Tuesday, April 8, 2025
TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE
A REWARDING MOVE
Noblesville uses incentives program to attract new residents / P14
Initial Embrace
Downtown designs revealed / P2
Development therapist helps parents succeed / P6
Fairyville returns to Noblesville / P10
Noblesville Preservation Alliance to hold inagural gala / P13
7 Piece Set:
1 dining table, 6 arm chairs with pads
THE HIXON
5 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel chairs, coffee table, nesting side table
THE BAINBRIDGE
3 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel gliders
LEEWARD SECTIONAL
7 Piece Set: 1 Sectional (4 pcs), 1 Swivel Chair, 1 End Table, 1 Cocktail Table
WATCH A MESSAGE FROM KAREN:
About us
Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 26
Copyright 2023 Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
Contact the editor
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact the Managing Editor Jessica Todd at jessica@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 You also may submit information at currentnoblesville. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Share your thoughts
Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the Noblesville market (22,087 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Noblesville advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.
Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com
Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com
Delivery questions circulation@youarecurrent.com
Join our community facebook.com/currentinnoblesville x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent
Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Southwest corner of 116th & I-69
Try our Campfire Pizza!
The pizza that won the Best Classic Pizza in America at the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy!
Initial Embrace Downtown designs revealed
INFRASTRUCTURE news@currentnoblesville.com
Initial design concepts for Embrace Downtown, a multiphase project that will include critical infrastructure, pedestrian safety and beautification upgrades to the downtown area, were revealed during a public open house March 27 at City Hall.
At the open house, project team members presented design concepts and gathered feedback from the public on how the city can make downtown more pedestrian-friendly.
“Embrace Downtown is an important project for Noblesville’s future,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “We want to create an environment that encourages people to stay in downtown Noblesville longer and make it a more welcoming and accessible environment for all.”
It has been 35 years since the city’s last major infrastructure upgrade, according to city officials. Noblesville Common Councilmember Aaron Smith said the city needs to invest in downtown Noblesville’s sewers, roadways and sidewalks.
“I look forward to continuing these important conversations with residents along with building and business owners to identify a solution that not only enhances our
visible environment with more bricks, trees and green spaces, but also strengthens the critical infrastructure below for generations to come,” Smith stated.
City officials will release final designs for the project’s first phase and more details about other phases later this year.
The design team is considering all feedback on initial concepts to help further refine the project scope and schedule.
A second public open house will take place in the fall, and community members can visit EmbraceDowntownNoblesville. com to request a meeting with a project team member. Noblesville Community Relations Manager Aaron Head also has standing office hours from 2 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday at Noble Coffee & Tea, 933 Logan St.
Legacy Christian School to hold inaugural golf outing
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Legacy Christian School, a nondenominational, private Christian school in Noblesville for children from preschool through 12th grade at 470 Lakeview Dr., will host its inaugural golf outing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 12 at Purgatory Golf Club, 2160 E. 216th St. Autumn Strong, who is part of the school’s development team and the school’s principal Todd Strong’s wife, said funds from the event will go in the
FUNDRAISER
school’s annual fund, which focuses on four main areas: extracurriculars; a new high school commons area; increased compensation and added benefits for staff; and marketing efforts to expand community awareness.
John Crabtree, Legacy Christian School’s development director, said the fund was created in July 2024.
“Our annual fund goes toward making up the difference in terms of our tuition and our total operating costs,” Crabtree said. “It also supports things like advancing curriculum and increasing faculty support, enhancing technology and other operation-
al needs that we have.”
The fundraiser will have a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Following golf, there will be a lunch and a silent auction. The outing is a four-person scramble, and teams of four can sign up for $1,000. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
“I’m thinking this will become an annual event for us in the spring,” Crabtree said. “It’s an opportunity for people to invite their friends and businesses and for our community to learn what Legacy Christian School is about.”
For more, visit legacychristianschools. org/support/golf.
Design concept for 9th Street between Conner Street and Logan Street. (Rendering courtesy of Ratio Architects)
SERVE Noblesville to present FUN Fest, culture fair
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Serve Noblesville’s FUN Fest, in partnership with the Noblesville Mayor’s Student Cultural Fair, returns from 6 to 8 p.m. April 18 at the Noblesville Community Center, 1775 Field Dr.
The sixth annual event, which focuses on food, unity and bringing neighbors together, is a night for the community to experience the different cultures in Noblesville. The night features food trucks, live music and interactive booths, among other activities.
Serve Noblesville Executive Director Patrick Propst said culture has shaped Noblesville for 200 years.
“We want that evolving cultural presence to be seen at the event,” Propst said. “There are 50 different languages spoken at the local high school, so the event is about finding an opportunity for neighbors to come together and celebrate who we are as a community.”
Serve Noblesville began collaborating with the Mayor’s Youth Council on the event two years ago.
“The youth council is a group of about 30 students that work with the mayor’s office, and they have about five or six projects they identify throughout the year,” Propst said. “They wanted to create a cultural celebration with student groups from the high school, and the mayor said they should partner with (us). So, we’re just building synergy around this common idea.”
Serve Noblesville encourages groups citywide to participate, while the youth council gets student groups involved. Propst said it is important that families and small organizations run most of the booths.
“We want them to give a taste or flavor of their culture by bringing some sort of food sample or item,” Propst said. “We help to fund (what they bring) through (our) budget and some grants we receive. We also want them to tell their story through information cards, posters, clothing, games or anything unique to their culture.”
Sponsorships are available for $250, which reimburses participants and materials for the event. For more, visit servenoblesville.com/fun-fest.
In partnership with the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation and in honor of its founder, John Andretti, join us for Riverview Health’s Drive2Detect!
A night of exotic cars, local cuisine and great race-themed experiences, all in a unique atmosphere. Help us in our mission to increase colon cancer awareness and raise funds to provide no-cost colonoscopies and post-diagnosis support to those who cannot otherwise afford it.
Tickets are now available! Simply scan the QR code or visit drive2detect.com to reserve your place. A limited number of VIP Access tickets to meet Jarett Andretti are available only while they last!
May 17, 2025
6:00 to 11:00 P.M.
Motor District Garage Condos
Westfield, IN
Around 100 protestors stand outside a town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz in Westfield March 28. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Constituents deliver boos to Spartz at Westfield town hall
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz wants to have a conversation.
POLITICS
That was the overarching sentiment of the congresswoman — who represents Indiana’s 5th District — as she faced down more than 300 residents during a town hall meeting March 28 at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield.
The rowdy crowd was mostly unfriendly toward the Noblesville Republican, now in her third term, during a two-hour question and answer exchange on topics like President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency, the Department of Education, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the budget, taxes, immigration, tariffs and the war between Russia and Ukraine. The majority of the crowd booed and jeered throughout the session as Spartz answered questions.
Spartz began the discussion talking about the budget. She said the 2024 budget includes a $2 trillion shortfall — one that cannot be fixed unless and until Congress learns to work together. Spartz said the success of the country depends on members of both sides of the aisle coming together for a conversation.
“No one wants to work with President Trump,” she said. “Democrats do not want to work on (bipartisanship). We must keep promises to people — that’s what has to happen.”
While Spartz took several questions throughout town hall, she offered few solutions, instead leaning back into the message that Congress cannot function properly while hopelessly divided.
On health care and the potential for Trump to seek to close the CDC, Spartz said the agency was caught unprepared during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to make sure (agencies) are held accountable, and that is no longer the case anymore,” she said.
When asked about the deportation of undocumented immigrants or noncitizens with legal status, Spartz’s answers became impossible to decipher when the crowds’ boos drowned her out after she said those who break the law would face consequences.
Asked if she would support an independent judiciary, Spartz sidestepped the question to reiterate that Congress needs to focus on working together. She said while she’s not always in favor of President Trump’s executive orders, until Congress can work together, the orders are one of the few ways that things can get done.
“My oath is to the Constitution and I take it very seriously,” Spartz said. “A lot of things that President Trump does, I do not like. But Congress (is) a broken system.”
Members of the audience were briefly in agreement with Spartz as she chastised Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. But, things changed quickly when she expressed support for Trump dealing personally with Vladimir Putin.
More than 100 protestors stood outside the IMMI center with signs chanting “do your job” as Spartz spoke inside. Dozens of people stood up and walked out about halfway through the town hall.
The Westfield Police Department was on hand at the event, where there were no disturbances outside of the jeers of the crowd.
Therapist helps parents succeed
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A local developmental therapist wants to make a difference in parents’ lives.
PARENTING
Rose Howell, a Carmel resident, founded Bud and Blossom Kids in 2024, which offers parent coaching, playgroups at Compassionate Roots in Noblesville and a parenting club. She said she started the organization to make parenting less stressful, isolating and anxiety-inducing.
“My background is in teaching and school administration, and the more I worked with families, the more I realized how stressed out parents are,” Howell said. “Bud and Blossom Kids came from a desire to help alleviate some of that stress.”
Howell recently launched a coaching package geared toward helping families prepare for having another baby.
“I think it’s a major transition, and navigating having two kids instead of just one is a big shift,” Howell said.
Howell offers playgroups for children
2 1/2 to 6 years old and their parents at Compassionate Roots in Noblesville, a nature-based counseling practice.
“We meet every Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 in the morning, and I do my best to strike a balance between having structure and being freeform enough to observe each child,” Howell said.
Howell also offers 1-on-1 parent coaching and a parenting club.
For more, visit budandblossomkids.com.
JOIN US AT CAMP CATHEDRAL!
Rose Howell reads to a child during playgroup. (Photo courtesy of Rose Howell)
Rise up for Kids returns April 24
By Les Morris news@Currentinwestfield.com
One of the nation’s most prominent advocates for child sexual abuse prevention education will be in Carmel this month.
FUNDRAISER
Thirty-eight states, including Indiana, have adopted a form of “Erin’s Law,” named after Erin Merryn, whose story of survival was the driving force behind the legislation that mandates the education in schools.
“We know that early education and intervention can save lives,” Peregrin said. “So, if we can reach our fundraising goal, we can expand our programs and protect more youth across the state of Indiana.”
The agency serves 11 central Indiana counties and 115 schools each year. In the 2023-24 school year, Peregrin said ICPYAS presented information to 89,000 students.
Merryn will serve as the keynote speaker at the 14th annual Rise Up for Kids Breakfast set for 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 24 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, a statewide organization dedicated to empowering youth and adults to recognize, prevent and respond to child abuse and suicide.
ICPYAS Executive Director Melissa Peregrin said the goal of the breakfast is to have 200 people attend and raise $30,000.
Peregrin said that one in 10 children experience some form of sexual abuse prior to their 18th birthday, and the rate for girls is a 1 in 4.
“Just like you teach your kids to put a helmet on when they ride a bike, we teach them how to keep their bodies safe,” Peregrin said.
Erin’s Law requires schools to implement programs that teach students in grades K-12 techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and the proper way to disclose that information. ICPYAS’s delivery system includes age-appropriate videos and a toolkit for educators.
For more, visit indianaprevention.org/ events.
Peregrin
Eagles softball pitcher a hit at mound and plate
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School junior softball player Leah Helton’s talent as a pitcher was evident at a young age.
“When I was younger, I didn’t hit that often,” she said. “When I got to high school, I developed more as a hitter and that led into travel softball, too.”
Helton hit .429 last season, but it’s her pitching that still draws the most attention. She has already accepted a scholarship to play for Indiana University.
“She’s been working a ton on her individual strength and endurance as well as her pitch development,” Eagles coach Mike Garrett said. “She’s been pitching since her freshman year. Last year, we were able to give her offense to back up her pitching. That turned our record around. We’ll be a very competitive team with her arm leading the way. We have the bats now and upperclassmen in the lineup to give her
LEAH HELTON
Favorite subject: English
Favorite TV show: “Gilmore Girls”
Favorite musician: SZA
Favorite vacation spot: Cancun
some run support.”
Last season, the right-handed Helton had a 9-3 record with a 1.52 earned run average and 155 strikeouts. She allowed only 22 walks.
“She has great control,” Garrett said. “We’ll try to keep her fresh for conference games and the postseason.”
Helton said she has worked hard in the weight room.
“I definitely got a lot stronger than I was
Zionsville Community High School junior pitcher
Leah Helton has committed to Indiana University. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS athletics)
last year,” she said. “I definitely prioritized weightlifting and I’ve seen that help my game a lot.”
Strength training has enabled Helton to hit for more power.
“For pitching, I feel like I’ve been able to change speeds better than last year,” she said.
The 5-foot-9 Helton said she is optimistic about the team’s improvement this season, too.
“Having a lot of seniors puts you in a good position because everyone is used to the speed of varsity (play),” she said. “I’m looking forward to competing against a lot
of teams and upholding the reputation we created last year. Our defense is a lot more experienced than last year. If there is a year to get far (in the IHSAA Class 4A tournament), I think it could definitely be this year. A goal for us would be to win state. I think we have the potential to beat any team in Indiana.”
Helton started playing softball at age 7. She played several sports, but softball and cheerleading were her main activities.
“I quit cheer after elementary school to focus on softball,” she said. “In middle school, I did cross country for a year. But I decided I liked practicing for softball a lot more.”
Helton, who plays club softball for the Indiana Magic Gold 16-and-under team, committed to play for IU in October 2024.
“I really liked that IU was close to home, so my parents could watch me play,” she said. “I also really clicked with the coaching staff. I liked how high energy they were because that’s something important for me.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
IndianaSpineGroup.com/Swiatek
•
•
•
•
Helton
Fairyville returns to Noblesville
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
EXPERIENCE
The 13th annual Noblesville Creates Fairyville returns to downtown Noblesville April 23 through 26. In honor of Earth Day, the event features a fairy house-building contest, a fairy house trail, tea parties, vendors and a parade, among other fairy-themed activities.
Aili McGill, executive director of Noblesville Creates, a nonprofit arts organization, said in addition to several returning activities, she looks forward to enhancements to Fairyville After Dark, an adults-only VIP event from 7 to 10 p.m. April 25.
“This year, Fairyville After Dark is our fundraising portion of the event, and the ticket sales help us ensure that we can provide the Fairyville Trail experience for free,” McGill said. “The folks at Bar Ellis have agreed to host our VIP experience, and they’ll be providing signature cocktails to VIP ticket holders and some Bar Ellis brand snacks. Attendees will also hang out in their patio area and enjoy fairy-themed entertainment.”
Anyone wanting to submit a fairy house for the Fairyville Trail must do so by 5 p.m. April 19. For more, visit noblesvillecreates. org/fairyville.
2025 FAIRYVILLE SCHEDULE:
April 23 and 24: From noon to 5 p.m. at 107 S. 8th St., attendees can vote for their favorite fairy house and participate in fairy-themed crafts.
April 25:
• Noon to 9 p.m.: Fairy-themed crafts at Noblesville Creates.
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Free face painting.
• 6 to 9 p.m. at Gal’s Guide Library: The Best Art winner from Comic Book in a Day 2025 will show attendees how to draw capybaras and other fairy-related items.
• 6 to 8 p.m.: Music with Mas Calypso.
• 6 to 7 p.m.: Acro & Flow (Hand-to-hand acrobatics & fire performing).
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Fairy beer by Four Day Ray for sale.
• 1 to 9 p.m.: Walk the Fairyville Trail, find all the fairy houses and see self-directed nature-themed activities and demonstrations by local environmental groups in the alley between the East Bank Apartments.
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Meet fairies along the Fairyville Trail.
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Find fairy-themed vendors.
on the Courthouse Square. April 26:
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Fairy-themed crafts at Noblesville Creates.
• 1 p.m.: Earth Celebration Parade featuring drummers from Noblesville High School.
• 2:30 p.m.: Fairy house contest awards.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Glass-blowing demonstration with Patty Kluzinger.
• 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Harp music from Sara Walthery.
• 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Dulcimer music from Susan Kraeszig.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gal’s Guide Library: The Best Art winner from Comic Book in a Day 2025 will teach attendees how to draw capybaras and other fairy-related items.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Walk the Fairyville Trail, find all the fairy houses and see self-directed nature-themed activities and demonstrations by local environmental groups in the alley between the East Bank Apartments.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Meet fairies along the Fairyville Trail.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Find fairy-themed vendors on the Courthouse Square.
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Bach 2 Rock student and teacher bands will perform.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Clowning with Bill Wilkison.
• 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.: Tea parties at Hamilton County Artists’ Association, 195 S. 5th St. Registration required.
Attendees visit a vendor at a previous Fairyville event. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Creates)
David Weekley Homeowner
Molly Brammer
Noblesville teen grows business
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville resident Brody Melson, 13, is continuing to grow the business he started when he was 10 years old.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Brody runs Bricks Made Better, a small business where he designs earrings, keychains and ornaments out of Lego pieces. He looks forward to participating in the Noblesville Farmers Market in May and recently sold items at the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Business event. His mom, Kerri Melson, said Brody initially approached her about starting an Etsy business.
“I told him I didn’t really have time for it but that I’d get him a book on Audible,” Kerri said. “He listened to a six-hour book on Audible on how to start his own shop, and he set it up once he got through that. He did all the work and got it all going.”
Kerri said her son’s Etsy business took a while to take off but he eventually made several sales. Shortly thereafter, the family learned about Noblesville Creates’ HATCH Fest event for local artisans and makers.
“We signed him up for that first booth through Noblesville Creates, and he was so successful that we closed the Etsy shop and just started doing events,” Kerri said. “He’s grown it from there and done really well everywhere he goes.”
Brody has always had an interest in building things, according to Kerri. His favorite thing he has designed was a custom order.
“I created a custom scene from a movie,” Brody said. “I was able to get creative in designing and it was almost like creating my own Lego set.”
For more, visit facebook.com/profile. php?id=100091990449027.
Brody Melson sells his products at events and festivals in Indiana. (Photo courtesy of Kerri Melson)
NPA to host inaugural gala
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Preservation Alliance will present its inaugural gala to celebrate heritage, community and the future of preservation in Noblesville from 6 to 10 p.m. April 24 at the Mill Top Banquet and Conference Center, 802 Mulberry St.
EVENT
The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner and a silent auction. It also will include remarks from guest speakers and live music by Harp & Axe. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite historic period.
NPA Executive Director Joshua Glassburn-Ruby, who was hired last year, came up with the idea of hosting a gala.
“We were an entirely volunteer-run organization for 37 years,” Glassburn-Ruby said. “When I was hired, it was one of my goals to hold a gala because other organizations do it, and we have never been able to because of that volunteer aspect.”
Proceeds will benefit NPA’s efforts to preserve and protect Noblesville’s historic landmarks. One item NPA wants to restore is a bell that Noblesville Schools Board of
The original bell from Seminary School that the Noblesville Preservation Alliance wants to restore. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Vandergruff)
Trustee member Bret Richardson donated to Noblesville Schools.
“It was the original bell for Seminary School that stood at Seminary Park” Glassburn-Ruby said. “It was gifted to his uncle, Dr. Haldon Kraft, for his community service as a school board member and local pediatrician.”
Individual tickets for the gala are $125. Couples’ tickets are $225, and sponsorship packages are also available.
For more, visit tinyurl.com/NPAGala or preservationhall.org.
MANAGING EDITOR
Are you a passionate, experienced storyteller with a profound editorial eye, as well as a bottomless appreciation for community-driven journalism? Do you thrive in a united environment where ideas flow, voices are heard and stories make an impact? The managing editor candidate Current Publishing selects will be charged with ensuring its content is fair, accurate and genuinely connected to the community we serve. This is an immediate opening at a media company that has largest print-media footprint in Indiana and a burgeoning online and social media presence. If you are:
• A leader with proven veteran experience in journalism
• Have strong writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for detail
• Carry a passion for hyper-local news and can cultivate a deep understanding of community issues
Training
• and possess excellent organizational and project-management abilities …
… then we want to hear from you.
If that’s not you, but you still would like to align with Current as a freelance reporter/writer, let us know!
NEXT STEP: Send a resume and PDFs of three of your best news-story clips, along with three professional references to jobs@youarecurrent.com. (You will receive immediate consideration, as we are moving quickly to fill the opening.) Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits package and some amount of schedule flexibility are available for full-time employees. EOE. No phone calls, please.
A REWARDING MOVE
Noblesville uses incentives program to attract new residents
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
People are being rewarded for moving to Noblesville.
The City of Noblesville has been part of MakeMyMove since 2022. The organization is an Indiana-based online service founded by executives from Angie’s List (now Angi) that connects remote workers with communities that are attracting new residents.
MakeMyMove and participating cities offer incentives — such as land, cash, memberships and gift cards — for remote workers to relocate to a new city and gives cities and towns opportunities to grow economically and culturally.
“We’ve (seen) 89 new households relocate to Noblesville and 224 residents come to Noblesville because of this program,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “Out of those 224, with their average wage accounted for, we’re going to see a $38 million economic impact over the next five years because of that investment.”
The city initially committed $150,000 to partner with MakeMyMove in Noblesville in 2022, which the Indiana Economic Development Corp. matched.
“The city’s investment to recruit the 45 latest new households is (more than) $346,000,” said Noblesville Communications Director Lexie Rock. “The IEDC also matches our investment. That covers the cost of marketing, applicant management software, customer service, local administration and mover incentives. Many of the incentives are donated, reinforcing communitywide enthusiasm for the effort to attract and welcome new residents.”
Noblesville was recently named one of America’s most welcoming places by MakeMyMove.
“There are strict criteria for the folks that we are looking to attract with the program,” Jensen said. “We were very careful to limit this in terms of tax dollars that are being used. There is a minimal cash incentive. A lot is made up on the back end with different programs, such as chamber and golf memberships. A lot of the incentive is based on getting (people) out of (their) house and into the community.”
For Noblesville, eligibility requirements include:
• Being employed full time and able to relocate while retaining current position or are self-employed and able to relocate while keeping current clients/ portfolio.
• Earn at least $80,000 annually.
• Are U.S. citizens.
• Are 18 or older.
• Currently reside outside the state of Indiana.
• Can relocate primary residence to Noblesville within six months.
Chris Bradford, 36, used MakeMyMove to move to Noblesville from Des Plaines, Ill., to be closer to his girlfriend, a Fishers resident.
“I signed up online and went through a confirmation process,” said Bradford, who works remotely as a network engineer for Datalogics. “I got a few phone calls and learned how the program works and what benefits there are. I made the move within 30 days, and I got my first payment within three weeks.”
Besides receiving a cash payment of $5,000 to move, $2,500 in the first month and $2,500 after a year of living in Noblesville, Bradford also received incentives such as gift cards and memberships to places in the city.
“I got put in contact with several people in charge of the program here at the city level, and they gave me gift cards, brochures and things to do in Noblesville,” Bradford said. “(MakeMyMove) also set me up with a Realtor for housing questions.”
Bradford said the platform is “the best way to move.”
“I would recommend it for sure,” Bradford said. “I can’t think of a better way to move somewhere where (a company) gives you money to help offset the cost. You get local resources and opportunities and get to integrate with the community. I feel like you couldn’t ask for anything better, especially if you were moving to a place alone.”
Sarah Miller also used MakeMyMove to move her family to Noblesville from Denver, Colo., last August.
“My husband Jordan is a territory representative with Progressive Insurance, and he saw a position with his company in the Indianapolis territory, so he decided to apply for it and ended up getting the job,” Miller said. “I work remotely for the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and because I kept my job and work remotely, I qualified for (MakeMyMove.)”
Miller said Noblesville caught the family’s attention because of its highly rated schools and proximity to her husband’s work territory.
“We rent our house, but we had a challenge with finding an available rental house that met our criteria with our daughter’s school and son’s day care,” Miller said.
“MakeMyMove was able to get us in touch with Realtors who worked with our rental agency to make sure we were able to move into our rental house. Everything went really smoothly, and it’s been a great process.”
With the incentives from Noblesville and MakeMyMove, Miller said the family has quickly integrated into the community.
“The different incentives, such as gift cards, the membership to the local parks and being able to explore all the family-friendly opportunities in the community has been really nice for us being new to this area,” Miller said. For more, visit makemymove.com.
ON THE COVER: The City of Noblesville is part of MakeMyMove, an online service that connects remote and other work-fromanywhere workers with communities that are attracting new residents. (Photo by Matthew Doudt Photography)
INCENTIVES
According to the MakeMyMove website, incentives people receive when they relocate to Noblesville total up to $15,000. They are:
• $5,000 relocation grant
• A one-year membership to COhatch Noblesville
• A one-year membership to the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce
• A one-year membership to Conner Prairie
• A Ruoff Music Center VIP concert experience
• Meetup with Mayor Chris Jensen
• Community Connection Consultation
• Dine Around Town package
• A season pass for unlimited play at Fox Prairie and Forest Park golf courses
• Noblesville Parks pass
• Forest Park Aquatic Center season pass
• $500 health and wellness stipend
Chris Bradford, left, moved to Noblesville to be closer to his girlfriend Samantha, right. (Photo courtesy of Chris Bradford)
Sarah Miller, who used MakeMyMove to move to Noblesville with her husband Jordan, right, and their children Jack and Jojo. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Miller)
currentnightandday.com
Dolenz to share songs, stories of The Monkees
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Micky Dolenz makes certain the legacy of The Monkees lives on.
Dolenz, the last surviving member of the group formed for a 1966 TV series, will perform his show “Micky Dolenz of the Monkees: An Evening of Songs and Stories” at 8 p.m. April 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“Some things always remain constant. I always sing the great big Monkees hits in their entirety,” Dolenz said. “You kind of have an unspoken contract with the audience when you are in my position. They want to hear those hits. Once they know they are going to get those hits, you can go on and do all kinds of things. Over the years, I’ve done deep album cuts. I’ve done other artists’ material. That changes up a lot.”
Dolenz, 80, said he has learned that people love to hear stories of his experiences.
“I tell stories of Stephen Stills, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles,” said Dolenz, who was The Monkees’ drummer and colead singer. “I find if I tell these stories and then follow it with a song that’s appropriate, a punchline if you will, that ties into the story.”
But the stories are only a part of the show.
“It’s a flat-out rock ‘n’ roll concert,” he said. “I have a five-piece band plus my sister who sings with me.”
Some of The Monkees’ biggest hits include “I’m a Believer,” “Daydream Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You.”
Dolenz pays tributes to his late bandmate with photos. Co-lead singer Davy Jones died in 2012, followed by bass guitarist and keyboardist Peter Tork in 2019 and guitarist Michael Nesmith in 2021.
“It was like one blow after another, but in a way it’s like they are still there because of all the songs I sing and all the photographs,” Dolenz said.
TV reruns of “The Monkees” have
sparked interest in different age groups of fans.
“It’s quite common to have two or three generations because of the resurgence in 1986 and then again in 2006,”
Dolenz said.
Dolenz said he gives credit to all the great songwriters each show. The band had songs written by Neil Diamond, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka, Carole Bayer Sager and Tommy Boyce/ Bobby Hart.
“It was an enormous stable of writers,” Dolenz said. “But there was also the television show and the writers of that and the producers and directors. It was not a band created for a TV show. It was a television show about a band that was an imaginary band that didn’t exist except on the television show.”
But Dolenz said the producers knew the actors would perform because they cast the show like it was a musical.
“You had to be able to sing, dance, act and play an instrument,” he said.
Dolenz said all the pieces fit together.
“At a certain point, the whole became greater than the sum of its parts,” Dolenz said.
Dolenz said sometimes he performs 100
or more shows a year.
“When I lived in England in the 1970s and ‘80s, I didn’t do any touring,” Dolenz said. “I was just directing and producing television shows.”
He resumed performing in 1986 with a Monkees’ 20th anniversary tour.
Dolenz, who was a child star in the TV show “Circus Boy” in the 1950s, said the break from performing probably kept him from burning out.
“During the second season of ‘The Monkees,’ I was already thinking about moving on and getting into production and directing,” he said. “I went to England and got lucky directing for the BBC and some films. It came at a very opportune time.”
Dolenz joked that what keeps him going is that a moving target is tougher to hit.
“It’s what I do,” he said. “It’s my day job. It is my business, show business.”
Dolenz said he will keep performing as long as it’s profitable and rewarding.
“It’s like someone throwing you a birthday party every night because the songs engender so much affection from so many people,” he said. “The songs are so great, it’s hard to go wrong.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘SPIDER’S WEB’
Main Street Productions presents Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web” through April 13 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Comedy Night is set for April 10, followed by Dueling Pianos April 11 and Divas of the Songbook April 12 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
WORLD VOICE DAY
World Voice Day is 8 p.m. April 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Singers will sign up on arrival and must bring sheet music. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL’
Carmel Community Players presents “Ruthless! The Musical” through April 13 at The Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will perform at 8 p.m. April 12 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Heartland Film fundraiser set — Cinemania, Heartland Film’s signature fundraiser, returns with the theme “A Tribute to Dance Films of the 80s.” Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., it is set for April 11 at The Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis. The celebration is inspired by classic films like “Flashdance,” “Purple Rain,” “Fame,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Footloose” and “Xanadu.” Sponsor and party-pack tickets are good from 6 to 11 p.m. and premiere tickets are good from 7 to 11 p.m. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
CONCERT
Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member of The Monkees. (Photo courtesy of Micky Dolenz)
Symphony on the Prairie set
editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Kroger Symphony on the Prairie schedule opens with Fleetwood Mac and ABBA tribute acts in the final weekend of June. The schedule runs through August at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Gates open at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
CONCERTS
June 27 — Tusk: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Featuring the ISO
June 28 — Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA. Featuring the ISO
July 3 - 5 — Kroger Symphony on the Prairie presents the Star-Spangled Symphony with the ISO with conductor Alfred Savia and guest jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling.
July 11 - 12 — Disney in Concert: Once Upon a Time. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly
July 18-19 — Celebrate the music of iconic composers John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri, and more as Everly and the ISO bring to life music from legendary film scores
July 25 — Greatest Love of All: A Tribute
to Whitney Houston. Singer Belinda Davids will perform “The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston,” with Lopez-Yañez and the ISO.
July 26 — EagleMania — The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band. Get ready for EagleMania — The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band, featuring Lopez-Yañez and the ISO.
August 1-2 — Let’s Sing Taylor: An Unofficial Live Tribute Band.
August 8 — Dark Star Orchestra. Recreating a Deer Creek Grateful Dead concert experience.
August 9 — Face2Face. A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel
August 15 — One Night of Queen. Featuring Gary Mullen & The Works
August 16 — Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
August 22 — Neil Forever. The music of Neil Diamond
August 23 — A1A. The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show
August 29 — In-Vincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson.
August 30 — Voyage. Celebrating the Music of Journey.
Your northside guide to the most outstanding restaurants, bars, breweries and coffee shops publishing April 22
Delivered to 131,191 households in Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield, Zionsville and North Indy via U.S. Mail,
and
1. Book jacket promo
6. Disfigurement
10. Fishers Event Center convention freebies
14. Gung-ho
15. Well-ventilated
16. “Doggone it!”
17. Colorful Kosciusko County place
19. Lo-cal
20. Half of hex-
21. Tom Wood inventory
22. Takes the bait
23. Guitar kin, briefly
24. Indiana Senate staffer
25. Fixate
28. Elegant and stylish
30. Less diluted
31. ___ and Caicos Islands
33. Sock part
35. Polo rival
36. Old Testament book
37. Go sightseeing
38. Immediately
39. Purse handle
40. Westfield HS prom
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT COUNTY OF HAMILTON )
INRE:NAME CHANGE OF: ) CASE NO: 29C01-2502-MI-2107 DIANA OTERO SVALDI
NOTICE OF HEARING
41. Hoity-toity
43. Quite a crowd
45. Fastener
46. Tin Man’s need
47. Fencing sword
49. Mooring site
52. Slugger’s stat
55. Tater
56. Colorful Hancock County place
58. Infamous fiddler
59. In the vicinity
60. Current edition 61. USMC rank
Notice is hereby given that Petitioner, DIANA OTERO SVALDI, pro se, filed a Verified Petition for Change of Name to change her name from DIANA OTERO SVALDI to DIANA SVALDI OTERO.
The petition is scheduled for hearing in the Hamilton Circuit Court on July 14, 2025 at 10:00 am, which is more than thirty (30) days after the third notice of publication. Any person has the right to appear at the hearing and to file written objections on or before the hearing date. The parties shall report to One Hamilton County Square, Suite 337, Noblesville, IN 46060. March 10, 2025 Kathy Kreag WIlliams Date Clerk, Hamilton Circuit Court
62. “Do ___ others...”
63. Short letters Down
1. Top-rated
2. Hibernation spot
3. Citrus hybrid
4. Gun an IndyCar engine
5. Word after heart or circuit
6. Pretzel topping
7. “Arrivederci!”
8. Torah chests
9. Shapiro’s loaf
10. Side in eight-ball
11. Colorful Boone County place
12. Poker stake
13. Attends
18. Regrets
22. View with a skew
23. Second-hand
24. ___-Seltzer
25. Greek liqueurs
26. Colorful Hendricks County place
27. I-Team 8 news feature
28. Moved cautiously
29. Indiana’s senior US Senator
30. Noblesville HS wrestler’s win
32. Patriotic chant
34. IU Health trauma centers
36. Web address starter
37. Level or bevel
39. Fly high
40. Mythical beast that’s half lion and half eagle
42. The letter E, in Morse code
44. Westfield Marching Band instrument
47. Indiana tax IDs
48. Indy Zoo beasts
49. Small songbird
50. Pacers foe
51. Prefix with dynamic or space
52. Take five
53. Butler school color
54. Midmonth day
56. Serengeti grazer
57. Hilbert Circle Theatre org.
Answers on Page 19
DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES
WILL DO LARGE residential and commercial lawns
WILL DO SPRING CLEAN UP WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs
Building Demolitions Clean Gutters
Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
C&H TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SALE Topping – Removal Deadwooding – Landscaping
Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning
INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
PUZZLE ANSWERS
& Springmill Blvd. April 17-18, 8am-4pm April 19, 8:00 to Noon
FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR MEDICAL OFFICE FULL TIME Busy Dermatology Practice in Noblesville HOURS: 8:00AM TO 5:00PM NEED DEPENDABLE, DETAILED, ENERGETIC PERSON WITH MEDICAL EXXPERIENCE, STRONG CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS. ANSWER PHONES, INSURANCE KNOWLEDGE HELPFUL, SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS (INCLUDING OTHER VARIOUS TASKS). SEND RESUME TO: HUMAN RESOURCES 116 LAKEVIEW DRIVE NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060 EMAIL: dermatologynoblesville.com
Full-time receptionist needed for Carmel area law firm. Mon – Fri, 9-5. Phones, filing, light typing required. Previous experience desired. Friendly office. $20/hour. Send resume to cyount@hovdelaw.com. No phone calls please.
NOW HIRING
DAN’S AUTOMOTIVE DETAIL IS NOW HIRING:
Outbound
Landscape crew members for mowing/ landscaping. Starting pay $14-16/ hr depending on experience, though no experience is required. Full time position with overtime paid at time and a half. Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs. to qualify for the job. Valid Indiana driver’s license and clean driving record is preferred. To apply please call/text DJ @ 317-354-5650.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes. Custom order yours today!
KAREN KING, OWNER
