May 28, 2024 — Lawrence/Geist

OVER/UNDER

Choice of lunch portion Caesar salad, Izzy’s House salad or Romaine Hearts salad and soup du jour.

LEGACY

Choice of two sliders or salmon filet, choice of soup du jour or Caesar, Izzy’s House or Romaine Hearts side salad, and choice of house-made chips or French fries.

PARLAY

2-piece St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, choice of two sliders or salmon filet, choice of soup du jour or Caesar, Izzy’s House or Romaine Hearts side salad, and choice of house-made chips or French fries.

Summer in the City of Lawrence is a time of abundance. That’s true whether you’re looking to enjoy the bounty of the Fort Ben Farmer’s Market or seeking opportunities to celebrate and connect with your Lawrence neighbors.

First and foremost, mark your calendars! The Fort Ben Farmer’s Market will return on June 6, showcasing vendors from Central Indiana offering an array of fresh produce, baked goods, honey, specialty food items, meats, coffee, plants, and much more. Held every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus until October, the market promises something for everyone.

Next up, Arts for Lawrence will host its 4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday, June 15, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. This free community event will include live music performances, visual art displays, food trucks, and fun activities for the kids.

Then in July, we’ll light up the night sky with an abundant display of fireworks during the City of Lawrence 4th Fest 2024 at Lawrence Community Park! Join us on Monday, July 4, starting at 10 a.m. for our annual 4th Fest Parade. Plan to spend the day in the park with family, friends, and neighbors and stay for the fireworks show, which will begin around 10 p.m.

Of course, safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will continue to be a top priority with so many of us out and about in the summer months. That’s why the Lawrence Common Council passed a “Vision Zero” resolution on May 15, expressing our commitment to eliminating roadway fatalities in Lawrence. The Vision Zero strategy has proven successful across Europe and has been adopted in many major American cities, including Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, and in Indianapolis. I’m proud to add the City of Lawrence to that growing list.

So, there’s a lot to celebrate this summer in Lawrence. Personal freedom and public safety, national independence and civic unity –let’s celebrate it all, with abundance!

Warm regards,

Mayor Deb Whitfield

IN 2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

May 28, 2024

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

Puccini’s Pizza Pasta Puccini’s

Geist Marina or 79th & Sunnyside

Brooke’s Place celebrates 25 years of support for bereaved youth

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

If you’re old enough to love, you’re old enough to grieve.

NONPROFIT

That is the message that Brooke’s Place of Indianapolis spreads as it counsels area youth who are navigating the loss of a loved one.

This year, Brooke’s Place celebrates 25 years as a nonprofit organization providing ongoing grief support programs, therapy services and community education for children, teens and young adults aged 3-29 and their caregivers in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, including Marion, Hamilton and Boone counties.

Brooke’s Place was named after Brooke Wright, a former Indianapolis resident who, as a child, lost her father. Family friend Pam Wright, no relation, realized that children in central Indiana had little to no support available to deal with grief. What started as a discussion to create a grieving center led to the creation of Brooke’s Place in 1999, when Brooke Wright agreed to lend her name to the organization.

Brooke’s Place Executive Director Theresa Brun said in Indiana, 1 in 10 children experience the death of a sibling or a parent by the time they are 18.

“Our flagship program is our ongoing support group,” Brun said. “We are the only organization (in the Indianapolis area) that provides this ongoing support group program for children who are grieving the death of a loved one.”

The support group has several sessions available per month, with meetings at the Brooke’s Place headquarters at 8935 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis, as well one night per month at West Side Church of the Nazarene in Wayne Township and one night at the ROCK Community Center at Eastern Star Church in Warren Township.

The organization also offers a schoolbased program with an eight-week

curriculum.

“We’re trying to reach the kids where they are,” Brun said. “We have different topics that we go through, and it’s just really a chance for them to do different activities or to think about their grief in different ways. It might be honoring your loved one at the holidays, or different times or stages of your life where grief may be more impactful for you.”

Brun said the school program involves interactions with other youth who are also dealing with grief, so those children don’t feel alone in an environment where they are safe, supported and understood.

“It’s really just creating a space and an environment for them to express their grief in a way that is healthy and to learn healthy coping skills, to increase their self-esteem, decrease their anxiety and help them understand that grief is going to be with them throughout their lives,” Brun said.

As part of its 25th anniversary, Brooke’s Place launched a Wind Phone Project as a way to provide a unique way for bereaved families to process their grief.

The wind phone was installed at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on 86th Street in Indianapolis this month. Central Indiana Woodworkers built the wind phone structure. Brun said the project was designed for anyone in the community to

access.

“People will often say, ‘After my loved one died, I find myself wanting to pick up the phone to tell them something.’ This is a phone that creates a place for them to dial that number that they haven’t dialed in a long time,” Brun said. “It’s to be able to physically dial that and share whatever you want to share in a private space.”

The wind phone is at the church’s Prism Labyrinth meditation area in the northwest corner of the property.

Besides its traditional services, Brooke’s Place will also host Camp Healing Tree this summer, a special camp for children with a grief-themed component.

Since 1999, Brooke’s Place has provided grief support services to more than 30,000 children, teens, young adults and caregivers who have experienced the death of a loved one.

“People have an innate ability to heal from grief, but it takes their own time, and there are resources available to be able to learn how to cope,” Brun said. “For kids that have experienced a really traumatic death of a loved one, for them it’s a complicated grief. We want to teach them healthy coping skills.”

To learn more about Brooke’s Place, donate or sign up for volunteer opportunities, visit Brookesplace.org.

About us

Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. X, No. 16

Copyright 2023

Current Publishing, LLC

All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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A wind phone is a rotary phone that anyone can use to symbolically speak to a lost loved one. (Photo by Marney Simon)

The Lawrence Township Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Smith Congratulate The Graduating Class of 2024!

Over $56M in Scholarships Awarded • 178 Distinguished Scholars

318 Academic Honors Diplomas • 65 Spanish Immersion Graduates

78 Technical Honors Diplomas • 23 IB Diploma Candidates

Belzer softball captains post nifty numbers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Belzer Middle School softball team had its ups and downs this season, but its three captains put up some numbers to remember.

SOFTBALL

“We stuck to the process of playing the game the right way, through player development and playing fundamental softball,” Belzer coach Justin Krowel said. “Sometimes, it just doesn’t go your way. This is a humbling game that teaches many lessons. I was proud of all the girls — many had never played before — regardless of having a losing record. I think we had six players who had played the game before and the rest of the roster were starting their careers in softball. I think the foundation has been set to rebuild the program.”

The three co-captains, all eighth-graders, were Krowel’s daughter, Abbigail, and Victoria Rodarte and Kendahl Pitts.

“It was a pleasure getting to coach the three of them one last time,” said Krowel, who was in his first year as Belzer’s coach but coached the girls in the Oaklandon Youth Organization when they were younger.

Abbigail batted .542 with a home run and nine runs batted in for Belzer, which finished with a 2-6 record. Abbigail, who pitches and plays infield, had a 13-strikeout, one-hit game. She had 81 strikeouts in six games.

Rodarte, an infielder, led the team with a .654 batting average with a homer and seven RBIs. Pitts, a catcher, had a .429 batting average and five homers and 11 RBIs.

Krowel said records were not kept pre viously, so he doesn’t know if any of the statistics are team records.

“I told the girls that records are meant to be motivators that are broken, but they should be proud of how they played the game,” Krowel said. “The girls have played together, or against one another, since T-ball and will do so in high school.”

Abbigail and Rodarte plan to play softball for Lawrence Central High School, while Pitts plans to play for Cathedral.

Krowel said the three co-captains played with injuries all season.

“They really showed a lot of leadership to the other girls,” he said.

DISPATCHES

Geist Waterfront Park opens swimming — Geist Waterfront Park opened for the season on May 25. The 70-acre waterfront park in east Fishers features beach and water access to Geist Reservoir, non-motorized boat launch and dock access for kayaks and canoes, walking trails, playground and public gathering amenities. Park access is free to all during non-peak hours. During peak hours — generally Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons — admission is free for Fishers residents and $25 per vehicle for non-residents, with payment taken at the gate. Geist Waterfront Park is open daily

dawn to dusk and a lifeguard is on duty 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during swim season.

Public asked to survey Fishers police — As part of the Fishers Police Department’s accreditation process through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., FPD is conducting an annual citizen survey. The survey addresses specific questions regarding citizen contacts with the police department as well as perceptions of safety in the community. The survey will be open through May 31 and can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/MGWNXHS.

From left, Belzer Middle School softball cap tains Abbigail Krowel, Victoria Rodarte and Kendahl Pitts. (Photo courtesy of Justin Krowel)

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY for Connect Savings is accurate as of 9/1/2023. If 50 or more qualified debit card transactions post per statement cycle, earn 5.00% APY. If 18 - 49 qualified debit card transactions post per statement cycle, earn 3.00% APY, less than 18 qualified debit card transactions results in entire savings balance earn 0.05% APY. Connect Checking requires $50 to open; direct deposit or e-Statements or $100 minimum daily balance is required to avoid a $2 monthly fee. Connect Savings requires $100 to open. Fees could reduce account earnings. If qualifications are not met, Connect Checking converts to a Centier Checking and Connect Savings converts to Statement Savings. ATM transactions do not count as qualified debit card transactions. Bank is not responsible for merchant settlement delays. Rates are subject to change without notice. Other terms and conditions of those accounts will apply. Member FDIC.

Area players seek to lead Indy Drivers to another title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Indy Drivers maneuvered their way to the first title in the National Pickleball League for 50-and-older pro players in 2023.

PICKLEBALL

“Obviously, Rick Witsken is arguably the best overall senior male pro in the world, so that’s a benefit,” Westfield resident Ken Julian said. “We just really had a good team. Some players over 50 haven’t played team sports in a while. Some teams had more problems than others, but we had very little issues and came together. We all supported each other. We had the biggest fan base cheering us on. We went into championship weekend as the third seed but came out as champions.”

lieved we could do it. We had good chemistry and a lot of good depth. We don’t have any of the women we had last year. They all got drafted by other teams. It’s not an easy pathway (to win again).”

Zionsville resident Witsken and Julian are joined by Matt Troyer of Fishers as returning members. A newcomer to the co-ed league and Indy Drivers is Carmel resident Heather Iffert, a familiar name in Indianapolis-area tennis circles. Iffert, a former North Central High School tennis coach and IHSAA state singles champion in the 1980-81 season from Brebeuf Jesuit, still teaches tennis at the Indianapolis Racquet Club.

League members are selected through a draft and the league has expanded to 12 teams. The season started May 17 in Chicago with the Drivers finishing 1-3. The next tournament is June 21-23 in Worthington, Ohio. The season runs through October.

“I talked to a lot of high-level senior pros to join this year because it’s probably the most fun I’ve had since high school sports,” Troyer said. “The team environment, the camaraderie was fun. Truly being invested in other people on the team and their results and their development made for the whole experience to be just wonderful.”

Witsken described it as an incredible season.

“We had not been the best team in the regular season,” Witsken said. “I truly be-

Troyer, who turns 54 May 29, said he came from a multi-sports background, including basketball, soccer, tennis and running. Troyer, a 1988 Carmel High School graduate, played tennis at CHS with Witsken, a two-time IHSAA state singles champion who graduated in 1989.

“Rick was on a different trajectory in tennis than I was,” Troyer said. Julian, a 57-year-old former Ben Davis High School tennis player, started playing pickleball three years ago. Each team, which includes eight men and eight women, must have Super Seniors, who are 60 and older.

Iffert, whose maiden name was Clark, still plays tennis occasionally, along with teaching.

“But pickleball kind of won me over,” Iffert said. “I got into it over COVID (in 2020). We actually lined our driveway as a pickleball court. Two of my kids were living at home at the time and we would go out and play, and I just got hooked. I’m really excited to represent the hometown team.”

In the last 1 1/2 years, Iffert started playing more pickleball tournaments.

“It’s an addictive game,” Iffert said. “I love the pace of it and the strategy in it.”

Although most players have a tennis background, Iffert said she plays with a woman who was a softball player. Julian said there are several who were racquetball players.

Troyer and Witsken are the team’s co-captains.

Witsken, 53, said the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Weurffel, from the University of Florida, plays in the league.

“We’ve got billionaires, brain surgeons, we have so many incredible people playing in our league,” Witsken said. “We have all these people who got out of college and worked for 30 years or even raised children for 30 years who put sports on hold. We’ve kind of lit a fire under them.”

Julian

Troyer Iffert

MSDLT’s Mary Castle Elementary recognized for STEM advancement

EDUCATION news@geistcurrent.com

The Indiana Department of Education recently announced schools throughout the state that have made advancements in STEM education. Among those is Mary Castle Elementary, part of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“STEM certified schools are committed to providing high-quality, engaging experiences that not only support students in developing problem-solving skills, but also prepare them for careers in emerging industries,” Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner stated. “Ensuring every student in Indiana can meet the challenges and opportunities of a constantly evolving workforce begins with high-quality STEM education and these schools are leaning in to meet the needs of Hoosier students.”

In 2023, the department added a new designation for schools that have demonstrated significant progress in creating an engaging STEM culture and empowering students to create and innovate through integrated STEM learning experiences.

Mary Castle Elementary, 8502 E 82nd St., was among 11 schools designated as Developing in STEM Certification, according to the announcement.

“Each of these developing schools are continuing to establish infrastructure for sustainable, high-quality STEM education and will receive intentional, strategic support from IDOE as they progress toward STEM Certification,” the announcement stated.

For a complete list of Indiana STEM Certified schools, go to bit.ly/4bwBrTz.

DISPATCH

Calls for artists — Artists who want to have tables at the Sept. 8 Harvest Fest must submit their applications to the Fishers Arts Council by July 8. For more, visit fishersartscouncil.org, click on the “For Artists” tab and then on “artist call outs” from the drop-down menu.

HSE senior third baseman develops into a clutch leader

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

With 12 seniors, Hamilton Southeastern High School softball coach Emily Pusti told her players they don’t all have to be leaders.

But Pusti said Royals senior third baseman Reese Garland certainly has emerged.

“She works really hard to be a leader,” Pusti said. “She does that on and off the field, putting in the extra work.”

In games played through May 20, Garland had a .417 batting average with a team-high .507 on-base percentage. She had three home runs with a team-high 19 runs batted in. She hit .321 as a junior.

Pusti said the RBI total shows she has been a clutch leader.

“When girls have been on base, she is very (good) about putting the ball in play just enough to get them moving and that’s been a big positive for us,” Pusti said.

MEET REESE GARLAND

Favorite athlete: HSE senior

shortstop Lani Myrick

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show: “Suits”

Favorite genre of music: Country

Garland started the season hitting in the No. 4 or 5 slot but has moved into the third slot.

“Reese is one of the strongest girls on the team. She puts in a lot of work in our strength and conditioning class,” Pusti said. “She puts in the work during school and we have our strength coach work with us in the offseason. She puts in a lot of work in the weight room.”

Garland, who can also play catcher

when needed, said the mental game has been her biggest improvement this season.

“In the past, it was easier to get down on myself, but this season I’ve worked on brushing off the mistakes and just stay-

ing positive out there,” Garland said. “We have 20 girls on the team and every single girl is strong and talented. I know we have what it takes to get far this year.”

Garland said she made the decision last year to not play softball in college. She will attend the University of Cincinnati this fall and then plans to enroll in law school.

“I definitely think softball will be a part of my life, hopefully, playing intramural or club in college,” Garland said. “I want to get back in it any way I can because I love it.”

Garland started playing softball in kindergarten.

“When I was little, I played everything but fell in love with softball,” said Garland, who played basketball until high school before concentrating on softball.

Garland, who played travel softball for Red Storm, said she met her best friends through softball.

“We have 12 seniors this year and I grew up playing with all of them,” she said. “Being able to have so much fun with all of them while playing a sport I love has kept me playing all these years.”

Hamilton Southeastern senior third baseman Reese Garland leads the Royals in runs batted in. (Photo courtesy of Southeastern Sports Network)

Garland

Lawrence council OKs $7M in bonds

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Two motions related to general obligation bonds were approved by the Lawrence Common Council during its regular midmonth meeting May 15.

GOVERNMENT

process and expressed concern about whether additional bonds would be issued annually.

Also during the meeting, the council introduced an ordinance that would establish an all-way stop at the intersection of Chadworth Way, Chadworth Court and Kensworth Drive. The ordinance was referred to the council’s

LAWRENCE/GEIST JUNE CALENDAR

FORT BEN BRANCH SUMMER READING CLUB

The Indianapolis Public Library’s Fort Ben Branch, 9330 E. 56th St., will have a kick-off party for its first Summer Reading Club, set for noon to 4 p.m. June 1 at the nearby Lawrence Civic Plaza, 5710 Lawrence Village Pkwy. A pet adoption wagon from the Indy Humane Society will be on hand from 1-3 p.m., and the library will offer outdoor activities, crafts, glitter tattoos, bubbles and more. In case of rain, the event will move inside the library. For more, visit attend.indypl.org/event/10726718.

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING SCHEDULED

the 2024 Annual Greater Lawrence Chamber Golf Outing is set for June 27 at Old Oakland Golf Club, 11611 E. 75th St. The cost if $200 per individual or $650 for a foursome. Player registration opens at 11 a.m., with play starting at noon. Prizes available for closest to the pin and longest drive, and for the putting contest. To register, visit greaterlawrencechamber.org/.

ARTS FOR LAWRENCE JUNE EVENTS

The following events are scheduled for the month of June at Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.

• Bashiri Asad presents The Isley Brothers

Suite — Two performances on June 1 at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• “I Love My Zombie” presented by The Hyperion Players — June 6-8 at 7:30 p.m.; and June 9 at 2 p.m.

• Juneteenth Jubilee — 4-8 p.m. June 15 at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus behind the Theater at the Fort.

LAWRENCE GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

The following meetings are scheduled during the month of June. Unless otherwise noted, meetings take place at Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St.

• Lawrence Common Council — 6:30 p.m. June 3 and 19

• Police Merit Commission — 6 p.m. June 10

• Utility Service Board — 5:30 p.m. June 11 and 25

• Parks Board — 5:30 p.m. June 12

• Board of Public Works — 5 p.m. June 13 and 27

• Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. June 18

• MSD of Lawrence Township Board — 5:30 p.m. June 10 (work session) and 7 p.m. June 24, Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Rd.

• Redevelopment Commission - 3:30 p.m. June 27

BATHROOMS

Lawrence officials dedicate new fire engine

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Lawrence celebrated its newest fire engine with a traditional “push-in” ceremony May 10 at Station 39.

CEREMONY

Firefighters pushed Engine 39 into its bay at the station — the engine’s new home — after the front was washed down with some spray from a firehose.

Lawrence Fire Department Capt. Adam Reine explained the “push-in” ceremony and its historic significance.

“Back in the 1800s, when they didn’t have motorized vehicles or motorized fire engines, they had horse-drawn pumpers,” he said. “So, this kind of tradition started back then, and it’s always been in place ever since. We’ve carried it on through the motorized vehicle days. Basically, after a run, the firefighters would wash the horses and they would get them ready for the next run. That’s why we traditionally now, after the engine is blessed, we’re going to go ahead and wash down the front of the engine with water.”

The horses couldn’t back the pumper into its bay, he said, which is why the firefighters historically would push it into place.

Reine added that engines nowadays are much heavier than pumpers back in the 1800s, which is why one of Station 39’s firefighters started the engine and gave it a little gas to help get it into place.

Earlier in the ceremony, LFD Chief Bob Wallace thanked everyone who contributed to the new engine, including the citizens of Lawrence whose tax dollars funded its pur-

new Engine 39 into its bay at Fire Station 39, 4751 N. Richardt Ave. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

chase and the firefighters who will use it.

“Even though this is a brand-new engine, where the real rubber meets the road is you guys — the firefighters,” he said. “If it wasn’t for your dedication, professionalism, courage, none of this stuff actually really matters. It’s you guys that make the difference and I appreciate it.”

Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield said she was pleased the city could provide what Lawrence firefighters need to protect its citizens.

“We still have a lot more that we’re working on to make sure that you can do your job efficiently, effectively,” she said. “Thank you so much for your time and your energy.”

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Colleges: BALL STATE, BUTLER, DEPAUW, NOTRE DAME, PURDUE, WABASH; Reds: CHERRY, CRIMSON, ROSE, RUBY, SCARLET; Times: DAY, HOUR, MINUTE, SECOND; Grocers: KROGER, MEIJER, TRADER

Needs: COLLAR, LEASH; Flower: PEONY

Lawrence Fire Department firefighters push the department’s

COVER STORY

GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team represents city, state

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

It’s traditional for the captain of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Traffic Division to also be a member of the IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team, and Capt. Fred Ilnicki, a Fishers resident, is happy to continue that tradition.

“I love riding and I love the — basically what the drill team stands for,” Ilnicki said during a conversation at the division’s headquarters on 23rd Street in Indianapolis’ Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. “I mean, it’s all about public relations and being ambassadors for the city and for the department. And we’ve gotten to do a lot of neat things.”

The drill team is made up of IMPD officers who volunteer their free time to practice motorcycle drills and then perform in parades and other exhibitions in Indiana and nationwide.

“Some of them we do on an annual basis, like Benton Harbor, Mich., is coming up,” Ilnicki said. “It’s the Blossom Time festival and the team has done that every year since — I think it was like ’68 or something — 1968. And then there’s some other ones that we do on a pretty regular basis, like Amarillo, Texas, and the Edison Festival of Lights down in Fort Myers Beach, Fla.”

The team also travels to Hawaii every few years and participated in the 2017 inauguration parade for then-President Donald Trump.

And, of course, the IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team participates in Indianapolis-area parades for St. Patrick’s Day, the Circle City Classic, Veteran’s Day and — most recently — the Indy 500.

A Lawrence Police Department officer on the team, Capt. Tracey Cantrell, also has performed solo during the annual City of Lawrence Fourth of July parade.

Sgt. Chad Dixon is commander of the drill team and said IMPD’s team is one of only a few motorcycle drill teams in the nation. He said every officer on the team first goes through basic police motorcycle training, which is much more rigorous than anything an average civilian motorcycle operator learns.

“It’s more than just stopping and going and riding in traffic,” he said. “What if

we need to weave in and out of cars, or around obstacles? You need to know how to operate that 900-pound motorcycle.”

Drill team members take those skills even further. Dixon said any officer interested in joining is invited to first watch a few practices.

“They come in, they watch and they learn, they can ask questions,” he said. “And then (if) they tell me that, ‘Yeah, I think this is something I want to do,’ I have a book of our moves and maneuvers and things like that that I give to them. And I say, ‘Here, learn the names.’”

Each maneuver has its own name and

Dixon said that when they’re in a parade, he rides in the back and communicates to the team which maneuver to do next. There isn’t a set series of moves that they do, he said — it all depends on what’s happening at the time and the crowd’s responses.

“Each spot (on the team) has its own area of responsibility they need to do while moving, because a lot of times, it’s a moving machine,” he said. “We’re coming in, we’re turning through each other, coming around and moving. So, you’ve got to trust in your partner that you’re coming to that, ‘I’m not going to hit you. You just do what you got to do.’”

IMPD MOTORCYCLE DRILL TEAM HISTORY

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Motorcycle Drill Team started in 1954, before there was an IMPD.

Sgt. Chad Dixon, the drill team’s commander, said it all began because the American Legion’s national convention was coming to Indianapolis.

“They needed something to represent the city to lead off that parade through

downtown,” he said. “Somebody came up with the idea of like, how about we take motorcycles and we’ll put Indiana on it?”

A group of Indianapolis officers mounted letters on their bikes to spell out “INDIANA” and rode through the parade. The idea expanded from there and 70 years later, the drill team is still going strong.

Ilnicki said that although the motorcycles belong to IMPD, the time and expenses related to the drill team’s performances are funded through a nonprofit.

“For the city, it’s kind of a win-win, because we get to be ambassadors to the city. The only thing — the agreement we have with the agency is they let us use the bikes, but outside of that our guys are on vacation time (for performances),” he said. “We take our own time for that unless it’s paid for by private funding.”

Ilnicki said he is humbled to be part of the IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team and, even though he’s the captain, he follows Dixon’s lead when it comes to the team.

“I’m part of what’s called the gold team — we’re the guys in the back that do a lot of waving,” he said. “I can ride a bike safely and I can maneuver what I need to maneuver, but most of my guys are leaps and bounds above my capabilities. And I’m OK with that.”

For more, visit motorcycledrillteam.org.

Captain Fred Ilnicki of Fishers, left, and Sgt. Chad Dixon are members of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)

ON THE COVER: The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team performs in parades throughout the country. Travel is paid for through a nonprofit. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Chad Dixon)

A historic photo shows the IMPD Motorcycle Drill Team in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Chad Dixon)

Foresight of doing better

Commentary by Terry Anker

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911 E. 86th Street, Ste 035, Indianapolis, IN 46240

ESSAY

We all have a little fun commenting on the actions of others, imagining ourselves to be in their shoes. Sometimes, we are quick to realize that we don’t have the talent, patience or capacity to make the play and are therefore inclined to give a nod to the one so doing. We slice the task into smaller pieces so that we might be able to get a bite of it for ourselves. For example, we might not attack the doctor for her ability as a surgeon, but we would claim moral superiority in holding that we’d have a better bedside manner than we saw her exhibit.

It is a right of all humans to armchair quarterback. We sit on the sidelines, never taking the hits, but remain eager to call out how we might advance the ball if only we were younger, taller, in uniform or whatever excuse we might conjure. Somehow, it brings us to be more engaged in the action, even though it is unlikely that we have sufficient context to begin to predict our would-be reaction. We are satisfied to spew our coffee-shop

“It is a uniquely human quality to imagine our lives different than they are.”

– TERRY ANKER

outrage, pontificating over a tall macchiato about how we would run the country, if only we had time to get to it. Then, we forgot to vote because needed to pick up the dry cleaning before heading to the pickleball court. Maybe it doesn’t really matter. Those of us doing the work don’t pay that much attention to those talking about doing it. Is the quarterback or the barista contributing more?

It is a uniquely human quality to imagine our lives different than they are. It drives us to mature, seek degrees, begin families and invest in a fixer-upper. If we cannot see ourselves doing better, what would drive us to try?

Terry

Home alone — what could possibly go wrong?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

My wife Mary Ellen is in Boston with my sister, Linda. Before Mary Ellen left, she gave me precise directions on what to do and what not to do. My wife hopes that when she returns from her trip, she will walk into a house that looks somewhat like the one she left.

HUMOR

Mary Ellen’s plane gets in Saturday at 3:45 am. She should walk in the door at about 4:30. Our housekeeper is scheduled to leave that day at 4:15. After Nettie leaves, I cannot cook anything or open the fridge. I can’t walk out the front door and then come back into the house unless I take off my shoes. And if I go outside barefoot, I’m not allowed to return to the house.

Mary Ellen is particularly concerned with our cat, Angel. This cat hates me. Every time she sees me, she snarls and her hair stands up on her back. She tries to bite me when I come near Mary Ellen. That’s why I haven’t kissed my wife goodnight in 14 years.

But Mary Ellen wants me to play with Angel because she doesn’t want Angel to miss her too much, get bored or wish she had someone to snuggle with. Hey, what about me? Well, that’s in the rules, too. I’m not allowed to have anyone to snuggle with.

After Mary Ellen had been gone about a week, I sent her this note:

Hi Mary Ellen, I just wanted to update you on what’s going on here at home: Angel is fine. She got out once, but she seems very content to be on the roof. I’m sure she’ll be okay, even if we have that expected tornado.

I borrowed your Prius one day to save

“My wife hopes that when she returns from her trip, she will walk into a house that looks somewhat like the one she left.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

on gas. Bad news: I hit a guy in the rear. Good News: No damage to your car. He was a pedestrian.

I am proud that I ran the dishwasher all by myself. I couldn’t find the dishwasher soap you said to use so I just put in some liquid hand soap. Did you know bubbles can stick to the ceiling? The house is so festive now. We should do this next Christmas.

The lawn has not been cut in two weeks. Not my fault. We have no mower anymore. I left the garage door open one night. All my beer is gone, too. I hope whoever took all my winter coats off the garage rack will donate a few to kids who need them. Spring is here, so I’m sure the crook will find good use for all your gardening tools.

Finally, our son is doing great. He just pulled into the driveway. He’s going up on the roof to chase Angel.

I hope you are having a good time. All is well here. Take care.

Love, Dick

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

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The Manor of Carmel MAKING THE SWITCH

Here's why you should consider making the switch from Traditional Assisted Living to Boutique Residential Living

Personalized Care: Our dedicated team takes the time to get to know each resident individually, tailoring our care plans to meet their unique needs and preferences.

Personalized Care: Our dedicated team takes the time to get to know each resident individually, tailoring our care plans to meet their unique needs and preferences.

Engaging Activities: Say goodbye to boredom! We offer a wide range of enriching activities and events designed to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. From art classes to group outings, there's always something exciting happening at The Manor!

Engaging Activities: Say goodbye to boredom! We offer a wide range of enriching activities and events designed to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. From art classes to group outings, there's always something exciting happening at The Manor!

Beautiful Accommodations: Our inviting living spaces provide the perfect blend of comfort and your personal preferences. Whether you like to garden, make cookies with your grandchildren, play poker with friends, or watch movies in your suite... we give you the choice to make this home your own!

Beautiful Accommodations: Our inviting living spaces provide the perfect blend of comfort and your personal preferences. Whether you like to garden, make cookies with your grandchildren, play poker with friends, or watch movies in your suite... we give you the choice to make this home your own!

Don't settle for anything less than when it comes to your assisted experience. Make the switch Manor of Carmel and discover level of happiness and fulfillment. Reserve your spot by June 15th your moving expenses are on us!

Nutritious and Delicious Dining: Enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our culinary team is committed to providing nutritious and flavorful meals that cater to your dietary needs and preferences.

Supportive Community: Join a welcoming community of like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. Forge new friendships and create lasting memories in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Nutritious and Delicious Dining: Enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our culinary team is committed to providing nutritious and flavorful meals that cater to your dietary needs and preferences.

Supportive Community: Join a welcoming community of like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. Forge new friendships and create lasting memories in a supportive and inclusive environment.

best when it comes to your assisted living experience. Make the switch to The Manor of Carmel and discover a new level of happiness and fulfillment.

Reserve your spot by June 15th and your moving expenses are on us!

The Manor of Carmel is hosting a Family Fun Day for the Senior community and their families on June 9, 2024 at 12:00p-4:00p. Prepare for a day of sharing, creating memories, and taking part in a variety of enjoyable activities. Bingo with Prizes, Raffles, Food and Fun Come experience the future of Assisted Living!

44 Horseshoe Ln Carmel, IN, 46033

Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why you will be proud to call us home. 463.273.9066 • dcody@themanorofcarmel.com

The Manor of Carmel is hosting a Family Fun for the Senior community and their families June 9, 2024 at 12:00p-4:00p Prepare for a day of sharing, creating memories, taking part in a variety of enjoyable activities. with Prizes, Raffles, Food and Fun Come experience the future of Assisted Living! 44 Horseshoe Ln Carmel, IN, 46033

• Fabulous, modern layout with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms AND a fully finished basement!

• Patio area is perfect for entertaining-equipped with fireplace, Phantom Screen, and TV!

• Upgraded audio and video throughout the home!

• Corner lot with a 3-car garage fitted with premium cabinets and storage.

• Amenities such as basketball, pickleball, tennis, multiple pools, a gym, walking trails and more!

• Location, location, location! Just minutes from unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options! Call, text or email for more information about this beautiful property!

currentnightandday.com

Director takes on challenge of presenting ‘You Can’t Take It With You’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although the play “You Can’t Take It With You” is nearly 90 years old, Nicole Amsler sees the comedic elements holding up.

“It’s a comedy with a lot of farce in it,” Amsler said. “It’s a lot of chaos. It’s very family friendly.”

Amsler is directing Main Street Productions’ presentation of Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s play from May 30 to June 9 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. The play debuted in 1936 and was made into a movie in 1938.

Amsler said the plot centers on an eccentric family’s daughter hoping her family can pretend to be normal when her wealthy future in-laws visit for dinner. They come on the wrong night and havoc ensues.

“The daughter loves the fact they’re not normal but at the same time she wants to impress her future in-laws,” Amsler said.

A Noblesville resident, Amsler has seen the movie but not the stage version. She said the play is very different.

“I like the strangeness of it,” she said. “Everybody isn’t interested in working. They all have their own hobbies. One wants to be a ballerina, one wants to be a novelist. They make candies and make bombs out of fireworks. One collects snakes.”

The challenge is there are a lot of people on the stage and it’s very prop heavy, Amsler said. There are 18 characters with one performer playing two characters, so there are a lot of costumes, as well.

“This is the only (area) theater I could imagine it happening at,” she said, because of the large stage. “There is a lot of air traffic control needed.”

Fishers resident Hannah Partridge, 28, plays Alice, the daughter who is getting married.

“My family watched older movies when I was growing up and I saw the movie with Jimmy Stewart and directed by Frank

Capra,” Partridge said. “I was familiar with the story and thought it would be a lot of fun. I just came out to audition for any role. I was happy to get Alice because I connected with her. I also come from a big family that has its own quirks, so it’s been a fun part to play. It’s just such a fun cast of characters. My character is more of a straight man in the show. It’s fun to watch everyone up to their antics. My character is trying to hold everyone together desperately.”

Partridge, who grew up in Brown County and is a Ball State University graduate, acted when she was younger and returned to it after moving to Fishers.

“I usually do a couple of shows a year,” she said. “It’s nice to pick and choose what you want to do.”

Cara Olson plays Essie, Alice’s older sister.

“She is not supposed to be a good ballerina, which works out for me because I don’t do ballet very well,” Olson said.

The role is the one Olson wanted when she auditioned.

“She’s just such a fun character,” Olson said. “She lives in a happy world. She

loves everyone and everyone loves her. She is happy to be herself and just wants to follow her dreams. She doesn’t let the outside world bother her. She lives in an optimistic bubble.”

Olson, a mental health therapist, acted at Valparaiso High School and returned to acting after taking a class.

“Acting was my first love,” she said. “I decided I missed it and I wanted to do this again. My kids are getting older and I could be away more.”

Olson took a Meisner acting class from 2021 to 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre Culture Centre in Indianapolis.

“I felt like I had a good foundation for community theater,” she said.

Indianapolis resident Lou Cavallari, who plays the Russian ballet instructor, also took a long break from acting.

This is the first time Cavallari, 54, has acted in a play in 30 years. He played the same character in a production while getting his master’s degree at Ohio State University.

“I like how the character has grown up as I’ve grown up,” Cavallari said.

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Anthony Smith will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 31 and June 1 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Live at the Center will feature Nate Wolfe at 7:30 p.m. May 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for the free livestream. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

New Works Premiere Performances set — Three Indiana artists have been selected to receive cash awards and professionally produced performance opportunities through the Center for the Performing Arts’ New Works commission project. The 2024 New Works Premiere Performances are 8 p.m. June 1 at The Tarkington in Carmel. In-person tickets have all been distributed but a free livestream and recorded video of the performance will be available on the Center’s website and social media channels. The three works are “All of Us: An Anti-Asian-Hate Opera” by Hippocrates Cheng; “Pathways/Caminos” by Iris Rosa Santiago; and “Classical Scratch” by Jared Thompson. Cheng, from Hong Kong, completed his music composition doctorate and is pursuing a music theory doctorate at Indiana University in Bloomington. Santiago is a Puerto Rican-born choreographer, professor emerita at Indiana University and founder of Iris Rosa Dance Studio and Seda Negra/Black Silk Dance Co. in Indianapolis. Thompson is a saxophonist, composer, arranger and leader of the Indianapolis-based modern jazz quintet Premium Blend. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

The cast of “You Can’t Take It With You” on the Basile Westfield Playhouse stage. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Three GHDT dancers take final bows in season finale

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s “Sagas and Superstitions” is not only the final production

PERFORMANCES

of the 2023-24 season, it also marks the farewell performances of three long-time GHDT dancers: Hannah Brown, Chloe Holzman and Camden Lancaster.

“It is very unusual to have three dancers retire at the end of a season. However, all three have battled injuries over the past few seasons and made the decision to leave dance on their terms instead of being forced to leave dance due to a debilitating injury,”

three will still be involved with The Academy of GHDT.”

GHDT Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock said. “We will miss their beautiful, poignant and powerful performances with GHDT, but we are excited to see where their next journeys take them. All

“Sagas and Superstitions” is set for 7 p.m. June 7-8 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. All three retiring dancers will perform a solo from some of their memorable past performances. Holzman will dance an excerpt from “1941,” a piece depicting a mother’s grief during the Holocaust. Lancaster will dance her solo of The Backyard Girl from “Under the Big Top,” and Brown will present Mary Magdalene’s solo from “Superhero: The Story of a Man Called Jesus.”

The Carmel resident has been with GHDT for 11 seasons.

“I will miss the feeling of being on stage,” Brown said. “I will miss wearing beautiful costumes, bringing characters to life and losing myself in the music and movement in front of an audience. GHDT has been my home for a third of my life. I will miss being able to come

Camden Lancaster will dance in her final show for Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moody)

to the studio every day and do what I love with such amazing people. The stories we tell on stage are so special and it’s something that makes GHDT unique. I feel lucky to have found this company and been able to spend my career here.”

Brown said she learned many life lessons during her time with the company.

“I have learned how to collaborate and work well within a group, stay calm and collected in a crisis and how to trust my own instincts,” Brown said. “I will continue to teach dance and I am looking forward to being able to enjoy GHDT shows from the audience for the first time.”

Holzman and Lancaster are finishing

their sixth season with GHDT.

“One of the more unique aspects of GHDT is the type of works we present. I really love being able to tell a story as I dance and not a lot of companies do that, especially modern dance companies,” said Holzman, a Lawrence resident. “I will miss being able to play different characters and embody different stories.”

Lancaster, a Fishers resident, said some of her most memorable moments with GHDT were getting to tell stories through dance.

Lancaster said she will miss performing on stage in front of an audience.

“I love telling stories through dance and feeding off the audience’s energy during the performance,” Lancaster said. “I will miss the rush I get from dancing. Dance will continue to be a part of my life in some form, so it will be a gift that I will always enjoy.”

“Don’t Sit at the Corner of the Table” opens the performance.

Other pieces include “Greek Mythology and “The Wedding.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Brown Holzman

Lancaster

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

SATURDAY, JULY 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

AVERAGE WHITE BAND: A FUNK FINALE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

VERONICA SWIFT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

CENTER CELEBRATION 2024

FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAMIEN ESCOBAR: VICTORY LAP TOUR

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI: EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 2PM & 8PM THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BUCKETS N BOARDS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES: WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’

LITTLE CHRISTMAS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY:

THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL

STARRING LAUREN FOX

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH CONCERT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE STEPCREW FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL: A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRIDAY, MARCH 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUNDAY, MARCH 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES

SUNDAY, MARCH 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

LANG LANG FRIDAY, MARCH 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SATURDAY, APRIL 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUNDAY, APRIL 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURSDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRIDAY, APRIL 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BLACK VIOLIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUESDAY, APRIL 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES

THURSDAY, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SATURDAY, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

iLUMINATE SUNDAY, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

NICK CARTER

GRUPO NICHE LESLIE ODOM JR.

PETER SAGAL LANG LANG

BLACK VIOLIN MARTY STUART

CENTER ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 60 ACTS FOR 2024-25 SEASON

Center for the Performing Arts President/CEO Jeffrey McDermott announced May 20 there will be more than 60 performances in the 2024-25 Center Presents season. McDermott, who made the announcement at The Tarkington in Carmel, said the Center sold out a record 23 performances in 2023-24 season, one more than the total in the 2022-23 season.

attend the

From left, Meghan Cristeen Martin, Kristen Bales and Cam Melton perform at Center Presents season announcement party. (Photos by Mark Ambrogi)

Andrew Damiani, Noblesville, Jill Zaniker, Carmel and Shelly Schwarz, Carmel

season announcement party.

Jennifer Donnell, Noblesville, and her husband Chad Donnell look at the season schedule.

Red Barn to present 3 comedies

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor figures the 2024 season will be full of laughs.

SCHEDULE

“It’s a lighthearted season,” Taylor said. “It’s a lot of fun. We went for a season of just pure entertainment where you just sit back and enjoy the show.”

The season opens with the world premiere of “Keep The Change,” a comedy by Frankfort playwright Michael Clossin, set for June 12-16 and June 19-23.

mance. Taylor said Red Barn has staged several of Parker’s plays.

“His shows are very silly,” Taylor said. “You can’t overthink them. This is your typical farce.”

Taylor

“I love that we are doing an original play,” he said. “It’s done a couple of readings but we are the first ones to stage it. I think it’s a great family show and I think it’s one that will connect with people of all ages. You can never go wrong with a show like that.”

Luke McLaughlin is directing the play at the Frankfort venue.

The second show will be Michael Parker’s “The Lone Star Love Potion” from June 26-30 and July 3-7, with no July 4 perfor-

Taylor will direct and act in “The Lone Star Love Potion.”

Taylor will direct “Young Frankenstein, The Musical,” which closes the season, July 11-14 and 17-21. Kiara Wood is the choreographer.

“I saw the original cast on Broadway when it first came out,” Taylor said. “It was very fun but a very big show. Then the West End (in London) did it and changed a few numbers and made it so a smaller theater such as the Barn could tackle it. I saw it at the Mercury Theater in Chicago and it was an outstanding production. It inspired me to realize we could do it at the Barn.”

The musical is based on the Mel Brooks movie.

Besides several out-of-town performers, there will be several Red Barn regulars performing.

“There are a lot of familiar faces that I think people enjoy,” Taylor said.

For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

INDIANA WIND SYMPHONY BIDS FAREWELL TO FOUNDING MUSIC DIRECTOR

At the season-finale concert, Charles Conrad, the Indiana Wind Symphony’s founder and music director, conducted his final official concert with the IWS May 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The musicians presented Conrad with a commemorative plaque and a thank you speech delivered by flute chair, Carl Butler. Matthew Harrod, director of bands at Riverside Junior High School and Riverside Intermediate School, was presented the 2024 James B. Calvert Outstanding Music Educator Award. Taking the stage to conduct “Lord Tullamore.” Incoming IWS Music Director Jay Gephart said the City of Carmel should be proud to have Conrad as a citizen.

New Indiana Wind Symphony Music Director Jay Gephart takes the stage, welcomed by retiring Music Director Charles Conrad. (Photo by Jennifer A. Haire)

Blueprint for Improvement: A stylish and spacious culinary haven

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1978 in the Raintree Place neighborhood of Zionsville, this home’s original kitchen was past its prime. We reworked the room’s footprint to let in more light, maximize space and improve functionality and style.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Combining the kitchen and dining room increased the room’s footprint, helping open the space, improve flow and let in more natural light.

• Ceiling-height perimeter cabinets provide ample storage and accentuate the ceiling height, and an oversized island means more room for cooking, dining and gathering.

• Functional optimizations include double ovens, a coffee niche, spice drawer and pull-out trash bins.

• The pearlescent finish on the backsplash and rich brass tones on the hardware add an elevated feel with a touch of artisan charm.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

caught 48 touchdown passes from Peyton Manning

46. ___ and pieces

50. Nincompoop

51. One of the Jenners

52. Farm measures

54. Amazed

56. Whichever

57. Indiana Fever star

61. Musical work

62. Demeanor

66. Naked

67. ___ and outs

68. Prefix meaning “false”

69. Zionsville-to-Louisville dir.

70. IMPD rank 71. Kind of cash Down

41. Colts tight end

7. Gandhi’s title

8. Gloomy

9. Soup servers

10. Chicken part

11. “Yes, ___, Bob!”

13. Personal identity

16. Out of whack

1. IndyCar fig. 2. Mess up 3. Also 4. Declare 5. Jeans name 6. Type of illusion

19. Big name in ATMs 21. Nonclergy 22. Recipe meas. 23. List entry

24. “That’s a shame”

28. Palindromic sister

29. Delighted 31. Bikini tops 34. “Moby-Dick” captain

Colts game starter

38. Cunning

39. Fa follower

40. “___ Brockovich”

42. Lending

43. Inexpensive

44. Cain’s brother

45. Lock opener

46. Wild Eggs order

47. Wax-winged flier of myth

48. Threesomes

49. Parlor piece

53. ___-mo

55. Moist

58. Eye part

59. Woodworking tool

60. Patella’s place 63. Pacers superfan 64. Fishers summer hrs. 65. ___ G. Biv

Answers on Page 10

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