Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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Indy Fuel plays to a sold-out crowd at first Fishers Event Center hockey game / P14
Fishers committees OK residential plat, reject Saxony hotel / P2
Event Center to showcase Mudsock rivalry / P5
Community Chorus plans free holiday concert / P8
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIV, No. 48
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Thumbs up and down: Fishers committees review proposals
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Two Geist-area developments in Fishers were up for review Dec. 4, with a residential proposal approved but a proposed boutique hotel rejected by City of Fishers committees.
DEVELOPMENT
The city’s Plat Committee approved Autumn Estates, a 90-home residential plat off Southeastern Parkway, proposed by developer Lennar Homes. Later that same evening, the PUD Committee rejected plans for a new Atwell Suites hotel in Saxony off 131st Street.
Plans for Atwell Suites were put on hold in August over concerns from the PUD Committee regarding the boutique hotel’s design. Striving Legacy Fishers LLC was the developer of the proposed 113-room IHG-branded hotel at the southwest corner of Erlen Drive and Minden Drive, near IU Health Saxony.
Since the August meeting, hotel design plans have been adjusted. However, city planning staff had some outstanding design questions as of the Dec. 4 meeting. There also was significant opposition to the planned hotel from nearby residents, who submitted a petition with 430 signatures in addition to numerous comments.
Mindy Brown of Faegre Drinker LLP represented the developers during the PUD
Lennar Homes of Indiana is moving forward with plans for a 90home development off Southeastern Parkway in Fishers.
(Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
Committee meeting. She said that while nearby property owners might not like the idea of a hotel in that location, it is zoned for that kind of use. She reminded the committee that its vote was about the design, not the use.
Brown said the developers have invested a significant amount of money into meeting the city’s design standards.
“If the majority votes no on this architectural review, we would respectfully request to receive a written record … outlining a technical architectural requirements the committee believes are unmet within
five days in order to (submit) a timely appeal to the Plan Commission,” she said. PUD Committee members did not discuss the issue or offer comments before unanimously voting against the hotel’s plans.
Autumn Estates is planned for a 73acre site off Southeastern Parkway. It originally was going to have more than 100 homes, but the developer scaled those plans back in part because of wetlands on the site that will be maintained as green space.
Taylor Navarre with Lennar Homes told the Plat Committee that plans also call for preserving trees along the east side of the site as well as in several common green spaces — a central area at the northern half of the site, a large pond in the wetlands/floodplain to the south and a second, smaller pond.
The Plat Committee unanimously approved the proposed plat, with the condition that the developer work with city staff on conserving as many existing trees as possible as the design process moves forward.
The next meeting day for both committees is Jan. 8, 2025, at the Fishers Municipal Center’s Nickel Plate Conference Room, 1 Municipal Dr., with the Plat Committee meeting starting at 4 p.m. and the PUD Committee meeting at 5.
FAST earns honor for club excellence
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
FAST is celebrating a major first.
SWIMMING
FAST, which stands for Fishers Area Swimming Tigers, was recently awarded the USA Swimming Club Excellence Gold Medal Status. The award is given to nationally ranked top-20 swim clubs from the 2,700 USA Swimming clubs in the United States. This is the first time the club has been selected in its 20-year history.
swimming program that produces elite 18-and-under athletes that play an integral role in achieving excellence in the sport,” said Matthew Davis, a member of FAST’s board of directors.
“This is an incredible honor that demonstrates FAST’s commitment in developing a strong, well-rounded age group and senior
Joe Keller, head coach of FAST, said the program has about 225 athletes registered with the competitive team of FAST.
“The achievement is based upon a goal that our organization, coaches, athletes and parents established and relentlessly pursued over time,” Keller said. “Our structure and the dedicated efforts throughout the process demonstrate the strength of strong values and transparent, caring relationships and their impact upon learning
and growth to reach a common goal. FAST is building people and building champions within a culture of excellence.”
Keller also serves as the coach of the Fishers High School boys and girls varsity teams, but he said the award is based only on the club’s performance.
Luke Whitlock, a member of FAST, competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics for Team USA. Whitlock, a Noblesville High School graduate and University of Florida freshman, was 15th in the 800-meter freestyle heats and didn’t make the final.
The club had approximately 170 members when Keller became head coach in 2017. The number dropped to 155 right after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
For more, visit fasttigers.com
Fishers resident to lead state energy department
news@currentinfishers.com
Suzanne Ryder Jaworowski of Fishers has been chosen as the new Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources, according to a Dec. 10 announcement from Gov.elect Mike Braun’s office.
GOVERNMENT
Jaworowski has experience in energy policy in the private sector and the federal government, the announcement stated.
She most recently served as executive director of stakeholder services at MISO Energy and previously was chief of staff and senior advisor for policy and communications in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy during the Trump administration.
“Suzie’s deep understanding of energy policy and proven track record of stakeholder engagement makes her an ideal choice to lead Indiana’s energy future,” Braun stated. “Her experience in both government and industry will be invaluable as we work to ensure reliable, affordable energy for Hoosiers.”
Jaworowski stated that she is honored to be named the next state secretary of energy.
“My vision is to ensure our state maintains a diverse energy portfolio that powers our economy, creates jobs and supports our communities,” she stated.
According to the announcement, Jaworowski previously directed communications and government relations at Hallador Energy and founded Ryder Research Consulting, where she advised energy companies, utilities and industry associations. She has degrees from Radford University and Marymount University.
In 2022, Jaworowski lost a Republican primary bid for the Indiana House of Representatives District 32 seat. That seat eventually was won by Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, a Democrat, who was reelected in 2024.
CITY OF FISHERS
HOAs and neighborhood groups within city limits can apply.
Funding for innovative ideas to make Fishers a more vibrant place to live, from entrance landscaping to community spaces and playgrounds. Applications are due Jan. 13, 2025.
Grant provides an 80% match up to $25K, with applicants providing 20% of the total project cost. $400K available in grant funding for 2025.
Jaworowski
Join us in helping people live the lives they’re capable of living.
More than 68,000 children lack access to healthy food.
Fishers Event Center showcases Mudsock rivalry
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, the annual rivalry game between Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern high schools was a perfect fit for the first basketball game at the Fishers Event Center, which opened last month.
BASKETBALL
“He wanted us to be the first high school game played in the new Fishers Event Center,” Hamilton Southeastern Athletic Director Jim Self said. “What a tremendous opportunity for our kids, our community, our two schools and our district. There was no way we were going to say no to it.”
The city rivalry, known as the Mudsock Game, will be a girls and boys doubleheader at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 between the city and Hoosier Crossroads Conference rivals in the 7,500-seat facility.
“At our high school gymnasiums, we have to turn people away because of the size of our gyms,” Self said. “To move our game to a facility in town that can host that many (is beneficial).”
HSE and Fishers highs schools each have two athletic directors.
“All four athletic directors were adamant that if we were going to do this, we wanted to showcase our boys and girls teams,” Self said. “It’s really kind of a no-brainer to do it as a boys and girls doubleheader.”
Self said it’s a first-class facility and the center’s officials have worked hard to accommodate the two schools
“We’re recognizing Fishers (boys) basketball for its (Class 4A) state championship last season with a ring ceremony,” Self said. “We are so blessed to live and work in this community that supports Fishers and HSE athletics.”
Self said the games are a great chance to showcase students, including cheerleaders, band members and Unified athletes
There will be a Unified Basketball game between the boys and girls game. Self said it will be a 12-minute running clock. Unified Sports pairs players with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
“That might be the best thing we do all night,” Self said.
Self said HSE’s gym capacity is listed as
3,520, but that is too generous.
“I can’t fathom we can put that many people in those seats,” Self said. “I would say comfortably our gym seats 2,800.”.
FHS Athletic Director Robert Seymour said his school’s gym holds approximately 2,300 spectators.
“Typically, the boys game sells out and the girls game reaches near capacity,” Seymour said. “I believe a sellout could be a possibility, but even if we do not reach that number, it will still be a great atmosphere and an attendance level that would be impossible for our gymnasiums.”
FHS girls basketball coach Lauren Votow said the team is excited to play the first basketball game in the Fishers Event Center.
“We are grateful to have a venue in Fishers that can accommodate the crowd that the Mudsock Game draws,” she said. “I hope that the City of Fishers will come and check out the amazing high school basketball that our community has to offer. It is arguably the best in the state and would be a fun night for all.”
For tickets, visit fisherseventcenter. com.
DISPATCHES
Online food permitting — The Hamilton County Health Department has launched an online system for food permit applications. For more or to apply for a food permit, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/256/ Food-Establishment-Program.
Winter Break camp — Registration is open for the City of Fishers Parks Department’s 2024 Winter Break Camp. The annual winter break camp offers drop-in camp days for a range of ages and follows Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ district calendar. Classes are Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30 and 31, and Jan. 2 and 3. For more and to register, visit playfishers.com/750/Winter-Break-Camp.
Lilly Endowment awards Ivy Tech Foundation $21.9M — Lilly Endowment Inc. recently awarded Ivy Tech Foundation a $21.9 million, three-year grant to support programs and partnerships to expand and improve high-quality postsecondary education and training for early childhood education professionals. Learn more about Ivy Tech Foundation at giving.ivytech.edu.
Fishers Rotary supports clean water program
news@currentinfishers.com
Fishers Rotary’s annual Water is Life gala is both a fun party and a serious fundraiser for a project that saves lives, according to the club.
The Dec. 7 event marked the gala’s 16th year, according to an announcement from the organization, and the club has raised about $2 million over the years to fund new wells in the West African nation of Sierra Leone.
According to the announcement, with a population of over 8 million people, Sierra Leone has been recovering from a civil war that ended in 2002. More than half of its inhabitants live in poverty and almost 60 percent lack access to clean water, which contributes to water-borne illnesses.
According to a 2019 study, diseases in Sierra Leone related to water, sanitation and hygiene remain among the leading cause of morbidity and account for 20 percent of all deaths, including 4,000 children each year.
Through its annual fundraiser and matching grants from the Rotary Foundation, Fishers Rotary has provided funds for more than 200 water wells that provide water to about 500,000 people.
Rotarian Tom Branum has been part of the project from the start.
“We are proud that 100 percent of the proceeds of the gala go to fund our next grant application and will push our total number of wells to 225,” he stated.
The Freetown Rotary Club in Sierra Leone is the local partner in the ongoing project and helps choose locations for wells, most of which are in small rural villages, schoolyards and near hospitals.
Among the benefits the wells provide is that girls and women no longer have to walk many miles for water, which takes time away from school and work and can be a safety risk.
Branum stated that it’s the club’s mission to give everyone in Sierra Leone clean water by 2030.
For more about Fishers Rotary Club and the Water is Life project, visit fishersrotary.org or fisherswaterislife.com.
99 E. Carmel Drive Suite 100 Carmel, IN
A new well in Sierra Leone is among those funded through the Rotary Water Is Life philanthropic program. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Rotary) PHILANTHROPY
Walker to serve on three State Senate committees Fishers chorus plans holiday concert
news@geistcurrent.com
State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve on three committees for the 124th Indiana General Assembly.
GOVERNMENT
According to an announcement from his office, Walker will serve as a member of the following Senate committees:
• Insurance and Financial Institutions, ranking member
• Public Policy, ranking member
• Tax and Fiscal Policy
“As we approach the 2025 legislative session, I am eager to work with my fellow legislators to pass a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that reflects the priorities of Senate District 31,” Walker stated. “In addition to addressing other key issues, I am committed to pursuing meaningful property tax relief for homeowners and ensuring we remain good stewards of
“As
we approach the 2025 legislative session, I am eager to work with my fellow legislators to pass a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that reflects the priorities of Senate District 31.”
– STATE SEN. KYLE WALKER
Hoosiers’ hard-earned money.”
Committee hearings can be viewed online at iga.in.gov. Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies and proposed legislation also can be found at that site.
The 2025 legislative session ceremonially began Nov. 19 with an organizational day. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene Jan. 8 for session.
Walker represents Senate District 31, which includes portions of Hamilton and Marion counties.
news@currentinfishers.com
The Fishers Community Chorus will present its annual holiday concert in a new location this year. The free concert will be in the new Fishers Municipal Center Theater, 1 Municipal Dr., and will focus on holiday music from around the world.
MUSIC
“Holiday Harmonies: A Cultural Mosaic” starts at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 17. Lobby doors will open at 6:45 p.m.
According to an announcement from the Fishers Community Chorus, selections will “take the audience on a trip through time and space, exploring musical and lyrical themes that provide connections between many cultures.”
The program combines traditional European, Asian, African and South American melodies with a touch of American flair. Translations will be provided for foreign language passages in German, Spanish, Hebrew, Latin and Swahili.
The Fishers Community Chorus was
founded in 2015 as an ensemble, part of the nonprofit arts organization Fishers Music Works. The chorus is an all-volunteer adult vocal ensemble serving as a performance outlet for Fishers community members.
FCC is directed by Marc Feeney and performs publicly at private and civic events in central Indiana throughout the year, including long-format concerts in Fishers each December and May.
For more, visit fisherschorus.org.
Walker
The Fishers Community Chorus annual free holiday concert will be Dec. 17 in the new Fishers Municipal Center Theater, 1 Municipal Dr. (File photo)
Nonprofit provides gifts to Humane Society animals
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Representatives from the Karen Cooper Foundation, a California nonprofit whose mission is to bring Christmas to as many sheltered dogs as possible and bring awareness to adoptions, visited the Humane Society for Hamilton County Dec. 9.
DONATION
The organization brought toys and treats to the more than 200 dogs at the shelter.
Karen Cooper died in a car accident May 26, 2023. Her husband Bob Cooper and their daughter Michele have continued her mission to bring Christmas to shelters each year. Last year, the Coopers delivered Christmas gifts across 10 shelters to more than 1,056 dogs in San Diego County. This year, their goal is to give presents to 3,000 dogs across the country.
The Humane Society for Hamilton County is the first shelter the Karen Cooper Foundation has donated to in Indiana. Lily Darling, the facility’s engagement manag-
Ashton, a dog available for adoption at the Humane Society for Hamilton County, receives gifts from the Karen Cooper Foundation. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
er, said the shelter was “thrilled” to be a beneficiary.
“The holiday season can be a lonely one for the animals in our care,” Darling said. “These carefully crafted Santa bags, filled with dog toys and treats, will brighten the spirits of the numerous pups in our shelter.”
As of now, the foundation expects to surpass its initial goal of helping 3,000 dogs and is on track to provide Christmas to 3,400 dogs.
For more, visit karencooperfoundation. org or hamiltonhumane.com.
This
Week’s Market Magic!
Werkstatt
Dec. 16-24, Anja Werner, Plauen Woodworking Artist
Kinderecke
Dec. 16-20, Woodworking with Deeply Ingrained
Spielhaus
Dec. 17, 4-9 p.m., Storytelling & Roz Puppets
Dec. 20, 12-3 p.m., Music & Dance with Copper Z Wellness
Dec. 21, 4-7 p.m., Snow Queen & Happy Snowman
Dec. 22, 12-6 p.m. & Dec. 24, 12-4 p.m. Santa
Entertainment
Dec. 17, 6-7 p.m., 6-7 p.m., Dianna Davis and Mario Joven
Dec. 20, 7-9 p.m., 7-9 p.m., Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio
Dec. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m. & 8-9 p.m., Mike Schneider Band
Dec. 22, 12:30-1:30 p.m. & 3:30-4:30 p.m., Mike Schneider Band
November 23 - December 24
DISPATCHES
Lake Meadows food and toy drive — Lake Meadows Assisted Living, 11570 126th St., Fishers, is accepting food donations through Dec. 17 and toys through Dec. 19. Pet supplies also will be accepted for the Humane Society for Hamilton County. To donate, members of the public can bring items to Lake Meadows, where there are barrels in the lobby for food, toys and pet items.
Hamilton County Health partners with CredibleMind — The Hamilton County Health Department recently launched a new digital platform for residents struggling with mental health issues. According to Tammy Sander, the county’s communications director, CredibleMind is a wellness-oriented platform that provides 24/7 access to more than 10,000 science-based mental health resources. The Fishers Health Department also has offered online mental health services with CredibleMind for about a year. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.crediblemind.com/.
Citywide trash service — All households in Fishers city limits will transition to Republic Services for all trash and recycling collection beginning Jan. 13, 2025. Monthly services fees will be reflected in residents’ January Fishers Utilities billing statements. Information on routes and container delivery will be released in December. No action is required at this time for current Republic or Waste Management customers for this change. For updates and details, visit FishersIN.gov/Trash.
Indy Chamber of commerce chair selected — Indianapolis employee benefits attorney Melissa Proffitt is the new chair of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Proffitt is the partner-incharge of client relations at Ice Miller LLP, one of the largest general practice firms in Indiana with 10 locations throughout the country. Proffitt has served as outside counsel to the chamber and serves on the Chamber Executive Committee, policy committees and the PAC group. Proffitt also has served on the boards of the Indy Chamber Foundation, IU’s Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council, Indiana Black Expo, WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, Indiana University McKinney School of Law Board of Visitors, IU Foundation, Star Bank and Indiana Sports Corp. Learn more about the Indiana Chamber of Commerce at indianachamber.com.
A new place to thrift
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
About 20 hardy Hoosiers withstood 16-degree temperatures — with a windchill of 1 — to be among the first shoppers at the newest Uptown Cheapskate store in Indiana, which opened Dec. 5 at 5151 E. 82nd St., in the Clearwater Springs Shopping Center at the corner of 82nd and Allisonville Road.
SHOPPING
The doors opened promptly at 10 a.m. and customers quickly filed in — each getting a free tote with some goodies inside — and began shopping in earnest.
Uptown Cheapskate franchise owner Brad Hill, who attended Hamilton Southeastern High School and whose mom still lives in Fishers, was impressed with the people who stood in line outside.
“With the weather being a little colder than we expected, we weren’t really sure,” he said. “But we definitely had a lot of people just from the community reaching out, ‘Hey, when are you guys opening?’ There definitely was a lot of excitement around that.”
Hill said he expects as more shoppers get to know the store’s brand, its popularity will grow.
Uptown Cheapskate, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a resale clothing chain that buys gently used men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories from community members — either for cash or store credit — and then resells them. The chain has franchises throughout the United States, including Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.
Hill said that was one reason he wanted to open a store in the Indianapolis market.
“Thrifting, resale — it’s one of the quickest growing markets out there, especially (because) it’s good in bad economic times and good,” he said. “That’s kind of the thing that also kind of turned us on to it.”
Although the store didn’t open for shopping until Dec. 5, it did need to collect merchandise ahead of the big day. Hill said they spent some time buying clothes and other items from members of the community.
“We were just buying — not selling anything — probably for the first month and a half,” he said. “And in that time, we took in (about) 30,000 items. We were very busy. I think customers were very excited to have us as another option in the Indianapolis market.”
Hill said the store serves customers of all ages but seems to be particularly popular with shoppers between 18 and 30. For more, visit uptowncheapskate.com.
Customers shop on the opening day of the new Uptown Cheapskate store. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Customers brave the cold Dec. 5 as they wait for the new Uptown Cheapskate store on 82nd Street and Allisonville Road to open. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
Zionsville athlete more than a passing success at Brebeuf Jesuit
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School senior quarterback Maverick Geske put up some eye-popping numbers during the football season.
“He’s had amazing production in his high school career,” said Matt Geske, his father and Brebeuf Jesuit’s head coach. “He finished in the top 14 all-time in career yards.”
A Zionsville resident, Maverick’s single-season total of 4,039 yards in 2024 is fifth on the IHSAA state list.
“Outside of his production and physical attributes from his freshman year to now has been the leadership, the ability to get his teammates all playing together, the camaraderie, the work ethic, all those things combined has made (him) a special on-thefield player and, more importantly, brought our team along with him,” Geske said.
Maverick, who is 6 feet and 205 pounds, completed 211 of 346 passes (61 percent)
MAVERICK GESKE
Favorite athlete: Baker Mayfield
Favorite TV show: “Succession”
Favorite vacation spot: Grand Cayman
Favorite musician: Drake
Favorite subject: Social studies
with 40 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He also rushed for eight touchdowns and caught a TD pass for the Braves (8-3), who reached the Class 4A sectional semifinal before losing to Roncalli.
Maverick threw for 3,084 yards as a junior. He became the starter during his sophomore season, throwing for 1,651 yards while completing 56 percent of his
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School quarterback Maverick Geske threw for 4,039 yards this past season. (Photo courtesy of LJ Lesing)
attempts. He was recently named to the Indiana Football Coaches Association’s Class 4A All-State Senior Team.
His production earned him an offer to play football at several schools, including a recent offer from Indiana University.
“Being with a lot of those guys for the past four years in the weight room and offseason, it was pretty fun,” Maverick said.
“We got a couple of special things done, like beating Carmel. We didn’t go as far as
we planned (in the postseason) but it was definitely a fun season.”
Maverick said his main improvement has been in leadership
“My leadership has improved drastically over the last two years,” he said.
On the field, he said his decision-making has been another big improvement. Studying game film helped in that aspect, he said.
Maverick, who will graduate this month, might enroll in college in January to take part in spring practice.
“I want to put on some weight to compete with those (older) guys,” he said. “I want to get a little stronger. My goal weight is 215.”
Maverick, who turns 18 later this month, had a 7-1 record for Brebeuf’s baseball team last season as a pitcher. The Braves reached the IHSAA Class 3A state championship before losing to New Prairie.
“Baseball has been a close second, but football has always been my No. 1 sport,” Maverick said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Geske
Fishers-based skin care line is ‘Indiana Grown’
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A Fishers-based beekeeper is one of several local businesses featured in a gift box of goods and wares from across the Hoosier state.
SMALL BUSINESS
A honey lotion bar from Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive was featured in this year’s Indiana Grown Holiday Box — a gift box that showcases a variety of products from Indiana Grown members located across the state. The limited-edition box — which included spice packets, nuts, popcorn, beef sticks, granola and coffee samplers from small businesses throughout Indiana — sold out the first week of December.
Owner Melissa Wrin said her business came about as the natural byproduct of beekeeping.
“My husband Bill began beekeeping in 2017 and challenged me in 2018 to find a way to use the beeswax we had,” Wrin said. “My business started with lotion bars, lip balms and paw balm. Over the years, I’ve
Lotions from Fishers-based Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive was one of several featured items in this year’s Indiana Grown Holiday Box. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Grown)
added new products based on customer requests. We make 100 percent natural skincare products for everyday needs such as dry skin, muscle aches, headaches or dry, cracked heels.”
Wrin is a member of Indiana Grown, the distributors of the Indiana Grown Holiday Box. Indiana Grown is an initiative of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to highlight local products and artisan goods. The organization “creates connections between farmers and consumers by promoting all forms of agriculture that are grown, raised, processed and/or packaged within the state,” according to its website, indianagrown.org.
“I joined Indiana Grown in 2023 and have partnered with them at local markets and at the Indiana State Fair,” she said. “They shared an application over the summer to apply for the Holiday Box and my lotion bars were chosen. What an honor. Indiana Grown is such a great supporter of small businesses in Indiana.”
Learn more about Sweet Melissa Honey & Hive at beesweetmelissa.com.
HOME BASE
Indy Fuel plays to a sold-out crowd at first Fishers Event Center hockey game
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center was packed Dec. 6 as Indy Fuel fans cheered their team’s first home game of the season, and the first game at the new facility.
Prior to the game’s start, team owner Jim Hallett and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness carefully walked to the center of the slick ice to welcome everyone to the new center, which opened in late November after many years of planning that stemmed from a conversation between the two men about 10 years ago.
“I want to thank our very, very loyal fan base, all of our sponsors, all of our employees and everyone who had a hand in making this wonderful event center come to fruition,” Hallett said. “We hope we have provided something for everyone of all ages. We hope that this building will create many memories that will last a lifetime, that you can share with your children and your grandchildren.”
Hallett credited Fadness for his vision and follow-through on big ideas like the event center.
Fadess kept his comments brief.
“Welcome to each and every Fuel fan here today, tonight and many nights into the future,” he said. “We’re a city on the move. Let’s go have some fun. Let’s go Fuel!”
Although the Fuel lost 4-3 that night to the Iowa Heartlanders, the energy from the crowd was electric as fans chanted “Let’s go Fuel, let’s go!” and waved rally towels — a tradition that started in the mid-1970s.
The crowd was especially appreciative when fights broke out among players — the first fight happened less than two minutes into the first period — and overall, the game was fun to watch, even for someone whose hockey knowledge primarily stems from the 1977 Paul Newman movie “Slap Shot.”
Joe Zollo is director of digital media for the Indy Fuel. In an earlier interview, he said the team didn’t have much practice at the new center prior to the Dec. 6 game. There was one practice a couple weeks earlier, he said, and they had a few hours
the morning of the game. The event center hosts numerous events in addition to hockey, which means it’s not always available for practice.
“I wouldn’t say it makes it more challenging. I think it does maybe play a factor in the guys getting used to the ice — each arena is built differently,” he said. “I know from the first practice they had on there, a lot of our guys are saying the ice is very — it was very, very nice. They liked the playing surface. They were very happy with it. I know that was something they were maybe a little worried about with a new venue, but they had nothing but good things to say about the playing surface
when they had their first practice on it.”
Zollo said it’s not only the ice that the team appreciates.
“They’re ecstatic about the player facilities and the locker room and the player lounge, the training facilities,” he said. “I mean, it’s top notch. There aren’t many better spots in the ECHL, if any, than what they have to work with here. The guys who were here last year and saw last year’s facilities compared to this, they said it’s a night-and-day difference.”
Zollo added that home games have been selling well, too, which indicates fans are willing to come to Fishers along with the team. He believes the Fuel has attracted
additional ticket holders in Hamilton County, as well.
“I think what we’ve seen is Hamilton County as a whole has really accepted the team and kind of been excited about it, because this is something, especially for Fishers, they can take pride (in),” he said.
“This is a professional arena, professional event center. We have a pro team here. They’re going to have three pro teams.”
In addition to the Fuel, the Fishers Event Center will be home base for the Fishers Freight professional indoor football team and Indy Ignite professional volleyball team — which has its first home game Jan. 11.
The Fishers Event Center has been a busy venue since it opened Nov. 22, with musical concerts and other performances booked by the center’s management company, ASM Global.
In addition to a series of Fuel home games on the schedule, upcoming
events at the center include Cirque du Soleil’s “Crystal,” set for Jan. 23-26, 2025, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy on Feb. 21.
For more and for ticket information, visit fisherseventcenter.com/ events-tickets.
For now, though, it’s hockey season, and although the Fuel lost both games during its opening weekend at the center, the team and its fans have plenty more opportunities coming up. For a schedule of games, visit indyfuelhockey. com/#schedule.
MORE THAN A SPORTS ARENA
ON THE COVER: The Indy Fuel’s first home game Dec. 6 at the new Fishers Event Center was sold out to an enthusiastic crowd. (Photo courtesy of Indy Fuel)
Hockey fans cheered the home team Dec. 6 during the Indy Fuel’s first home game at the new 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center. (Photos courtesy of Indy Fuel)
Indy Fuel mascot Nitro entertains the crowd in between periods during the Dec. 6 home game.
Songwriter Berlin’s rare piano on display
Submitted by Great American Songbook Foundation
As the air fills with the familiar strains of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” – the bestselling pop single of all time — the Great American Songbook Foundation is unveiling a piece of music history once owned by the man who wrote it.
Irving Berlin, a Jewish immigrant from Russia, revolutionized American popular music with many classic songs that have become part of the fabric of our culture: “Blue Skies,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Anything You Can Do,” “Happy Holiday,” “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and even “God Bless America,” to name a few.
His success came despite interesting personal limitations: Berlin did not read or write music, and as a self-taught pianist, he preferred playing on the black keys, corresponding to the key of F-sharp. As time went on, he commissioned piano makers to build transposing instruments — pianos with mechanisms enabling the player to shift the keyboard left or right and play in any key without changing hand position.
One of those rare instruments was donated recently to the Songbook Foundation’s vast Songbook Library & Archives by Berlin’s family. Built circa 1955 by Sohmer & Co. of New York, it is a well-constructed but simple upright piano with a twist: a transposing lever mounted under the keyboard.
After some restoration work at Piano Solutions in Carmel, the unusual instrument is back at the Songbook Library & Archives, near the Songbook Foundation’s headquarters at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Later this month, it will be publicly displayed for the first time in conjunction with Civic Theatre’s production of “White Christmas” at the Center’s Tarkington theater, a musical adaptation of the 1954 Bing Crosby film that features 17 songs by Berlin.
(“Moon River,” “Hooray for Hollywood”) and Richard Whiting (“On the Good Ship Lollipop,” “Ain’t We Got Fun?”).
Kept in the songwriter’s New York office, the piano was one of three Sohmers left to Berlin’s three daughters after his death in 1989. His daughter Mary Ellen Barrett died in 2022 and passed it down to her daughter Elizabeth Matson, who donated it to the Songbook Foundation.
“I learned about the Great American Songbook Foundation a few years ago, and knew right away it would be the perfect place to donate this treasured family heirloom,” Matson said. “There could be no better place for Irving Berlin’s special instrument than in this museum devoted to celebrating the legacy of all the Great American Songbook writers.”
Songbook Foundation Executive Director Christopher Lewis said the priceless artifact will receive the respect and attention it deserves.
“Few artists exemplify the American Songbook more than Irving Berlin,” Lewis said. “We are eternally grateful to the family for entrusting us with this historic instrument and to the Piano Solutions staff for their expertise in helping us to preserve it. This piano will soon have a prominent place in our Songbook Exhibit Gallery at the Palladium and it ultimately will be a highlight of our planned music museum and visitor experience.”
Piano Solutions owners Greg Durthaler and Brian Hostetler have serviced several historic pianos for the Songbook Foundation, including instruments owned by songwriters Harold Arlen (“Over the Rainbow,” “Stormy Weather”), Johnny Mercer
Despite their decades in the business, however, the Berlin instrument was the first transposing piano they had worked on. They described the project as a “conservation” job, returning the long-dormant instrument to its original working condition with a minimum of replacement parts. The piano had to be dismantled to a large extent, with the keyboard removed to reveal the machinery within. The meticulous work included reglueing joints and cleaning and lubricating scores of small parts, rebuilding rather than replacing any broken or worn elements. The wooden case was deep-cleaned and treated for mildew but not refinished.
The first priority was to figure out how the transposing mechanism was designed and how to get it working again. Hostetler deduced that the piano’s central pedal had to be pushed all the way down to allow the lever and the keyboard to move freely, sliding left or right in increments to cover the 12 keys of Western music. A small brass plate with markings indicates the current key.
“It’s ingenious, but it also can cause problems if you’re not really careful with it,” Hostetler said. “Over the years, the device can actually break parts that you don’t want broken.”
Now fully functioning, the Berlin piano will be viewable publicly for the first time during the Dec. 20-21 final weekend of Civic Theatre’s “White Christmas” at The Tarkington. The lobby display also will include other relevant items from the Songbook Library & Archives, including an original promotional poster for the movie, a written arrangement of “White Christmas” owned by co-star Rosemary Clooney and a snow globe gifted by Berlin to Clooney as a memento of the production.
The piano also will be employed for a tune at the Songbook Foundation’s upcoming presentation Songbook Academy Sings the Songs of the Season, with two sold-out concerts by Songbook Academy alumni scheduled Dec. 22 at the center’s Studio Theater.
‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Jan. 5 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“A Sinatra Christmas” is set for Dec. 18, followed by “Deception: An Evening of Magic and Lies: Dec. 19 and Frank D’Ambrosio Dec. 21-22 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’
Civic Theatre presents “White Christmas” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘FESTIVAL OF CAROLS’
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 20 and 3 p.m. Dec. 21-22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘SEUSSICAL’
Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s production of “Seussical” runs through Dec. 22 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way. For more, visit thecat.biz.
DISPATCHES
‘Voices of Christmas’ concert set — The Indianapolis Opera’s “Voices of Christmas” concert is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. The concert includes the Indianapolis Opera Chorus and a special appearance from the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra. Tickets are $25.
Foxworthy to perform in Fishers — Renowned comedian Jeff Foxworthy will perform live at the new Fishers Event Center Feb. 21, 2025, for the first Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation Legacy Celebration. Tickets are on sale at FishersEventCenter.com. A portion of proceeds benefit staff and students of Hamilton Southeastern Schools. For more, visit jefffoxworthy.com.
SONGBOOK FOUNDATION
Songwriter Irving Berlin’s Sohmer transposing piano was donated recently to the Songbook Library & Archives in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Songbook Foundation)
‘Nutcracker’ returns to Murat
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has been a holiday fixture at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in Indianapolis for several years. Althought the story remains the same, it’s always a new look.
INDY BALLET
“The production is staged every year in a similar way, but it is never the same as it is a live performance,” said Victoria Lyras, Indianapolis Ballet’s founding artistic director. “It is a wonderful time of the year to share the love for this art form with our audiences through this magical production.”
Indianapolis Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will be presented Dec. 19-22. The production has been at the Murat since 2016 except for 2020, when the performance was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In this year’s production, we feature three ballerinas as the Sugar Plum with three different Cavaliers,” Lyras said. “We also have three Snow Queens with their three Snow Kings. Clara is danced by a student from the Indianapolis School of Ballet and ‘The Nutcracker’ is performed by three different dancers in the company.”
The Nutcracker Tea, featuring characters from the performance, is set for noon Dec. 21 in the Tunisian Room at the Murat Shrine. Those buying Nutcracker Tea tickets receive a 20 percent discount on the same-day matinee tickets.
“The Nutcracker Tea is very popular, especially combining it before our Saturday matinee,” Indianapolis Ballet Executive Director Don Steffy said. “Families receive two holiday experiences in one afternoon — the Tea and the performance of the full-length ‘Nutcracker.’”
For tickets, visit indyballet.org.
‘Festival of Carols’ returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Mary Jo Wright has been with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir for 11 years, but being a member never gets old.
CONCERTS
“I love singing with the choir because it just provides an outlet to do really beautiful music with people that love music as much as I do,” the Carmel resident said. “I’m not professionally trained, but that is not a requirement to be in this choir, although you do have to go through an audition every year for quality control. I love that part of it and it’s challenging.”
There will be three performances of the ISC’s “Festival of Carols” at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performances are at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 and 3 p.m. Dec. 21-22. There will be a 7:30 p.m. performance at the Schrott Center for the Arts in Indianapolis.
Wright said the music changes every year, but the group always performs Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from the “Messiah.” The ISC also performs “The Dream Isaiah Saw” each year.
Lyras Wagaman Wright
“We get our Christmas music in October and we start working on it,” Wright said. “It really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s music we all love and people come to hear it.”
“We usually end the concert with those two songs because it’s a very poignant part of the concerts,” Wright said.
Wright said they are revisiting “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with longtime award-winning journalist Debby Knox doing the narrator’s part. The Lawrence Central High School choir will do two pieces and join for the final two songs.
Alden Wagaman, a 25-year-old Noblesville resident, is in his first year with the choir.
“It’s something I wanted to do my whole life as a young aspiring musician,” he said. “Being in the Symphonic Choir has been amazing.”
Wagaman, the director of choral activities at Lincoln Middle School in the Pike schools system in Indianapolis, said ISC Artistic Director Eric Stark creates a good grouping of sacred and secular songs.
“There are fast and slow tempos. There is a nice wide variety,” Wagaman said. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
“Come again?”
Nepal setting 14. Prime 47 steak option
Sound of laughter 16. Apt anagram for DORMITORY
18. Change one’s story? 19. I-465 road goo
20. “Once ___ a time...”
22. Like an Indy car 25. Uppity one 26. Swampy ground 29. Japanese currency 30. Britney Spears: “Oops!...I ___ It Again” 31. Autocrats of old
In no way 36. Beat at the Mini Marathon
37. Apt anagram for WESTERN UNION
39. Mar
40. Make sure
42. “We Have the Meats!” advertiser
43. Pen filler
44. Fishers-to-Omaha dir.
45. Colts stats
46. Arm bone
48. Europe’s longest river
50. UIndy instructor
51. Beatles: “___ the Walrus”
52. Leg hinge
55. Apt anagram for BUTTERFLY
60. Fruit trees
61. Voice quality
62. Clinton’s veep
63. Coagulate
64. Do laps in the Westfield Community Pool
65. At the summit
1. Depressed
2. CBS forensic franchise
3. Put on WTHR
4. Photo finish
5. Dog’s warning
6. Late Chinese leader
7. Beach Boys: “I Get ___”
8. ISO pace
9. One of the five Ws for a Current reporter
10. Peter, Paul and Mary: “If I ___ a Hammer”
11. Tuna type
12. Tit for ___
17. Talk, talk, talk
21. Kind of angle
22. Dictionary abbr.
23. Ex-Pacers coach: Slick
24. Buries in a vault
25. Locale
26. It may give a hoot on
a farm
27. Using the soapbox
28. Channel with “Family Feud” reruns
30. Calamitous
32. Proofreader’s mark
34. On the road
35. California coastal region
36. Short race, for short
38. Annapolis inits.
39. 86,400 seconds
41. Bygone airline
43. Company’s receivables
47. Some artists’ studios
48. Easley Winery container
49. Rolex rival
50. Annoying one
51. Tabloid pair
52. Col. Sanders’ chain
53. Indy Eleven’s zero
54. Sense of self
56. A third of tri-
57. Decompose
58. “My man!” 59. Slangy assent
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