January 14, 2025 Current in Fishers & Geist
JANUARY
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Event Center parking concerns addressed
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Fishers Event Center parking lot has an online-only parking payment system that has experienced a few glitches and led to some confusion for those attending Indy Fuel games and other events at the venue
COMPLAINTS
Parking fees at the center vary depending on the event and everything is done online through the center’s parking portal, which guests can use to pay for a spot before the event. Guests also can pay after arriving by scanning a QR code on signs throughout the parking lot.
A license plate scanner at the site keeps track of who paid, and those who didn’t are sent a notice and a bill.
That’s if the system is working perfectly. The Fishers Event Center opened in late November and some guests for the first few events weren’t aware there was a fee to park. Although there are signs, they likely weren’t visible enough, said Jackson Lockhart with LAZ Parking — the management company that oversees the center’s parking lots.
“There have been several things brought to our attention in regards to signage and lighting and the like. We even placed a pretty large order for some additional signage and things today that will really brighten up the visibility and communication,” he said. “We appreciate everybody’s feedback, honestly, because it’s all going to make the operation smoother and better for everybody.”
Other guests, though, did pay and still received a bill in the mail. Carmel resident Matthew Brown attended a concert at the Fishers Event Center in late November. He said he followed the link on the FEC website to pay for parking, filled in the information and received confirmation. But after the concert, he received a bill for $45.
Brown said he went to the FEC website and saw a notice that people had received incorrect notices from Parking Revenue Recovery Services, the vendor LAZ has hired
to monitor parking payments at the venue using AI technology.
The notice at fisherseventcenter.com/ venue-info/parking states, “Incorrect parking invoices were mailed in error and will be cancelled. If you feel you received an invoice in error and would like to follow up directly, please contact Fishers@LAZParking.com. For an expedited response please include a photo of the citation you received and/or your license plate information.”
Brown said that while he was able to get his parking notice dismissed — and he was pleased with the response from the local manager — he’s worried others with valid concerns might not take the time or trouble to contest a notice. He did an online search of PRRS and said there were numerous reports of improper notices that are dropped only if people fight them.
“I am concerned about the pattern of behavior of the LAZ Parking and PRRS combo,” Brown said. “If you’re going to the (Fishers) Event Center, document when you get there, keep your receipt, have all your documentation so that when their system messes up, you have something — which is unfortunate that it needs to be that way.”
Lockhart said it is a new venue with a new parking payment process and they’re working with PRRS to make improvements moving forward. The new signs should help, too, and he said they’re working with
the Event Center on social media content demonstrating how to pay for parking.
Lockhart added that the automated system was adjusted to give people more time to pay after an event.
“I’d say 90 percent of (complaints) have been people entered their license plate wrong, or they paid after they left,” he said. “We have adjusted the hours the camera system allows payments to come through. So, there’s a buffer on the front and back end now. So, if you left and you’re like, ‘Oh, crap, did I pay? I don’t remember,’ you’d have an additional hour after you’re gone to be able to get that payment in.”
Lockhart said that, moving forward, guests should experience a smoother parking payment system. He added that even with the initial glitches and confusion, the system overall has been a success.
“What we call the compliance percentage — the number of people that have paid — has actually been around 90 percent, even though the system is new, which I’ll be honest, is higher than I thought it would be when we first started,” he said. “So, we’ve actually been really pleased with the numbers.”
LAZ Parking is a national company. It manages 27 locations in four Indiana cities: South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Fishers.
Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIV, No. 52
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corner of 116th & I-69
The Fishers Event Center hosts a variety of events, including home games for the Indy Fuel hockey team. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Fishers hosting food drive for MLK Day
The City of Fishers is organizing a 2025 MLK Jr. Day celebration leading up to and including the official holiday Jan. 20 for residents to celebrate the message of kindness and service from the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Citing a need to replenish food pantries after the holidays, the city encourages residents to contribute to a communitywide food drive. According to an announcement, a similar food drive last year resulted in 20,000 pounds of food donations.
To participate before Jan. 20, residents can donate at various community locations through Jan. 17. They are:
• Fishers City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr.
• Fishers Art Center, 1 Municipal Dr.
• Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Dr.
• Fishers YMCA, 9012 126th St.
• Fishers Parks, 8100 E. 106th St., Suite 150
• Select Hamilton Southeastern Schools for donations from students and their families: Thorpe Creek Elementary School, Fishers Elementary School, Fishers Junior High School, Southeastern Elementary School, Riverside Intermediate School, Riverside Junior High School and Fall Creek Junior High School
On Jan. 20, residents can donate between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at:
• Kroger, 9799 E. 116th St.
• Kroger, 11700 Olio Rd.
• Kroger, 7272 Fishers Crossing Dr. Donation needs include canned or bagged beans; canned fruit, meats, soup, etc.; boxed pasta, spaghetti sauce in cans or plastic jars; peanut butter, jelly and jams in plastic jars; ranch dressing, meals in a cup, boxed breakfast cereal, cereal bars and Pop-Tarts.
More information and wish lists for online donations can be found at fishersin. gov/mlk-day.
Geist Half Marathon registration open — Early bird registration is open for the Sept. 13 Geist Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. To register, visit GeistHalf.com.
Hamilton County Sheriff seeks suspects in weapons complaint
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about two suspects involved in a multicounty vehicle pursuit Dec. 31 following a complaint that they had threatened a Fortville-area resident with an AK-47-style rifle.
CRIME
According to a news release, the sheriff’s office received a report about 11:15 a.m. Dec. 31 that a man had been threatened with a rifle at a residence in the 16000 block of Province Court in Hamilton County near Fortville by a suspect wearing a ski mask.
“A deputy patrolling the area located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description, including its make, color and license plate,” the announcement stated. “As the deputy followed the vehicle out of the neighborhood and attempted a traffic stop, the suspects fled, initiating a pursuit.”
The chase started in Hamilton County, continued through Hancock County, proceeded north on Ind. 67 into Madison County and then east onto U.S. 36 into Henry County. Deputies terminated the pursuit near 250 E. on U.S. 36.
“Shortly after, Middletown Police (in Henry County) located the suspect vehicle, which had crashed at U.S. 36 and 500 W.,” the announcement stated. “Witnesses reported seeing two Black male suspects fleeing the crash site on foot, heading southeast into a nearby farm field.”
Law enforcement established a perimeter and deployed drones, K-9 units and additional personnel, but the suspects were not found. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can call 317-773-1282 or submit tips anonymously at hamiltoncounty. in.gov/FormCenter/Sheriffs-Office-4/ Submit-a-Crime-Tip-44.
New Fishers business brings golf indoors
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A new business in Fishers is bringing the game of golf indoors with a family-friendly, sports-club atmosphere for everyone from novices to pros.
SPORTS
Stick & Hack Golf Club, 9003 Technology Lane, had its soft opening in mid-December and co-owner Adam Grubb said the excitement around the venue has built in the few weeks since it first opened its doors.
“We are perhaps the world’s greatest indoor golf club,” he said, adding that he and partners Ryan Geltz and Doug Fredbeck wanted to bring the experience and community of golf to everyone. “It’s for the families that couldn’t get into TopGolf. It’s for the serious golfers that are looking to improve their game. It’s for groups of guys and girls that want to come and hang out and do fun contests. Really, it’s for everybody.”
To achieve that goal, Grubb said the club’s 2,800 square feet has three golf simulators, a bar that serves beer and wine, shuffleboard and televisions playing various sports. Grubb said they partnered with nearby Parks Place Pub to provide food for guests, who can order and pay at Stick & Hack, and the orders will be picked up and brought to them by a “caddie.”
Guests are encouraged to book a tee time online and bring their own golf clubs. However, the club can accommodate walk-
ins, Grubb said, adding that if someone is brand new to the game and doesn’t have clubs, there are some available to use.
Grubb said Stick & Hack is a low-pressure atmosphere.
“You can come in, have a glass of wine, have a beer and be with your friends and play fun little games, like we have tic tac golf, we have field goals — all that stuff on the simulator — all the way to playing some of the most famous courses in America and around the world,” he said.
The business name is derived from two golf terms. Grubb said a “stick” is someone who plays the game well and a “hack” is, well, not so good.
“Our whole venue is about bringing people together — the sticks and the hacks together — to be in a comfortable, fun, inviting club-like atmosphere,” he said.
“It’s not just an entertainment venue like a bowling alley. We’re really trying to develop something where it’s a very unique space.”
Grubb added that Stick & Hack is the official indoor golf club of the Indy Fuel hockey team.
“So, in 2025, we’ll be doing a lot of fun events with the Fuel and the Fishers Freight (indoor football team) as well, to bring in some of their players and do some really cool stuff with them,” he said.
In addition, Stick & Hack will host other special events coinciding with national sports events and will host its own tournaments starting in February.
For more, visit stickandhack.com.
Stick & Hack is a new indoor golf club in Fishers. It opened in mid-December at 9003 Technology Lane. (Photo courtesy of Adam Grubb)
Nominations open for March Disability Awareness Month — Applications are open for the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability’s 2025 Inclusion and Accessibility Awards. Nominations are due by end of day Jan. 24. Awards will be announced at the March Disability Awareness Month Kick Off on March 3 at the Fishers Municipal Center Theater, 1 Municipal Dr. For more and to nominate someone, visit bit.ly/4j4wlTg.
Geist Half logo design — The City of Fishers and Fishers Arts Council are looking for an artist to design the logo for the 2025 Geist Half Marathon race participant T-shirt. This shirt will be given to race participants and may also be available for sale following the race’s completion. There will be a $500 prize for the winning
design. Details on the design call out can be found at fishersartscouncil.org/post/geisthalf-tshirtdesign. The deadline to submit designs is Jan. 17.
Summer camp registration opens — Registration for 2025 Fishers Parks Summer Camps opened Jan. 6 for Fishers residents. Fishers Parks offers camps for children ages 5 and older. Register at PlayFishers.com/ SummerCamp. Fishers Parks has switched to a new registration software. Learn more about setting up a new account at FishersParks.com.
Recycle Christmas trees — Now through Feb. 1, residents can drop off bare, live Christmas trees for free recycling. All lights, decorations and tinsel must be
removed. Trees can be dropped off at Brooks School Park, 11780 Brooks School Rd.; Cumberland Park, 10580 Cumberland Rd.; and Holland Park, 1 Park Dr.
Citywide trash service — All households in Fishers city limits transitioned to Republic Services for all trash and recycling collection Jan. 13. Monthly services fees will be reflected in residents’ January Fishers Utilities billing statements. For more, visit FishersIN. gov/Trash.
Visual and performing artist opportunities — The Fishers Arts Council seeks musical and visual artists. For more, email info@FishersArtsCouncil.org or call 317-537-1670.
Children who need heart surgery can get world-class care close to home
Welcome Dr. Bryant, pediatric and congenital heart surgeon
World-class congenital heart surgery and cardiac care are now more convenient for families in Indiana. Roosevelt Bryant III, MD, a board-certified pediatric and congenital heart surgeon, brings the highest level of surgical care to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Ask your child’s pediatrician or cardiologist for a referral. And to learn more, scan the QR code.
Peyton Manning Children’s — Indianapolis Pediatric Heart Care 8333 Naab Road, Suite 320, Indianapolis, IN 46260
HSE elementary student organizes clothing drive
news@currentinfishers.com
A third-grade student at Hamilton Southeastern School District’s Fall Creek Elementary School turned a heartfelt question into action that helped people in need.
PHILANTHROPY
According to an announcement from the district, Clara Barrus was inspired in part by a passion project in teacher Stephanie Sousa’s classroom.
As part of the project, Barrus asked, “Why do people have to be so sad and lonely?”
That question, combined with seeing someone in need, motivated her to make a difference.
With guidance from her teacher, Barrus organized a winter clothing drive, collecting 800 items — including coats, scarves, gloves, shoes and sweaters — for people of all ages. To rally support, she designed posters, created a website and appeared on the school’s video announcements.
The donations were delivered to the Good Samaritan Network in Fishers, which recognized the effort as its largest donation of the semester.
“It made me feel happy and special to know people would be helped and not be cold during the winter,” Barrus stated.
She encouraged other students to start fundraisers or collect items for donation.
Fall Creek Elementary student Clara Barrus with the clothing items she collected for donation. (Photo courtesy of HSE)
HSE junior point guard a key to team’s success
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern High School junior point guard Kennedy Holman has become a force offensively and defensively.
“She is one of the hardest workers at both ends of the floor,” Royals girls basketball coach Brian Satterfield said. “There is a reason why we rarely take her out of the game. She is the leader or second in almost every statistical category, along with being our best defender. She continues to grow on reading the defense and seeing the floor. Some of the passes she makes are jaw dropping. Her growth in that area is impressive.”
As of Jan. 8, Holman averaged 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game for the Royals (17-0), and ranked No. 1 in the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association coaches poll. She shoots 48 percent from the field.
As a sophomore, Holman averaged 11.7 points, 7.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. As a freshman, she averaged 6.1 ppg. “It has been fun to watch her game grow every year,” Satterfield said. “We look
KENNEDY HOLMAN
Favorite athlete: University of Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore
Favorite artists: SZA
Favorite movie: “Coach Carter”
Favorite vacation spot: Puerto Rico
forward to seeing her compete at the next level but are excited to have her for another year.”
Holman said the goal for the team is “to continue to build on what we’ve started with taking steps forward and not back.”
Senior Maya Makalusky, who has signed to play basketball at Indiana University, led the team with 21.1 points and seven re-
Hamilton Southeastern High School point guard Kennedy Holman is one of the leaders of the unbeaten Royals. (Photo courtesy of Gabby Stimac)
bounds per game as of Jan. 8. Junior Kayla Stidham had a 10.3 ppg scoring average.
“Playing with two great players like Maya and Kayla has been so fun, it makes the game a lot easier and less stressful,” Holman said. “I think I’ve made the most improvement in my offensive side, specifically the shooting part. This is definitely the strongest team (in high school). Our chemistry is the best it’s ever been, which has led us to better opportunities.”
Holman is called “KK” by friends and family.
“Not sure how my mom came up with KK
IN FISHERS
because my middle name starts with an M, but she’s been calling me that for as long as I can remember and it stuck with me,” Holman said.
Holman’s most recent college offers are from the University of Oregon and University of Louisville. The other three schools she is considering at this time are Butler University, the University of Illinois and Marquette University.
“I’m going to wait to see how the start of the AAU season goes for me and after the first few tournaments, narrow it down from there,” said Holman, who has played for the Indiana Girls Basketball program since fourth grade.
Holman has played basketball since first grade. She also played volleyball, softball, gymnastics, soccer and track. She started concentrating only on basketball in seventh grade.
“I think just the feeling of winning is what makes me passionate,” Holman said. “I’m just a naturally competitive person who doesn’t like to lose in anything.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
news@currentnoblesville.com
Hamilton County is recognizing 131 employees for their service to the community. Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander said the board of commissioners and the county’s human resources department honor employees annually for long service by presenting service awards at the end of each five years of employment. Each recipient is given a service pin with the number of years on it.
EMPLOYMENT
“Our goal is to give the citizens and taxpayers of Hamilton County the most responsive governmental services possible,” Human Resources Director Sheena Randall stated. “Employing top quality people, providing them with meaningful work and retaining their services helps serve the public efficiently and effectively.”
Former auditor Robin Mills, Surveyor’s Office Administrative Assistant Janet Hansen, Clerk’s Office Filings Deputy Peggy Nation and Randall top this year’s list of employees with the most longevity. They have each been with the county for 45 years.
“I am a Hamilton County born and raised gal,” Mills stated. “I started my county career right out of high school. I stayed all these years because Hamilton County is a great place to work and raise a family.”
Randall said the county also offers “great” benefits like health insurance and paid holidays.
This year, Sander said five employees will celebrate 40 years of service with the county, two will observe 35 years, five will mark 30 years and 12 will observe 25 years. Another 14 employees will be honored for reaching the 20-year milestone; with 14 marking 15 years; 27 celebrating 10 years; and 48 reaching five years of employment.
From left, Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger, commissioner Christine Altman, former auditor Robin Mills and commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)
Veteran Service Officer Tom Logan, left, and former Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward, who retired at the end of 2024, stand beside a new receptacle for retired U.S. flags. The receptacle was provided by the National Association of Counties and distributed to Indiana counties by the Indiana Association of Counties. The receptacle was presented to Logan by Ward, who is a member of both the national and state association’s board of directors. The receptacle is in the Veteran Service Office on the first floor of the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in Noblesville at 1 N. 8th St. (Photo courtesy of Pam Louks)
A YARN GOOD THING
Fishers fiber enthusiasts plan debut FIBRuary Fest
By Cassie King news@youarecurrent.com
Fiber arts enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate this winter with the debut of FIBRuary Fest, a festival dedicated to all things yarn and fiber.
The event, organized by Fishers businesses Color Me Happy Fiber Arts Studio and RoseGold Yarn, is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1 at Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Rd., in Noblesville, followed by a two-week yarn crawl across central Indiana.
Michelle Salyers, co-owner of Color Me Happy Fiber Arts Studio in Fishers, said she came up with the idea after hearing interest from crafters during a weekly Sit ‘n Stitch group in Noblesville. Around the same time, Salyers and Maddie Kellner, co-owner of RoseGold Yarn, discussed the concept during a fiber arts conference.
“The idea really took shape after a few days of brainstorming,” Salyers said. “We realized a February event could bring fiber lovers together during the winter lull and offer a sense of community and creativity.”
The festival’s name is an acronym for fun, inspiration, bonding and relaxation, and draws inspiration from the online yarn community. Fiber enthusiasts worldwide participate in the “Fiberuary challenge” each February.
“We wanted to bring that online energy into an in-person event,” Kellner said. “It’s a time when people are looking for something to do post-holidays and before spring festivals kick off.”
Vendors will showcase yarn, fiber and crafting tools, while yarn trucks parked outside will add to the vibrant scene. A separate space will feature coffee, snacks and communal crafting tables.
“We’re aiming for a ‘cozy crafting’ vibe,” Salyers said. “We’re even planning a ‘yarn doctor’ table where people can get help with their projects or watch demonstrations by local yarn shop representatives.”
The festival will feature artisans and vendors from across Indiana, selected based on expertise and connection to the local crafting community.
“For this first year, we focused on vendors we’ve met through other festivals and word-of-mouth recommendations,” Kellner said.
Sarah Stuckey and Maddie Keller and Color Me Happy Fiber Arts owners Linda Williams and Michelle Salyers at a recent fiber crafts event.
(Photos courtesy of Maddie Kellner)
Following the festival, a two-week yarn crawl from Feb. 2 to 17 invites participants to explore yarn shops within a 60-mile radius of Indianapolis. Each shop will provide exclusive experiences, such as limited-edition yarns, discounts and giveaways.
“Participants will receive a passport to track the shops they visit,” Kellner said.
“Completed passports will be entered into a grand prize drawing, encouraging people to explore new stores and connect with fellow fiber lovers.”
The timing and structure of the crawl aim to accommodate winter travel conditions and provide ample opportunity for crafting.
‘FIBERUARY’ CHALLENGE
Yarn lovers who participate in the annual “Fiberuary” social media challenge post photos on their social media platform of choice — for this challenge, it’s mostly Instagram — based on a specific
prompt for each day of the month. Prompts include: “My first project was,” “Favorite color” or “Hat selfie.”
Each post includes the hashtag #Fiberuary or #FiberuaryChallenge.
“We think the two-week timeframe will give participants plenty of time to visit stores while allowing for cozy crafting days at home,” Salyers noted.
A key goal of FIBRuary Fest is to support local yarn shops and artisans, particularly during the slower winter months.
“Small businesses are critical to local economies,” Salyers said. “This event encourages people to come together, support small businesses and share their love of fiber arts.”
Kellner echoed the importance of fostering community.
“Many local stores offer classes and experiences for different budgets,” she said. “We hope attendees will not only shop but also build relationships with store owners and fellow crafters.”
Salyers and Kellner both have strong ties to fiber arts. Salyers first learned to knit at age 8 and has since expanded her skills to include crochet, weaving and natural dyeing. She recently retired from her career as a psychology professor to focus on fiber arts full-time.
“Fiber art has always been central to my life,” Salyers said. “It’s a tactile experience that brings peace and a sense of achievement.”
Kellner discovered her passion for fiber arts later in life, starting with a knitting class.
“I was hooked right away,” she said. “Yarn is just so pretty and I love exploring new stitch patterns and colorwork.”
Salyers and Kellner hope FIBRuary Fest will become an annual tradition and have plans to expand it in future years.
“We’d love to include more vendors and workshops and possibly move to a larger venue,” Salyers said.
For now, the focus remains on creating a memorable first-year experience.
“We’re excited to see how the community responds and to hear their ideas for the future,” Kellner said.
For more about FIBRuary Fest and the upcoming yarn crawl, visit fibruaryindiana. com or instagram.com/fibruary_indy.
From left, RoseGold Yarn owners
ON THE COVER: Linda Williams of Color Me Happy Fiber Arts works on a project during a recent fiber crafts event. (Photo courtesy of Maddie Kellner)
FIBRuary Fest, a festival dedicated to fiber arts, is set for Feb. 1 at Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Rd., in Noblesville.
Audience picks ‘Yesterday and Today’ setlist for Beatles interactive tribute act
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Billy McGuigan and his two brothers have deep ties to Beatles music and the memories associated with the songs.
“Our dad was a military man who traveled all over the world,” McGuigan said. “When we didn’t have money, we always had his Beatles records and guitar. We lost our dad to leukemia when he was 42. This music is what kept his spirit alive with us and kept us together as brothers. When we started 17 years ago, there were probably 30 to 40 Beatles acts with everyone dressed like The Beatles. We didn’t dress up as kids, so we didn’t want to do that.”
McGuigan, 49, and his brothers Ryan, 46, and Matthew, 42, created Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience.” The band will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 18 the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Before the two-hour tribute show, audience members are invited to fill out request cards listing their name, favorite Beatles song and the reason the song is so important to them.
About two minutes before the show, McGuigan said they put together a setlist from the audience, which he said makes each performance unique.
McGuigan said the show is less about how The Beatles dressed and more about what their music means to the concertgoers.
“Now, there are not as many bands dressing up like The Beatles, and we’re still around because our show has heart,” McGuigan said. “We’re not just playing the songs because someone is paying us to do it. We would do it, anyway. We just bring all our friends in the audience with us. At the end of the show, instead of twisting and shouting, you’ve gone through an experience that was kind of unique and unlike anything else out there.”
McGuigan said they have played every Beatles song in their catalog at least once on stage. The catalog contains approximately 225 songs.
The band played “Now and Then,” which was released in November 2023, one day after it was released. John Lennon, who was killed in 1980, recorded it as a home demo. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr completed it with overdubs and guitar tracks by George Harrison, who died in 2001.
McGuigan said the band can perform songs by McCartney’s Wings band and solo songs by the four Beatles, so they can play about 400 songs. He said there is rarely a show when “Hey Jude” isn’t requested. Other heavily requested songs are “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You.”
“Those consistently make our show,” he said.
McGuigan said he recently received six requests for “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.”
This is the first time McGuigan has
played in the Indianapolis area.
The brothers don’t play a particular Beatle on stage. McGuigan sings most of the McCartney songs. Ryan performs most of Lennon’s songs and Matthew sings most of Harrison’s songs.
“I play piano and guitar,” McGuigan said. “Matthew is music director and plays bass guitar and piano, and Ryan does a little of everything. He plays percussion and hits buttons on his keyboard.”
The band, which is based in Omaha, Neb., has three other members besides the siblings. Keyboard player Darren Pettit has been with the group since the start.
“We do about 100 shows a year,” McGuigan said. “The best part is having my brothers with me because we’ve been doing it since we were little kids. To see the adult versions of them become rock stars is kind of fun.”
Before McGuigan started the band with his brothers, he toured as the late Buddy Holly for several years.
‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’
“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” runs through Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
’YESTERDAY AND TODAY’
“Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience” is set for 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party” is set for Jan. 16, followed by “Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” Jan. 17 and “Dueling Pianos” Jan. 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
DISPATCHES
Civic Theatre fundraiser set — “Waiting in the Wings,” a fundraiser to support Civic Theatre, is set for Jan. 22 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. There will be performances at 6 and 8:30 p.m. The cast will perform selections from shows Civic Theatre officials plan to stage in the future. The cast includes Bella Agresta, David Brock, Drew Bryson, Sadie Cohen, Joe Doyel, Jay Fuqua, Braxton Hiser and Sally Root. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘Luminaries’ series features African American Classical Composers — The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ “Luminaries” series will present “The Music and Lives of African American Classical Composers” at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium in Carmel. Saxophonist Trevor Conerly and pianist Andrew Brown will perform several musical pieces while highlighting the lives, challenges and stories of the composers. Conerly, a DePauw University graduate, is a saxophonist who lives and works in the Indianapolis area. Pianist Andrew Brown is a fellow DePauw grad and Indianapolis native. Admission is $10 and includes light refreshments. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
From left, Ryan, Billy and Matthew McGuigan from “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Battles Experience.” (Photo courtesy of Billy McGuigan)
‘Heart of Afghanistan’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Fanoos Ensemble will introduce a Carmel audience to a unique blend of their heritage.
MUSIC
The group will perform its “Heart of Afghanistan” program at 8 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
Elham Fanoos, 27, who is based in New York City, plays piano and is the music director.
The Fanoos family’s father, Ahmad, came to the U.S. in 2021 and is the vocalist and plays the harmonium. Elham’s younger brother, Mehran, who is an Indiana University music student, plays the violin and Sohail Karimi plays the tabla.
“We like to call (Sohail) a brother from another mother because we’re very close,” Elham said.
The “Heart of Afghanistan” program is in collaboration with American Voices, which presents music around the world.
“We started presenting the program in 2022 and have performed in about 25
states and over 40 concerts so far,” Elham said. “We are mixing Afghan music with Western classical music because we believe this is a unique ensemble.”
Elham, who has been in the U.S. since 2015, said his father evacuated from Afghanistan with the help of Fox News.
“It was very unsafe for him and there were a lot of threats on him because he is quite well known in Afghanistan because he was a judge on ‘Afghan Stars,’” Elham said. “It was similar to ‘American Idol’ and big around Afghanistan.”
For more, visit fanoosensemble.com. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
From left, Mehran Fanoos, Sohail Karimi, Ahmad Fanoos and Elham Fanoos will perform Jan. 25 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy Elham Fanoos)
Credit where credit’s due?
Commentary by Terry Anker
ESSAY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
6PM & 8:30PM
The 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, assumed power upon the death of incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt, 82 days into Roosevelt’s fourth term in office. Presenting himself as a commonsense haberdasher from Kansas, Truman was known for his use of simple, working-class aphorisms, along with his many accomplishments, including the formation of NATO, implementation of the Marshall Plan and the rebuilding of the post-World War II world. Chief among his sayings may be his often referred, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” It is difficult to disagree.
Yet, most will remember the one on his desk in the Oval Office: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” When asked its intent and importance to his administration, Truman would cite the necessity of shared incentives in teams. If one person became too prominent, the other participants would encounter a diminished incentive to give
their best effort to the overall cause. Acknowledgement and recognition serve as important forms of compensation. Many of us work harder and make sacrifices to reap the benefits of this form of social “credit.” If others take it from us, we might argue, what is the use of putting in the extra time?
Truman believed that this attention to value, tangible or not, could lead to diminished outcomes. But in the 72 odd years since he left office, the world is as much the same as it is different. Still, would a modern take be more likely that much more gets done if we don’t care who gets the blame? If one errs in 280 characters on X, careers are ended and lives are destroyed. Can innovation exist where the cost of blame is greater than the benefit of credit?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
LIFESTYLE
Across
1. Gloomy atmosphere
5. Zionsville Farmers’ Market fruit
9. Wall Street term
14. Slurpee alternative
15. Indiana Toll Road toll unit
16. Self-assurance
17. Start of a quote attribut-
ed to Martin Luther King, Jr.
20. Fable fellow
21. Pirelli product
22. Hair holder
23. Vintner’s valley
26. ___ Diego
27. Pacers tiebreakers, briefly
28. IU and PU foe
31. Ticket, slangily
33. Asian New Year
35. Colts supporters
37. Did the Mini-Marathon
38. Pancake topper
40. Texter’s “Just sayin’”
41. Quote, Part 2
43. “What’s ___ for me?”
45. Hose woes
47. Fish story
48. Indiana State Prison
chamber
49. Fight decision, for short
50. Kind of question
52. VCR button
53. Bier Brewery brew
55. IND scanning org.
57. Pop
59. Swindle
60. Duke Energy measurements
62. Black-and-white cookies
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S.
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S. info@fishersdentalcare.com
66. End of quote
70. “The Barber of Seville,” e.g.
71. Mata ___
72. Top-notch
73. U-Haul rival
74. Thumbs-up votes
75. “Uncle!” Down
1. Adel’s Gyros bread
2. Tummy pain
3. Jeans brand
7. Came down
8. Just say no
9. Abundant
10. AAA Hoosier Motor Club job
11. One who works on a grand scale?
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070
34. Indiana Mr. Basketball from North Central HS: ___ Gordon
36. Letters on a love letter
38. Shorthand pro
39. Heap
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S.
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S. info@fishersdentalcare.com
info@fishersdentalcare.com Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
4. Allow to board
5. Cook’s spray
6. PC file suffix
12. So far
13. Takes a break
18. Apple tablet
42. Snake’s warning
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com
The City of Lawrence (9201 Harrison Park Court Lawrence, IN 46216) is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements under 327 IAC 15-5 to discharge storm water from construction activities associated with the Fort Harrison Sewer Improvements Phase 3 project. The project occurs along Shafter Road between Glenn Road and Post Road. The project is in Lawrence Townships, IN. Run-off from the project site will ultimately discharge into Lawrence Creek. Questions or comments should be directed to Samuel Robertson, Clark Dietz, Inc., 8900 Keystone Crossing, Suite 475, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Phone (317) 808-3130, Email: sam. robertson@clarkdietz.com.
19. Coach Parseghian of Notre Dame
24. Cat sounds
25. Trendy berry 28. Slightly awry 29. Wood cutters 30. Not deliberate 32. It may be obtuse
Canine command
Showbiz “grand slam”
64. “Good heavens!”
65. Put your foot down 67. Mine find
68. Fury
69. Bro’s sib Answers on Page 19
WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES
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to protect its members’ rights owning homes in an HOA. NHPA will force your HOA and/or Management Company to do the what’s expected of them. NHPA represents its members against all issues involving your HOA. Become a member today at www.nhpallc.com and Let us handle your HOA issues.
