All’s well in the village

By Nick McLain/Times Sentinel writer

The program for the Greater Zionsville Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony had a reassuring message atop it: “All’s Well in the Village.”

Despite the difficult economy, the mood at the Friday, Jan. 29, celebration was positive and festive in the Palomino Ballroom, 481 S. County Road 1200 East. No one was more festive than Carol Marquiss, who took home the Town Crier Award for her contributions to Zionsville.

When Zionsville Merchants Association Vice President Bob Goodman revealed Marquiss as the winner, a loud “Woo Hoo!” could be heard. The voice belonged, of course, to Marquiss, who rushed to the podium to accept.

Marquiss, who has lived in Zionsville since 2001, is president of the ZMA and branch manager at the State Bank of Lizton.

“I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more,” Goodman said. “She’s a remarkable woman, and there’s not enough you can say. She’s the anchor of the business community.”

Chamber Executive Director Ray Cortopassi termed her “the epitome of the community cheerleader.”

“She’s one of the biggest boosters that Zionsville businesses have,” he said. “It was pretty easy to select her for the recognition. She has this boundless energy, she’s authentic, she’s passionate, and that shows in everything she does.”

Chamber President Kent Esra agreed.

“Town Crier is exactly what she is,” Esra said. “That fits her perfectly. She’s tireless and works hard in everything she does.”

Marquiss said she has acted on the advice of the late Mary Jane Brown, who ran Brown’s on Fifth from 1945 to her death in 2005.

“She told me, ‘It’s one thing to live in a community, it’s another thing to be involved in the community,’” Marquiss said. “I took those words to heart.”

Marquiss also thanked the “dedicated, independent shop owners who put their hearts on the line to better this community.”

Zionsville Kiwanis Vice President Ruth Eskilson presented Fred Robbins with its Connelly Heroism Award. On Nov. 2, Robbins, who was taking his young daughter to the doctor, saved Lorraine Holland of Carmel out of a pond near U.S. 421 and Weston Pointe Drive.

With Holland’s vehicle submerged in the frigid water, Robbins grabbed a rock and shattered the window, pulled her from the vehicle and got her to dry ground.

“We are very proud of what you did, Fred,” Eskilson said.

Todd Schulte was the winner of the Community Foundation of Boone County’s Lionel Dubay Sports Award. The annual award is given to a resident who is active in promoting youth sports. Schulte is the vice chairman of the Zionsville Sports Alliance and coaches Little League.

He was instrumental in forming a partnership with the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department in using Mulberry Fields.

Schulte, a lifelong resident of Zionsville, thanked the parents and volunteers who facilitate the fun for the 3,400 kids who play youth sports.

“I really appreciate what we have in this community,” Schulte said.

Leigh Ann Akard, owner of Akard True Value Hardware, presented the Dahlia Award to Toni Peart, one of her employees. The award goes to a deserving employee of a Zionsville business.

“She is the most genuinely loving person I know,” Akard said.

Peart held back tears accepting the award.

“I love Zionsville,” Peart said. “There are so many beautiful people who live here.”

Tiffany Howard, along with other members of the Zionsville Fire Department Support Services, accepted the chamber’s Community Service Award.

Howard was joined on stage by Janice VanGorder, president of ZFD support services, along with Akard, Angie Gilliam, Heather Starwalt, Del Richey and Pam Gilmore.

VanGorder, wife of ZFD Chief James VanGorder, admitted she was “speechless” in accepting.

“I’m proud to call Zionsville Fire Department my family,” she said.

ZFD Support Services was created in December 1997 with the purpose of on-scene support in the form of rehabilitation supplies for emergency workers. It also has annual fundraisers, including a pancake breakfast, and awards a $1,000 scholarship to a Boone County student.

Other members of ZFD Support Services who were not present include Jane Winters, Karen Welch, Wendy Riedlinger, Alison Powers, Amber Turner, Carla Gauthier, Laura Collier, Lori Frost and Emily Kail.

Approximately 125 people attended the ceremony. The Brick Street Quartet, made up of Mark Edlin, Alex Young, Will Clapp and Drew Clayton, provided the music. Edlin, Young, Clapp and Clayton are all students at Zionsville Community High School.

Esra thanked those in attendance, especially Cortopassi.

“He was done great work for us,” Esra said. “He is taking the chamber to new levels.”

Cortopassi talked about the chamber initiatives, including the new branding logo for the town, an update to its Web site and partnerships with other area civic organizations, including the ZMA, Arts Initiative, Lions Club and Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also thanked Zionsville Town Council President Matt Price for the $30,000 the chamber received to use toward marketing the town.

Cortopassi said it was an enjoyable event.

“It was a nice night of energized people who had something to celebrate in a difficult economy,” he said. “We’re all grateful for the chance to be together and look at the positives that are happening in our community.”

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