Boone County Magazine August 2023

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FRESH FROM THE OVEN Greek’s Pizzeria Expands to Whitestown’s Main Street

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THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT Sergeant Darrick Deeter

16 SHOP AROUND Duo Boutique Is Getting a Warm Welcome on Main Street in Zionsville

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TOURISM SPOTLIGHT New Executive Director brings a Bright Vision for Boone County Tourism

23

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT Zionsville Chamber of Commerce

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

KRYSTAL DAILEY / JULIE YATES MATT KEATING / NATALIE GARGIULO

FRESH FROM THE OVEN

GREEK’S PIZZERIA EXPANDS TO WHITESTOWN’S MAIN STREET

Whitestown’s pizza scene has just received a savory addition with the opening of Greek’s Pizzeria at 103 South Main Street. Owned by restaurateur Mike Cole, who already boasts a thriving Greek’s Pizzeria in Zionsville, this new location promises to bring the authentic taste of the pizzeria to the heart of Whitestown.

The new pizzeria prides itself on offering a casual, takeout-focused restaurant that combines outdoor patio seating with the beloved classic, pizza.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in Boone County,” Cole says. “With three locations now in Boone County, customers that live in Zionsville, Lebanon and Whitestown can get delivery.

We had overwhelming support and lots of encouragement from the community on opening week. It was great to see.”

“We’ve always serviced parts of Whitestown from the Zionsville store, so when I had the opportunity to open in Whitestown, I envisioned the store as an extension of Zionsville so that we can serve the entire community,” Cole says. “This location is takeout and delivery, but we do have a few tables outside for customers that want to eat their takeout outside.”

The limited but carefully curated menu retains all the favorites that have made the pizzeria a beloved local gem, including the classic specialty pizzas and breadsticks.

“The Whitestown store is smaller than the Zionsville location, so we did limit our menu just a bit,” Cole says. “We still have a lot of options to choose from.”

The Whitestown menu offers oven-baked sandwiches on fresh, French-style bread, as well as shells using its famous homemade dough brushed with Greek’s real garlic butter.

A variety of salads including the popular Greek salad are part of the Whitestown menu, along with cinnamon twists, boneless wings and gourmet meatballs.

True to its roots, Greek’s Pizzeria crafts each pizza with premium ingredients, from fresh, homemade, hearth-baked dough to select

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo Photographer / Krystal Dailey

blended cheeses and Italian sauce.

“We keep our ingredients as fresh as they can be, and as close to a mom-and-pop as we can get,” Cole says. “All of the locations are independently, locally owned and operated.”

The newly opened pizzeria, formally the Pizza King location, was painted, decorated and remodeled by the hands-on owner, who used the trademark red, white and black colors of Greek’s Pizzeria.

“We’ve been told by dozens of customers that that’s the best the building has ever looked,” Cole says. “That makes me happy because we put a lot into the space to transform it into a Greek’s.”

Cole has helped build over 20 Greek’s locations over the last 25 years.

“We have 43 locations and I help oversee all of those locations,” he says. “We’ve opened four locations in the company just in the last two months, so it's been very busy.”

The new Whitestown Greek’s location is at 103 South Main Street. For more info, visit greekspizzeria.com.

THIS LOCATION IS TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY, BUT WE DO HAVE A FEW TABLES OUTSIDE FOR CUSTOMERS THAT WANT TO EAT THEIR TAKEOUT OUTSIDE.

WE KEEP OUR INGREDIENTS AS FRESH AS THEY CAN BE, AND AS CLOSE TO A MOM-AND-POP AS WE CAN GET.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Sergeant Darrick Deeter of Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department (WMPD) says one of the best parts of his job is being able to make a positive difference in the lives of other people.

It’s been that way since he started his job.

“I have been with WMPD since 2017,” Deeter says. “Before starting my career in law enforcement, I served in the military with the rank of sergeant as an infantryman and recruiter. I graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.”

Deeter says his duties keep him busy.

THE THIN LINE SPOTLIGHT SERGEANT DARRICK DEETER

“I am a night-shift sergeant as well as a firearms instructor, patrol rifle instructor, and the certified AR/M16/M4/Glock armorer for the department,” Deeter says. “Primarily I’m responsible for supervising one of the night shifts in Whitestown. I have the privilege to work alongside four excellent officers and help guide them through training, tactics, major incidents, and provide education on legal issues or questions that may arise on shift.”

Deeter has a lot of responsibilities as an armorer with the department.

“As the armorer, I am responsible for maintaining our rifle and handgun fleet,” he says. “I also provide firearms training to our officers as a certified firearms instructor. I provide education on best practices for

tactical situations and help design training that pushes our officers to be the best and safest they can be.”

Deeter enjoys his job. “My favorite part of being a police officer is being able to make a difference,” Deeter says. “I genuinely love this community and really appreciate the support we receive. I believe God has blessed me tremendously with the opportunity to be available for people when they’re in need, sometimes experiencing the worst day of their life. I take that responsibility to heart.”

Deeter also values the work he does with his fellow officers.

“My other favorite part of my job is having the opportunity to work with excellent

officers on my shift, our department and in our county,” Deeter says. “I also really enjoy studying law and keeping up to date on modern firearms training, ballistics and tactics. My schedule is often very full but I truly love every minute of it.”

Deeter has had some memorable moments during his career that he will never forget.

“Just like any cop, I could tell stories for days, but two experiences in particular stick out to me,” Deeter says. “In 2020 I was able to save a child from choking to death, for which I received a Life Saver award from my department. More recently, my shift successfully located a vehicle involved in a dangerous kidnapping from Wisconsin, for which we received a Big Fish award. With the help of the Zionsville Police Department, the Boone County Police Department and Lebanon Police Department, we were able to safely rescue the children and make arrests.”

Deeter says there are ways the Whitestown community can help the police.

“In my opinion, the community helps the police by supporting us and communicating with us whenever there’s a problem,” he says. “It’s no secret that we cannot do this job without help from our citizens. Not only does their support mean the world to us, but their input and communication allows us to be the public servants they want and deserve. We cannot be everywhere at once, so we rely on them to make problems known, help us solve problems, and be extra eyes and ears.”

When Deeter isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

“I have a beautiful wife named Lakye, with whom I have been married for almost 10 years now,” he says. “She’s incredibly supportive of my career and is truly one of a kind, and I am very blessed God brought us together.”

A I A

#ThisIsHome

W h e t h e r y o u ' r e l o o k i n g f o r a n e w p l a c e W h e t h e r y o u ' r e l o o k i n g f o r a n e w p l a c e t o c a l l t o c a l l h o m e h o m e , o r j u s t s t o p p i n g b y f o r a , o r j u s t s t o p p i n g b y f o r a v i s i t , t h e r e a r e S O m a n y f u n t h i n g s t o v i s i t , t h e r e a r e S O m a n y f u n t h i n g s t o d o i n L e b a n o n ! d o i n L e b a n o n !

F r o m a t t r a c t i o n s t o e v e n t s , t h e r e a r e

F r o m a t t r a c t i o n s t o e v e n t s , t h e r e a r e p l e n t y a m e n i t i e s f o r t h e w h o l e f a m i l y p l e n t y a m e n i t i e s f o r t h e w h o l e f a m i l y t o e n j o y ! t o e n j o y !

Seashore Waterpark

A s a w a y t o r o l l o u t t h e w e l c o m e

A s a w a y t o r o l l o u t t h e w e l c o m e

m a t t o n e w r e s i d e n t s , " W e l c o m e m a t t o n e w r e s i d e n t s , " W e l c o m e

H o m e ' ' p a c k e t s a r e g i v e n t o t h o s e H o m e ' ' p a c k e t s a r e g i v e n t o t h o s e

w h o a r e n e w i n t o w n ! w h o a r e n e w i n t o w n !

T h e p a c k e t s a r e f i l l e d w i t h f r e e g i f t s

T h e p a c k e t s a r e f i l l e d w i t h f r e e g i f t s

a n d i n f o , t o a i d i n t h e c o n n e c t i o n t o

a n d i n f o , t o a i d i n t h e c o n n e c t i o n t o

t h e L e b a n o n c o m m u n i t y .

t h e L e b a n o n c o m m u n i t y .

E n j o y s u m m e r a n d f a l l w i t h m a n y

E n j o y s u m m e r a n d f a l l w i t h m a n y

o u t d o o r a m e n i t i e s t o e x p l o r e ! o u t d o o r a m e n i t i e s t o e x p l o r e !

O u r p a r k s s y s t e m b o a s t s m o r e t h a n

O u r p a r k s s y s t e m b o a s t s m o r e t h a n

1 5 0 a c r e s o f b e a u t i f u l l y m a i n t a i n e d

1 5 0 a c r e s o f b e a u t i f u l l y m a i n t a i n e d p a r k s . p a r k s .

W a l k , r u n , o r r i d e a l o n g T h e B i g 4

W a l k , r u n , o r r i d e a l o n g T h e B i g 4

T r a i l . T h e t r a i l i s n o w p a v e d f r o m

T r a i l . T h e t r a i l i s n o w p a v e d f r o m

L e b a n o n t o T h o r n t o w n a n d w i l l s o o n

L e b a n o n t o T h o r n t o w n a n d w i l l s o o n b e c o n n e c t e d t o W h i t e s t o w n ! b e c o n n e c t e d t o W h i t e s t o w n !

T h e L e b a n o n S c h o o l C o r p o r a t i o n i s

T h e L e b a n o n S c h o o l C o r p o r a t i o n i s

e m b r a c i n g t h e g r o w t h o f t h e

e m b r a c i n g t h e g r o w t h o f t h e

L e b a n o n c o m m u n i t y , t o o !

L e b a n o n c o m m u n i t y , t o o !

E x c i t i n g a d d i t i o n s a r e c u r r e n t l y

E x c i t i n g a d d i t i o n s a r e c u r r e n t l y

u n d e r w a y t h r o u g h o u t L C S C ! u n d e r w a y t h r o u g h o u t L C S C !

Sean Reaves

"As the new Boone County Chamber Executive Director, my focus for the Chamber is to continue to provide high quality programs, and connect with business leaders to create a unified Boone County business community."

SHOP AROUND

DUO BOUTIQUE IS GETTING A WARM WELCOME ON MAIN STREET IN ZIONSVILLE

Zionsville has long been known as a shopping destination for Boone County and the surrounding Indianapolis area. Recently, Duo Boutique opened on “the bricks” in a location familiar to many. Christen Dittmer and Azure Harding are the dynamic twosome behind the business, located at the former site of Lesley Jane Boutique.

Dittmer and Harding’s vision is outfitting for all occasions, including the special ones. Honoring the traditions of the prior boutique, yet adding their own unique fashion twist to the mix, is important to the pair. Combining talents and owning a shop together was an idea the two women had considered for several years.

“Azure is one of the first people I met when I came to Zionsville and we have been dear friends since 2001,” Dittmer says. “She loves fun fashion and before I started to work full time in commercial real estate, I was a field leader for Apple and Eddie Bauer. In 2016 and 2017 we discussed putting what I know about retail leadership together with her knowledge and experience in retail fashion.

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Krystal Dailey

We pursued opening a boutique but it didn’t work out.”

“When we saw that Lesley Hunt was retiring, we got excited about the potential opportunity,” she adds. “We probably would not have gotten engaged in the possibility if it had been anywhere else. We had both bought dresses from Lesley Jane in the past, and both of us live in and care about Zionsville.”

Dittmer voices respect and appreciation for Hunt and all she did for the community. In that spirit, Duo Boutique aims to continue the tradition of prom outfitting. Even before it opened, the new business took appointments for prom shopping. As in the past, purchase records were maintained so only one type of dress was sold to a prom attendee at each school.

“Our intention is not to brand to a certain demographic,” Dittmer says. “The other day a mother, daughter and grandma came in, and all of them walked out with purchases and a smile on their face. We keep up with the trends but we aren’t extreme with them. We offer fun fashion for all life events such as going to brunch, the park or work. Texture is big in terms of versatility and style, and we have a full range for wardrobes. There is activewear blends, satin silk and cotton. For denim we have high to mid rise, both tailored and with a good flow.”

An affordable price point in each collection and line is a priority for the boutique. Beyond the merchandise available in the store, Duo Boutique offers special ordering. Dresses for the mother of the bride and daughter of the bride, as well as special events, can be requested. In addition, the boutique is approved to carry Penn & Beech candles, and has some bags and bracelets crafted by local makers.

“Azure and I are thrilled to be part of the Zionsville Merchants Association,” Dittmer says. “We underestimated and were so surprised by all the support and how welcoming the businesses are.

We want to express our gratitude for how they made it a point to welcome us.”

Duo Boutique is located at 150 South Main Street in Zionsville. Call 317-873-9999, email shop@ duo.boutique, and visit duo. boutique for more info. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRINGS A BRIGHT VISION FOR BOONE COUNTY TOURISM

As the new Executive Director of the Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Allyson Gutwein has already crisscrossed the county and central Indiana building relations with town governments, local event organizations and tourism-based groups to assess the current state of tourism in Boone County.

A Boone County native whose family goes back six generations, Allyson previously served as Executive Director of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. Now her knowledge and guidance will lead the CVB’s growth and adaptation as it serves the Boone County community. Working with the Boone CVB board, she is charged with allocating innkeeper’s taxes which fund the CVB to increase tourism as well as building the Boone CVB presence throughout the county.

“The role of the Boone CVB is to help develop and support county events and festivals as well as create our own sponsored events that will attract visitors outside of our county to come and enjoy all that Boone County has to discover,” said Allyson, “We have great experiences to offer visitors. There’s literally something for everyone. Which is why our new marketing campaign is called, ‘Bit of Boone’ as in – There’s a Bit of Boone in All of Us.”

Plans are already underway for a countywide “Get Mooned in Boone” promotion centered around the total solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024 – when Boone County will experience close to four minutes of the “Path of Totality” when the moon completely blocks out the bright sun.

“This is the first time in 819 years our area has seen a full solar eclipse and the Indiana Destination Development Corp. predicts that this will be one of the largest single tourism events in Indiana history.” said Allyson, “Previous total solar eclipse events have had incredible economic impact for the states that experienced totality.”

“With people traveling here from all over the globe to witness the eclipse, this is a chance to show off our communities to an entirely new group of visitors,” continued Gutwein, “The Boone CVB is planning to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event through Get Mooned in Boone promotions in all our communities that will make Boone County the place to be for the eclipse celebration.”

Growing Boone County tourism will also come through high value marketing and targeted ads that increase the presence and visibility of travel and tourism in Boone County. Along with highlighting all-year tourist attractions, other Boone CVB sponsored projects being planned include promotions centered around weddings, sporting events and venues, nature/ hiking/ trail usage, staycations, themed trails, and coming home to visit family in Boone County.

Given her experience and passion, there’s no limit to Allyson’s vision for Boone County tourism. “Maybe it’s a bluegrass & ribs event, a headliner music concert or a big-time rodeo, the possibilities are truly endless for Boone County tourism.” says Gutwein, “There’s going to be a Little Bit of Boone for everyone.”

POPLAR PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

OWNERS:

DR. KATELYN BRAUER, BOARD

CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST

ADDRESS:

6828 W STONEGATE DR, ZIONSVILLE, IN

1610 N LEBANON ST

LEBANON, IN, 46052

WEBSITE:

WWW.POPLARPD.COM

PHONE: (317) 939-6558

RATING:

FACEBOOK 5.0

At Poplar Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Katelyn and her team specialize in treating infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. We strive to provide the best possible dental experience for kids and the highest quality in pediatric care. Our patient-centered approach gives children a fun, safe, and personalized dental visit, while also building positive connections with parents and caregivers.

CUSTOMER REVIEW:

“Dr. Katelyn and the entire staff at Poplar are AMAZING! We have been taking our toddler girls there and each time they have so much fun! It’s literally like going to a party for them, filled with prizes and fun activities! Thank you so much for making the girls feel welcome, comforted and special!” - Stefania, Parent Google Review

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The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce strives to represent our member's interests while driving economic impact in the community of Zionsville and beyond.

The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce strives to represent our member's interests while driving economic impact in the community of Zionsville and beyond.

Interested in joining the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce?

Interested in joining the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce?

More information available at www.zionsvillechamber.org.

More information available at www.zionsvillechamber.org.

8407 Moore Road, Indianapolis