We have several key things this month, from heavy trash pickup to Eagle Elementary treats to a zoning update. The newsletter ends with fun information about the Indiana State Fair. If you’ve never been, consider it. There are plenty of things to do for all ages, and a multitude of free things to experience.
First and foremost, I appreciate those who are members of the Village Residents Association. We make sure residents are informed of town happenings as well as providing information about our community. We’ve recently made an effort to increase our social events, but our main goal is always to be a source of information.
Our next meeting is September 19 for a tour of SullivanMunce (including the incredibly vast and private archives upstairs) and learning to research your home’s history.
October 3 and October 24 will be two separate forums with different town council candidates. The forum is open to all residents to help us make an informed decision.
Heather Lusk
From Town Councilor Josh Garrett:
July is traditionally a slow month for Town Council activities. This year is no exception, and our first meeting of the month was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The second meeting featured only one agenda item, which was the approval of a settlement with Ice America. Ice America is the vendor that was contracted by the Parks Department to create an ice rink for WinterFest this past December.
My understanding of this situation is that Ice America had their email server hacked and a fraudulent email was sent by the hackers to the Town asking for payment to go to a different account than the one on file. That request was complied with by the Town and the money was electronically transferred to the hackers and not to Ice America. This settlement was meant to share fault in this theft of funds and reiterates the importance of financial controls that need to be in place for this type of fraud.
It is also an important reminder for individuals to ensure they have their own personal information locked down, so it doesn’t happen to you personally. Identity theft thieves are incredibly sophisticated and smart and will use different avenues to trick their victims from phone calls to emails to text messages. This will inevitably get more advanced as AI that can mirror writing styles and even voices will become cheaper and more readily available.
As a reminder, the Town will never call you asking for personal or banking information. If you ever have any concerns, I recommend stopping by Town Hall and speaking to someone live.
I read on my recent vacation that no other candidates have filed to run for Mayor in the November election, which makes John Stehr the Mayor-Elect. I’ve chosen to not use this platform to endorse any specific candidates but given he’s running unopposed I think it’s okay for me to comment. I’ve gotten o know John through his work on the Parks Board and during his campaign and I think he’ll make an excellent Mayor for Zionsville. His residency in the Village should also ensure this area continues to see investments in infrastructure and other areas. Even with just one candidate for Mayor, I encourage each of you to vote on November 7th as you need to decide your next Town Council representation.
Eagle Treats
Hi Village neighbors! I’m helping the PTO stock the teachers’ lounge at Eagle Elementary with snacks before the start of the school year. This is a great way to welcome them back and show we appreciate all they do for our kids and community.
If you’d like to help, please grab something on your next trip to Target/Costco/grocery and drop it off at my house on your way home. We’re planning to deliver the initial wave the first week of school (August 14).
Ideas for Snacks: Granola bars, popcorn bags, trail mix, pretzels, protein bars, cookies, etc.
Dropoff Location: 180 S. 2nd St – there is a labeled bin outside on the front porch. I’m also happy to come to you – simply reach out!
Thank you so much for your help!
Alana Evans (questions? Contact president@zvra.com and your message will be forwarded)
Zoning Update – from Heather Lusk:
Anyone who has read this monthly newsletter, attended any VRA meetings, or even noticed the postcard invitation from the town in 2021 knows there has been discussion about updating Zionsville’s zoning. For everyone else, there are a myriad of reasons why the zoning requires an update, one of which is the current version has become cumbersome, inconsistent, and confusing after annexations of surrounding communities when their zoning was added to ours.
The new zoning draft is being reviewed by the plan commission. Last month VRA newsletter recipients received an email offering to consolidate Village input and comments about the document, and I appreciate everyone who provided thoughts. I had a productive discussion with the plan commission contact and a helpful contact from Mike Dale (community & economic development director). The revised document will be available to the public hopefully within the next month or two, and the town is considering the expense of another postcard mailing so that residents are aware they can provide input.
I strongly encourage anyone who would like to provide input to do their homework first. I and others who have been involved in zoning discussions for several years would be happy to share the background of these meetings with McKenna and town, in addition to the old versus new zoning and the facts about how it impacts the Village. When communicating feedback to town leaders, it’s always more helpful to be educated and informed rather than feed upon rumors and misinformation.
Heavy Trash Pickup
Starting the week of August 7, heavy trash pickup returns to Zionsville. This is an opportunity for residents to dispose of items not normally accepted by weekly trash service. It continues through the week of August 28. Items must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. on your non-recycle week to guarantee collection.
Residents may place up to three heavy trash items curbside on each of the two non-recycle weeks in August. There is no weight limit. Tires and refrigerant-bearing appliances
Mattresses, TVs, and appliances not containing a refrigerant are allowed. Paint cans are not allowed. Oil paints can be disposed during ToxDrop days, and latex paint should be dried completely before placing in a trash bag for regular trash pickup.
Not sure about the service district? Click here for a map of rural vs. urban districts.
Zionsville trash and recycling customers served by Priority Waste may schedule bulk or heavy item collection at any time here.
Tires and Refrigerant-Bearing Appliances
To dispose of used tires and refrigerant-bearing appliances, residents must contact the DPW at (317) 873-4544 prior to collection date to provide their address, item(s) to be collected and day of collection.
Appliances containing a refrigerant do not need to be purged prior to pick-up and will be properly recovered and disposed of upon collection.
Visit the Indiana State Fair in August
Where else in the world can watch goat agility, enjoy a Nuttellaphant ear, visit a butterfly garden, then finish the night with a free concert?
The Indiana State Fair of course.
The theme, “Celebrating Basketball: The State that Grew the Game,” promises to provide a huge amount of information about the sport’s influence on Hoosier history. Although the game was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, the inventor of the game once remarked that Indiana “took the ball and ran with it.”
The Indiana State Fair runs from July 28 to August 20, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours generally run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., open one hour later Thursday through Saturday. For those with school-aged children, the state fair has generally been a challenge to visit. This year’s later start for Zionsville schools means families can end their summer with fun at the fair.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or for a discount online rate beforehand. Children under five are free. One of the best deals is $3 Thursday, with that low price for admission, fair rides, and one special food item at most vendors.
From the Village, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the fairground’s central parking lot. Or park on the south side of 38th Street which generally allows faster entry. Consider biking along the Monon to the Fairgrounds to receive $1 off admission with a “pedal and park” deal.
This year the state fair has a new bag policy, limiting the size of bags allowed onto fairgrounds below 9”x10”x12”. Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are allowed. Among the list of items not allowed: pets (even emotional support animals), drones, hard-sided coolers, and beach balls.
Food is always part of the fun of the fair. A trip to the Dairy Barn is generally key, with the best milkshake made from fresh cream. For others, a visit isn’t complete without a tenderloin from the Indiana Pork Tent or steak from Indiana Ribeye. Find more options on this section of the State Fair site. New foods include a combination elephant ear / Nutella concoction, mac and cheese in an empanada, and Bratchos – a version of nachos with bratwurst.
A wide range of performers are always at the fair (The Beatles even played here in 1964). Concerts are free with admission, and seats are first-come first-served.
Thrill seekers (or just young kids wanting to ride a Ferris wheel) should visit the Midway which opens in the afternoon. Tickets aren’t cheap, so consider visiting on Thursday when rides are $3 each, or purchasing a wristband for unlimited rides. Armchair thrill enthusiasts may prefer the free Extreme Pogo Stunt Team, which performs daily in The Backyard.
Of course, the entire reason for the State Fair isn’t about delicious food or entertainment. It’s about kids. Spend some time at the exhibits around the fairgrounds to appreciate the talent of Indiana’s youth. The indoor buildings house 4H entries like photography, cake decorating, Lego building, and garden foods, and are an ideal respite midday.
The livestock barns rotate animals periodically as events change. It’s the spot to experience a close-up view of chickens, alpacas, cows, and pigs. Over the years when walking through these barns, we’ve happened upon unique experiences like sheep being sheared, llama agility (similar to dog agility), and best-in-show for cats.
Visit the State Fair website to learn which animals are at the fair on which dates, and the specific schedule of 4H events.
The Indy Star has a very comprehensive list of everything you need to know here.