09/21 – Historic Home Tour, 10AM-5PM, Noblesville Main Street
09/22 – NCAC Band Concert: New Horizons Band, 6:30PM, Federal Hill Commons
09/26 – Noblesville Flower Market, 5-8PM, Seminary Park
09/28 – Concert at the Commons: Chicago Rewired (Chicago Tribute), 7-10PM, Federal Hill Commons
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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XV, No. 51
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Council approves demolition permit for Logan Street building
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Common Council unanimously approved Hamilton County’s application for a demolition permit for a vacant building at 694 Logan St. in Noblesville during its Aug. 27 meeting.
CITY NEWS
Denise Aschleman, principal planner for the City of Noblesville, said the 1,516-square-foot building — a former law office — is within the city’s downtown protection boundary, which defines an area that includes several historic places and districts. She said the plan commission voted 9-0 to issue a certificate of authorization for the demolition of the structure, which is not on the historic register.
Hamilton County Attorney Connor Sullivan said the county purchased the building in January 2024 for $994,177.22, intending to use the site as a staging area for ongoing and upcoming capital projects for the Government and Judicial Center.
After purchasing the building, the county hired a consultant and commercial construction managers, Skender Construction and Garmon Construction, to determine its long-term use.
The construction managers gave two estimates: One for demolishing the building, backfilling the basement and seeding the
lot, and another for making advised corrections to the building, upgrading mechanical, electric and plumbing systems and renovating the interior spaces for commercial use.
Upon inspection, Sullivan said the county determined it was more “economically viable” to demolish the building and use the property for office trailers and a staging area during the westward expansion of the Government and Judicial Center.
Estimates to “bring the building up to code” would bring the county’s total investment to north of $3 million, which exceeds the market value of the property, according to documents from the county.
Sullivan said the county does not want to set a precedent for future demolitions in the downtown protection boundary, but the expansion of the courthouse is necessary because of a state mandate for the county to add courtrooms, which is “required by law.” He said it is a high priority for the county to support historic preservation.
The county’s goal is that the staging area will be there for at most three years, and once it is complete, it will turn into a pocket park that will include benches, places for flowers, a light post and wider sidewalks to promote public safety.
The next common council meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Noblesville City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.
DISPATCHES
Tree and shrub fundraiser — A wide selection of native trees and shrubs are now available through the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District’s fall fundraising event. Indiana native trees are the best choice for local properties because they are uniquely suited to local soils, weather and pests. They have unique and crucial relationships with the insects, pollinators and birds that are part of the local ecosystem. The sale is the district’s biggest annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit conservation in Hamilton County. Orders must be placed online by Sept. 19. Pickup is 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. Order at hamiltonswcd.org/treesale.
InvestEd — Invest Hamilton County recently launched a new initiative, InvestEd, focused on work-basedlearning experiences for K-12 students throughout Hamilton County. Invest Hamilton County’s role primarily focuses on the employer connections necessary to facilitate the more than 1,000 high school WBL experiences projected for this fall between the six local school districts. Other local partners include OneZone, Westfield and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. Invest Hamilton County received an Intermediary Capacity Expansion Grant directly from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and is an intermediary partner in the Central Indiana Education Services Center’s Career Coaching Grant. The organization also received additional support for InvestEd programming from the Duke Energy Foundation. For more, visit investhamiltoncounty.com/initiatives/invested.
Special Olympics seeks coaches — Special Olympics Indiana is seeking volunteers to join its Campaign for Coaches program and help empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to achieve success on and off the field. The program offers comprehensive training to equip volunteer coaches with the skills needed to make a lasting impact in the lives of these athletes. The nonprofit is searching for coaches to serve throughout the state. For more or to volunteer, visit soindiana.org/BeOurCoach.
Aerial view of the building demolition site at 694 Logan St. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
Birdies & Brews returns
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce will conduct its largest fundraiser of the year, Birdies & Brews, at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 12 at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, 12160 E. 216th St.
FUNDRAISER
Bob Dubois, president and CEO of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, said the event raises funds for the chamber’s small business support services. More than 200 golfers, volunteers and sponsors are expected to participate.
“Nine years ago, we decided to move our golf outings to Purgatory and try to come up with a different concept that we thought was unique,” Dubois said. “The emerging craft beer scene in Noblesville was starting to take shape a little bit. We have been able to have a craft brewer on every third hole doing tastings, and that seems to be a real hit. It just adds something a little bit different to a traditional
A networking event, local businesses will be on-site with information and
giveaways, and local beer and wine will be on tap. There will be golf contests, an on-course lunch, a 19th-hole reception and businesses at every tee box with activities and giveaways.
“Our goal is to ensure everyone enjoys the day and gets home safely,” Dubois said. “It’s not just golf; relationships are created. There’s business that happens on the course. It is a significant fundraising event that allows us to support small businesses. We’re grateful to have the support of so many different businesses.”
For more, visit bit.ly/474wHDs.
Event benefits DV survivors
By Tirzah Rowland tirzah@youarecurrent.com
Fishers-based More than a Phone, a nonprofit that donates cellphones to domestic violence support facilities, will host its seventh annual fundraiser from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, the Indianapolis Colts training facility, 7001 W. 56th St. in Indianapolis. Advance tickets are required.
“This event is really important to us because we only have one fundraiser a year, one annual event, and we try to make it fun and lighthearted,” said Julie Moorehead, More than a Phone’s founder and executive director.
Called More than a Tailgate, the family-friendly event will feature entertainment by DJ Gabby Love and 15-year-old DJ Reese Ray; food catered by Ritz Charles’ Simply Served; and two large screens to view the Indianapolis Colts play the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions, have access to the Colts training field and par-
ticipate in activities for all ages, including bounce houses.
All proceeds go directly to More than a Phone. Its goal is to raise $230,000. More than a Phone distributes up to 5,000 phones to 125 domestic violence support facilities nationwide.
“What we really need is a lot of small supporters and to spread the word,” Moorehead said.
Tickets for More than a Tailgate are $25 for kids and $75 for adults. Adult tickets include bar drink selections.
To purchase tickets or donate, visit morethanaphone.org.
Live and silent auctions are part of the More than a Tailgate fundraiser. (Photo courtesy of More than a Phone)
Golfers at a previous Birdies & Brews event. (Photo courtesy of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce)
Event spotlights historic homes
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Preservation Alliance is partnering with Noblesville Main Street for the 37th annual Historic Home Tour and Downtown Unseen event Sept. 20 and 21.
PRESERVATION
For Noblesville Main Street’s portion of the event, Downtown Unseen, attendees can tour historic buildings on and around the historic square, such as the courthouse, Smith Legal and others, from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20.
“I look forward to this event each year because it is an opportunity to do a deeper dive into our city’s history,” NMS Executive Director Kate Baker said. “I think it is incredibly important that we observe and remember where we started as it shines such a light onto our future.”
Check-in and walk-up ticket purchase for Downtown Unseen will be in the parking lot of Adler Attorneys in Noblesville, 136 S. 9th St.
The Historic Home Tour, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21, will
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include tours of historic homes, the old Sheriff’s Residence and Friends Church in Noblesville.
NPA Executive Director Josh Glassburn-Ruby said the Historic Home Tour has become an annual event that the community, including himself, looks forward to.
“Being a lover of historic homes and preservation, I’m excited to go in and see these homes,” Glassburn-Ruby said. “We all get a glimpse of the exterior but don’t get to see the inside.”
For the Historic Home Tour, check-in and walk-up ticket purchases will be at Seminary Park in Noblesville, 250 S. 10th St.
Several ticket options for the two-day event can be purchased at bit.ly/3AJlKva.
One of the houses that will be a part of the Historic Home Tour. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Preservation Alliance)
Growth prompts expansion at Carmel’s Harvest Church
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Harvest Church has experienced growing pains the last several years. That is being addressed through the addition of a new worship center at the Carmel church at 14550 River Rd. The expansion will add 34,000 square feet of space. Marty Baker, the church’s senior director of operations, said construction is on schedule to be completed in March 2025 if winter weather doesn’t create too many issues.
FAITH
proximately 1,200 while the present one holds about 600 people.
“In our second service, we typically have people in our overflow area in the lobby because we’re out of space,” Baker said.
Brian White, who has been the lead pastor since the church was founded in 2007, said the groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier this year. There was a capital campaign to raise funds in 2023.
“We moved into this site in April 2015,” said White, a Noblesville resident. “We built an auditorium building that has some nursery classrooms in the back of it. In the smaller building, there are more classrooms and our offices. We figured this would serve the church until we got to about 1,400 or 1,500, and then we had to build some more.”
White said there was a master plan that included plans for a larger worship center.
“So, there will be a new worship center, expansion of some offices and then some changes of things to get more classrooms,” White said.
Harvest Church has Sunday services at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. White said the larger worship center will allow the church to return to offering only two services on Sundays.
The new worship center will seat ap-
“During the services, children all the way from birth to sixth grade are in the classrooms,” White said of the Harvest Kids program. “Then on Sunday nights, the youth group meets and pretty much takes over most of the campus.”
There are approximately 450 children in the Harvest Kids program. The expansion also will include an additional 300 parking spots on the south side of the campus. There are 350 parking spots now.
Harvest Church started in 2007 with services held at Carmel High School for one year. Services then moved to Fishers Junior High School for five years and then Riverside Junior High School for less than two years.
“That was our process. We’d set up and tear down every week before we moved to this property,” White said.
The congregation was approximately 650 people when it moved to the site in 2015.
“We went from about 650 to 975 in about two weekends,” White said. “I’d say we’re averaging 1,700 to 1,800 at the site.”
Harvest Church is planning to launch a second location in Westfield in January 2025, which is expected to meet at Monon Trail Elementary School. White said the congregation primarily comes from Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville and the northside of Indianapolis.
For more, visit harvestchurch.org.
This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
White
SUPERINTENDENT LAUNCHES
Schools Superintendent Dan Hile launched his Superintendent Advisory Council last month, and elementary school students were given an overview of district functions at the Noblesville Schools Educational Services Center. According to Marnie Cooke, executive director of communications and marketing for Noblesville Schools, the fourth- and fifth-graders were chosen from a group of applicants to represent all seven of the district’s elementary schools. Cooke said the highlight of the first meeting was a tour of Hile’s office and his “Star Wars” Lego collection. Middle and high school students who will represent the Superintendent Advisory Council also met with Hile at the end of August. (Photo courtesy of Marnie Cooke)
Students to lead school board forum
news@currentnoblesville.com
Noblesville High School student journalists will lead a forum this fall that will feature Noblesville Schools board candidates.
ELECTION
“This event is a win-winwin opportunity for our student journalists, board candidates and the Noblesville community at large,” stated Dan Hile, superintendent of Noblesville Schools. All six of the candidates running to fill three open seats on the Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees, including Christi Crosser, David Dawson, Alison Hanley, Brad Helvey, Stephanie Lambert and Bret Richardson, have been invited to partici-
pate. They will share their views on topics and questions selected by the students.
“Students will get a real-world career and civic development experience, board candidates will get to share their views and vision for our school district with the public and community members will have the opportunity to learn more about each candidate as they decide who they want to support on the ballot,” Hile stated.
The event is open to the public and will be held at the Noblesville High School auditorium at 6 p.m. Oct. 2. The event will also be streamed.
For more, contact Marnie Cooke at marnie_cooke@nobl.k12.in.us.
DISPATCH
New class — Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County recently announced the launch of a new Dementia Care Class designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in caring for individuals with dementia. The 8-week course will be held on Tuesdays from 6 to 8:50 p.m. from Oct. 21 to Dec. 15. Classes will be available both on-campus or via Zoom. The Dementia Care Class aims to introduce students to the disease process and various aspects of caring for individuals with dementia. The curriculum includes an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, stages of dementia, person-centered care, communicating with individuals living with dementia, understanding and preventing behaviors and exploring appropriate activities for individuals living with dementia.
Noblesville
Fishers High School wide receiver a star for all seasons
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Fishers High School senior wide receiver JonAnthony Hall’s first love was basketball.
“I feel like I picked that up first, but football came along pretty fast and took over,” Hall said.
Hall, however, enjoys the best of both worlds.
The three-sport standout was a key starter on the Tigers’ Class 4A boys basketball state championship team in March. Then he helped FHS capture the IHSAA boys state track and field championship in June. Hall finished second in the long jump and was on the third-place 4x100 relay.
“That thrill was unreal,” Hall said. “The buzz around the school and support was amazing and you just had to be there to experience the whole thing. It was so unique.”
Even though he has verbally committed to Stanford University to play football, Hall plans to play both sports this season be-
MEET JONANTHONY HALL
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Favorite movie: “Spider-Man
Across the Spider-Verse”
Favorite subject: Strategic marketing
Favorite music genre: Rhythm and blues
cause he doesn’t want to miss a thing.
“I think in long jump I have a really good chance of being a state champion and our basketball team is looking really solid again this year, so there’s definitely potential to go back-to-back,” he said.
Hall said his personal football goal is to break his previous record of 1,055 receiving yards and 69 receptions. He said he wants to catch 10 or more touchdown
Fishers High School wide receiver JonAnthony Hall has committed to Stanford University. (Photo courtesy of Curt Funk)
passes this season. He’s off to a strong start with nine catches for 151 yards and a career-high four touchdown catches Aug. 23 in a season-opening 49-35 victory over North Central.
“A big team goal of ours is to win a sectional championship,” he said.
FHS football coach Curt Funk is confident in Hall’s ability
“JonAnthony Hall is not only a great player, but also a tremendous person,” Funk said. “He is a leader in our school, a
strong student in the classroom and an elite three-sport athlete. JonAnthony Hall is the total package when it comes to student-athlete.”
Hall has a grade point average of 3.85. He hasn’t decided on a major yet at Stanford.
“I’m not the type to want to switch majors in college, so I want to make sure I know what I want to do as a career,” he said.
Hall said the deciding factor in choosing Stanford over Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame, among others, was the people in the program.
“They made a great impression on me and my family and it felt like home even being many miles away from it,” Hall said. Stanford is joining the Atlantic Coast Conference, which means the California school will have some games closer to home.
“I’ve had multiple friends and family telling me that they are willing to make a drive to Notre Dame and Louisville to catch a game and see me, which I think is so awesome and supportive,” he said.
Hall
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Hundreds of dog owners will participate in a 1-mile walk Sept. 8 to support families of Hoosier organ donors. The eighth annual Strut 2 Save Lives begins at 10 a.m. at Dr. James A. Dillon Park, 6001 Edenshall Lane. in Noblesville.
FUNDRAISER
Noblesville residents Diana and Tim Clauson created Strut 2 Save Lives in 2017 to honor their late-son Bryan Clauson, an IndyCar and United States Auto Club driver who died in 2016 from injuries suffered in a crash during a race in Kansas. He also was a registered organ and tissue donor.
“We started this dog walk in honor of Bryan because he had a really big love for dogs,” Diana said. “He had two dogs that traveled with him and his girlfriend throughout the United States while he was racing.”
Bryan Clauson’s organs saved five people and helped heal countless others, according to his family. All proceeds from Strut 2 Save Lives benefit the Indiana Donor Network Foundation Bryan Clauson Legacy Fund.
“Our family started the fund through Indiana Donor Network to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation,” Diana said. “We wanted the funds to go specifically toward donor families like ourselves, because a lot of times when these tragic things happen, you’re not prepared for anything thrown at you.”
Since its creation, the event has raised nearly $165,000 to support the financial needs of the families of Indiana organ donors.
The registration fee is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-12. Last year, 215 people participated and raised more than $30,000.
To register, visit classy.org/event/ strut-2-save-lives/e597164.
Dogs and walkers at a previous Strut 2 Save Lives. (Photo courtesy of Diana Clauson)
A SALUTE TO SERVICE
Noblesville veterans to participate in Indy Honor Flight
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
U.S. military veterans James Martin and Mark Plecker have been honored with the chance of a lifetime. The Noblesville residents were selected to participate in the Indy Honor Flight Sept. 14, an all-expenses paid opportunity to visit the memorials in Washington, D.C., that honor U.S. service members.
Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit that honors veterans for their service. Indianapolis Chairman Dale True said the Indy Honor Flight chapter was started in 2012, and the September flight will be its 43rd.
“We have about 850 veterans on our waitlist, and we take 86 at a time,” True said. “We will leave early Saturday morning to fly to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials, see the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery, fly back the same evening and then have a welcome-home ceremony at Plainfield High School that is open to the public.”
Plecker, 80, joined the Air Force in May 1964 and was an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War.
“I was in Vietnam and Thailand in 1966 and 1967,” Plecker said. “I got my discharge in May of 1968.”
A Noblesville High School graduate, Plecker said nothing he did prior to serving in the Air Force prepped him for air traffic control in Vietnam and Thailand.
“I went to a junior college in Illinois, and it was called Danville Junior College,” Plecker said. “I grew up around construction. My father was in the construction business, so I worked on houses early on.”
After his discharge, Plecker worked in plumbing, eventually owning his own business.
“I went to work for my wife’s family business, which was Scott Plumbing and Heating,” Plecker said. “I went into the plumbing business and had my own company for several years. I’m 80 years old and still working part time in the plumbing business.”
Plecker was thrilled to learn he was selected for an Indy Honor Flight that fits his schedule.
“This year has been the first time that the dates have worked out for me,” Plecker
said. “I had my knee replaced in May of this year, so the September flight looked like it would be good.”
Plecker looks forward to visiting Washington, D.C., for the first time.
“I am excited to go to Washington, D.C., and see all of the sites. I am really excited about going to see the Vietnam Memorial and experiencing Arlington Cemetery,” Plecker said. “I probably would have gone one day, but I’m not getting any younger, so I thought this would be a great chance.”
He also looks forward to taking the trip with his daughter, Kris Noe, who lives in Missouri.
“I thought it’d be a great chance for (her),” Plecker said. “I have a son, and we do a lot of fishing and things together, so this was something my daughter could do with me. She’s probably more excited than I am. She’s had to have a little class on her responsibilities as far as what the caregiver has to do for the veteran. But there are a lot of people I’m sure that will be in worse shape than I am. I’m grateful I will still be able to walk and not have any problems there.”
Martin, 82, is a Vietnam veteran who was drafted into the Army in 1965. He had several roles in the service during the Vietnam War.
“I was drafted into the Army on St. Patrick’s Day of 1965,” Martin said. “I became the mailman, the fireman, the battery clerk (and) the supply officer clerk.”
In Vietnam, Martin was part of fire di-
rection control in the field artillery, part of the 1st Cavalry, in 1966 before he was discharged in January 1967.
“I called the firing batteries every morning, found out if they needed ammunition, called a sergeant and had him go get the ammunition so it could be delivered by helicopter,” Martin said.
Martin was assigned to the 2nd Howitzer Battalion, 17th Artillery, in Vietnam.
“We had 105mm howitzers and were attached to the 1st Cavalry Division,” Martin said. “Our primary purpose was to provide artillery support for the South Vietnamese Army. Our call sign was ‘Shining Star,’ and whenever the South Vietnamese got in trouble, they called for Shining Star.”
Before serving in the Army, Martin attended the University of Wisconsin, where he studied finance. After his discharge, he worked for Northwestern National Bank, which is now Wells Fargo. He spent the last 20 years before his retirement doing computer work.
Martin has lived in Noblesville since 1998 and has been actively involved in Memorial Day and Veterans Day services on the square and the Noblesville American Legion Post 45. Although he has seen several of the memorials in Washington, D.C., before, he said he looks forward to meeting other veterans on the flight.
“I am looking forward to seeing the Vietnam Memorial, but the memorial I like the best in D.C., is the Korean War Memorial.
It’s absolutely stupendous,” Martin said. “I will be going to Panel 15 to say goodbye again to my friend who was killed in Vietnam. Then, I am interested in discovering who all these other people are. Most of us veterans hang to ourselves, to be honest. I appreciate all the veterans and all the stuff they do and don’t do.”
The Sept. 14 flight’s welcome-home ceremony is at 7:30 p.m. at Plainfield High School, 1 Red Pride Dr.
For more, visit indyhonorflight.org/home.
Any veteran who served in World War II from Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946; the Korean War from June 25, 1950, through July 27, 1953; or the Vietnam War from Feb. 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975, is eligible to be selected for an Indy Honor Flight
The flight is a one-day trip that honors wartime service men and women with a no-cost trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in the veterans’ honor.
According to the nonprofit, Indy Honor Flight provides:
• All food and drink
• A polo shirt
• A hat indicating the veterans’ service era
• The flight
Indy Honor Flight Chairman Dale True said the nonprofit has received positive feedback about what the flight means to veterans.
“To be able not only to get to see and realize the memorials were built in their honor, but also to have people and children come up and thank them for their service is very meaningful for them,” True said. “We are honored to do it.”
Indy Honor Flight is 100 percent volunteer and donation supported. To donate, visit indyhonorflight.org/ donate.
ON THE COVER: Veterans visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. (Photo courtesy of Indy Honor Flight)
Pictured in 1964, Mark Plecker served in the U.S. Air Force from May 1964 to May 1968. (Photo courtesy of Mark Plecker)
James Martin served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967. (Photo courtesy of Betsy Reason/The Times)
Lynyrd Skynyrd forges on to continue legacy
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Lynyrd Skynyrd began The Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour in 2018, but soon decided to forge on.
Then when Gary Rossington, the last of the band’s founding members, died in March 2023, some speculated the band would call it quits soon.
“Gary never wanted to see the band’s legacy and, of course, the music, over time fade,” guitarist Rickey Medlocke said. “He wanted Johnny (Van Zant) and I to keep the music alive. With millions of fans, he just thought it was well worth it for us to carry it on. He all but made us promise. Here we are, we’re out there and having a great time with it.”
The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, featuring ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, returns at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 to Ruoff Music Center. The two groups played together at Ruoff in August 2023.
“One thing that is important when you carry on the legacy of a band is being committed to the songs and playing them like they are supposed to be played,” Medlocke said. “The integrity of the song has to be kept. If you play it great and right at what the original band did live, I think the fans love the music.”
During the band’s song “Skynyrd Nation,” there is a line about three generations of fans.
“I look out and I see four or five generations of fans,” Medlocke said. “When you see fans come out from 8 years old to 80, you can’t argue with it. What that is about is iconic songs. The songs will be out here a lot longer than we all are. Maybe in a thousand years if the old Earth is still here, someone will dig up a jar and it will have Lynyrd Skynyrd music in it. I just know people want to hear the songs no matter how many times they’ve heard them. They love coming out to experience it live.”
Medlocke’s first stint with Lynyrd Skynyrd was from 1971 to 1972, when he played drums and sang lead on a few songs. Not feeling he was a strong
enough drummer, he left to rejoin his previous band, Blackfoot, where he was the lead singer and guitarist.
Three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, died in a plane crash in 1977 and everyone else suffered serious injuries. The band reformed in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant replacing his brother as lead singer. Medlocke, 74, returned to Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996.
Medlocke said when asked what his favorite of the band’s songs is, he always says all of them. Two of his favorite songs to play in concert are “The Needle And The Spoon” and “Tuesday’s Gone,” when the band does a video tribute to Rossington.
“We try to pick a well-rounded set,” Medlocke said. “We could be out there four or five hours with all the ones people want to hear.”
ZZ Top is a perfect travel partner, Medlocke said.
“It’s been incredible being with the guys because we have a long history with ZZ Top,” Medlocke said. “Lynyrd Skynyrd’s history with ZZ Top goes back
to the ‘70s. One of the longest tours we did was in 1999 going into 2000. We did the Millennium Tour and we played New Year’s Eve night in Houston at the arena. If you remember, people thought the world was going to come to an end (with Y2K computer issues at the turn of century). We thought, ‘What a way to end the world, playing (a concert).’ We did 103 shows with those guys, which was a long tour.”
Medlocke said he was supposed to spend his 50th birthday in Hawaii, but had to give those plans up because the tour was extended.
Medlocke will keep playing as long as his band does.
“I promised Gary when I came back (in 1996) that I would be there until the last note in ‘Freebird’ was played,” Medlocke said. “I hoped he would still have been here to see it through. The creator above had other plans and Gary got off the bus. He saluted us. I’m still here and I hope I’m there until the last note in ‘Freebird’ is played, so I can fulfill that promise.”
For more, visit livenation.com.
& Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs through Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
CABARET
vocalist Paul Hughes will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com
Opera will present Opera in the Park at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at Garfield Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit indyopera.org.
DISPATCHES
Civic Theatre fundraiser set — Civic Singsation Family Karaoke Night is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 13 at Carter Green outside the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The family-friendly fundraiser features a karaoke raffle for chances to sing your favorite songs and sing along as friends sing. The event is hosted by Civic Theatre’s Brent Marty, director of music and education. Advance admission tickets are $35 and karaoke raffle tickets are $10. The more raffle tickets a person purchases, the greater the chances to perform. Food trucks will be available to purchase food, beverages and treats and, after dark, the evening will end with a glow party. Tickets at the entrance will be $45. This is a cashfree event. For more, visit givebutter.com/ Singsation2024.
Children’s music series begins — Families can introduce young children to the joy of live performance through Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts’ monthly Peanut Butter & Jam series, which begins a new season Sept. 14 with Soulful Music and Melodies with Allison Victoria. The fun and informal sessions designed specifically for ages 1-7 takes place one Saturday each month from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., in the Palladium’s Robert Adam Room or across Carter Green in the Studio Theater. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Lynyrd Skynyrd members Rickey Medlocke, left, and Damon Johnson perform in concert. (Photo courtesy of Lynyrd Skynyrd)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Broadway actress shares songs, stories
THE PALLADIUM
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Center Celebration 2024 presented by Ice Miller is SOLD OUT! We’re so grateful to the many generous people and companies who have signed on to support the Center’s wide range of arts and educational programming, from big-name concerts to classes and lectures to free events for schools to our Prism Project arts camp for youth with disabilities – and the list goes on.
Even if you missed this opportunity, you can still join us in continuing to bring these programs to the community. Just visit our website at TheCenterPresents.org/Donate to make a tax-deductible donation to the Center and its mission.
MUSIC
Samantha Pauly took some personal days off from her role in “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway. So, what did she do during the break? She attended a Discovering Broadway “Great Gatsby”-themed reception in Indianapolis.
Pauly answered questions from Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, and sang a few songs with pianist Adam Cole Klepper Aug. 21 at Laurel Hall. The following day, she taught master classes at Grace Church in Noblesville.
“Sometimes opportunities like this come up, and if I take a personal day and go get paid for my time, do something different, meet new people, come back to the Midwest, I always come back here,” Pauly said. “I love being with Adam and performing with him.”
Pauly and Klepper performed in 2023 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
“I really love doing the solo shows, but it’s just not as consistent as when I’m in a long-running show that I think ‘Great Gatsby’ is going to be,” said Pauly, who made her Broadway debut as Kathrine Howard in “Six.”
Proceeds benefit the Center’s arts and educational programming
Special thanks to our community partners, including Ice Miller, First Merchants Bank, Aaron Wealth Advisors, Open Gate Design, the Payne & Mencias Group, Studio M Architecture, Will and Yasmin Stump and Shiel Sexton
“When you are singing the same thing every day in a show (it’s repetitive). I don’t always get the opportunity to sing some of these songs that we love to do together,” Pauly said. “So, it’s a nice chance for me to sing something different for a couple of days.”
She also enjoys teaching.
“I really didn’t get into that until the pandemic, which kind of forced me to make money and do something,” Pauly said. “Now that I can do things in person, I love teaching.”
Samantha Pauly and Joel Kirk at a Discovering Broadway reception. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Artomobilia revs up
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Artomobilia founder John Leonard tries some new elements each year.
EVENT
“Some we keep and some we say, ‘Let’s not do that again,’” said Leonard, who also is executive director of the annual Carmel car show.
Artomobilia, which started in 2008, is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 in the Carmel Arts & Design District with the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at the Indiana Design Center parking lot.
Voloce, featuring collector cars and aircraft, begins at 7 p.m. Sept 6 at the Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville.
Leonard, a Carmel resident, said a new element this year is the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. He said there are 12 or 13 cars coming from Porsche dealerships across the U.S.
“They’ve all been restored and Porsche will judge them and then decide which one they think will be the best at Artomobilia at Porsche-Palooza,” Leonard said.
Another new feature is a Porsche Macan Electric vehicle that will be on display.
“It will be undercover and then revealed at noon by the team at Tom Wood Porsche,” Leonard said. “It’s their smaller sports utility vehicle but this is the first all-electric one.”
The Porsche display is on North Rangeline Road, north of Main Street.
Another new event is the Artistry & Elegance Ladies Luncheon for approximately 50 women at Anthony’s Chophouse.
Leonard said it’s open to anyone but it is intended for husbands showing cars who
returns Sept. 7 in the Carmel Arts & Design District. (Photo courtesy of
bring their wives. There will be two speakers, Stephanie Kim, chief administrative officer of Telamon, and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam.
Leonard said there will be a VIP area hosted by Evans May Wealth at 3UP above Anthony’s Chophouse.
There will be approximately 500 cars.
“We’ll move south into Midtown,” he said. “We did that for the first time last year and it seemed like it worked.”
Four major groups are Porsche-Palooza, BMW-Palooza, Lotus-Palooza and Mercedes Monumental.
Adam Hoffman, who owns Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse in Westfield, will have his 13 Porsches on display at Artomobilia.
Leonard said Ferraris and Lamborghinis will be on the west end of the show.
Voloce will be held at the airport hangar for the second year.
“That will be fast cars and fast jets,”
Leonard said of the event, partnered with Ruth’s Chris Steak House. “We’ll likely have 400 to 500. The beauty of that (site) is if we have another 100 people, it’s no problem.”
For more, visit artomobilia.org.
FREE EVENT HARVEST FEST
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
The Fishers Arts Council will hold its Harvest Fest from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 at Fishers Heritage Park at White River, 10595 Eller Rd. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse and shop the creations of local artists and artisans, enjoy live music, try local food and walk the gardens of the historic Ambassador House. Food truck operators are partnering with local nonprofits and to donate a portion of their proceeds. For more, visit fishersartscouncil.org/ event-info/harvest-fest-1-2.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
VIP CARNIVAL — The Zionsville Lions Club will host a VIP Carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at Lions Park in Zionsville, 11001 E. Sycamore St. The event is for kids of all ages who have special needs, their families and their caregivers. The VIP Carnival will include carnival rides and games, dinner provided by Chick-Fil-A, music, balloon creations, face painting and more. For more, visit eventbrite. com/e/2024-vip-carnival-tickets-972909637917
JEROME COLLINS: REWIND– A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND FRI, SEPT 13 AT 8PM THE TARKINGTON VERONICA SWIFT SAT, SEPT 14 AT 8PM THE TARKINGTON NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR THURS, SEPT 26 AT 7:30PM THE PALLADIUM LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE FRI, SEPT 27 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM DAMIEN ESCOBAR: VICTORY LAP TOUR SAT, SEPT 28 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
Artomobilia
Artomobilia).
Come see what we have to offer! Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in selecting the right flooring to ensure your satisfaction for years to come.
Beef & Boards plans new shows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 2025 schedule will feature five new shows for the Indianapolis venue, headlined by the Broadway hits “Jersey Boys” and “Waitress.”
SCHEDULE
won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
“Church Basement Ladies,” a musical comedy, runs from April 17 through May 18. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” returns from May 22 through July 13. As the season’s family show, tickets are discounted by $10 for all children ages 3-15.
“Waitress” will open July 17 and conclude Aug. 31. The musical centers on Jenna, a talented piemaker and waitress whose goal is to leave her small town.
“Heartbreak Hotel” follows the legendary ascent of Elvis Presley. The musical, which runs Sept. 4 through Oct. 12, features more than 40 of Presley’s hits.
“New shows are controlled by the theatrical licensing houses,” Beef & Boards owner Doug Stark said. “We were lucky to have so many new shows become available to us and felt that this was the perfect year to do them — regional premieres in central Indiana. I believe ‘Waitress’ and ‘Tootsie’ have played in the Broadway series, but this will be the regional premiere and ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ will be brand new to our audience.”
The first show to make its Beef & Boards debut is Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” which runs Jan. 9 to Feb. 9.
The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is featured in “Jersey Boys,” which
“Tootsie” opens Oct. 16 and runs through Nov. 23. To land his dream role, out-of-work actor Michael Dorsey disguises himself as actress “Dorothy Michaels.”
Back for the holidays is the original variety show “A Beef & Boards Christmas,” which runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 31.
“The thing I love about this season is its diversity,” Stark said. “There’s something for everyone, from kids to grandparents, to rockers and everyone in between.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com
Fishers company launches AI solutions
Samantha Kupiainen news@currentinfishers.com
For 25-plus years, Josh Ross has been an entrepreneur by building, growing and scaling companies. His most recent company,
TECHNOLOGY
KLaunch, is based in Fishers and is a subsidiary of Kerauno holdings.
KLaunch offers artificial intelligence communication tools.
“Our mission statement is, we help people by creating a culture that fosters personal, professional and spiritual growth that leads to life changing relationships,” said Ross, the company’s owner and CEO. “We want to use AI for good and we want to be able to connect people to the central services and to the benefits. That’s the purpose of our technology.”
KLaunch’s stated mission is to advance human interaction.
“What we’ve done with this platform is, we incubated this out of another telecommunications company that I owned and sold to private equity in October 2020,” Ross said. “We’ve taken our technology platform that we started building in 2014, and that platform is now our conversation AI platform that we have available to clients.”
According to IBM, 34 percent of companies use AI and 42 percent are exploring AI.
KLaunch allows users to build autonomous bots for communication. It developed software for businesses to reach customers via text messages. KLaunch also is leveraging its technology in the philanthropic space by allowing nonprofits to reach more people.
Ross said he is passionate about helping nonprofits, because of his own previous struggles raising a young family when they relied on food programs for assistance.
“As I built and established organizations and grew and scaled and sold companies, it became really important for me to be able to give back to our society in the same way that I was helped,” Ross said. For more, visit klaunch.io/.
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Blueprint for Improvement: Elegant bathroom makeover in Carmel
Commentary by Larry Greene
Tailoring each project to our clients’ unique needs and style is always our top priority. For this Village of West Clay bathroom remodel, our clients opted to forgo the traditional soaking tub in favor of a luxurious walk-in shower and expanded closet space — resulting in a more functional layout, enhanced aesthetics and additional space for the adjoining primary closet.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Removing the soaking tub allowed for a complete reimagining of the room’s layout — including larger quartz-topped vanities that provide practical storage.
• The new zero-entry, dual-head shower features a sleek hidden niche and built-in bench, transforming daily routine into a luxurious experience.
• A frosted glass pocket door replaced the standard door to the water closet, allowing light to filter through while maintaining privacy and enhancing the room’s flow by eliminating the door swing.
• Matte black hardware adds depth to the room’s serene palette, while crystal accents on the knobs and pulls bring a touch of sparkle.
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.
Before After
Sunday, October 6
12:30-4pm
Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (the Colts practice facility)
Join us for an upgraded watch party experience of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars away game! Enjoy tailgate food, an open bar, bounce houses for kids and more, all while supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Learn more at morethanaphone.org.
Fun for the whole family!
See inside the Indianapolis Colts practice facility!
Bounce and Play on the field while the DJ spins!
Watch the game from 2 large screen TVs!
Hosted by and benefiting:
MVP Sponsor:
LIFESTYLE
Being bad, in a way, on
the Pacers play the Celtics in TD Garden
38. Negligible amount
39. Yemen neighbor
41. List-ending abbr.
42. Kids’ “magic words”
45. Like den walls, often
46. Letters of gratitude, in a text
49. Hosiery mishap
50. Some bank transactions (Abbr.)
54. Mogadishu native
57. Manicurist’s extension
59. Not digital
60. Kids’ “magic words”
61. Quit one’s job
62. Straightens up Down
1. IndyCar dashboard letters
2. “The Time Machine” people
3. Parts of speech
4. Really bothers
5. Cape Town’s country (Abbr.)
6. Balkan capital
7. Gives a double cluck of reproach
8. “You bet!”
___ kwon do
Swiss peak
Cry while playing tag
“That’s my cue!”
Kind of PU prof
Top-rated
Infectious disease
Never
Noble Coffee to-go vessels
Frequently, in verse
Whig’s rival
29. “Ta-ta!”
32. List entry
33. ISO music bit
34. Glendale Town Center health supplement co.
36. Bra spec
37. Victory Field event
39. Spencer’s county
40. Skin pigment
43. Navy rank
44. Fewer than 100 shares of stock
46. Old Russian ruler
47. Sharpen
48. Dec. 25, briefly
51. Raison d’ ___
52. Reel-like device
53. 1974 CIA spoof film
55. Boxing legend
56. Fireplace wood
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