Tuesday, January 7, 2025
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THEY’RE GAME
Carmel couple’s love story rooted in ‘Jeopardy!’ appearances / P13
Couple’s nonprofit supports workers who experience trauma / P3
Former second lady’s charitable foundation takes flight / P7 Podcast explores what motivates its guests / P12
Grace Care Center takes food pantry on the road / P8
THE LEO SOFA
BARTOLA END TABLE 18”x24”x20”
ALLIE SWIVEL CHAIR
BERNIE SWIVEL CHAIR
Carmel couple’s nonprofit aims to support workers who frequently encounter trauma
By Jennifer A. Haire news@currentincarmel.com
Helping others learn how to process trauma has become a mission for Carmel residents Robert and Terri Bogue. Their nonprofit, Robust Futures, strives to improve mental and physical health for individuals who routinely and necessarily encounter traumatic situations as a part of their work.
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across the nation for groups such as first responders, health care workers, journalists and teachers. They teach participants the skills to actively work through and process traumatic experiences.
The Bogues recognized the lack of available information on how to process trauma after seeing their son, Alex, struggle with the death of a friend. Overcome with grief, he died by suicide in 2021.
“Alex had everything going for him. He had a house and a girlfriend and a dog and (was) going to college, and he was advancing correctly in the Coast Guard,” Robert said. “But when his friend was murdered, he just couldn’t figure out what to do with it.”
Terri and Robert have performed community mental health work for a long time. Terri began her career as an EMT and is now an advanced practice nurse. Robert’s background in technology led him to explore change work, helping organizations transform the way they operate. Alex often shared their book, “Extinguish Burnout, A Practical Guide to Prevention and Recovery,” with his friends. They both now consult in trauma processing.
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GIVING BACK POSTAL
“We began to realize that we never teach people what trauma is, what you should expect, what is normal and what you can do to process trauma,” Robert said.
The loss of their son changed what they thought they knew about suicide.
“We discovered that the warning signs that people think are warning signs for suicide, aren’t,” Robert said. “They’re not predictive at all, (and) we really know very little.”
Robust Futures launched in September 2023 and conducts half-day workshops
“It’s important, too, to realize that trauma isn’t just what happens to you,” Terri said. “It’s things you see or hear or experience through other people. So, when we think about first responders, they see so many things that no one should ever see that causes them trauma, even though it didn’t actually happen to them.”
In addition, they teach peer support skills and provide education on personal harm prevention, such as restricting access to firearms and medications.
“(It is) very well proven that if you can restrict people’s access to the means, you will reduce their likelihood of death,” Robert said.
The Bogues advocate that trauma can lead to growth and individuals can become stronger from their trauma.
“We want everybody to have a robust future. We want everybody to not suffer, whether it’s physical suffering or mental suffering. We don’t want to see a life terminated because of suicide, because they couldn’t escape the pain,” Robert said. “A robust future really is about, how do you thrive, not just survive, your life.”
For more or to book a workshop visit robustfutures.org.
Carmel residents find delays in mail delivery
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Christmas season is naturally the most hectic time of year for the United States Postal Service.
However, some Carmel residents experienced unusual delays mailing Christmas cards inside the Carmel office.
Susan Hansen dropped off 90 holiday cards Dec. 1 in the inside post office slot. She said 80 percent were local addresses and none arrived before Dec. 13.
“My friend mailed her in Carmel Dec. 2 and hers were postmarked Dec. 11 in Indianapolis and then forwarded to my location on Dec. 12 and arrived on Dec 14,” Hansen
said. “I spent approximately $200 on cards and another $66 for postage. Not sure why it took 13 days to go from 46032 to the same ZIP code or 46033. I did not expect a quick delivery this time of year, but 12 days seems excessive for local mail.”
Carmel resident Dave Ostermeyer had a similar issue, mailing 60 cards at the inside slot at th Carmel post office Dec. 2. They were not postmarked until Dec. 10, according to his friends who received the cards.
“So, it sat in the post office for eight days before they ran them (through postage),” he said. “Most arrived between Dec. 15 and 17.”
Ostermeyer’s post on Nextdoor.com sparked other comments about Carmel and Fishers post offices and USPS in general.
“During the busy 2024 peak holiday
season, the Postal Service processed and delivered well over 9.5 billion mail pieces,” said Susan Wright, strategic communications specialist for the U.S. Postal Service Corporate Communications. “Without specific information, I won’t be able to provide definitive answers about these items. The situations described by these customers are unacceptable and do not reflect the efforts of the thousands of professional, dedicated employees in our workforce. We apologize for any inconvenience our customers may have experienced and encourage anyone wishing to report any issues on our website at usps.com.”
Customers can also request assistance through the USPS X account, @USPSHelp, or by sending a private message on Facebook at Facebook.com/USPS.
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Robert and Terri Bogue are founders of Robust Futures, a nonprofit that helps people process traumatic situations as part of their work. (Photo courtesy of Robert and Terri Bogue)
Hamilton County initiative aims to prevent veteran suicide
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
In 2022, the Hamilton County Health Department reported that the number of veteran suicides had increased 28 percent from the previous year.
MILITARY
After learning about the increase, A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care, a network of those who live in and serve the community, decided to act and created Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities, a coalition that works to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families and caregivers in Hamilton County.
“It was decided that we wanted to put a coalition together in the county to help prevent not only veteran suicide, but also service members and the families,” said Kristen Ludeker-Seibert, director of coordination for A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care.
Anyone is welcome to join the coalition and its mission to prevent suicide. Its members are from a variety of backgrounds, including other veteran-serving organizations, non-profits, local government and other entities throughout the county, including volunteers, veterans and service members.
A major way the coalition reaches veterans to reduce suicide is through the Governor’s Challenge via a partnership with A Healthier Hamilton County and with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Governor’s Challenge has three pillars.
“The first is identification,” Ludeker-Siebert said. “We want to identify the service
members, veterans and then families within our county, and that will then naturally move over into connection, which is pillar two. The second thing we want to do is connect those folks to resources, benefits, programs, those types of things, so that they feel connected to one another, their families, themselves, wherever they need to find connection.”
The third pillar is promoting safety for those considering suicide.
“That pillar is working on how we can give to the community when it comes to keeping people safe who are in a suicidal crisis,” Ludeker-Seibert said. “How can we help out there?”
As Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities reaches out to neighborhoods, it uses a QR code that asks residents if they or a family member have served, which will then direct them to resources based on other questions. The coalition also presents booths at various events around the county to raise awareness for its cause and connect veterans and their families with resources to help prevent suicide.
“We want to continue to build upon the availability of resources for service members, veterans and their families,” Ludeker-Seibert said. “We know that in Hamilton County, we are a very resource-rich county. We just struggle in getting that information out to everyone. We want to be able to reach those service members, veterans, etc. who may not be actively involved in the VFW or the American Legion, but we want to let them know that these other things are out there.”
Learn more at hamiltoncountyphhc.org/ stronger-veterans-stronger-communities.
Kristen Ludeker-Seibert presents information about Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities in an effort to raise awareness for the coalition and its cause. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Ludeker-Seibert)
Former second lady’s new foundation takes flight
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
“Hummingbird” was former U.S. second lady Karen Pence’s Secret Service code name when her husband, Mike Pence, served as vice president. Mike’s Secret Service code name was “Hoosier,” and the protocol is for the code names of all family members to begin with the same letter.
NONPROFIT
Now back home in Indiana, the Carmel resident has taken her affinity for the versatile flyers and attached it to a new philanthropic mission – the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation.
The prototype for the group, whose board of directors has expanded to include four of Karen’s friends, was her work as Indiana’s first lady when she launched the Indiana First Ladies Charitable Foundation. In three years, that group raised $600,000 that was distributed to all 92 Indiana counties.
One of the beneficiaries of the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation’s initial fundraising event is Indy Honor Flight, a nonprofit with strong Carmel connections. Indy Honor Flight transports World War II, Korean and Vietnam war veterans to see the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C., at no cost to them. To date, they’ve flown more than 3,700 veterans, with a waiting list of about 800.
Several Carmel residents serve as volunteers at Indy Honor Flight, and the venue for the group’s monthly veterans’ breakfasts is The Barrington of Carmel. Many Carmel veterans have taken the trip to the nation’s capital.
One of those is Dan Harlan, 84. He is a Navy veteran who served as a damage control officer and engineering officer on the U.S.S. Cogswell in the South China Sea, the
Philippines and Vietnam between 1963-1966 during the Vietnam War.
His day trip to D.C. began with an early pick-up by an assigned escort at 3 a.m. By 4 a.m., he and three friends also making the journey were having breakfast at Plainfield High School. The group was bused to the Indianapolis airport and flew charter to Washington’s Reagan National Airport.
From there, they made the rounds of the war memorials and concluded the day with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
“I was very impressed with the memorials,” Harlan said. Of the cemetery he said, “You can’t believe how big it is and how impressive it is.”
On the flight back home to central Indiana, the veterans participated in the military “mail call” tradition and received cards of support and gratitude from friends, family and children who volunteered.
The foundation is holding a fundraising luncheon March 27, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom with proceeds also going to INvets and Indy Warrior Partnership.
Learn more at hummingbirdcharitablefoundation.org.
DISPATCHES
Earth Day Art Contest — Carmel Green Initiative is inviting children in kindergarten through eighth grade to enter the 2025 Earth Day Art Contest. Entries will be displayed at several local exhibits to inspire the community to live more sustainably. Entries are due Feb. 14. Learn more about the contest at CarmelGreen.org.
CFD names new chaplain — David Choutka, lead pastor at Shepherd Church, has been named chaplain of the Carmel Fire Department. According to the city, Choutka will work with CFD to build a chaplain program that integrates the peer support team to address the needs of CFD and the community. Choutka succeeds chaplain Doug Kizer, who joined CFD in 2008.
Then-U.S. second lady Karen Pence greets a veteran participating in an Indy Honor Flight in April 2019. (Photo by Amy Rossetti)
Mobile pantry aims to eliminate barriers to fresh foods
By Lavanya Narayanan news@currentincarmel.com
The Grace Care Center’s Mobile Pantry recently made a stop in the parking lot of Wagner Reese, giving employees of the law firm a chance to volunteer in the grocery store on wheels.
GIVING BACK
“The mobile pantry is designed to bring essential groceries directly to neighborhoods experiencing need,” said Cara Augspurger, Grace Care Center’s executive director. “Not only does it always have access to fresh, healthy food, including fresh produce, pantry staples or culturally specific foods, the pantry lets people choose items they would want, similar to shopping at a grocery store. Families get what works for them.”
Launched in 2022, the Mobile Pantry makes regular rounds every other Wednesday between March and December. Occasionally, it adds a stop at a local business to allow employees to give back and community members to shop for items they need.
For Wagner Reese managing partner Jason Reese, who serves on the advisory board of the Grace Care Center, it was the perfect way to support an initiative he’s passionate about.
“By hosting it here in the public, we hope to raise awareness about the Care
Center so that other businesses can follow suit by supporting, volunteering or hosting themselves,” he said.
Augspurger said the mobile pantry is about “meeting people where they are,” often by eliminating barriers, such as transportation difficulties.
For longtime volunteer Dave Seversen, a Carmel resident who has volunteered with the Grace Care Center for a decade, the mobile pantry provides a “great opportunity to get out and connect those who want help with those who need it most.”
The Grace Care Center works with food banks and local retailers to maximize the impact of every dollar and offer a large variety of food items.
Learn more at gccfoundation.us.
DAR DONATION TO BENEFIT PETS HEALING VETS
Pets Healing Vets program. The donated funds were raised by the chapter’s Fundraising Committee. Learn more at DAR.org.
A shopper selects groceries in Grace Care Center’s Mobile Pantry during a stop at the Wanger Reese office parking lot in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Cara Augspurger)
Rosie Schmidt, right, of the Jonathan Jennings Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution of Carmel, presents a $500 check to Jennifer Hatcher of the Hamilton County Humane Society in support of its
(Photo courtesy of Margaret Hentz)
Adaptive basketball offers inclusive play
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Embracing Indiana’s signature sport — basketball — while offering a chance to learn the basics in an inclusive environment is the goal for the RHI Racers.
SPORTS
RHI Racers basketball teams are part of the RHI Adaptive Sports Program sponsored by the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. The program serves youth and adults with spinal cord, orthopedic, neuromuscular and visual impairments by providing activities to help enhance quality of life and promote physical fitness.
Developed in 1996 by two therapists who created an adaptive water ski clinic, the program continues to grow. RHI Adaptive Sports Program Director Karen Lawrence of Carmel said the program’s best advertiser is word of mouth.
“People realize how amazing it is,” she said. “People want to get their kids involved, or after someone has been injured they want to continue their life and do a variety of different sports. No one has to go through RHI to participate — it’s just
Members of the RHI Junior Racers compete against players from Cincinnati Dec. 7 at Butler University. (Photo by Marney Simon)
adaptive sports for the community.”
The program includes competitive and noncompetitive sports for all ages, with 30 to 40 recreational clinics offered yearly.
Children aged 7 to 18 who participate with the RHI Racers compete in wheelchair basketball tournaments around the country. On Dec. 7-8, the team held its home tournament at Butler University. The players use special adaptive chairs that allow them to quickly maneuver around the court. Not all of the players utilize a wheelchair in their daily lives, but they learn to
use the specialized equipment during practices and training.
Coach Andrew Stachel of McCordsville is in his fourth year as head coach of the RHI Junior Racers team, and his seventh year overall assisting. Stachel said the team consists of youth of all different physical abilities — some use a wheelchair fulltime, some are amputees, some utilize walking aids and some use a wheelchair part-time. They train like any other athlete would.
“The fundamentals are similar, but we do a lot of rolling instead of running,” Stachel said. “So instead of sprints, they roll. I have them pull parachutes. They have to toughen their hands for quick stops and to turn sideways. Some of them will learn how to use their core. And then there’s a lot of repetition — layups, shots and we really focus on teaching them defense. That helps them.”
Stachel’s son, Max, has been playing since he was 7 years old. Now 14, Max uses a day chair in his everyday life. He said the sport has built his confidence.
Learn more about the adaptive sports programs at RHI at rhirehab.com under the Our Programs tab.
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DISPATCHES
Ardalan Plaza receives approvals — The Carmel Plan Commission on Dec. 17 removed commitments tied to several parcels containing single-family homes along Main Street, paving the way for the three-story Ardalan Plaza mixed-use development project to proceed. Two days later, Carmel Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals hearing officers approved project plans. Changes from the original proposal include allowing only one-way traffic heading east in the alley behind the building and moving the proposed restaurant space from the west to the east side of the building.
Governor-elect appoints Glynn — Gov.elect Mike Braun has appointed Carmel resident Fred Glynn to serve as the executive director of the state’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Glynn served on the Hamilton County Council and ran twice for Carmel mayor.
Recycle holiday lights – Carmel residents may recycle holiday lights through Jan. 10 at White’s Ace Hardware & Garden Center at 731 S. Range Line Rd. The recycling drive is sponsored by Carmel Clay Schools’ Green Teams, Carmel Utilities, the City of Carmel, Technology Recyclers and White’s Ace Hardware & Garden Center. Since the start of the collaborative program in 2011, more than 17 tons of holiday lights have been recycled. Recycling inoperable or inefficient holiday lights keeps those items out of landfills, which reduces the longterm carbon impact on our environment.
Church honors fallen soldiers – White Chapel Church at 5155 E. 116th St. in Carmel honored fallen soldiers by placing wreaths on their gravestones Dec. 14 in the cemetery next to the church. This was the first year the church participated in Wreaths Across America, a national initiative that honors fallen military members. White Chapel Church plans to make the commemoration an annual tradition.
(Photo by Lily Ferazzi)
Westfield teenager draws attention on national cycling circuit
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary first rode in a gravel cyclinng race in the fall of 2019 in Zionsville.
“I fell in love with it from there,” Clary said.
Prior to that race, Clary had gone on cycling rides with his father, James Clary, earlier in 2019.
“My dad had raced years prior with a cycling club, so I’ve always been around bicycles and people who liked to ride bicycles,” Clary said. “That fueled my passion to ride.”
Clary, 16, said his favorite accomplishment was winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 15-16 division in August 2024 in Redmond, Wash.
“It’s how well you do over four races and I was fortunate enough to win three of them,” said Clary, who won the scratch race, elimination and long scratch race.
Clary and a partner, Stephanie Lawrence, won the USA Cycling Elite Co-ed Madison National Championship in November 2024
JACKSON CLARY
Favorite athlete:
Favorite movie:
Favorite subject:
Favorite musician:
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
in Detroit.
“It’s basically a relay race,” Clary said. “You grab your partner’s arm and sling them into the race on the exchange.”
Lawrence, a Marian University cyclist, helps coach Clary. Jackson trains under the guidance of Marian assistant coach Matt Gittings from EuroPro Coaching.
Clary also captured the USA Cycling Ju nior American Criterium Cup series title in
Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary with his medals after winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 1516 division in August 2024.
(Photo courtesy of James Clary)
the 15-16 age division.
“That was how well you placed over a series of races, and I went to four of the eight races,” he said. “I got three first places and one second place.”
Clary said he has three main goals for 2025.
“In late July, I want to bring home another title from Junior Track Nationals,” he said. “I want to win the 17-18 Omnium, and later on, I’ll be going to Elite Track National
Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. I have no goal as far as a result, but my goal is to meet new people, find some new friends and make some connections. I just want to do as well as I can. Depending how I do in Junior Track Nationals and Elite Track Nationals, I can qualify for the Junior World Championships in the Netherlands.” His ultimate goal is to qualify for the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles.
“I like to stay with the group a long time because I have a lot of explosive power,” Clary said. “I’ll wait as long as I can and sprint toward the finish line. I have a big kick.”
Clary said Westfield High School strength and conditioning coach Tavio Henderson has helped him improve his strength.
Representing the Cleveland Cycling Academy U23 Cycling Team and the Midwest Development U19 Cycling Team, Clary has raced in 15 states and on five velodromes. He logged more than 6,000 miles in 2024 and competed in 84 races at 47 venues.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
Show focuses on motivation
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The “No Title Needed” podcast explores the motivations of its guests.
PODCAST
“This is a show about people’s passions and what fuels them,” co-host-actress
Cynthia Collins said. “Why do they do what they do? So far, our guests have included a documentary filmmaker, a horticulturist, a restaurateur, an art consultant and, yes, visual and performing artists, among others.”
Collins, a founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana, is co-host with fellow Carmel resident Scott Osborne.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a co-host on the show,” Collins said. “It’s a great team to work with. That makes for a good atmosphere. Plus, we have some laughs.”
Collins also hosts “Lunch Break with ATI,” a 15-minute podcast promoting the actors, artistic team and public relations of its current productions, as well as various individuals and companies in the community.
“The ‘No Title Needed’ differs in length,
guest lists and production values,” Collins said. “This new podcast is more of a show than a quick interview. The graphics and visual content by Philip Paluso play a large factor in that. The setting doesn’t hurt either. We film at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael.”
Osborne said the most interesting guest so far for him has been Tobi Mares, who owns Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard in Carmel.
Episodes can be found on YouTube, Facebook and major podcast platforms. New episodes drop every Monday morning.
From left, “No Title Needed” podcast co-hosts Cynthia Collins and Scott Osborne and guest Tobi Mares. (Photo courtesy of Meg Osborne)
THEY’RE GAME
Carmel couple’s love story rooted in ‘Jeopardy!’ appearances
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
A Carmel couple’s love story could be a “meet cute” rom-com straight out of Hollywood.
Fittingly, it all started in a Los Angeles studio. Greer Mackebee and Sarah Bauer met at an audition for “Jeopardy! National College Championship” in 2012 and ended up playing against each other in the first round.
“We stayed in touch, ended up dating and are now married with a child,” Mackebee said.
The story has come full circle as the couple was joined by close friend Brad Lufkin on “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” The episode is available on Amazon’s Prime Video starting Jan. 8. Colin Jost is the host. Mackebee and Bauer aren’t allowed to comment on the results.
“It was not in the realm of possibility that we could go on and play again,” Mackebee said. “It’s like lightning struck twice to be able to go on again.”
Bauer, who grew up in Carmel and graduated from Cathedral High School, appeared on the game show while a junior at Indiana University. Mackebee was a senior at Duke University.
Bauer said they were told when selected for the college version that they would be ineligible for regular “Jeopardy!”
In the 2012 head-to-head meeting, Mackebee got bragging rights with a victory over Bauer.
“(‘Pop Culture Jeopardy!’) was my chance to say maybe there will be another ‘Jeopardy!’ champion in the family,” Bauer said.
Bauer graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, and Mackebee graduated from Stanford University’s law school.
“I was working in Washington, D.C., and then Sarah was able to get a job in D.C.,” Mackebee said. “That’s when we started to see each other more and we would go to bar trivia.”
They would be joined by Bauer’s longtime friend, Lufkin, who Bauer met as a freshman at IU. Bauer and Lufkin roomed together when both moved to Washington, D.C.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT
Brad Lufkin had a blast competing in “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” with his friends Sarah Bauer and Greer Mackebee.
“Being on a game show, particularly ‘Jeopardy!’, was one of those side quests in life that I always wanted to complete, and it was super fun to play a new version of this game that we all grew up watching and continue to watch,” Lufkin said. “All of the production crew was so nice, and it was neat to share this experience with a bunch of other teams who were ready to compete but were also there just to have a good time because it’s a much more light-hearted — but still as intellectually challenging — version of the original show.”
Lufkin watched in 2012 as Bauer competed against Mackebee in the college game show
“I was rooting against Greer at the time, but he’s since won me over,” Lufkin said. “Appearing on ‘Pop Culture Jeopardy!’ with two of my closest friends is a really fun plot point in our story.”
Lufkin said trivia has helped them bond as a group.
“Plus, the three of us competing together allowed me to sort of combat my imposter syndrome that I could sometimes feel when doing trivia-related stuff with these two seasoned ‘Jeopardy!’ alumni,” Lufkin said.
They moved to Carmel in April 2024 before their daughter, Bonnie, was born in July. The couple works remotely with Bauer working for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
When Mackebee and Bauer learned of “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”, they and Lufkin took separate online tests to see if they would be a good fit as contestants.
“We were invited to audition together over Zoom in the summer,” Bauer said. “We thought, what are the odds we make it on again? We hadn’t put much stock in it. Just a couple weeks after our daughter was born, we were invited to go tape in mid-August. It was a quick process.”
Mackebee said their parents and siblings helped watch their 6-week-old daughter while they were away.
ON THE COVER: From left, Greer Mackebee, Sarah Bauer and Brad Lufkin on “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” set. (Photo courtesy of Prime Video)
“Sarah and I started to reconnect and started dating after that, and the rest is history,” said Mackebee, who married Bauer in 2022 in Indianapolis.
Greer Mackebee on “Jeopardy! National College Championship” set with late host Alex Trebek in 2012
Sarah Bauer on “Jeopardy! National College Championship” set with late host Alex Trebek in 2012 (Photos courtesy of Sarah Bauer)
Vindys’ lead singer benefits from national tour
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Vindys had planned to work on a new album in the summer of 2024.
Instead, the band got an offer it couldn’t refuse — joining Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on a national tour over the summer, including a gig at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in Indianapolis.
“Of all the cities we went to on that tour, Indianapolis was the most receptive to us,” said Jackie Popovec, the band’s lead singer and main songwriter. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the HI-FI to play a show.”
The Vindys will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis. Jessie Phelps will be the opener.
“I gained quite a bit of confidence in what I’m doing,” Popovec said. “There’s not a ton of money in this game. For Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to come out of nowhere and have their people call us, ‘Do you want to go on tour?’ It just gave me this boost that I needed in motivation in what I’m doing and confidence in what I’m doing in my writing.”
Popovec said she has long admired Benatar.
“I’m sure I have a tape somewhere of me singing karaoke to Pat Benatar as a toddler,” she said. “So, for one of the biggest voices to say you got something, it’s just completely wild to me. I don’t know if I can thank her enough for that.”
Popovec said the band has been working on new music since the summer tour, mostly playing in shows in the Ohio cities of Cleveland, Akron and Columbus along with Pittsburgh.
“As an independent band doing it all ourselves, I don’t have a booking agent or a label or anything. We’ve been trying to radius out more, and Indianapolis seems like a new place to start growing,” Popovec said.
The Vindys’ first album, “Bugs,” came out in 2021. They are releasing a second album this year.
“I’ve been sitting on a lot of new mate-
rial for three years now, so I’m excited to get it out there,” Popovec said.
The Vindys were founded in 2014 in Youngstown, Ohio. The band’s name is derived from the city’s newspaper, The Vindicator.
“Everyone says print is dying and everyone says rock ‘n’ roll is dying, but here we are still standing, The Vindys,” Popovic said. “It’s all about the grit and grind for us. As a band that makes its money off of shows and gigs, we love being from Youngstown. We can get to several major cities within a half-day drive. You can’t do that if you are from Los Angeles.”
Popovec said she is known throughout Youngstown. Her father is a food sales representative and she started playing at restaurants as a teenager.
“It’s definitely a ‘Cheers’-type of town that I live in. I always feel welcome everywhere I go,” said Popovec, referring to the 1980s TV sitcom set in a neighborhood bar.
Popovec said she is proud of what The
Vindys have accomplished.
“To make it nowadays, you have to work at it and put yourself out there in front of people,” she said. “That’s the most important thing to garner those relationships with your fan base. in person. That’s how we are able to create a small business for ourselves and something that is sustainable.”
Popovec, who has a powerful voice, said she grew up appreciating all kinds of music.
“When you are exposed to so many things, it’s going to seep in,” she said. “It makes you a well-rounded listener. My parents were listening to VH1, Top 40 and radio, which is how I cut my teeth on melodies and pop music. Then I discovered Etta James, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday online. I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, what is all this?’ So I deep dived into the jazz world through iTunes, which is crazy and cool that it was available to me.”
For more, visit thevindys.com. For tickets, visit hifiindy.com.
MAC MCANALLY
Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, a member of the late Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Actor Don Farrell’s “Sweet Caroline — The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, feinsteinshc. com.
LET’S SING TAYLOR
Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift will perform at 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’
“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” runs Jan. 9 to Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘Change of Heart’ set for debut
editorial@youarecurrent.com
“Change of Heart” is set to debut Jan. 1019 at the Switch Theatre in the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. The play was written by Dr. Louis Janeira, a cardiologist who lives in Zionsville whose pen name is Dr. L. Jan Eira. “Change of Heart,” directed by Tejas Hairns, follows the journey of elderly couple Vijay and Anita, retired medical professionals turned vigilantes, who embark on a morally questionable mission to rid the world of wrongdoers while saving innocent lives. The play delves into the depths of human nature, questioning the boundaries of justice and the price of redemption.
For more, visit themdwriter.com.
The Vindys will perform at the HI-FI Indy on Jan. 11. (Photo courtesy of The Vindys)
Actresses embrace murder mystery
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Devan Mathias views a murder mystery play as a juicy piece to put together because the actors and production team already know the ending.
MYSTERY
“We get to build those clues into the show throughout the rehearsal process, planting seeds for the sleuths in the audience along the way, but we have to do that without tipping our hats too much,” Mathias said. “So much of what’s happening in a murder mystery is about what’s ‘not’ being said, but rather what’s happening without words, all right in front of the audience. The challenge for us as actors — and part of what makes it such fun — is to develop these really rich backstories and strong opinions of each other to breathe life into that aspect of the story.”
The Fishers resident portrays Greta Ohlsson in “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” set for Jan. 9 to Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
“The playwright, Ken Ludwig, has done such a marvelous job honoring the original Agatha Christie tale while also bringing the comedy of this story to the forefront,” Mathias said. “What’s lovely about this script, and our production, is that it unites the mystery and the comedy genres in such a delicious way. I think that’s also very true of my character, Greta Ohlsson. She’s quite an odd duck. There’s a definite element of slapstick comedy, which is always a joy to create and share with audiences. Learning the specificities of a Swedish dialect to play Greta and finding ways to let that help the storytelling, characterization, comedy and truth of this weird little being has been such a treat.”
Noblesville resident Suzanne Stark portrays Princess Dragomiroff.
Stark said there are challenges with any role, particularly ones that are new to her resume.
“I am so looking forward to finding out ‘who’ I will end up being as we work through the rehearsal process,” Stark said. “The age of the Princess is the same range as my age,
“We get to build those clues into the show throughout the rehearsal process, planting seeds for the sleuths in the audience along the way, but we have to do that without tipping our hats too much.”
– DEVAN MATHIAS
but I imagine I will approach her with more gravity than my normal personality or the roles I usually play.”
Stark said finding comedic moments in a play that has a dark theme is an interesting challenge.
“I will find my voice and posture and movements and timing dependent on the other characters I’m interacting with on stage and the vision the director has for the production,” she said. “So, no matter the challenges, they become opportunities for character growth as the rehearsals unfold.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Carmel Arts Regional Competition
Piano players, actors, singers, dancers, are invited!
Piano players, actors, singers, dancers, are invited!
Re g ister by : Ja n uar y 1 8 C ategories: Solo, Duets, Ensembles, Parent-Child Act. A g es: 5-18 March 8 , 2025
Re gister by : Ja nuar y 1 8 C ategories: Solo, Duets, Ensembles, Parent-Child Act. A g es: 5-18 March 8 , 2025
Th a n k y o u, S ponsors!
Tha nk y o u, S ponsors!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 6PM & 8:30PM
Mathias
Stark
Blueprint for Improvement: Chic Fishers primary bath renovation
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1995 in Fishers’ Lakeside Green neighborhood, this home’s primary bathroom was ready for a transformation. The new owners wanted to upgrade their builder-basic space into something bright and beautiful. By keeping the same layout but reimagining the design, our team created a room that feels entirely new.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower elevated the functionality of the room, bringing a spa-like serenity to the homeowners’ daily routine.
• The addition of a floating vanity keeps the compact space open and airy while offering ample storage.
• A tongue-and-groove ceiling treatment, stained to match the vanity, makes a statement by adding warm, organic charm and unique style.
• Marble tile combined with gold accents in the finishes introduces refined elegance and a touch of livable luxury.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
After
Before
Measuring life’s falls
Commentary by Terry Anker
“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,” It is unclear how the anthropomorphic egg found his way up there, but as any parent would immediately suspect, it was only a matter of time before he “had a great fall.” Why we climb fences and put ourselves into positions of unnecessary risk remains a mystery. Regardless of his motivation, we soon discover that “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” His tumble would prove to be fatal. There was little to be done to make things right again.
ESSAY
Yet, if Humpty had managed to mature from egg to chicken, would he simply have jumped from the perch with little recompence? As we come to experience our own advancing age, one is confronted by the challenges of maturity. Each season of life carries its own experiences and encumbrances. But if we choose to cling to hope of some forever youth, are we condemning ourselves to lives of fragility? Is it in the very act of embracing the passage of time that life’s little dings and bruises do not become terminal? Are we thickening our skin rather than wearing it down?
“Hardship teaches tough lessons and the good times nourish our spirit to keep moving forward.”
– TERRY ANKER
The best of us manage to live our lives between the guardrails of sarcasm and naiveite. Too much of either will deliver a double heap of unhappiness. So, we learn as we journey along life’s winding road. Hardship teaches tough lessons and the good times nourish our spirit to keep moving forward. Even so, why is it that some people shatter when they fall and others only seem to dent? Is it an indicator of the density of our shells, a measure of the height of the wall or something more profound? If we are once broken then never repaired, can we inoculate ourselves for the fall?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2024-00247 SE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer will conduct a meeting on the 27th day of January, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Carmel City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers Room, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing regarding an application identified by Docket Number PZ-2024-00247 SE (the “Request”).
The property that is the subject of the Request is approximately 1.2 acres, is commonly known as 11180 Westfield Boulevard, Carmel, IN and is identified by the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana as Tax Parcel Identification Number 17-13-01-02-03-007.000 (collectively, the “Real Estate”). The Real Estate is located west of and adjacent to Westfield Boulevard and north of 111th Street, is zoned R-1 Residential and is not within any Overlay Districts.
The Applicant, Story Custom Development, LLC, is seeking Special Exception approval for a Senior Group Home pursuant to the Unified Development Ordinance, Section 2.07 (Article 9.08 (A)(2)). The proposed Group Home will include 12 beds and consists of a boutique memory care concept for senior adults in a safe home-like environment. The proposed home will be of a custom design and will be built by RJL Custom Homes.
The Petition may be examined at the Carmel City Hall or via the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposal, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Written comments filed with the Department of Community Services prior to or at the Public Hearing will be considered, and oral comments will be heard at the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.
CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA
Bric Butler, Secretary, City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer
Carmel City Hall
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 571-2417
Email: bbutler@carmel.in.gov
ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT STORY CUSTOM DEVELOPMENT, LLC:
Jim Shinaver, Attorney
Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner
Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC
550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 844-0106
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket No. PZ-2024-00187 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 27th day of January, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Requesting a Variance from UDO Sections 3.92 and 5.03(B), to exceed the allowed lighting foot-candle measurements, with a range of 0.6 to 3.7 footcandles along the north and west property lines. Max. allowed is 0.3 footcandles along the property lines.
With the property being known as: 10800 N. Michigan Rd. Zionsville, IN 46077
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00187 V .
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:
Parcel No. 17-13-06-00-00-030.203
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Bank of America, N.A.
PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No.PZ-2024-00232V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the _27 day of January, 2025 at 5:00p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval for a fence of 48” when only 42” is allowed.
With the property being known as (insert address): 12443 Pebblepointe Pass, Carmel, IN 46033
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00232V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: (insert Legal Description OR Tax ID parcel number(s)) _Acreage .49 Section 33, Township 18, Range 4 BAYHILL Section 1 Lot 17
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Wendy C. Thiel
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket No. PZ-2024-00233V, PZ-2024-00234V, PZ-2024-00235V & PZ-2024-00236V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 27th day of January, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
Increase of the maximum building height from 30 feet to 36 feet
Decrease the minimum roof pitch from 8:12 to 6:12 and flat roof
Allowance of metal roof and rubber membrane roof where only asphalt, wood or slate shingles are allowed
Increase of maximum lot coverage from 45% to 54% With the property being known as: 133 1st Street NE, Carmel, IN 46032.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ2024-00233V, PZ-2024-00234V, PZ-2024-00235V & PZ-2024-00236V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax ID parcel #16-10-30-09-05008.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Todd Lady PETITIONER
Notice of Application to Establish a Branch of a State Member Bank 1st Source Bank, South Bend, Indiana, intends to apply to the Federal Reserve Board for permission to establish a branch at 10570 North Michigan Road, Carmel (Hamilton County), IN 46032. The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve the application including the record of performance of applicant banks in helping to meet local credit needs.
You are invited to submit comments in writing on this application to Colette A. Fried, Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604. The comment period will not end before January 22, 2025. The Board’s procedures for processing applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. Part 262. Procedures for processing protested applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. 262.25. If you need information about how to submit your comments or to obtain a copy of the relevant procedures, contact Suchi Saxena, Community Affairs Officer and Vice President, Community Development, at (312) 322-4357; to request a copy of an application, contact Colette A. Fried at (312) 322-6846. The Federal Reserve will consider your comments and any request for a public meeting or formal hearing on the application if they are received in writing by the Reserve Bank on or before the last day of the comment period.
1. Con game
5. Penrod Arts Fair mo.
9. Brickyard Billiards equipment
14. Sped around I-465
15. Notion
16. White house?
17. Stunned
19. Indy 500 sound
20. Intelligent group
21. Coastal bird
23. Conner ___
26. Possessive pronoun
27. Reeked
29. Fury
33. Abodes for the rich and famous
38. Rocky Hollow ___
39. Poker declaration
40. Had a ribeye at Cobblestone
42. Cattle breed
43. McCormick’s ___ 44. Plan B
46. Grasp
47. Angela Buchman weather event
49. Bit of Morse code
50. French Lick ___
56. “Inside Indy” show boss
61. Bad bacteria
62. Like the old bucket in the IU-PU rivalry
63. Sink
66. No longer fresh
67. Employ
68. Prepared
69. 19th US president
70. Fragrance
71. Checks out Down
1. Carmel Post Office purchase
2. Shrink in fear
3. Worthen or Mackey
4. Soccer superstar Lionel
5. Knight’s title
6. UIndy URL ending
7. Chest muscles, for short
8. Adopt
9. Wabash ___
10. Taj Mahal site
11. Plumbing problem
12. Singer with The Gang
13. A few
18. State Road 32 goo
22. Arctic flier
24. Monument Circle music
grp.
25. Sicilian erupter
28. Houston team
29. McNally partner
30. Pond growth
31. Overfill
32. Latin 101 verb
33. Ind. neighbor 34. Hair style
35. Christmas carol
36. Winter vehicle
37. Texter’s “Beats me”
38. Colts enthusiast
41. Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market corn units
45. Little devil
47. Kings on a Pacers scoreboard
48. “Tommy” band
49. Indiana ___
51. Yank’s foe
52. Start of Caesar’s boast
53. Zero input
54. Dance move
55. Trig ratios
56. Stylish
57. “Pro” follower
58. Thumbs-up
59. Proof word
60. Surprise attack
64. Sellout inits.
65. That lady Answers on Page 20
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