December 31, 2024 — Fishers by Current Publishing

LOOKING AHEAD

Joey Chestnut breaks St. Elmo shrimp-eating record / P3

Fishers High School senior named Lilly Scholar / P5

HSE girls wrestling on the rise / P7

At right, Joey Chestnut of Westfield with St. Elmo Steak House president and co-owner Craig Huse. Chestnut set a new record Dec. 7 at the St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship. (Photo courtesy of Susan Decker Media)

Hamilton County’s Joey Chestnut breaks

St. Elmo shrimp cocktail-eating record

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Competitive eater Joey Chestnut set a new world record at the St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium Dec. 7, consuming 21 pounds of the fiery fare in eight minutes.

COMPETITION

But when he’s not putting away pounds of food at lightning speed, Chestnut is happy to cozy up at home in Westfield.

Chestnut, 41, started competitive eating in 2005 while studying engineering at San Jose State University. The California-native entered a lobster eating contest, where he tied for third and was immediately hooked.

“I thought it was going to be really weird, but I kind of liked it. I didn’t have to hold back,” he said. “My whole life I’ve always thought, ‘Don’t be the first one to finish, I don’t want to be embarrassed.’ And during the contest I didn’t have to hold back. It was pretty awesome. I put some thought into it, and two weeks later there was a deep-fried asparagus contest. I won that. It was delicious.”

From that point he traveled on weekends, and after graduation he worked in

construction, but kept competing. Eventually, he was able to give up his day job to embrace competitive eating as a career.

“I’ve been very lucky,” he said. “There are big contests, and in big contests there are sponsors, and then there is media and fans, which brings more sponsors. I’ve been very lucky. It’s been a crazy ride.”

Those travels led him all across the U.S. for different contests. But for some reason, Indiana stood out. He moved to Westfield four years ago.

“It’s nice to come home to a quiet place,” he said. “It’s clean, it’s safe, there are nice restaurants all around the north side and I have friends here. It’s a perfect location because I travel so much.”

Chestnut said although there were other Midwestern cities that might be a suitable hub for someone who travels as much as he does, there’s something idyllic about Westfield.

“People are nice. It’s kind of laid back,” he said. “It’s a unique place. Hoosier hospitality is real. Everybody takes care of their stuff, and I can leave for five days at a time and (my home) is safe. That’s important, peace of mind. All the kids in the neighborhood are great. There are block parties. I just love everything about the community.”

TO OUR READERS:

We are pleased to announce that as of Jan. 7, 2025, we are increasing total circulation of your edition, which you will come to know as Current in Fishers & Geist. Households served each Tuesday by mail will increase to 35,580 from 29,297.

Until that day, Geist-area news still will be packaged with Current in Lawrence/Geist. To help keep the quality of content

As a competitive eater, Chestnut said there are very few things he won’t try — provided they are normal menu items — but contests can be tricky when food he likes isn’t cooked well. The only contest he’s ever turned down is Rocky Mountain oysters. And, he said proudly, he’s never been disqualified for failing to keep anything down.

When it comes to the St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Championship, Chestnut joked that the real challenge is pushing through the pain.

“It hits so hard. It’s almost painful and then it goes away, so then you just want it again,” he said. “For a contest, it’s a tough one. It hits you hard and you have to work past that weird pain for eight minutes. Everything about this contest is different — it’s cold and you’re eating this spicy cocktail sauce, your hands get numb but your face is burning. It’s a unique contest.”

Chestnut said in Westfield, he recommends the locally owned fare along Restaurant Row on Park Street, such as Chiba and The Italian House.

And he always comes back to the basics.

“I still love to eat,” he said. “I love a good hot dog.”

offerings where you need them to be, you are invited, at any time, to reach out to managing editor Leila Kheiry with tips and story ideas. You will find her at leila@youarecurrent.com. Thank you for reading Current in Fishers and, soon, Current in Fishers & Geist!

Ben Weir, President and CEO, and Steve Greenberg, Executive Vice President

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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIV, No. 50

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UTILITIES

BEGINNING JANUARY 13

CITYWIDE TRASH & RECYCLING

FISHERSIN.GOV/TRASH

FISHERS JANUARY EVENTS

FUEL GAME BENEFITS FISHERS PARKS FOUNDATION

A portion of the proceeds from the Indy Fuel’s Jan. 3 Family Glow Night home game against the Kalamazoo Wings will benefit the Fishers Parks Foundation when tickets are purchased through the foundation’s website, playfishers.com/783/ Fishers-Parks-Foundation.

ONEZONE EVENTS

OneZone Chamber of Commerce represents businesses in Carmel, Fishers and northern Hamilton County. It hosts regular events each month. To register for any event, visit onezonechamber.com. In January, OneZone events include:

• Coffee and Connections, set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 7 at Walk-Ons Sports, 11655 Fishers Corner Blvd., in Fishers.

CURRENT REPUBLIC CUSTOMERS

There might be a change in your pickup day. Visit FishersIN.gov/Trash to find your new service day

You will not receive new trash bins. If you do not currently have recycling services, a recycling bin will be delivered between 12/30 and 1/10.

You do not need to cancel your existing account/service.

NEW REPUBLIC CUSTOMERS

You will receive Republic bins between 12/30 and 1/10. Do not use these bins until your new service begins on 1/13. Each household will receive 1 recycling & 1 trash bin. Waste Management (WM) will collect old bins after your final trash collection the week of 1/6. Please leave bins out after service for pick up at no cost.

Find your new pickup day at FishersIN.gov/Trash. Trash pickup is once weekly and recycling pickup is once every other week

You do not need to cancel your existing service. WM will deactivate your account No fees will be issued

REQUESTING MORE BINS

New & existing customers may request more bins from Republic after service begins 1/13. Up to 3 bins will be provided at no additional cost.

MONTHLY BILLING

A trash fee of $16.39/month will be added to your monthly bill through Fishers Utilities. If you are not a Fishers utilities customer, you will begin receiving a monthly trash bill. Manage billing at FishersIN.gov/Utilities.

• Eggs & Issues featuring local state legislators, set for 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 10 at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St., Carmel.

• A Sales Growth Series class with trainer Chris Roberts, vice president of sales at Sandler Trustpointe, set for 11:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Fishers, 10495 Crosspoint Blvd.

• Orientation for OneZone members, starting at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at Office Labs Carmel, 571 Monon Blvd., Suite 200.

• OneZone Leadership Institute with leadership training, set for 8 a.m. Jan. 21 at Topgolf, 9200 E. 116th St., Fishers.

• The monthly OneZone Women’s Network breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at Chatham Hills, 1100 Chatham Hills Blvd. In Westfield.

ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION

A reception for Fishers Arts Council’s January exhibit, “Free Associations – The Art of Jerry Mannell,” is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr. This free reception is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

CITYWIDE TRASH SERVICE

All households in Fishers city limits will transition to Republic Services for all trash and recycling collection beginning Jan. 13. Monthly services fees will be reflected in residents’ January Fishers Utilities billing statements. No action is required for current Republic or Waste Management customers for this change. For updates and details, visit FishersIN.gov/Trash.

Fishers High School senior a Lilly Endowment Scholar

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced Dec. 17 that Fishers High School senior Sabrina Alberty has been named a 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.

ACHIEVEMENT

Alberty learned about the award after she was called to the principal’s office — a moment she described as unforgettable.

“It was crazy. I walked in, and all these people were there. I was definitely surprised, but it felt amazing,” she stated.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is awarded to 147 Indiana students each year. It covers full tuition, required fees and a stipend for books at any accredited Indiana public or private four-year college or university.

According to HSE’s announcement, Alberty’s dedication to academics, arts and service reflects the program’s mission to elevate Indiana’s future leaders. She has been active in choir and theater and succeeded in her rigorous coursework. She recently performed as Flounder in the school’s fall production of “The Little Mermaid.”

“Fishers does such a good job of letting

Fishers High School senior Sabrina Alberty, seen performing in the school’s fall musical, has been named a Lilly Endowment Scholar. (Photo courtesy of HSE Schools)

you explore extracurriculars like the arts while still taking challenging classes,” she stated. “I’m so grateful for those opportunities.”

Interim Principal Kyle Goodwin lauded Alberty’s commitment.

“Sabrina has been a role model for our students, demonstrating a remarkable balance of academic rigor, artistic passion and service to others,” he stated. “She is incredibly deserving of this scholarship.”

Alberty plans to attend Purdue University to study civil or environmental engineering. She offered advice for other students.

“Do as much as you can and pursue what you’re passionate about,” she stated. “Passion leads to great opportunities and amazing experiences.”

The Fishers Fire girls team won first place in the ages 8 and younger category during the USA Track and Field cross country meet Dec. 14 in Shelbyville. From left are Stella O’Connell (15th overall); Eme Schoenrock (4th overall); Emerson McCarty (9th overall); Lucy Howard (79th overall); and Clara Atchison (36th overall). There were 198 girls in the race and the Fishers team won by 31 points. Also pictured is their coach, Stan Collesano. According to USATF, more than 3,300 young runners from across the nation competed in various events that day. (Photo courtesy of Stan Collesano)

Garcia Wilburn to serve on three House committees

Find Your Dream Home

GENERAL ASSEMBLY news@currentinfishers.com

Indiana House District 32 Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has been appointed to three House committees

for the upcoming legislative session — Employment, Labor and Pensions; Judiciary; and Public Health.

Garcia Wilburn will serve as ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.

“I’m honored to return to the Judiciary Committee again this year, this time in a new leadership role,” Garcia Wilburn stated in an announcement from her office. “As ranking member, I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to make our legal system more efficient for Hoosiers.”

Garcia Wilburn also served previously on the Employment, Labor and Pensions committee.

“Workers deserve living wages and safe working conditions,” she stated. “Our public retirees, including law enforcement and teachers, deserve the peace of mind that a pension provides after a lifetime of contributing to our state.”

She will be a new member of the Public Health Committee.

“I hope to highlight the great work Hamilton County is already doing to prioritize public health and help incorporate some of these strategies statewide,” she stated. “Even though Indiana has been making progress on issues like overdose rates, the statistics elsewhere are still jarring — Hoosiers are more likely than the average American to have heart disease and diabetes. It doesn’t have to be this way, and I’m ready to continue my work to improve public health here in Indiana.”

The 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 8, 2025.

Wilburn

The Hamilton Southeastern High School girls wrestling team is ready for the Jan. 3 sectional.

(Photo courtesy of HSE athletics)

HSE girls wrestling growing

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School boys coach Nicholas Brobst said there is a good reason why the girls wrestling program is ahead of many other programs in the area.

SPORTS

“We’ve been on the cutting edge of women’s wrestling for the past four years with current Campbellsville University sophomore wrestler Emily Anderson taking the reins in building this,” Brobst said. “She asked me if she could join when she was a sophomore and we quickly found out about (a girls state finals) and the next year we had three girls, including current senior Kiarra Churchill, and then we exploded to nine followed by 15 last year.”

In the first year as an IHSAA-sanctioned sport, the Royals have 16 girls and can fill most weight classes. The girls tournament was previously sanctioned by the Indiana High School Girls Wrestling Coaches Association.

Creston Gallup, who serves as head girls coach, said Jay County is likely the favorite to win the Jan. 3 sectional at Muncie Central. Fishers also is in that sectional.

“Our sectional was realigned from last year and our competition is definitely much tougher,” Gallup said. “I do think we have the chance to leave that tournament as champions if all the girls compete at the level we know they can. It will be a close tournament if we have everyone back healthy.”

Churchill wrestles in the 120-pound weight class.

“She is our most experienced wrestler, and she has very good technique,” Gallup said. “Her ability to put pressure on an opponent and get to her offense is key. Kiarra has the ability to make a deep run in the state tournament this year.”

E.J. Shults, who is in her second year of

wrestling, competes at 110 pounds.

“She is very athletic and strong,” Gallup said. “She brings an aggressiveness to a match that most girls haven’t seen before. She is constant offense. We have a few other girls that we hope can make a deep run.”

Gallup said Lilliana Rodriguez at 105, Lindsey Lannen at 115 and Fanta Sall at 235 all have the ability to make it to Jan. 17 state finals. Gallup said eight of the girls have some experience and eight are firstyear wrestlers.

“Having girls that are able to practice together is fantastic,” Gallup said. “With fewer girls you often see that they are so different in size that they are not able to practice together. We lose three (seniors) after this season but if we can keep the girls we have and add six to 12 more, that will continue to build a strong foundation for the program.”

Gallup said the girls primarily wrestle in tournaments instead of dual meets.

“Girls programs have a more difficult time holding duals because of the varying sizes of the teams,” Gallup said. “Some programs only have one or two girls while others can put out a full squad of 14. Expect that HSE will have six duals and six tournaments next year if the rules stay the same.”

HSE was a regional champion and had 14 semistate qualifiers last season. Brobst is eager to see future growth.

“We look forward to building this program over the next several years as we have six female athletes at (Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High) and another three at Fall Creek (Junior High) that we anticipate growing over the next few seasons to help us have more and more athletes with experience moving forward,” Brobst said.”The next step is to add an all-girls class to our elementary club and recruit harder in the K-5 age range to get 10-20 athletes out early and develop them earlier.”

CHS senior swimmer Shackell caps a golden year

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior swimmer Alex Shackell had a sweet cap to a special year.

Shackell, who earned gold and silver medals for participating in Team USA relays at the Paris Olympics, had a strong showing at the World Short Course Swimming Championships Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary.

Shackell was on the 4x100-meter freestyle relay team, which captured the gold with a world record time of 3:25.01.

“Being a part of the world record relay was the most unreal experience,” Shackell said. “Going into the race I had no idea what the world record was. It came as a total surprise. It was great to be able to represent a USA relay at finals again. I’m happy with the two golds I earned but that’s not how I base my success.”

Shackell earned a second gold medal for the 4x100 medley relay since she was a member of the relay in the preliminaries. She won a silver in the 4x100 mixed medley and a bronze in the 4x50 mixed medley and

ALEX SHACKELL

Favorite Athlete: Lilly King

Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds”

Favorite subject: English

Favorite vacation spot: California

was fourth in the 200-meter butterfly.

“I am pretty proud of my 200 fly prelims swim,” she said. “I thought I swam it smart and was happy with the time. I was actually pretty upset with my 200 fly finals performance. The time I went in prelims would have gotten me on the podium, so I was pretty frustrated. I’ve been working on being able to finish my 200 fly better when

racing elite competition, so this is a good experience for me and the disappointment is only going to make me better.”

CHS boys and girls swimming coach

IN FISHERS

Chris Plumb served as the USA head coach at the meet.

“Alex had some terrific performances and is now a world record holder,” Plumb said. “At the same time, getting experiences at the world level will continue to help her grow and develop.”

Shackell said Plumb did a great job of leading the national team.

“Although he was head coach, I didn’t really see him any differently,” Shackell said. “We both just kept things as normal as possible.”

Shackell decided to defer her college enrollment for a year and continue training with the Carmel Swim Club for a year after graduation. She originally committed to the University of California at Berkeley.

“Training at Carmel is working for me and I’m super happy with where I am, so for now taking the extra year is best for me,” Shackell said.

Shackell, who has won 11 IHSAA state titles, will seek to add to her total Feb. 15 at the 2025 state meet.

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

Carmel High School senior Alex Shackell won two gold medals at the World Short Course Swimming Championships Dec. 10-15 in Budapest, Hungary. (File photo)

Why choose pediatric eye care?

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

There are a couple of common questions we receive at Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care from parents related to their children’s basic eye health. Let’s take a closer look. Why would I take my child to the eye doctor if they aren’t having any problems?

VISION

Analogous to the same logic parents use when taking their children to their other wellness exams, parents want to confirm their child’s eyes are developing properly. But ensuring the child has great vision is just one of the aspects of a thorough pediatric examination.

In addition to testing their vision, we are also screening for colorblindness, eye turns, measuring depth perception and of course making sure their eyes are healthy. There are many children who can “see” well but are using excessive muscular intervention to get clarity. In these cases, we can alleviate tremendous strain the child is putting on their visual system that they aren’t even aware of. What’s the difference between a pedi-

Ensuring the child has great vision is just one of the aspects of a thorough pediatric examination.

– DR. JEREMY CIANO

atric specialist and a regular doctor?

All doctors in given fields have the same degree, but as we all know, most doctors specialize in a specific area. Most parents take their children to a pediatrician, pediatric dentist, childrens hospital/ER, etc. The same holds true in eye care.

All optometrists are licensed to see patients from the cradle to the grave, but some choose to concentrate their skills, continuing education and passion in a specific type of practice. Pediatric clinics also have different testing devices, contact lens fitting sets and an overall flow/look that is more welcoming to children than a regular clinic.

Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.

Classes Start in January

Beginning Bridge

• Offered Sundays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. or Thursdays at 9 a.m.

9 weeks • $10 for the instructional materials; non-members

Play

the Hand • Offered Mondays at 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

LOOKING AHEAD

Fishers to complete new community center, White River Park and more in 2025

By Cassie King news@currentinfishers.com

The City of Fishers will finish numerous projects in the coming year, including the new Fishers Community Center on Hoosier Road and development of the White River Park off 96th Street near Allisonville Road, along with other developments and construction projects.

FISHERS COMMUNITY CENTER

Plans for the $60 million Fishers Community Center were announced in June 2023, with a ceremonial groundbreaking in March 2024. According to the city, the new facility will open in fall 2025.

The 105,000-square-foot facility is under construction on a 25-acre site the city bought from Art Johnson, whose family had farmed the property for many years. During the groundbreaking ceremony, which included first-graders from the nearby Hoosier Road Elementary School, Johnson said the family was proud their land would be used by the entire community.

The site, which will continue to be called Johnson Farm, will include an outdoor dog park, retention ponds and landscaping. The facility will have a large indoor playground, aquatics facilities, an indoor track for walking and running, a café, offices for the Fishers Health Department and space for Outside the Box’s adult day programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more, visit fishersin.gov/ fishers-community-center-at-johnson-farm,

WHITE RIVER PARK

The city anticipates opening the new 120-acre Fishers White River Park at 96th Street and Allisonville Road in spring or summer 2025.

In a July interview, Jake Reardon-McSoley, the city’s director of recreation and wellness, told Current that the city already had planned to create a park at that site when the adjacent River Place mixed-use development owner CRG Residential donated an additional 25 acres for the project.

The city received a $4.7 million grant through the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to finance the park’s development.

That grant was supplemented with another $1 million from Hamilton County.

Based on responses to a community survey, the city plans to develop the park minimally, primarily adding parking, trails, scenic overlooks and launches for nonmotorized water vehicles. Future plans include a possible disc golf course. For more, visit playfishers.com/581/ Fishers-White-River-Park.

AGRIPARK AMENITIES

The Fishers AgriPark at 11171 Florida Rd. will have restrooms in 2025, along with classroom and programming space and a

country store.

The city recently announced plans to add more amenities at the popular 33-acre urban farm, with work anticipated to be mostly complete in time for the park’s regular springtime opening. The country store will open at a later time.

“This addition reflects our commitment to making the Fishers AgriPark a premier destination for education, engagement and enjoyment,” stated Marissa Deckert, director of Fishers Parks. “The new amenities will not only enhance convenience but also provide more opportunities for interactive programming and hands-on experiences for

visitors of all ages.”

Along with indoor restrooms, the new facilities will have space for workshops, school-based programs and community events. The country store and coffee shop will offer products from local vendors.

For more about the AgriPark, visit playfishers.com/217/Fishers-AgriPark.

Other Fishers projects up for completion in 2025 include:

• A new roundabout at 116th Street and Allisonville Road, planned for summer 2025. Mayor Scott Fadness has said the city likely will close that intersection during construction so the work can be completed faster.

• Opening of the restored Bell Ford Bridge along Geist Greenway in spring 2025.

• The new Nickel Plate Trail pedestrian bridge over 96th Street, opening in fall 2025.

• Completion of White River bridge connecting Fishers and Carmel, opening in fall 2025.

ON THE COVER:

FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Fishers Arts Council, according to an announcement from the nonprofit.

“Founded in 2005 by the then-Town Council of Fishers, Fishers Arts Council has seen many changes over the past two decades, but in recent years has created programming and events that have become staples of the community,” the announcement stated.

Among those are the monthly Second Friday gallery receptions, stated Ross Hilleary, Fishers Arts Council President.

“I’m excited to see the continued expansion with our gallery hops and partnership with the city,” he stated. “We encourage all residents to mark your calendars for Second Friday of every month, whether you are an art enthusiast or need a date night, it’s a great way to enjoy your community.”

The FAC Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr., will host 12 monthly exhibits:

• JANUARY: “Free Associations – The Art of Jerry Mannell”

• FEBRUARY: “The Golden Age – Artists 50 & Better”

• MARCH: “Disability Awareness Month”

• APRIL: “High School Senior Showcase”

• MAY: “Leaving Our Mark — Works by Fall Creek Junior High”

• JUNE: “The Calligraphy Guild of Indiana Member Show”

• JULY: “Hamilton County Artists’ Association Member Show”

• AUGUST: “Home Within my Heart: Immigrant Artists”

• SEPTEMBER: “The Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists”

• OCTOBER: “Things That Go Bump in the Night”

• NOVEMBER: “Duty, Honor, Creativity: Veteran Artists”

• DECEMBER: “Art of the Emerging Artist”

The Hub Gallery at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Dr., will host four quarterly exhibits in 2025:

• JANUARY-MARCH: “My Art is My Movement – The Art of Johnson Simon”

• APRIL-JUNE: “Summer Shine”

• JULY-SEPTEMBER: “Hispanic Heritage Celebration”

• OCTOBER-DECEMBER: “Individual Views”

FAC also plans to expand its “Gallery Hop” multi-gallery events by partnering with the City of Fishers and other arts organizations. Hops are planned for Feb. 14, May 9, Aug. 8 and Nov. 14. For more, visit FishersArtsCouncil.org.

The Fishers Arts Council will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025 with more exhibit opportunities. (Photo courtesy of FAC)

The new White River Park will open in spring or summer 2025, offering trails, scenic overlooks and a boat launch. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

The City of Fishers’ new Fishers Community Center is set to open in fall 2025. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Fishers)

Coral Reefer Band veteran McAnally set to keep party going at Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The night before Jimmy Buffett died in 2023, he had a special message for band members Mac McAnally and Mike Utley.

McAnally said they all understood the end was near.

“He was in as good a spirit as someone who just won the lottery,” McAnally said. “He was smiling that smile Jimmy Buffett always had on his face and talking about what a hell of a ride his life had been. He specifically said, ‘Keep the party going.’ He never wanted anyone to be sad. He liked to spread joy. In his particular case, he left a body of work that is going to keep spreading joy for generations and we get to be part of that.”

McAnally, a longtime Coral Reefer Band member and frequent Buffett songwriting partner, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025, at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert is nearly sold out.

“I give Mr. Buffett credit for selling tickets for me from the great beyond,” McAnally said. “A lot of Jimmy’s fans have graciously supported those of us who are still going on and playing.”

McAnally said the plan is for the Coral Reefer Band to play some shows later in 2025.

McAnally tours with percussionist Eric Darken, another former Coral Reefer member.

“He makes a drum kit out of pots and pans and auto parts,” McAnally said. “Eric brings a whole lot to the table. We did almost 80 shows, just Eric and myself. We love traveling together and making records together.”

The setlist includes a mix of Buffett songs and McAnally’s solo work.

“Sometimes, the mix gets influenced by a particular crowd on a given night,” McAnally said. “We try to be light on our feet. If it’s a night when everyone wants to sing Jimmy’s songs, we’ll do that.

We’re always going to sing some, but we’ll steer that more if everyone enjoys singing along.”

McAnally said there might be a crowd that wants to hear some of McAnally’s solo songs or songs he wrote for other country artists.

“I’m happy to go in any direction,”

McAnally said. “I’m fortunate that I’ve had a lifetime of work that I’m not only proud of but fortunate to be connected to.

I’ve been fortunate to open shows with some of my heroes and make records with some of my heroes, then on top of that be able to tour several decades with Jimmy to the point that he’s just basically my big brother. It’s been truly a blessing and I’m just celebrating that every night I play.”

McAnally likely will play some songs from Buffett’s final album, “Equal Strain on All Parts,” which was finished shortly before he died.

“We’re always going to do ‘Bubbles Up’ because the fact that he wrote that song when he was going through the toughest time of his life and the hardest thing he had to deal with, he wrote such a positive message,” McAnally said. “I think it’s

as good as anything he ever wrote.”

McAnally said Buffett worked as hard as he had ever seen him work on the last batch of songs. Paul McCartney played bass on one of the songs, “My Gummie Just Kicked In.”

“You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the music world or out of the music world that ever spent time around Jimmy that didn’t love the guy,” McAnally said.

McAnally said an example is the diverse group of performers who appeared in the Hollywood Bowl tribute show to Buffett in April. McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney and Brandi Carlisle, among others, performed.

“His fans are loyal in the way that almost no one’s fans can compete with,” McAnally said. “There are Parrotheads clubs that are doing good charitable work based around his music.”

McAnally said the first song he wrote that Buffett recorded was “It’s My Job.”

“It’s the first song we sang together and it turned out to be the last song we ever sang together,” he said. “I’ll always have that in my show.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘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

“Elton, Billy & Barry — They Write the Songs” is set for 7:30 and 10:45 p.m. Dec. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

GREGORY’S XIT

Gregory’s Xit performs at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Scharbrough makes children’s series debut

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Scharbrough

Professional musician-songwriter Sarah Scharbrough will make her first appearance in the “Peanut Butter & Jam” series at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Scharbrough’s interactive show features singing, rhythm and movement.

“Our aim is to make this show both fun and instructional,” the Noblesville resident said.

Tickets to the program, which is designed for ages 1-7, are $10 per child and include two free adult admissions.

“It’s been an incredibly busy holiday season,” she said. “I kicked off the season with my annual Christmas shows at the Jazz Kitchen, then I hit the road with gospel music group Point of Grace for a national tour (which ended Dec. 21).”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Mac McAnally)

A thrift in time saves dimes

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Every year in late December, the Wolfsie family sits down and decides where we will donate money. We try to spread our giving to as many well-deserving charities as possible rather than giving a more considerable sum to only one or two.

HUMOR

One of my favorites is Centered Around Christ, or CAC, a service organization dedicated to helping those with food and housing needs. Two of our friends have dedicated much of their lives to this organization. When I wrote them a check, I knew it would be used for their mission, but my frustration with such donations is that you don’t know exactly how those in need benefit. That’s why I never pass someone on the street corner asking for money without giving. I know that’s a controversial issue, but I like the human contact. I ask their names and wish them luck. So, when I wrote a check to CAC, I stuck a $100 bill in the envelope with this note to my friends: “Please use this cash to buy necessary items for those experiencing homelessness.”

I did this because my friends are geniuses at getting stuff like socks, cereal, candy bars, underwear and canned goods at incredibly low prices. They use coupons, beg from store managers and keep an eye out for overstocked items that a store might be happy to let go of at a rock-bottom price. I also knew they would keep me apprised of their negotiations and the specifics of their shopping purchases. Here were their texts to me for the first week:

• Dick: We just got three boxer briefs packs for $4.50; Retail was $38.00, an 88 percent saving.

• Dick: 36 boxes of cereal for $11.33

• Dick: 70 Granola bars for $15.72

• Dick: Just got 12 cans of soup for $5.52.

• Dick: What a deal: Nature’s Path, 15 boxes for $9.30.

• Dick: 1,260 Kit Kats for $37.08, a savings of $333.00.

• Dick: We spent the rest of your money today. We got 33 pairs of thermal socks for $16.50.

• Dick: Your final total shows that for your hundred bucks, we purchased food and clothing worth $829.00. I also got a spreadsheet. Oh, to be so

“My friends are geniuses at getting stuff like socks, cereal, candy bars, underwear and canned goods at incredibly low prices.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

organized.

By the way, I’ve added this up, and I think they still have a nickel left over. I hope they don’t squander it. With those 5 cents, they could treat me to a dozen Kit Kats.

Although they work as a couple, my buddy does most of the finagling (I love that word). I won’t tell you his name, but he’ll answer to any grocery store manager screaming, “Cereal, 10 cents a box!”

So, if you see a completely bald, 6-foot-4inch man stuffing 30 boxes of Froot Loops in his trunk, that’s him.

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