and were appreciative of all the hard work that went into saving this severely damaged cemetery,” Green says. “I don’t think many cemeteries that have fallen into that level of disrepair ever find their way back to a place of decency and respect.”

See before-and-after photos at worthtownship.org/mccord-cemetery.html.

For more info, contact Worth Township Trustee Jim Baldwin at trustee@ worthtownship.org.

Paws-itively Perfect

UNCLE BILL’S PET CENTERS LAUNCHES NEW LOCATION IN ZIONSVILLE

Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers recently opened a sixth location in Zionsville, at Appaloosa Crossing near 146th Street and Michigan Road. The family-owned business specializes in all the necessary pet supplies for pet lovers and hobbyists. They also offer a wide selection of cats and dogs, alongside amphibians, reptiles, and other unusual and exotic pets.

“We chose that location because of the community of people who live in the area,” says Co-CEO Lori Wilson. “They seem to be a tight-knit, close community. Being a family-owned business, we aim to be in smaller markets where our employees can offer the best customer service and the highest-quality products.”

Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers was founded in 1985 by Wilson’s grandfather, Bob Wilson, a retired marine and FBI agent. He built the world’s largest armored-car business in Chicago in the 1970s. He then sold the business and founded Wilson Pet Supply, a Chicago distributorship. He wanted to sell to companies in Indiana but no one wanted to buy from him, so he decided to start his own business and opened the first Uncle Bill’s location on the east side of Indianapolis.

“My father took over ownership in 1989 when my grandfather retired,” Lori says. “My father was a CFO for a large hospital in West Virginia. We didn’t know anything about pets but we learned quickly about pets and pet supplies, and now here we are with our sixth location in Zionsville.”

Bob chose the name Uncle Bill’s to pay homage to his uncle Bill. His

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Krystal Dailey

uncle was an avid poker player and farmer. The only form of collateral the other farmers had to play poker was animals. Uncle Bill ended up winning a menagerie of animals during those poker games.

“Apparently, the joke was that he should open a pet store because he had all these animals,” Lori says. “For some reason, that stuck with my grandfather. When he came up with a name, he wanted a family-type name for the business, so he chose Uncle Bill’s Pet Center.”

Lori says her family is proud of the quality of their products, and their partnerships

with other family-owned businesses. She says they partnered with Fromm Family Pet Food, a fifth-generation company that sells premium pet food.

“We aren’t a corporate business, so we can sell brands customers aren’t able to find anywhere else,” Lori says. “Many of these companies will only work with supply stores they trust to educate the consumer.”

It’s vital to Wilson and her brother, CoCEO Scott Wilson, that the staff they hire is friendly and highly knowledgeable about the products and pets sold. Scott says there is a considerable demand for aquatic pets, reptiles, and exotic and unusual pets.

“We’re one of the few pet stores in the area that carry a large selection of saltwater fish,” Scott says. “We try to cater to our customers wants and needs, so if we don’t have something, we can usually order it. We carry a large selection of basic reptiles like bearded dragons, iguanas and geckos, but we also sell rarer types. It’s also important for us to educate the consumer on the animal’s needs.”

Lori says about 90% of the kittens Uncle Bill’s offers have been rescued, but they also provide pure bread Bengal and Persian kittens from which to choose. They have partnered with local organizations to vaccinate and re-home animals and also re-home other small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Scott says it’s essential for people to know Uncle Bill’s when applicable works with USDA-licensed dog breeders. They also partner with the Canine Care Certified (CCC) program through the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. CCC is a nationwide, voluntary program that addresses the health and overall welfare of dogs in the care of U.S. breeders. Uncle Bill’s also works with Canine Trainer and Behaviorist Donna Chandler to ensure the puppy is adapting to their new environment and becomes a well-behaved family member.

“The biggest question we’re asked is if the puppies we sell come from puppy mills,” Lori says. “The answer is no. We are extremely picky and selective about where we get our animals. It’s not unusual for us to travel to meet with a breeder first to ensure they meet our standards. Unfortunately, we have had to turn some down because they don’t meet our standards for quality and care. We fully stand behind every animal we sell, and we also offer an extensive health warranty on our puppies.”

Uncle Bill’s in Zionsville is located at 3101 South U.S. 421. For more information, call 463-276-9259 or visit unclebills.com.