June 2011

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Haven’t joined ZVRA yet? Just $10 single/$15 family to join, funds go toward all the community efforts and gatherings we coordinate! Click on the “How To Join” link for more information.

Saturdays Zionsville Farmer’s Market 8am to 11am all summer

Wednesdays Join your neighbors for an evening picnic and live music in Lincoln Park starting at 7:30pm throughout June and July

June 14th (Tuesday) Village Residents Association meeting 7:30pm at Eagle Creek Coffee on Main Street. All Welcome!

June 15th (Wednesday) VRA June Garden Club Meeting at 7pm

Zionsville has something for everyone this June! Visit our Happenings calendar to find out about all the great things going on in your town this month, including:
June 4th Azionaqua Community Day 10:30 to 8pm
June 7th Last day of school for ZCS schools
June 7th Get Medieval at the Library! Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library has gone medieval for their summer reading programs
June 11th SullivanMunce Gardens of Zionsville Tour
June 17th and 18th Relay For Life
June 20th to 25th Miss Indiana Pageant
June 24th Brick Street Art Walk 6-10pm
June 26th Maplelawn’s Farmstead Follies 2pm and 6pm

It isn’t any big news that the Village has some of the greatest neighbors in the world, and now that I have spent the last 2 months working on a new house and moving there, I can fully confirm this is the case. Living on Main Street has its own wonderful charm, and both Jenn and I loved being there. The people who lived around us are some of our very best friends and the opportunity for impromptu porch meals and parties was always there, and we have so many great memories from our 11 years there.

Now that we have moved on up to the west side of the village, I just feel like my group of great neighbors has expanded exponentially. We have been welcomed into our new neighborhood with open arms and have received great meals, flowers, cookies and plants—all welcoming us to our new home.

As most of you know, moving isn’t fun- nor is rehabbing an old house, but the rewards are great. And the last few months have been extremely difficult for us with the amount of work that we wanted to do to the house before we moved in and our deadline to be out of the old house. We asked a few people to help out with this, but mostly we just took advantage of all the great offers of help that we received from our village neighbors.

I am going take advantage of this platform to personally thank a few of the many people who helped out. We had a painting weekend, and I can’t thank enough all the folks who came and helped us out with that. Natalie Swindell, Greg and Jen Fraga, Bill and Vicki Burgman, Cassie Corya, Caron Peper and Randy Jordan all took valuable time out of their weekend to get our house all painted up.

Not too take too much advantage of any one group of people, when it came to the move, we got another big group of people to help us do that. I know how rough moving is and I don’t like to do it, so when we ask people to move, that is all we ask them to do… no packing, just moving—furniture and boxes only! Mark and Sally Zelonis were disappointed that there were no appliances… but those had already been moved. Dave and Robin Damm (and the whole Damm family) were of limitless help, as were Matt and Holly Sommers, Justin Peper, and our new next-door neighbor Tom. As always, our good friend Drew Kogan was there to not just help move, but to help with getting our things organized into properly and aesthetically pleasing arrangements.

This by no means is the end of the people who have helped us out with this huge project, and to thank them all might actually put a burden on the bandwidth of this website. But a huge thanks to all the people who have helped us with this new project of ours—you know who you are!

I do have one last special thanks to offer and that is to our dear friends, Brad and Monique Schnabel. Their friendship and good neighborliness has been unceasing since we moved to Zionsville all those years ago. They helped so much with getting our house ready to sell and taking care of our cats during showings and inspections, all the while, I don’t think they wanted us to go. Even though we live 3 whole blocks away now, we promise that we will not lose touch and our friendship and traditions will go on.

Chris Bucher
VRA President

by Heather Lusk

Whether you have your own children, grandchildren or other young visitors this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking for activities to satisfy a wide range of ages. The Zionsville area is teeming with ideas both indoors and out. In fact, there’s something for every day of the week that the entire family can enjoy.

Monday: Take advantage of beautiful weather and enjoy the free Summer Kids Koncerts at West Park (2700 West 116th St., Carmel). From 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on select Mondays through the summer these concerts are entertaining for very young children and parents alike and feature local children’s bands such as Ruditoonz. Concerts take place May 30, June 13, June 27, and July 18. For more information, go to www.carmelclayparks.com

If the weather is more frightful than delightful, try The Park inside Trader’s Point Christian Church (corner of I-65 and SR 334). The two-story indoor playground is best for kids ages 4-10 but even smaller children can enjoy the open gym. The Park is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: When the weather is hot, Mulberry Fields’ splash park is pure heaven (corner of Ford and Whitestown Roads). The park is open sunrise to sunset each day so it’s even a fun option for the entire family to cool off in the early evening. For older children who enjoy skateboarding, there is a concrete skatepark with a large bowl complex.

If an indoor outing is what you’d prefer, Earth Explorers (27 E. Pine St.) offers preschool craft classes the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10:30 – 11 a.m. Cost is $3 per child and reservations are recommended by calling 317-873-0200. A variety of Saturday activities are also available at Earth Explorers during the Farmers Market. www.earthexplorertoys.com

Wednesday: Starting at noon children age five and younger can jump, bounce and tumble at Interactive Academy’s Family Fun Playtime (3795 S. US 421). Kids follow an instructor through various gym equipment during the hour long session. Cost is $7 per child and the open gym takes place every Wednesday through the summer. Call 317-733-3000 for more details.

Summer concert series are all the rage in Indiana, and Wednesday nights in Zionsville are no exception. Lincoln Park summer concerts play in the gazebo from 7:30 -8:40 p.m. throughout the months of June and July. Bring a blanket, picnic and your dancing shoes. Or better yet, grab a carryout meal from a number of Village restaurants.

Thursday: Spend a pleasant afternoon outdoors at Lion’s Park enjoying a playground in the sun or shade, or bring your own equipment to play basketball, tennis, sand volleyball or even horseshoes. Then take a walk along Eagle Creek and under the bridge to adjoining Creekside Nature Park on the other side of SR 334. As an added challenge, search for the trees for which Village streets are named. A map of the park with trees identified is available at www.ZionNatureCenter.org by selecting “Trail Maps.”

For your miniature princess, Beef and Boards Theater (9301 N. Michigan Rd.) will be presenting Cinderella through July 1. The musical adaptation by Rogers and Hammerstein is an entertaining performance that even many preschoolers can appreciate, with no scary scenes. Shows start at 8 p.m. most nights with matinees on Wednesday and Sunday. A buffet meal served beforehand is included and children ages 3-15 receive $10 off the ticket price when you request their children’s promotion by calling 317-872-9664.

Friday: Regardless of weather, Trader’s Point Creamery (9101 Ford Rd.) is the place to be on Friday evenings. Dinner is served on the deck complete with music and amazing atmosphere. There is even a farmer’s market of local produce. Family friendly with something for everyone, the market begins at 4 p.m., buffet dinner starts at 5 p.m. and the music soon follows. In case of rain, the entire evening will take place in the property’s big red barn.

Saturday: Carter’s Ice Cream Parlor (91 S. Main St.) boasts an old time jukebox featuring a small electronic band and their leader “playing” the tunes. Sitting on a counter stool, digging away at a dish of delicious ice cream, toes find it impossible not to tap to “Flying Purple People Eater” and other 50s favorites. The museum itself features bumper cars in a basement filled with coin operated rides and a carousel on the third floor. Bring lots of quarters. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Outdoor activities abound every Saturday through the summer. June alone boasts something different each week.

• June 4 is community day at local pool Azionaqua (4875 Willow Rd.). It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the pool and decide if an annual membership is right for your family. Call 317-873-3913 for more information.
• June 11 take a long walk through the Village and tour local gardens at the same time. The SullivanMunce Museum Guild’s Gardens of Zionsville tour takes place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and showcases gardens and grounds of six local properties. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, with children age 10 and under being $5. Advance purchase tickets are available at several locations including the museum (225 W. Hawthorne St.) and Akard True Value Hardware (25 Boone Village Shopping Center). Also benefiting the Museum Guild that weekend on both Saturday and Sunday is CreativiTEA at Serenity (135 S. Main St.). Ages 12 and older can enjoy tea and channel their inner artist to create pieces using a variety of materials. Cost is $38 for adults and $24 for those younger than 18. Make reservations by calling Serenity at 873-5590.
• June 18 and 19 events begin on Saturday at Ballerinas and Bruisers (180 S. Main St.) with “Tie Dye Tees and Tots.” For $10 your child will be treated to something tie dye, cupcakes and face painting. Preregister at the store or by calling 317-733-3400. The next day march your Fido or Fluffy down Main Street for the annual Pet Parade. Register at various Zionsville merchants including Jewel Box Jewelers (100 S. Main St.). The parade starts in front of The Sanctuary (75 N. Main St.) and ends by The Friendly Tavern (290 S. Main St.).
• June 25 at noon is the Miss Indiana parade through downtown Zionsville followed by an autograph signing at various Village merchants. The Miss Indiana finals will be held at 7 p.m. at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center (Zionsville Community High School, 1000 Mulberry St.). Tickets may be purchased online at www.MissIndianaPageant.com.

Sunday: Mentally prepare for the start of the week on Sunday by relaxing as a family. Simply Yoga (260 S. First St. – 317-938-5794) offers a Family Yoga class on Sunday afternoons from 3 – 4 p.m. While best for ages 6 and up, contact the studio if you have questions about age appropriateness. Cost is $24 per family and walk-ins are welcome.
Every Sunday in July young and old alike can enjoy the free Sunday concert series presented by the Zionsville Lions Club. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Lions Park gazebo. Food and drinks are available for purchase on site, with proceeds going to the Lions Club in support of the park.

Looking for a good book to read this summer? Here is what a few of your fellow villagers have been reading.

Beth Bugbee (Village Voice Co-Editor) – Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Ishmael is a gorilla that is looking for a student (human) to share his knowledge of the universe. It sounds like a strange novel, but after a few pages it was totally believable. Through a series of meetings and questions, Ishmael explains to his student the concepts of Takers and Leavers as well as what our future may become. I loved this book because it helped me examine my perceptions. As each question was asked, I developed my own answer. I enjoy books that look at issues from a different perspective than my own. This book stayed with me long after I finished reading the last page.

Carrie Ciula (Backyard Delights Columnist) – I recently wrapped up reading ‘Gaia’s Garden’ by Toby Hemenway. For any person interested in creating/supporting more of a functional, self-sustaining, chemical free and food laden space surrounding their home– this book is a jewel. It is information packed, teaching how to design and grow a home garden using permaculture and ecologically sound gardening techniques. Aside from (only) providing the reader with a plethora of great ideas that the author has implemented with success, he really maps out the reasoning behind his rhymes and rhythms. Much enjoyed this read, and plan on incorporating a few of his strategies into my own yard space.

Caron Peper (Village Voice Co-Editor) – I just finished reading “One Thousand White Women” by Jim Fergus. It is a fictional story about the US government “trading” one thousand white women (in exchange for horses) to the Cheyenne Indians in 1875 to help them integrate into our society. It is written as a journal by one of the women. I borrowed it from a fellow villager and although it is taking me months to read it because I’m just plain busy with other things. It is an interesting book and I enjoy the wide range of characters surrounding the journal writer. .

by Sarah Zack

by Carrie Ciula

Carrie Ciula is a writer, educator and mind/body therapist, focusing on health and sustainability through indigenous nutrition and vibrational medicine. (Learn more at www.carrieciula.com)

When walking through a forest~ or any other natural place that radiates abundance~ I feel most alive. I know that I am far from alone when I write that I deeply sense the power behind and artistry within the way ‘eco~pieces’ fit so perfectly into a rich and dynamic whole. I lack an adequate description for how this harmony puts me at ease……
While enjoying the nutritionally rich ‘sparkle’ of a salad that was collected five minutes before meal time (when much of the produce at the market was grown a month ago) and curtailing grocery bills are both notable benefits of foraging~ one of the greatest treasures of collecting and eating wild foods is of a soulful and mindful nature. Foraging reminds us that our food is not created in a factory or a supermarket. It is created by our Earth…and it reconnects us in a deep and sustaining way~ going far beyond the boundaries of physical nutrition. No advancement in science can make this variety of beautiful connection obsolete. While the below is about dining directly from Earth’s garden, if you have skills at reading between the lines, you’ll recognize a very sincere plea for less consumption and more self-reliance. I encourage all of us to do all that we can do to nourish ourselves, our children the planet that nourishes us all……
……dig up, dig in, ‘re~wild’ yourself…..and enjoy!!!

Wild Spinach
(Also frequently called Lambsquarters)

This quick and simple recipe would be great for an afternoon (or evening at Lincoln Park for a Wednesday night concert) picnic. This recipe came from www.cookingnook.com

Salad
– 8 ounces assorted lettuces, torn into bite size pieces
– 8 ounces fresh spinach, torn into bite size pieces
– 1 medium avocado, peeled and sliced or chopped
– 1/2 pint strawberries, halved or sliced if they are larger
– 1/2 cantaloupe, scooped into balls
– 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
– 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced

Dressing
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup tarragon vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon grated onion
– 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon onion salt

Combine the lettuces, spinach, avocado, strawberries, cantaloupe, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and mushrooms in a large salad bowl.Place all of the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to mix. Pour over salad when ready to serve.

These Safety Tips and Indiana Laws were obtained from the IDHS website. Go to www.in.gov/dhs for more information. The town of Zionsville does not have any additional ordinances regarding fireworks.

Fireworks Safety Tips
– Never let children handle, play with, or light any fi.reworks.
– Store fi.reworks in a cool, dry place out of children’s reach.
– Always purchase your .fireworks from licensed .fireworks dealers.
– Use a clear, open area. Keep audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
– Never attempt to re-light, alter, or .fix any .firework item.
– Have a .fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
– Be cautious of lighting any .fireworks during strong wind conditions and light .fireworks
with wind blowing away from the spectators.
– Never aim, point, or throw .fireworks at another person.
– Always use .fireworks outdoors.

Indiana Consumer “Class C” Fireworks Laws
1. Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older.
2. Children may only possess or use any kind of .fireworks when an adult is present.
3. Fireworks may be used:
– on the user’s property (this includes any “remains” of the fireworks)
– on the property of someone who has consented to the use of .fireworks on that property (this includes any “remains” of the fireworks)
– at a special discharge location (this includes any “remains” of the fireworks)

• special discharge location = a place designated for the discharge of consumer .fireworks under temporary policies of the State Fire Marshal

4. consumer .fireworks may be used only between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
on days other than holidays.
– On holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve), .fireworks may be used between 9:00 a.m. and midnight.