DECEMBER 2019
MAGAZINE
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR FINISHES RENOVATIONS TO HISTORIC MILLS HOUSE
Get in. Get out. Get better.
FranciscanExpressCare.org
When life’s unexpected illnesses and injuries don’t require a trip to the ER, get the care you need now! Visit one of our Franciscan ExpressCare locations. No appointment needed – just walk right in!
GREENWOOD
THOMPSON COMMONS
1001 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 (317) 528-7500 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day*
5210 E. Thompson Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46237 (317) 728-7500 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day* * Holiday hours may vary.
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
11
GREENWOOD MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
Fredda Kovacs
Fredda@TownePost.com / 317-402-3051
TOWNE POST CEO Tom Britt
Tom@TownePost.com / 317-496-3599
TOWNE POST PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt
Jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Robert Turk
Rob@TownePost.com / 317-366-3670
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Austin Vance
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Valerie Randall
EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown Josh@TownePost.com
EDITOR Samantha Kupiainen
DECEMBER WRITERS Christy Heitger-Ewing Suzanne Huntzinger
DECEMBER PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Counts / JWcreative.indy
SHOP LOCAL!
BUILT TO LAST: LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR FINISHES RENOVATIONS TO HISTORIC MILLS HOUSE
After nearly a year, the renovations on the Historic Mills House are complete. During that year, owner Todd Anthony and his crew toiled for endless hours restoring the home to its former glory. The labor of love involved a lot more repairs than expected, and the end result was far beyond what he ever dreamed.
4 Elf on the Shelf in Greenwood 9 Special Delivery: Local Couple
Refurbishes Historic Post Office Into RFD Franklin Restaurant
13 Not Home for the Holidays
14 Built to Last: Local Entrepreneur
Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Greenwood Community Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT
The Greenwood Community Magazine is published by Towne Post Network, Inc. and is written for and by local Greenwood residents. Submit story ideas to PR@atGreenwood.com.
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone / Fax: 317-810-0011
Finishes Renovations to Historic Mills House
20 Local Tattoo Artist Doubles
As Santa During the Holidays
22 Greenwood Directory atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 3
atGreenwood.com TownePost.com
Greenwood Magazine and Center Grove Magazine want to help ring in the holidays! You can be the lucky winner of a prize from each of these local businesses! Each day, Black Friday through December 20, visit any or all of these businesses to find the Elf. Take a selfie with the Elf, post it on your Facebook page, tag that business and Center Grove Magazine or Greenwood Magazine and you are officially entered to win a prize from that business! Winners will be announced just after Christmas. Keep watching our Facebook pages for daily updates. It’s really that easy – a selfie with the Elfie.
LIFE SYSTEMS MARTIAL ARTS 520 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 317-889-5556 lifesystemsmartialarts.com facebook.com/lifesystemsmartialarts
VICTORY STRENGTH and FITNESS 3115 Meridian Parke Drive Suite O Greenwood, IN 46142 317-721-2821 victorystrengthandfitness.net facebook.com/Victorystrengthandfitness
THE ENERGY SPOT 3100 Meridian Parke Drive Suite 14N Greenwood, IN 46142 317-886-7963 the-energy-spot.com facebook.com/energyspotgreenwood
CIRCLE CITY BARGAINS 5208 Commerce Square Drive Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46237 317-348-1855 circle-city-bargains.business.site facebook.com/circlecitybargains
TODAY’S HOME FURNISHINGS 1675 W. Smith Valley Rd. Suite C-1 Greenwood, IN 46142 317-886-7744 todayshf.com facebook.com/TodaysHomeFurnishings
TEAM STILES – COMPASS REALTY 4800 W. Smith Valley Rd. Suite J Greenwood, IN 46142 317-883-9461 findindyareahomes.com facebook.com/PointingTheWayToSold
CAMPBELL’S HIGHLAND GRILLE 1001 N. SR 135 Greenwood, IN 46142 317-300-1696 campbellshighlandgrille.com facebook.com/Campbellshighlandgrille
JONES’ BARBER SHOP 801 Loews Blvd. Suite C Greenwood, IN 46142 317-360-9470 Jonesbarbershop.com facebook.com/JonesBarberShop317
CBD DEPOT 856 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood, IN 46142 317-691-8961 cbddepotshop.com facebook.com/CBDDepotShop
TCT FLOORING 6001 N US 31 New Whiteland, IN 46184 317-889-8074 tctflooringinc.com facebook.com/tctflooring
STORIES OF SUCCESS from Greenwood residents
CAITLYN RUHANA
Many students want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but don’t know where to begin. This rang true for Greenwood resident Caitlyn Ruhana, who chose to attend Ivy Tech to start on a degree to discover what she was passionate about for a fraction of the cost. “People don’t give Ivy Tech enough credit,” she explained. “I came down from a four-year university, not knowing what I wanted to do. Ivy Tech gave me the ability to work full-time and still get credits done at an affordable price.” Caitlyn decided to earn an associate degree in Business Administration, using the program’s Transfer as a Junior pathway. Thanks to this opportunity, she will transfer directly to IUPUI once she graduates in December 2019.
BECKY RECTOR
Ivy Tech is the perfect place for working individuals like Becky Rector, looking to add a credential that can help get them a promotion or take the next step in their career. Becky enrolled in the College’s accounting program in hopes of a promotion. While the job did not work out as expected, causing her to leave the company, she decided to finish her degree anyway. Working full time as a student had its challenges, but she knew it would all pay off when she graduates in December 2019, enabling her to utilize her new skills at her company. “Ivy Tech is a great school to attend to get your core college classes at an affordable price,” she said. “They offer classes at all times, so it’s easy to get in all the classes you need.”
CLASSES START JANUARY 13.
Visit IvyTech.edu/Greenwood to explore options near you.
6 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atGreenwood.com
ONLINE & MOBILE banking
Bankwith bedhead Lake City Bank online and mobile banking makes things easy. Pay bills, make transfers, take control of your debit cards and more. Banking never looked so good.
lakecitybank.com/innovation or call (317) 706-9000
WE KEEP YOU COOL WHEN IT’S HOT AND WARM WHEN IT’S COLD
1211 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood
There is no one in the village of Limuru, Kenya caring for orphaned girls ...yet You can help change that. Visit www.boazproject.org/kenyahomes
The Boaz Project
622 N. Madison Ave. Suite 3, Greenwood, IN 46142 facebook.com/boazproject instagram.com/boazproject
Add warmth to your holidays with a gas log set or fireplace from Pool City’s Hearth Shop. Choose from Monessen and Empire/ White Mountain as well as Majestic vented and vent-free gas logs and fireplaces, inserts and much more.
Shop early to ensure delivery in time to provide a warm welcome to family and friends as you celebrate the holiday season Monday – Friday: 9 – 6 • Saturday: 9 -3 • Closed Sundays
317.888.3933 Fax: 317.885.7013 www.poolcityindy.com
atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 7
COMPASS PARK Community and Event Center
• •
• • •
Event Space to accommodate up to 300 Outdoor Ceremony Options including Fountain & Courtyard 2 Beautiful Chapels Onsite Numerous Photo Opportunities Lovely Bridal Suite
• • • • • • •
On-Site & Off-Site Catering 2 Hotel Rooms Large Shelter House Pub Grand Piano Rental Bistro Fitness Center & Indoor Pool
COMPASS PARK Young’s Creek Premier Apartments
Compass Park is excited to announce our new, elegant, 55 and older apartments that will lay along the banks of Young's Creek, overlooking the beautiful countryside of our campus. CALL OR EMAIL TODAY TO RSVP FOR OUR LUNCH & LEARNS Limited Spots Available Sizes Available
1 Bedroom 1,110 Sq. Ft. Lg. 2 Bedroom 1,645 Sq. Ft. 2 Bedroom 1,275 Sq. Ft.
3 Bedroom 2,200 Sq. Ft.
COMPASS PARK
Home Health Services Our Services • • • • • •
Comprehensive Nursing Assessments Medication Management Bathing and Grooming Needs Light Housekeeping Meal Preparation Skilled Nursing & Therapy Services
Contact us today to set up your FREE evaluation E-mail: homehealth@compasspark.org Phone: (317)-739-0772 Fax: (317)-346-0224
690 State Street, Franklin, IN 46131
• • • • • • • • •
Private Suites and Bathrooms Private Hospice Suites Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, Memory Care New Therapy Gymnasium Therapy Pool Comprehensive PT, OT, SLP We accept Private Pay, Biodex Balance System Medicare, Medicaid, VA Vehicle Simulator and most Insurance Plans! 24 Hour Bistro
(317)-736-6141
compasspark.org
LOCAL COUPLE REFURBISHES HISTORIC POST OFFICE INTO RFD FRANKLIN RESTAURANT Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Counts
Several years after the town of Franklin endured the 500-year flood of 2008, the city was trying to decide what to do with the old post office and former city hall that sits one block away from the downtown square and had not been in operation for a while. There was talk of making it into a city court or perhaps tearing it down to create a parking lot. But local residents, Lesa McDaniel Talley and John Talley, had a strong interest in historic preservation and a love of old architecture. “We wanted to do something where this beautiful stately structure would be open to the public and make it accessible so our community could come in and enjoy the atmosphere,” says Lesa, who obtained possession of the property in the fall of 2017.
The couple met with city leaders to gain support for a project to restore the historic building while creating a restaurant that would draw visitors to Franklin and create new jobs. They wished to feature a menu that would appeal to local and regional guests. The first order of business was renovating the space. “We were able to use the original blueprints in the county museum to assist us to faithfully restore the post office as much as possible,” Lesa says. “To make sure the project was feasible we interviewed and selected architects, contractors and engineers, made sure it was a project we thought we could do, then went back to the city with our more detailed proposal and went forth.”
The overhaul took about a year and a half to complete. They installed essentially all new electrical, new plumbing and a new heating and air conditioning system. They also removed the loading dock in back to obtain room to build a 1,500 square foot addition to put in a new kitchen, storage space and ADA compliant bathrooms. Also, they built a deck with an ADA ramp. Throughout the process, they remained sensitive to the historic nature of the building. The restaurant, which they named RFD Franklin, opened in May 2019. They chose the name because they wanted to pay homage to its roots as RFD is the rural free delivery system that was developed in the United States to deliver mail to people in the country. They also embraced the concept of “real food/fresh dining,” a wordplay with RFD.
atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 9
Community response to the establishment has been highly favorable as folks indulge not only in delicious food but also the fun of relishing nostalgia. “People love to share their experiences in the building with us,” Lesa says. “They’ll say, ‘I remember coming here with my grandmother to pick up the mail,’ or ‘I worked here. It was my first job!’ They have very nice memories to share. People definitely have good feelings about the building.” Lesa isn’t surprised, she feels the same way. “This is such an exceptional property,” she says. “This building occupies a prominent location in the city and a special place in the hearts of community members. Structures like this are not being built anymore. The main floor has high 14-foot ceilings and two skylights that reach to 23 feet tall with gears to open windows. It has great natural lighting. It’s just a very different architectural style from what you see nowadays.” John and Lesa used original postal artifacts to decorate the restaurant. For instance, two sets of almost 100 brass mailboxes make up the focal wall that hides the entrance to the kitchen. Those mailboxes came out of Madison, Wisconsin’s state capitol building. “It certainly adds to the ambiance,” Lesa says. “It’s something everyone notices and comments on when they come in.” The tile in the lobby is original, and they installed vintage colored tile in the addition to maintain the 1930s vibe. They sanded and sealed the original maple floor of the main dining room, too. The wainscoting along the walls is original as are the interior doors and brass hardware. The bathroom toilets and sinks are replicas from the time period. The light in the vault took Lesa more than a year to find. “It’s an original fixture of that age,” she says. “I wanted something to help make the vault feel like a special intimate dining space.” She studied the blueprints when selecting the pendant lighting for the rest of the building.
“We tried to be as faithful to the period as we could,” she adds. Cuisine options in the scratch-made kitchen include steaks, seafood and pasta. “We bring in the various fresh fruits and vegetables, and we cut our steaks and our salmon in house,” says Lesa, noting that popular dishes include their fillets, the ginger-glazed salmon and their Crème brûlée. A customer commented that the Crème brûlée was the best he’d had since he’d been in Paris.
both the staff and guests,” Lesa says.
n step with your life? “We also have a really good mac-n-cheese that pleases both children and adults,” Lesa says.
Help!
Favorites at the full bar include the Infused Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule. They offer different specials daily and weekly, as well as a soup of the day.
The restaurant, which currently seats 120 inside and 50 on the patio, also offers private dining in the postmaster’s office, which seats 12-14 and the vault, which seats four. Over the vault is a secret room called the Lookout Gallery.
says. “There are secret passageways that lead to it.” If you’re looking to step back in time while enjoying a scrumptious meal, check out RFD Franklin. RFD Franklin, located at 55 W. Madison Street in Franklin, is open Tuesday-Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Friday from 5-10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for brunch and 5-10 p.m. for dinner. For more information, call 317-733-7333 or visit rfdfranklin.com.
plan that’s in step with y
“It was used by the postmaster or postal inspector to secretly view the activities on the work floor and monitor employees for compliance with all the requirements,” Lesa
“That helps keep the menu interesting for that’s in step with your life? Medicare plan that’s plan in step with your life? fusing. plan that’s in step with your life?
right dget.
I Can Help!
I Can Help! I Can Help! I Can Help! Choosing the right Medicare plan that’s in step with your life? plan that’s in step with your life? plan that’s in step with your life? coverage can be confusing. Choosing the right Medicare Choosing the right Medicare Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. coverage can be confusing. I Can Help! IICan Help! Can Help!
coverage can be confusing.
Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget. Medicare plan that’s right
Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget.
t 317-430-7094 317-430-7094 nalized service today!
Medicare plan that’s rightfor you and your budget. Choosing the right Medicare Choosing the right Medicare for you and your budget. Choosing right Medicare coverage can be confusing. coverage canthe be confusing. Call me at coverage Callcan mebe at confusing. Call me at 317-430-7094 for personalized service today!service for personalized service today! for personalized Medicare plan that’s Medicare plan that’s right right nce Agency Insurance Agency Call me at HealthMarkets HealthMarkets Insurance Agency HealthMarkets Insurance Agency forand youplan and your budget. for you your budget. Medicare that’s right Medicare | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental
| Life |
317-430-7
317-430-7094
Medicare | Healthtoday! | Small Group | Life | Supplemental for personalized service
Medicare | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental Supplemental
for you and your budget.
Insurance Agency Danna HealthMarkets Green
Danna Green
Danna Green Medicareat | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental 317-430-7094 Green CallCall me me at 317-430-7094 Licensed Insurance Agent 317-430-7094 ce Agent for personalized service today! 317-430-7094 dgreen@healthmarkets.com for personalized service today!
.com
Licensed Insurance Agent
Licensed Insurance Agent
Call me at 317-430-7094 317-430-7094 Danna Green HealthMarkets Insurance Agency HealthMarkets Insurance Agency dgreen@healthmarkets.com for Small personalized service today! | Small|Group | Life | Supplemental MedicareMedicare | Health||Health Group Life | Supplemental dgreen@healthmarkets.com
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Licensed Insurance Agent Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 317-430-7094
Danna Green
icensed as an insurance in all|50 states and the District of Medicareagency | Health Small Group | Life | Supplemental
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 sta Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availab
/ GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 11
THE FUTURE IS IN SIGHT
Our vision for the future of health care in Johnson County is about to become reality. Soon we’ll be opening a new state-of-the-art emergency department and outpatient services building, totally reshaping the east side of our Franklin campus. It’s a patient-focused future, with shorter wait times, easier access and the compassionate care you’ve come to expect from Johnson County’s only full-service hospital.
The future is in sight, and our vision is 2020.
NOT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
LIEUTENANT JOSH THOMPSON For 13-year veteran Lieutenant Josh Thompson, working Christmas day “is business as usual. We add in the gift exchange and splurge a little extra on a big holiday feast. Most, if not all, family will stop by the firehouse to see their loved one and hang out with the on-duty crews.” On B-Shift duty, he and his family prepare in advance. “We typically take care of our family events on Christmas Eve,” he says. “My wife and I will have immediate family over to the house to have dinner, watch the kids open gifts from family, play games and enjoy each other’s company. Christmas Day, Sarah and the girls will usually come by and see me at work. It has become one of those things that we not only get used to, but our family gets used to. Emergencies don’t take a day off just because it’s a holiday. We know that when we signed up to do this job.”
As we approach the holidays, our thoughts turn to faith, family, friends and food. While most of us will enjoy a break from the norm to gather with loved ones, our first responders remain on duty, ready to protect and serve the citizens of Greenwood. We give thanks for our hometown heroes who gear up and show up, even during the holidays.
FIREFIGHTER/EMT/ENGINEER DANIEL STRONG A 10-year veteran, Daniel Strong has adjusted his tradition similarly. “In years past and this year while working Christmas day, we will do dinner and presents at home on Christmas Eve,” he says. “I will miss Christmas at my Grandma’s house on Christmas day, which is always a very nostalgic, fun gathering. Luckily, I can FaceTime/Google Duo my family while at the firehouse. This year will be my son’s second Christmas (he turns 1 on December 11), so being away from him will probably be the most difficult part of working Christmas this year. “Working Christmas day at the firehouse has historically been a great day with my second family,” Strong adds. “We live and work together one out of three days, so we’ve developed a bond over the years and it’s nice to spend holidays with them as well. People in the community still have emergencies on Christmas day, and we are ready to respond at any time. I’ve responded to house fires, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies while working on Christmas in the past. As emergency responders, we know that our duty is to provide a service to the community we protect no matter what calendar day that happens to fall on. We’ll make the best of working Christmas day while ensuring the residents of the City of Greenwood stay safe and enjoy their Holiday Season.”
atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 13
14 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atGreenwood.com
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR FINISHES RENOVATIONS TO HISTORIC MILLS HOUSE Writer / Suzanne Huntzinger . Photographer / JWcreative.indy
After nearly a year, the renovations on the Historic Mills House are complete. During that year, owner Todd Anthony and his crew toiled for endless hours restoring the home to its former glory. The labor of love involved a lot more repairs than expected, and the end result was far beyond what he ever dreamed. The long process involved repairing and restoring the roof, badly damaged from lack of proper drainage. Anthony and his crew devoted an enormous amount of time restoring and enhancing the landscape in order to preserve Ernie Mills’ (the original owner of the home) vision to reflect a connection with nature. “Ernie’s vision was to incorporate a blending of indoors and outdoors. We’ve done that with the gardens,” Anthony says. Following his mission to preserve the historical integrity of the home and the time period, Anthony put painstaking effort into meticulously restoring special features in the home. From the simple and subtle entrance via a three feet wide door that opens to a light, airy space that expands as you go, the home oozes midcentury modern cool. “It’s the opposite of modern design that pulls you in with the grand façade on the outside only to reveal a smaller and simpler interior,” Anthony says. atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 15
Among the many gems throughout the home is a vintage 1950s princess style television. “I found it at the Southport Antique Mall,” Anthony says. “I couldn’t resist it.” Also irresistible was the rocket-shaped trashcan by the kitchen table which Anthony found online. “I included something in each room that was period-specific along with something modern but in retro style, making it relevant for all generations,” he says. The iconic Terrazzo flooring throughout the home was repaired and restored. When Anthony inspected the flooring, he surprisingly found just one small area where the natural stone was chipped. Miraculously, he found a manufacturer who was able to match the exact style, color and dye lot. Made in Germany, the iconic egg-shaped lamps illuminating the stairs leading to the lower level were cleaned and restored to give off an even glow and a truly authentic look. Anthony ensured an authentic look in the kitchen and bath areas as well. He ordered new Kitchen Aid appliances and had them re-skinned with a retro design, classic to the time period. Instead of installing modern toilets and sinks in the bathrooms, the fixtures were restored. In fact, the tile in the master bath was custom color-matched to the existing fixtures.
Sure to be a hot topic of conversation about the house is the wallpaper in the master bathroom, Anthony’s way of adding his own personal thumbprint to the restored home. With a green foliage patterned design to match the bathroom’s 1950s era green fixtures, the wallpaper is a replica of the wallpaper in Frank Sinatra’s secret room in his Palm Springs home. The “secret room” is the location where JFK and Marilyn Monroe were rumored to have met. The Frank Lloyd Wright boardroom features an iconic conference table. A serendipitous find for Anthony, this Frank Lloyd Wright table now in the former master bedroom of the home, was part of FLW’s furniture line. As an extension of his architecture designs, the famous architect developed a furniture design as he began to dabble in interior design. The table was custom made for the Dutch National Bank. While researching furniture online, Anthony found the gem advertised for sale by the Dutch National Bank. Without hesitation, he purchased the table and had it shipped from the Netherlands to Greenwood, Indiana.
“Who better to bring in on this project than the son of the original architect of the home,” he says.
“Todd and his team of relentless workers have done a phenomenal job on restoring the original details of the house and in many cases improving upon them,” Bill says. “It has brought a lot of joy to our family to see the home reused as a conference center honoring my late father Harry Cooler. It is a real honor to have worked with such a detail-oriented and capable person such as Todd. This structure will now live on for “It’s authentic,” he says. “It’s stamped the next 50 years giving new purpose to the and numbered. It came with risers that “When I started this project, I set out City of Greenwood and to all its residents. were customized to accommodate the simply to save a house and it turned into a I look forward to sharing its new and characteristically tall Dutchmen.” story,” Anthony says. “I knew nothing about improved attributes.” the Mills family and nothing about Harry Perhaps one of the most special touches Cooler. I started researching and the history To make the railings, Anthony brought to the renovation is the railings added to unfolded in front of me.” in high profile metal fabricator Bo-Mar the upper level of the house. Though the Industries out of Beech Grove. The original home did not feature railings, they Anthony admits a penchant for Frank Lloyd company’s custom metal artwork has were required for general safety and to meet been part of projects locally like Lucas Oil Wright style architecture and the time period. code standards. Anthony tapped Bill Cooler, Stadium and worldwide at Disney. son of the home’s architect, Harry Cooler, to “It’s a generation I can really connect with,” design the railings. he says. “The period of prosperity and The enormous renovation project required the help of not only contractors but friends idyllic lifestyle are encapsulated here.” Dozens have shared comments about their and family. Many items were taken offsite connection to the house or the Mills family. and cleaned up at home. “There have been so many coincidences, connections made across generations and state lines, and memories shared about this house,” Anthony adds. “It’s all simply amazing. We’ve come into this project at the perfect time because these people are still around. So much has happened since Ernie Mills built the house and yet people are still sharing memories of cocktail parties and From start to finish, the surprises flooded in. other events at the house.” “Even my mom took some things home and cleaned them up,” Anthony says. “So many people were involved in this project from contractors, landscapers to friends and family. It was a fun and meaningful project for everyone and each one of them said they knew they were involved in something special.”
16 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atGreenwood.com
No one had more special memories to share than Ernie and Edith Mills’ daughter, Susan Mills England. Readers may remember she reached out from Ann Arbor, Michigan when a friend shared details about the first article in the series. She shared countless memories and a goldmine of photos from her father’s personal photo album. Many of those photos were digitized and can be found on the Cooler Conference Center website. Anthony connected with Mills England and was thrilled to give her a personal tour. “I was very happy to see that Todd is really ‘owning’ the restoration of my family’s home. He has spared no expense to ‘get it right’ and I love that,” Mills England says. “I’m sure my parents would be very pleased with his results.” Now that the project is complete, Anthony has finalized details for reservations. The Harry Cooler Conference Center will be used primarily as a business venue for conferences, banquets, fundraisers or corporate training and recognition events. Companies interested in exclusive memberships or sponsorships with the center are encouraged to visit the website coolercenter.org for details about making reservations and pricing. Corporate members and sponsors will have priority access to the facility for events. Charitable organizations are also encouraged to inquire about planning their fundraising events at the center. The Cooler Conference center will host open houses open to the public starting in January and many times throughout the year. Find details on the website along with links to all the social media pages. Fans of the Historic Mills House will be excited to know the house will be part of the Indiana Landmarks Back to the Future: A Mid-Century Modern Home Tour, May 30, 2020, from 1-6 PM. The 13th annual tour is primarily in the Homecroft/ Southport/Greenwood area and attracts more than a thousand guests. Details can be found on indianalandmarks.org. In the meantime, Anthony encourages everyone to keep sharing their stories and their connections to keep memories alive. “I’m just delighted to be part of this historical gift that’s so unique to Greenwood and it’s going to be shared for generations to come,” he says.
90% of women will have sole responsibility for their finances at some point in their lives.
DO YOU HAVE A PLAN? With our innovative and collaborative tools, I can help you create a personalized financial plan – to prepare for all that life has to offer. JILL GRIFFITH, AAMS® Financial Advisor
317.885.0114 | jill.griffith@raymondjames.com raymondjames.com/mcadamsandgriffith 701 E County Line Rd., Suite 302 | Greenwood
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HAIRCUTS NOW!
Make an Appointment Online! www.jonesbarbershop.com
Book Online For Your Convenience or Call Ahead For Availability
317-360-9470 | JonesBarberShop@icloud.com
801 Loews Blvd. Suite C Greenwood, IN 46142 Conveniently located across from the Greenwood Park Mall 18 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atGreenwood.com
317-797-4034 dallasn@johnsonsexcavating.com johnsonsexcavating.com PO Box 292 Bargersville 46106
Dallas and Amanda Johnson, with family
• Family owned & operated in Indiana for 30+ years • Residential & Commercial services • One stop shop for all of your excavating needs: water leaks | new water/sewer connections | sewer/water repairs | septic installation | footings | rough grading | house demolition | back fills | drainage installation | driveway removal | site preparation | land clearing | hauling • Give us a call to learn more about our other services
317-348-1855
5208 Commerce Square Drive Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46237 Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5:30pm Saturday 10am - 4pm
Indy’s hometown discount store offering 40% - 70% OFF retail on everything -- home goods and décor, tools, toys, bathroom vanities, tool chests, bedding, home improvement atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 19
LOCAL TATTOO ARTIST DOUBLES AS SANTA DURING THE HOLIDAYS Photography Provided by Rob Webb & Amy Counts
20 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atGreenwood.com
Tattoo and piercing artist, magician, DJ, and Santa? “Absolutely!” says Robert Webb, local Greenwood business owner. “They’re all forms of art.” Webb, blessed with artistic talent and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, trained as an apprentice for two years before opening Under Your Skin Tattoo and Body Piercing in 2009. In December of 2017, he moved his thriving business to 308 W. Main St. in downtown Greenwood. During his gigs as a lively and entertaining DJ, and given the uncanny resemblance, people would comment that he would make the perfect Santa. Webb took this advice to heart and availed himself to friends’ and families’ parties. Armed with a store-bought suit and wrap-around fake beard, he was a natural. Even his own daughter had no idea that the Santa to whom she just shared her wish list was, in fact, her dad. Over the years, word spread of his success as a charismatic, entertaining and engaging Santa and soon major malls came calling. His store-bought suit has been replaced with a grand custommade suit and his fake beard sits in the closet as he now sports a full and natural beard. “We want him!” declared a major central Indianapolis-area mall where you can visit Santa every day from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. When asked why he steps away from his business every year for a month, Webb simply states “It’s magical.” “Some of the most touching and memorable moments are the kids who tell me what they want for their mom and dad,” he says. On a lighter note, he chuckles and says, “My favorite are the screamers. I play along with that and those are the photos that the parents pick 100% of the time. The whole experience is a memory in the making and I’m happy to play a part for the families’ lifetime memories.” How long will he continue to be a part of the magic and memories? “Forever,” he says.
317-893-2709 • 707 South Madison Ave Suite W Greenwood M-F 9:30am - 8:00pm Sat: 9:00am -8:00pm and Sunday 10:00am -6:00pm
Bring in this ad and receive 10% OFF your purchase atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 21
COMPUTER HELP
CHURCH
FITNESS
Geek in Pink Computer Repair 996 S State Rd 135, Greenwood, IN 46143 317-882-1606 www.GeekinPink.com
Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus Lead Pastor: Danny Anderson Campus Pastor: Cody Johnson 1640 W Stones Crossing Rd 317-535-9673 www.eclife.org Facebook: www. facebook.com/eclife.org Instagram: @my_eclife
148 Wellness 500 S Polk St Suite 40 Greenwood IN, 46143 317-886-7319 148wellness.com facebook. com/148wellness Instagram. com/148wellness
Geek in Pink is your solution for home & small business tech-related needs - from setting up new computers to recovering lost email passwords, virus removal to smart-home setup, speeding up slow computers to disposing of old machines as you make way for new ones. We offer service at our Greenwood shop or by house call.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, you are welcome at Emmanuel Church. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we’re ready to come alongside you to help you take your next step. BOUTIQUE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Gigi’s Girl Boutique 500 Polk St. Suite 18 Greenwood, IN 46143 www.gigisgirlboutique. com facebook.com/ gigisgirlboutique instagram.com/gigisgirlboutique
VIP Home Solutions & Restoration, LLC. 310 W. Main St., Ste. 201 Greenwood, IN 46142 317-883-4847 www.vip-homesolutions. com Roofing – Siding – Windows – Gutters – Remodels – Water Restoration
At VIP, we believe that relationships are the heart of our business. When you call us for help with your home improvements concerns, we guarantee that we will find an answer. Our mission is to be your trusted source for honest, reliable, personal home repair and remodeling solutions.
With an affordable collection of boutique style clothing, Gigi’s Girl Boutique provides your wallet some relief from high ticket pricing. We specialize in quality fashion under $40, and not your cookie cutter designs. We are a pop-up style boutique that is open at least twice weekly -- one night a week and on Friday’s from 12-4pm. Check out our Facebook page to keep up to date on upcoming events. We are 2 sisters who love to help the community. We offer private shopping events for a girls night out and also fundraisers.
there were a 6th star, he’d get it. Mike is an absolute professional and was “Ifalways thinking two steps ahead of us. His attention to detail and responsiveness to any and all questions made for a very enjoyable transaction. If you have any real estate needs look no further. Thank you Mike. – Anthony E.
MIKE CAGLE 317.888.3311
F.C. Tucker Company Top Ten recipient nine consecutive years. South Office production for individual agents for thirteen years..
F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
TATTOOS & PIERCINGS Under Your Skin Tattoo & Body UNDER YOUR SKIN Piercing TATTOOS 308 W. Main St. AND PIERCINGS Greenwood, IN 46142 Piercer on staff Daily 317-721-9897 FAMILY FRIENDLY www.underyourskingreenwood.com DAVE, GARY, facebook.com/uysgreenwood RYAN, & ROB instagram.com/uysgreenwood 308 WEST MAIN ST GREENWOOD
MAILED MONTHLY TO MORE THAN 13,000 HOMES! FREDDA KOVACS
Questions about the real estate market? Please call me.
Call a local expert; Greenwood resident for 38 years, full time real estate professional for 36 years.
317-721-9897
We are an eclectic group of peopleWWW.UNDERYOURSKINGREENWOOD.COM with over 25 years of combined experience with a passion for art. We love to stretch the imagination and prefer to work with your custom ideas. We are also happy to boast that we feature an award-winning piercer on staff daily for all your exotic or basic piercing needs. Let us get UNDER YOUR SKIN.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION:
CRS, GRI / FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Mike.Cagle@TalkToTucker.com www.MikeCagle.com REALTORS
”
148 Wellness is an “all in one” private gym that offers 24/7 Gym Memberships, Group Fitness Classes, Personal Training, Semi-Private Training, Physical Therapy, and Counseling. A portion of the proceeds from 148 Wellness goes to 148 Ministries which help support and fund programs to help trafficked and addicted men and women.
PUBLISHER 317.402.3051 FREDDA@TOWNEPOST.COM atGreenwood.com! F T
22 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2019 / atGreenwood.com
MOTORCYCLES Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson® 4930 Southport Crossing Place Indianapolis, IN 46237 317-885-5180 www.SouthsideHarley.com facebook.com/SouthsideHarley instagram.com/SouthsideHarley For more than 70 years, we’ve had the honor & privilege of providing awardwinning motorcycle sales & service to our Indianapolis community. Our dedicated team has endured through four generations of family leadership, instilled with a culture that emanates the very family values upon which we were founded. Whether you’re just learning through our comprehensive Riding Academy or a seasoned member of our HOG community, you’re always family at Southside Harley-Davidson. REAL ESTATE Team Stiles – Compass Realty 4800 W. Smith Valley Rd., Ste. J Greenwood, IN 46142 317-883-9461 compassrealty.com
Real Estate in the Indy area is our specialty. Our team is committed to making the buying and selling of real estate a pleasurable and rewarding experience. ICE CREAM & GIFT SHOP Scoops & Treasures 300 Tracy Rd. New Whiteland, IN 46184 317-530-9900 facebook.com/scoopsandtreasures Open year round
36 flavors of hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream with a side of shopping. Soaps – Jewelry – Garden Décor – Gifts - Home Décor – Pet Items – Furniture – Clothing – Socks Upcoming events: Nov 23 Holiday Open House 12-8 Nov 29 Black Friday Sales 8a-12noon only Nov 30 Small Business Saturday Dec 6 Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus 5p-7pm atGreenwood.com / DECEMBER 2019 / GREENWOOD MAGAZINE / 23
COMPASS CARES...
PUTTING PEOPL BEFORE P E RO EVERY DAY FITS O THE YEAR! F
S CALL U A FOR TODAY FFER CASH O UR ON YO HOME! YOUR HOME’S VALUE INSTANTLY!
WWW.VALUESIN46142.COM
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH. . .
FIND YOUR NEXT HOME AT
WWW.FINDINDYAREAHOMES.COM 317-883-9461 | INFO@FINDINDYAREAHOMES.COM
Team
Stiles View Our 5-Star Reviews on Facebook & Google