Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIV, No. 35
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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
City of Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has proposed a $183 million spending plan for 2025, which includes funding for road improvements; 6 percent raises for city employees, continuing the popular teacher and neighborhood grants, startup costs for the Fishers Community Center and about $38 million for debt payments. No property tax increase is planned and the mayor’s budget maintains about $62 million in overall cash reserves.
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Fishers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
During an interview at his office in the new Fishers Municipal Center, Fadness said he’s pleased the city can continue to provide key services without increasing property taxes.
“(For the 2025 budget), our focus was really on taking care of what we have,” he said. “That could mean either maintaining the assets that we have, improving the neighborhoods that we already have or, frankly, taking care of our own people — our police and fire and employees here at the city.”
Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren said one big item is the new Fishers Community Center that is due to open in October 2025.
“You think about what that means from a budget standpoint — we’ve got to hire 13 or so full-time employees and get an operating budget up and running,” he said. “Establishing that fund, and then kind of seeding it with our general fund cash reserves is really a big item we focused on for ’25.”
The city anticipates the community center will eventually fund itself through user fees but will need about $2.3 million for initial startup costs. Fadness said dipping into reserves for that shouldn’t be a concern.
“We built up our cash reserves above and beyond what our requirements are by a significant amount,” he said. “Even if we use a couple million from that, we’re still way above what our requirements are.”
The city must maintain reserves that equal 50 percent of projected property tax revenue. While the budget doesn’t propose a property tax increase in 2025, assessments continue to climb — but nothing like the double-digit increases of previous years.
Hultgren said the average increase should be closer to 4 or 5 percent, bringing about $1.2 million more to the city than in 2024.
“So, an increase, but nothing dramatic,” he said. “Just north of $32 million for property tax (in 2025). The income tax, we’re anticipating $36.2 million.”
Another source of revenue for the city has been its food and beverage tax, which is paying for the soon-to-open Fishers Event Center. That tax has brought in about $3.4 million in the past year.
Personnel is the city’s largest expense, taking up nearly three-quarters of the proposed 2025 general fund. Fadness said the proposed 6 percent raise for city employees is a way to attract and keep good workers.
“We’re a very thin organization,” he said. “If you compare us to any of our peers, you probably have 15 to 20 percent (fewer) employees. And it’s a philosophical thing — I would rather pay a great employee more money than hire two mediocre employees.”
The proposed budget continues the Teacher Innovation Grants program that debuted in 2024, along with the city’s Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant program, which has been in place for a while. However, the nonprofit grant program has been reimagined.
Fadness said the process for nonprofit grants was cumbersome and contentious.
“What we’re doing now is, Elliott and I and others during the budget process,
we’re trying to figure out — what do we actually need? What does this organization need a nonprofit to do? And then we’re going to propose it in the budget,” he said. “For instance, Cherish Center does all of our forensic interviews for sexual assault victims. Well, they’re a nonprofit — so, the way that we’re looking at it is they’re providing a service that is essential to what the city is doing, and so we’ll have a grant for them.”
Other nonprofit grants would go to Conner Prairie, Hamilton County Youth Mentoring Initiatives and Youth Assistance Program and the Fishers Community Center.
Proposed construction projects include a roundabout at 116th Street and Allisonville Road, which Fadness said would mean closing 116th so the work can be completed faster; a new pedestrian bridge on the Nickel Plate Trail crossing at 96th Street; road widening at 136th Street; and about $4.3 million in resurfacing work. There also are plans for a second AgriPark on the city’s west side.
The Fishers City Council had a first reading of the proposed budget on Sept. 9. It is expected to vote on the 2025 spending plan during an October meeting.
For more about the City of Fishers budget, visit fishersin.gov/departments/ financial-transparency/municipal-budget.
Commentary by Rick Morwick
When you pick up Current each week, or read the digital edition, do you ever wonder where all those stories come from that inform you about all things — big, small and everything in between — happening in your community?
It’s an important question with many answers.
Newspapers cultivate stories in a variety of ways, but each has a common denominator: Somehow, some way, a topic was brought to a reporter’s attention.
Often, stories are generated from traditional sources, such as press releases, news conferences, personal contacts, event coverage (think school board and city council meetings, live sports, court trials, crime scenes, etc.) and social media.
But there are other, less formal ways, including a reporter’s curiosity, good old-fashioned investigative reporting — and you.
Yes, you.
As much as Current might give the impression of being omnipresent, it is not. No media outlet is. We rely on tips from a range of sources. That’s where you come in.
Sometimes (maybe oftentimes), we need you to be our extended set of eyes and ears. If you see, hear or know about anything in your community that you think is news, let us know. Although we take great pride in covering our seven Current communities like no other media can (or perhaps cares to), we cannot report on what we do not know.
If something is happening, or has happened, in your community that you think might be newsworthy, contact us at news@youarecurrent.com, and know that what you deliver to us will be accorded every consideration.
Together, we can make hyper-local news even better.
Thank you for reading, and hopefully participating in, Current’s weekly report.
at rick@youarecurrent.com.
Maintaining a pre-2020 rate
Oct. 7, 7 PM: City Council Meeting 2025 Budget Vote/Adoption
news@currentinfishers.com
Fishers Music Works wants to honor late trombone player Grant Lansdell, who also was a longtime member of the nonprofit’s board of directors and performed with multiple ensembles.
Lansdell
4th straight year of flat or reduced tax rate while investing in major amenities such as the Fishers Event Center, Fishers Community Center at Johnson Farm, and Fishers Municipal Center (City Hall & Fishers Art Center)
Continued funding in the neighborhood vibrancy grant and teacher innovation grant funds
Operational funding for the launch of Fishers Community Center at Johnson Farm in Fall 2025 and expansion of the Fishers AgriPark
Continued investment in our road infrastructure: 116th & Allisonville intersection, Nickel Plate Trail Bridge over 96th Street, 136th Street widening, street resurfacing
Lower employee healthcare costs through partnership with Community Health Network and preventative health programs
Sewer rate increase, only the second increase in 27 years to bring revenue and operational support to current demand
FMW recently announced that it is seeking proposals for the creation of a sculpture using old musical instruments, dedicated to Lansdell’s memory.
“This project aims to pay tribute to Grant Lansdell’s legacy while promoting sustainability and artistic expression through the repurposing of discarded musical instruments,” the announcement stated. “We invite experienced metal artists to submit their proposals for consideration.”
Fishers Music Works will provide all raw materials for the sculpture. The project budget is currently $4,000, but the organization is seeking additional donations to support the winning submission. It’s also seeking a corporate or business sponsor for placement of the finished piece.
The winning sculpture should commemorate Lansdell’s contributions to the community, according to the announcement.
“Grant Lansdell was so much more than an obsessed audiophile and esteemed trombone player,” the announcement stated. “He was a believer in the restorative and therapeutic power of music. He was a musical evangelist. He proudly served his vision of community through shared artistry with every concert he watched, listened to, played in or helped to plan — and he radiated immense joy as he did it.”
Lansdell and his wife Ashley died after a car accident in 2022. They were both Fishers residents and Ashley was a teacher in Fishers.
More information can be found at fishersmusicworks.org/lansdell-sculpture-rfp.
Juried art exhibit — The Fishers Arts Council’s 5th annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists, sponsored by Jiffy Lube of Indiana, is on display through Sept. 28 at the Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers.
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Fishers City Council had a longer-than-usual meeting Sept. 9, taking about 2 1/2 hours to address some big issues such as reviewing the city’s 2025 budget, establishing a citywide trash service, changing the parameters of the noise ordinance, allowing a new Meijer and expanding the city’s boundaries.
The council approved a first reading of the proposed City of Fishers 2025 budget and held a public hearing, where two people spoke about the $183 million spending plan. One said he would like more emphasis on greenspaces and less on widening or expanding roads. The second stressed the value of neighborhood matching grants, which help fund improvement projects throughout Fishers.
The budget will come back to the council in October.
The council also approved a first reading of a citywide trash service agreement with Republic Services. The 10-year contract would provide weekly trash removal and biweekly recycling pickup for all Fishers residents. Rates for the first year of the contract would be $16.39 per month, increasing slightly each year. The final year, residents would pay $26.89 per month.
The agreement will come back to the council for a second reading and public hearing.
The council gave final approval for a new Meijer at the corner of Southeastern Parkway and Cyntheanne Road, which has been in the works for a while. Updated plans were approved Aug. 7 by the city’s Planned Unit Development Committee and Plan Commission. Those plans call for a
75,000-square-foot grocery store and a gas station. Some neighboring residents have objected, citing increased traffic.
The council also approved a first reading of an ordinance to move forward with the Southeast Fishers Annexation, which will affect an unincorporated part of Hamilton County near the Madison and Hancock county borders. Those areas are, roughly, between Cyntheanne Road and the county line from East 101st Street to East 113th, with some carryover outside those roads.
According to Fishers city officials, there has been a long-held understanding that those areas eventually would be annexed into Fishers. Developers of the Vermillion and Flat Fork neighborhoods agreed during the development process that the properties would fall under a waiver so future owners couldn’t legally object to annexation. The proposed annexation area includes about 950 parcels and about 75 percent of those have waivers attached.
The annexation will come back to the council in November for a public hearing and a second vote.
In other matters, the council postponed approval of an amendment to the city noise ordinance after hearing from some business owners who had concerns about the proposed changes, which would lower the maximum allowed decibel level from 90 to 70. City officials will meet with the business owners to discuss those concerns before coming back to the council.
At the close of the meeting, the council heard comments from a handful of residents who were upset about drag performances during the Sept. 7 Fishers Pride Festival, which was at Holy Family Episcopal Church. Several of them asked the council to consider a law that would restrict drag performances when children are present.
Quilt guild show – The Mudsock Quilters Guild Quilt Show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 13450 E. 116th St. in Fishers. The event will include quilts to view, a raffle, vendors and quilting supplies. The guild has nearly 250 members who reside in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville. Guild members have created more than 300 quilts for hospital patients to receive on Christmas.
Tree and shrub fundraiser – A selection of native trees and shrubs are available through the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District’s fall fundraising event. Proceeds benefit conservation in Hamilton County. Orders must be placed online by Sept. 19. Pickup is 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. Order at hamiltonswcd.org/treesale.
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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Current is publishing Q&As with candidates for various seats in our readership area. Below are the responses of Hamilton Southeastern School Board candidate Sarah Parks-Reese, who is running for reelection for the Wayne Township seat against challenger John Stewart. The election is Nov. 5.
Parks-Reese lives in Noblesville and is the assistant director of kindergarten readiness at the Indiana Department of Education.
I have a passion for providing all students a quality, inclusive educational experience, ensuring students are the center of each decision. Additionally, I wanted to be a voice for Noblesville residents who attend HSE. During my term, we’ve faced tough decisions, but I’ve kept the best interests of students first.
HSE must provide dynamic educational opportunities to meet students where they are, by providing extra support and advanced opportunities to students who need either; and offering a variety of courses to allow students to explore career paths while building knowledge needed to succeed in any post high school path.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING PUBLIC EDUCATION NOW?
Funding. School funding formulas are often not favorable to districts, particularly those with demographics similar to HSE’s. Additionally, increases to school funding have not kept up with inflation. Public schools depend on referendums, which are a lot of work and costly for schools to run.
WHAT DO YOU SUPPORT ABOUT HOW HSE SCHOOLS ARE RUN AND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
HSE offers experiential learning at the AgriPark, and moves toward literacy coaches and mental health support have been positive. Concerns include the need for English learner support, lack of preschool opportunities, poor balance and distribution of students and finally providing additional career and technical education opportunities.
news@currentinfishers.com
Hamilton East Public Library is in the early stages of planning a new library branch on Fishers’ east side and is surveying residents about those plans.
A Sept. 2 social media post from HEPL promoting the survey stated, “We’re building a new library branch! Help us prepare for the future by completing a brief feasibility study community survey. Your answers will be used to further understand the needs of our community for both services and library location.”
The link takes library users to a survey titled “HEPL Olio Road Location.” The survey asks what services patrons use; what services they would like added or expanded; and optional demographic information.
Although HEPL’s social media post stated that the new branch will be built, plans apparently aren’t set in stone. In response
to a request for more information, HEPL Director of Marketing and Communications Kelsey Sweet said the library has started a feasibility study and the community survey is part of that effort.
“The goal of the survey is to identify the needs of our growing community and how HEPL can make adjustments to their services and future plans to better serve the community,” Sweet stated in an email. “This could result in additional programming opportunities, collaboration with other like-minded public entities, additional deployment of the library outreach vehicle, remote-holds lockers at locations throughout the community, or an additional branch location.”
HEPL currently operates two branches — one in downtown Fishers at 5 Municipal Dr. and another in Noblesville at 1 Library Plaza.
To take the survey, visit surveymonkey. com/r/HEPL2024.
When you visit an Epcon community during our Fall Open House Weekend, you’ll experience luxury ranch homes designed for single-level
and private, garden courtyards that are perfect for enjoying the crisp fall air. Plus, a low-maintenance Epcon lifestyle means raking, mowing and weeding are taken care of for you, leaving you more time to enjoy the things that truly matter. Come see for yourself what it is like to live
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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Current is publishing Q&As with candidates for various seats in our readership area. Below are the responses of Hamilton Southeastern School Board candidate Greg Lannan, who is running against Latricia Schooley for the Delaware Township seat. The election is Nov. 5.
Lannan is director of business development and marketing with Hamilton County-based BW Construction. He lives in Fishers’ Sunblest neighborhood with his wife, Megan, and their young son, James.
I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities throughout my life, starting with my education here in Fishers. I’m incredibly lucky to have grown up here in one of the best school districts in the state, if not the nation, and it’s our responsibility to ensure it remains so.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR LOCAL EDUCATION?
Local education must prepare all students for successful lives and careers. We must ensure teachers remain supported and parents have transparency and a seat at the table. We all have the same goal of ensuring our children succeed, and I will work toward that end.
Public education has become too politicized in recent years and we’ve gotten away from the basics. It’s our job as a society to prepare our children and ensure they’re ready for their lives ahead. That isn’t political — it’s common sense and we can all work together toward it.
WHAT DO YOU SUPPORT ABOUT HSE SCHOOLS AND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
HSE schools are thriving and ranking among the rest of the state and nation reflects that. Our parents are engaged, our teachers are immensely dedicated, and our students reflect the vibrant community where we live. It’s our job to make sure that continues.
Fishers Police Department charged a 22-year-old Indianapolis man Sept. 5 for alleged auto theft, possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of a handgun.
According to a news release, FPD received a report from the Noblesville Police Department about several stolen vehicles in that community earlier in the week. A suspect vehicle was spotted in the Fishers area.
“Using Flock (camera) technology and proactive police work, our officers were able to locate the vehicle in Fishers near 126th Street and Reynolds Drive,” the news release stated. “Officers utilized a drone to check the vehicle’s security and found the sole occupant, (Montez) Beech, was asleep in the driver’s seat. Using a tactical approach to ensure officer safety, the suspect surrendered without incident.”
According to the news release, Beech is connected to more than five auto theft cases in Hamilton County and has an active warrant out of Marion County for auto theft and theft. He also has a prior felony and allegedly had a handgun in his possession.
From the Sept. 5 arrest, Beech faces five charges: Unlawful carrying of a handgun with a felony conviction, possession of stolen property, auto theft and two counts of unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle.
At deadline for this report, Beech was in custody at Hamilton County Jail. Bail had not yet been set.
Code & Coffee — Software developers and those interested in becoming one are invited to drop in, drink coffee and converse with other software developers from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at The Well Coffeehouse, 8890 E. 116th St #120, in Fishers.
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Current is publishing Q&As with candidates for various seats in our readership area. Below are the responses of District 88 State House Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers), who is running for reelection against Democrat Stephanie Jo Yocum. The election is Nov. 5.
Jeter is an attorney and small business owner who lives in the Geist area with his wife, Karen, and children Macy, Hayden and Kali.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENT?
I have a proven track record of votes and accomplishments that are consistent with the views of the district.
WHAT ISSUES ARE YOU MOST FOCUSED ON?
Protecting kids, empowering parents,
ensuring individual liberties and fundamental rights, reducing regulatory burdens and cutting taxes.
HOW CAN THE INDIANA LEGISLATURE ADDRESS CONCERNS ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION?
Universal school choice — let parents pick the education that is best for their kids. They know them best.
HOW WILL YOU REPRESENT ALL YOUR CONSTITUENTS, WHETHER OR NOT THEY VOTED FOR YOU?
My goal is to give individuals, parents, small business owners and workers the opportunity to chart their own path and accomplish their own objectives without government intervention or a “one size fits all” approach to issues. That means diverse people can pursue diverse values, goals and service within our community.
WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’m a husband, dad, neighbor and friend long before I’m an elected official.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
When Hamilton Southeastern High School senior volleyball player Ava Hunter was younger, she wanted to be an outside hitter like her older sister, Grace.
“She said I was going to be too undersized for the people I’d be playing against,” Hunter said. “She said I had huge hands and needed to become a setter, so I switched to setting. At first, I was like, ‘This is so hard, it’s not my favorite.’ Then a year or two into it (I realized) this is the best job. It’s so fun. It’s fun to be the one that makes the decisions in the game.”
The 5-foot-11 Hunter shared the setter role with Macy Hinshaw, now a freshman player for Santa Clara University, the past two seasons for the Royals, who won the IHSAA Class 4A state championship the past two seasons. As of Sept. 10, the Royals were 10-1.
“I think the last two years sharing time with Macy has definitely helped me understand everyone has their own role and each role is important,” Hunter said. “I un-
Favorite subject: Science or math
Favorite TV show: “The Office.”
Favorite vacation spot: Florida
Favorite music performers: Rhianna and Billie Eilish
derstand everyone’s perspective.”
Hunter said although everyone wants to play more, she can encourage players on the bench that every role is important.
Royals coach Jason Young said Hunter has had to take on a leadership role this season.
“We graduated a huge group of seniors who were incredibly talented and great leaders,” Young said. “She’s stepped in
and been a leader and captain for us. It’s natural for that position. A setter is like the quarterback. She runs the show offensive-
ly for us and has done a good job leading the way.”
Young said he had two of the best setters he has ever coached in Hinshaw and Hunter.
“Ideally, you’d like to have them come by every four years, but we are glad to have had both of them,” Young said. “(Hunter) is a very upbeat, positive individual. She is a big cheerleader for others.”
Hunter recorded her 1,000th career assists in the season opener.
Hunter is optimistic the Royals can make another run at the state title.
Hunter, who plans to major in business, has committed to play for Loyola University in Chicago next season. Grace, a 2020 HSE graduate, was on the Royals’ Class 4A state runner-up team as a senior and played for Marian University.
“Grace helped me become the player I am today,” Hunter said. “We have all the pieces (to win another championship). We just need to get each piece working together.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, email mark@youarecurrent.com.
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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
IU Health physicians and administrators, along with officials from the Town of McCordsville, gathered Sept. 4 to celebrate the opening of a new IU Health primary care clinic at the McCord Square development, close to Lawrence and Fishers.
The clinic, 5986 Main St., is part of the health care provider’s ongoing $300 million “Fishers Community Impact” project, which includes expansion of IU Health Saxony hospital.
“As we looked at community growth rates, new commercial and housing developments and patient origin, we knew that McCordsville would be the next best place for us to plant IU Health care close to home,” said Soula Banich, regional vice president and chief operating officer of IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region. “What we’re opening here — an extension of IU Health primary and specialty care — will be supported by the expanded scope of services provided at IU Health Saxony, soon to be IU Health Fishers by the end of 2025.”
Dr. Jatin Rana, one of the McCordsville clinic physicians, told the group gathered for the Sept. 4 ribbon cutting that he’s happy to join a clinic in his own neighborhood.
“My home is minutes away from the office,” he said. “Many of our providers and office team members are local to the area. We all agree there’s something really special about providing care in our home community. We’ve had the opportunity
to care for several patients already — our office officially opened yesterday. I’ve seen some familiar faces of patients walking through the hallway with their eyes wide open, smiles on their faces — and that’s really nice to see.”
The new clinic has 25 exam rooms and three procedure rooms for physicians, advanced primary care providers and a cardiologist to see patients. According to
IU Health, OB/GYN providers will join the clinic’s team later this fall.
Greg Brewer is the McCordsville Town Council president. He said the clinic’s site was empty a year ago. Now, he said, it’s a cornerstone for the city’s McCord Square development, a private-public partnership that will offer a mix of residential, commercial and municipal structures.
“Having such a large network of health providers now have a foothold in McCordsville and providing our residents top-quality health care and a place to go when they need it is just a true testament to the leadership of IU Health saying we need to be a part of this community,” he said. “We’re extremely excited to have you guys here. So, with that — with the small, minute powers that are vested to me, I do want to officially welcome IU Health to the Town of McCordsville.”
McCordsville also is home to the relatively new Hancock Health Wellness Center, which is a few blocks away from the new IU Health clinic, on the other side of Pendleton Pike.
For more about IU Health, visit iuhealth. org.
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
St. George Orthodox Church’s Middle Eastern Festival celebrates many aspects of Arab cultural traditions — faith, food, music, heritage and hospitality.
The church was founded in 1926 by Arab immigrants and Arabs continue to make up a good portion of the congregation. This year marks the church’s 27th annual Middle Eastern Festival, set for Sept. 20-22 at 10748 E 116th St. in Fishers.
Riyad Bannourah is one of the festival organizers. He said the most important thing festival attendees can expect is hospitality — a key ingredient in Arab culture — and part of that tradition of hospitality is making sure guests have plenty to eat.
“We just finished the menu last night — we’re going to have seven booths of food,” he said. “We have the grills, which is the chicken shawarma and the kafta. And we have meat lovers this year — we added the meat lovers that you can have chicken shawarma, falafel, gyros or kafta as part of the plate. Then this year we have a special dish — we call it the St. George special. And the St. George special is going to be gyros on French fries.”
Shawarma is marinated chicken served in a pita with pickles and a creamy garlic sauce; kafta is ground beef mixed with parsley, onions and spices, served in a pita. The booths also will offer the popular lamb shanks, falafel and stuffed grape leaves, along with honey balls — fried dough served with sweet toppings.
Bannourah’s wife, Hala Bannourah, is one of the festival’s many cooks. She said various people specialize in certain dishes and she’s one of several in charge of grape leaf production, which requires skill, time and patience. Hala Bannourah said another church member, Abla Khoury, takes over the kitchen with her family each year to make the rice mixture.
“And then I am on the outside where I roll the grape leaves,” Hala Bannourah said. “Whoever shows up (who) doesn’t know how to roll the grape leaf, I just show them and teach them. You don’t have to know how to do it — we will teach you on the spot.”
Hala Bannourah said she grew up watching her mother cook, which is how
she learned various techniques, including the proper method for rolling a stuffed grape leaf.
In addition to the food booths set up outside, the festival offers a variety of desserts for sale in the church’s basement. Hala Bannourah said she and other church members will spend several weekends preparing the sweets, which will include a couple of different Middle Eastern cookies; katayef — a pancake filled with a nut mixture and soaked in syrup; and kanafeh — cheese topped with pastry and syrup. Baklava in various forms also will be available, ordered from a bakery in Detroit.
Dancing is one way to burn off some of the calories consumed during the festival. Tanya Bannourah — Riyad and Hala’s daughter — teaches Middle Eastern dance classes for 6- to 8-year-olds. She said her students will perform bellydance routines
— modest, of course — followed by 10- and 11-year-olds who will perform bellydance and dabke, and then 12- and 13-year-olds who will dance the dabke.
She said this is her second-year teaching dance, but she’s been involved for much longer.
“I grew up dancing in the festival,” Tanya Bannourah said. “Every year, I would volunteer and then, as teenagers, me and my sister, we choreographed our own dance and did our own routine.”
Mawtini Dabke Troupe, a group from Detroit, also will dance the dabke, a traditional line dance customarily performed during weddings and other celebrations. Festival attendees will be invited to join in the dancing.
Admission to the festival is free. In addition to food and dancing, there will be music by Cleveland-based singer David Hakim, a kid zone with games and opportunities
to tour the church. For a schedule of events, visit stgindy.org/st-george-festival.
ON THE COVER: Dancers perform the dabke, a traditional Middle Eastern line dance, during the 2023 St. George Orthodox Church Middle Eastern Festival. (Photo courtesy of Hala Bannourah)
WHAT: St. George Orthodox Church Middle Eastern Festival
WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 20; noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 21; 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 22
WHERE: 10748 E 116th St. in Fishers
HOW: Park at Hoosier Road Elementary School, 11300 E. 121st St., and take the shuttle. ADA parking is available at the church. There is a $5 fee for parking.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jeffrey McDermott has watched how the Center for the Performing Arts annual gala has evolved.
“I’m one of the rare people who have been to every single gala we’ve had here,” said McDermott, who was a board member prior to assuming his role as president/CEO for Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts. The sold-out Center Celebration 2024 Presented by Ice Miller with headliner Chris Botti is set for Sept. 21 at the Palladium. The fundraising event supports the Center’s education and outreach programs. The first gala was in a huge tent on Carter Green in January 2011, the same year the Center opened.
“We then came in there for the show and it was star-studded,” McDermott said. “What I recall is the next day there was an ice storm and the tent was destroyed. Then for the next couple of years we switched to the summers and we had it in connection with the Songbook Academy (Hall of Fame induction), which was great but created a huge stress on our staff. It’s an all-hands-on-deck (event) and when we did it in connection with the Songbook Academy, we would have the Songbook Academy one night and the gala the next. While it was great fun, it became overwhelming as the Songbook (event) and the gala continued to grow.”
McDermott said there were a few years when the dinner was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on one night and the show at the Palladium the next night.
“That worked but it was a two-night event and that’s a lot for people to commit to,” McDermott said. “We felt a onenight affair was much better. We’ve hit a nice pace now.”
McDermott said each year the staff discusses ways to make it more unique and
accommodate 250 people, so it’s ideal for wedding receptions. It’s a fun opportunity for us in rentals to sell that space.”
Adams said every department is involved in staging the gala.
“It’s a real all-hands-on-deck kind of event,” she said.
Kendra Latta, vice president of development, said the gala lays a fundraising foundation to support and raise awareness for the Center’s education and outreach missions.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs through Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” runs through Sept. 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
more memorable. What has helped the event evolve is that Carmel businessman Zak Khan donated a festival floor that sits on top of the seats. McDermott said they can seat 250 people on the floor and another 150 in the various boxes at the Palladium. The first one with the festival floor was held in 2015.
“It starts with the red-carpet entrance, cocktail reception around the building, the dinner and show on the festival floor and then goes throughout the building for the after-party,” McDermott said. “That formula has worked well for the last several years.”
“We have limited seating at the gala, but it’s a big enough event with a strong enough message that we want to get it out in the community that we do more than concerts,” Latta said. “We’re a place for education and a place for gathering, and donor support makes that possible. Our education programs are growing like crazy. We offer free matinee programs for school children and for the last two years those shows have been filled to capacity by the time school starts each year.”
“Summer Nights: The Music of Grease” is set for Sept. 19, followed by Don Farrell’s “Frank Sinatra: The Tribute” Sept. 20; Adam B. Shapiro in “Hollywood or Bust: Songs of the Silver Screen” Sept. 21; and “An Evening with Michael Feinstein” Sept. 22 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All the performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Ramona Adams, the Center’s vice president of events, said it takes two to three days to install the floor and about the same amount of time to take it down. The floor is installed the first week of August and then is taken down when the gala is over.
It enables the Center to rent Palladium space for weddings, conferences and corporate events.
Adams said it probably takes about a dozen professional stagehands and production experts to install the floor.
“The floor has been a game-changer for us being able to hold larger scale events,” Adams said. “We don’t have room for much more than 100 until we install the festival floor in August. Then we can
Latta said the gala’s volunteer cochairs are Adam Arceneaux and Michael and Caroline Garvey. Arceneaux is the senior co-chair in his second year of a two-year commitment. The Garveys will become senior co-chairs for the 2025 gala.
“These volunteers go out and recruit a committee of volunteers,” Latta said. “They are people in the community that go to shows and work for companies that support us and maybe serve on our board of directors. We try to get 40 or 50 committee members and it’s their work and advocacy that sells the tables, gets the corporate sponsors, helps secure the auction items and they have a great input in making it a great evening people want to attend. We’re really indebted to them. They are an incredible group.”
Latta said the co-chairs are the cheerleaders of the group.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Rising country star set for Fishers Event Center — Singer/songwriter Megan Moroney announced that her forthcoming “Am I Okay?” tour will stop April 24, 2025, at the new Fishers Event Center. Moroney, a rising country star, will headline the 25-date North American tour. Tickets are on sale at FishersEventCenter.com. Fresh off playing stadiums all summer in support of Kenny Chesney’s “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour,” Moroney has emerged as one of country music’s most exciting live acts in recent years.
Proposals sought for New Works — Indiana-based artists and arts organizations are invited to submit proposals for New Works, a commission program in its fourth season at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. New Works promotes and sustains local artists and arts communities by supporting the creation of new works in various disciplines. The submission deadline is Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m. For more, visit TheCenterPresents.org/NewWorks.
Thousands of car enthusiasts filled the Carmel Arts & Design District streets Sept. 7 for Artomobilia. The event included the usual array of Indy 500 cars, Jaguars, Corvettes, Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis, among other vehicles. (Photos by Mark Ambrogi)
“This
A 1947 MG TC’.
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
The Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission’s 32nd annual production of “Shakespeare in the Park,” the longest-running production in central Indiana, will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18-21 at Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville, 175 Logan St. King Lear will be performed in the amphitheater and admission is free. For more, visit noblesvillearts. org/shakespeare-in-the-park.html.
CUISINE CONNECT CULTURE — Explore diverse arts, entertainment, traditions and food from all over the world at 225 S. Union St. for the annual Cuisine Connect Culture festival, from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 21. For more, visit westfieldwelcome.com/ cuisine-connect-culture.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Children’s Choir Executive Artistic Director Joshua Pedde figures “Lights. Camera. Song” is the perfect start to the 39th concert season.
Pedde said the movies theme is always a fun way to engage audiences since so many people have shared memories of music from movies.
said Pedde, a Carmel resident. “So, this time around, it will open up even more opportunities for performing songs from various genres and time periods.”
There will be a free public open house from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the ICC Performing Arts Center at 9111 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis. There will be movie screenings and free popcorn. The choir also will screen the “Trio of Minuet” children’s opera that the ICC debuted 20 years ago on WFYI.
The “Lights. Camera. Song.” concert is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 29 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.
“We haven’t done a movie-themed concert for quite some time and the last time we did, it was specifically for the holiday,”
Pedde
The concert will include songs from “The Wizard of Oz” and Disney classics.
“The singers just love the repertoire for this concert. The movies are a great way to bring everyone together,” Pedde said. “There will be hits from ‘90s Disney classics like ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘The Lion King’ and then older songs like ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ and ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.’”
Pedde said the concert will include songs from other movie classics like “The King and I,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and featured music by legendary movie composer John Williams. ICC alum and professional recording vocalist Erin Benedict will be the featured guest soloist. Tickets for the concert are $16 and can be purchased online at icchoir.org/tickets. Children aged 5 and under can attend for free but require a ticket.
Commentary by Dr. Kennedy Neukam
It is evident that the world is continuing to become more digital. With every development and advancement comes a new device or program designed to enhance our world. But how does one keep their eyes protected and healthy? With increased use of screen time comes an increased risk of developing digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. CVS can cause headaches, blurry vision, sleep cycle changes and an increase in nearsightedness (or myopia).
Why do we develop eye strain from a screen more often than from looking at words on a piece of paper? There are multiple factors. The first is the clarity of the screen. Digitally, letters are often less precise and sharp. This, along with less contrast and increased glare and reflections, requires more focus from the visual system.
The distance and orientation of a digital device can also explain increased strain. Your computer screen is likely placed at a different height and angle than a book or
piece of paper would be. Depending on the optics of your glasses’ lenses, they may not be designed to maximize your vision at the angle of a computer screen, which can cause a change in posture, leading to further muscle strain.
The treatment for CVS can be varied depending on the cause. One of the healthiest ways to combat it is to be sure your eyes are corrected properly. Even the smallest uncorrected prescription can enhance the stress on the visual system. Additionally, when on a computer, the American Optometric Association recommends orienting the screen about 5 inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches from the eye. If looking back and forth between a computer and materials, orient the material just below the screen, so head movement is not required when switching your viewing.
Dr. Kennedy Neukam is an optometrist at Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care in Carmel and Fishers.
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
I feel compelled to take a certain number of steps daily. I did a lot of research on the optimum number for a guy my age. But the chart I was referring to asked, “Born in 1950 or before? Please consult a doctor before making a move.” I could have made it easy on myself. You know, maybe 1,000 a day — 1,500 at most. But on my smartphone, I clicked 15,000 by mistake. Now, I was stuck. I never go back on my own words. And I wouldn’t have been able to reset the app if I wanted to.
“I don’t have time to reach my daily goal. I’m not a runner, I’m a lumberer. I wave to the people in wheelchairs, folks with canes and women pushing babes in carriages as they zoom past me.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
I don’t have time to reach my daily goal. I’m not a runner, I’m a lumberer. I wave to the people in wheelchairs, folks with canes and women pushing babes in carriages as they zoom past me.
Recently, I started running in my basement at night to get in more steps. I dash around the ping-pong table, negotiate the couch, creep along the wall where the TV sits and then circle around the treadmill. Why aren’t I using that to exercise? The answer is simple: I’m not an exercise nut. Who goes on a treadmill at 11 at night?
The late-night dash was not helping me accomplish my goal. First, I started to get very bored with my basement routine. True, I did see a few photos and paintings I had never noticed before. I also discovered a half-bath in what I thought was an extra closet.
Then, I had a great idea. I decided to begin trotting around the neighborhood at precisely midnight. You see, my walking app automatically resets to zero at midnight, so that is my first opportunity to get a jump on the next day’s steps. I won’t make my goal unless I get a head start on my 15,000. Please tell me you understand what I’m saying.
My wife Mary Ellen forbade me from doing it. I got away with this a few times by constantly checking to see that she was fast asleep before I snuck out.
Then, after I rounded our neighborhood, I saw a woman in our driveway. It was Mary Ellen in her nightgown, but she also wore a very angry face. She had apparently awakened to find me missing and realized what I was doing. Yes, she had caught me running around on her.
She rightly told me in no uncertain terms how dangerous my behavior was. I wanted to deny I had done this, but not only had I been caught red-footed, but several neighbors had video of me on their doorbell cameras.
I have promised never to do this stupid thing again. First, it’s really dangerous. Second, standing in our driveway every night at 1 a.m. in her nightgown could blemish my wife’s untarnished reputation.
Commentary by Larry Greene
Talk about a transformation! Our clients were determined to make a statement with their downtown Carmel kitchen and our team embraced the challenge. We took their builder-basic space and meticulously reimagined it into a sleek, sophisticated culinary haven that masterfully captures their bold vision.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A stunning gold brushstroke tile, arranged in an artistic pattern, sets the tone, making a bold and sophisticated statement.
• Dark acrylic cabinets are the perfect contrast to the light backsplash and appliances, adding just the right amount of depth and drama.
• A new peninsula, featuring a custom-designed curved corbel, artistically bridges the space between the kitchen and living room.
• A circular light fixture, ombré faucet and appliances with metallic accents add a touch of modern glamour.
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.
Sunday, October 6
12:30-4pm Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (the Colts practice facility)
Join us for an upgraded watch party experience of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars away game! Enjoy tailgate food, an open bar, bounce houses for kids and more, all while supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Learn more at morethanaphone.org.
and Play on the field while the DJ spins! See inside the Indianapolis Colts practice facility! Watch the game from 2 large screen TVs!
39. Ain’t right?
41. Flood barrier
43. Not across 44. Disarray
46. Shoptalk
48. ___ King Cole
49. Did not step lightly
51. A Hair Off Mane workers
53. 1989 US Men’s Hard Court Championships winner at the Indianapolis Tennis Center
56. Mont Blanc, e.g.
57. Work unit
58. Apple, e.g., in MARKET TABLE?
64. Big name in tractors
66. Hoosier Motor Club letters
Expenditures
Immigrant’s subj.
Rocks from side to side
1. Channel 8 call sign 2. “Lonely Boy” singer 3. Hoosier Park pace
4. Tangle
5. Piece of cake, maybe 6. Wild hog
7. Butler frat letter
8. Bill Estes brand, briefly 9. Conglomeration
10. Permit 11. Final bricklayers in SALT ON MASS?
12. Amazon’s virtual assistant
67. Wry twist 68. Loafer 69. Raptors, on a Pacers scoreboard 70. Find the answer
13. Downtown Indy hotel 21. Dance move
22. Many millennia 26. Copied
27. Gov. Holcomb
28. Member of CSNY
29. Indiana legislative body hair care products in EAGLE’S NEST?
30. Christmas carol
31. Singer whose final performance was at Market Square Arena
35. Loaned
37. Smack
38. Colts QB stats 40. Ripped
42. African country
45. Some post office workers
47. Archie Manning’s alma mater
50. Morgue acronym 52. Lined up
Army doc
Doctrine
Online cash-back deal
Indiana Colleges
59. Vietnam neighbor
60. British noble 61. Caffeinated nut
62. A deadly sin
Dubois County Seat
63. Deli bread loaves
65. No longer working (Abbr.)
O: (317) 830-4444, ext. 2492 C: (317) 918-9744
Schuyler.Nehrig@infarmbureau.com
eCommunity.com/cancer
