November 19, 2024 — Noblesville

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In Central Indiana, more than 257,400 households are living in, or one emergency away from, poverty.

Noblesville VFW hosts Veterans Day ceremony

VFW Post 6246, a Noblesville nonprofit whose mission is to foster camaraderie among veterans, hosted a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 on the downtown square in Noblesville.

HONOR

Vietnam War veteran James Martin spoke and encouraged World War II and Korean and Vietnam war veterans to participate in the Indy Honor Flight, a nonprofit that flies wartime veterans to see the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C., for free. Martin took an Indy Honor Flight in September.

Martin has lived in Noblesville since 1998 and has been actively involved in Memorial Day and Veterans Day services on the square.

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, joined by former Noblesville mayors Mary Sue Rowland and John Ditslear, thanked veterans for their service.

“Thank you for serving our country. Thank you for allowing us to live in a city that is not only free but also genuinely honors and supports our veterans,” Jensen said. “Not every county courthouse square will have flags lining it on this day, but that is Noblesville.”

U.S. 5th District Rep. Victoria Spartz also spoke at the event.

“It is a very important day for me because I truly value people who are willing to put their lives on the line for our freedoms,” Spartz said. “You are true heroes of our country. You are what makes our republic great.”

Common council, mayor recognize football team

The Noblesville Common Council and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen recognized the Noblesville Grinders, the Noblesville Elementary Football League’s travel team, at its Nov. 12 meeting following the team’s first ever championship win.

SPORTS

The team won the Indiana Elementary Football Association championship Oct. 19 beating Westfield 8-6.

“This group of young men are this year’s 2024 IEFA champions because they were victorious over Westfield,” Jensen said. “I can tell you any time we beat any other Hamilton County affiliate it just makes my heart smile.”

The team is coached by head coach Jeremy Ely and assistant coaches Jeremy Hochstedler, AJ Riggs, Nate Jahn, Jake Skel-

ton, Robb Gunn and Jake Fritz.

Jensen also declared Nov. 12, 2024, as Noblesville Grinder Football Day.

“Many of us have played for the Grinders or have kids that have played for the Grind-

ers,” Jensen said. “This amazing Noblesville football community packed the stands and were pivotal to the team’s success. The community of Noblesville is proud of the 2024 Noblesville Grinders football team.”

About us

Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 8

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Current Publishing, LLC

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The Noblesville Grinders with the Noblesville Common Council. (Photo by Lexie Rock)
(Above) Vietnam War veteran James Martin speaks at the Veterans Day ceremony. (RIght)
From left, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and former Noblesville Mayors Mary Sue Rowland and John Ditslear. (Photos by Jessica Todd)

Coroner’s office discussed

At its Nov. 12 meeting, Hamilton County Commissioners Steve Dillinger and Christine Altman discussed the possibility of putting a new coroner’s office on the property of the public safety facility that the Hamilton County Council has approved to move forward at River Road and 160th Street in Noblesville.

COMMISSIONERS

The site is in Noblesville, but the land is owned by Westfield, which has offered to donate it. However, an agreement regarding land acquisition has yet to be finalized with Westfield.

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison presented the need for a new location for the coroner’s office at a work meeting with the commissioners Oct. 29. He said the building would need to have access to the public 24 hours a day and be near the morgue with enough square footage to accommodate an office for multiple employees.

Jellison said a possible location is Riverview Health’s building at 865 Westfield Rd. It has about 2,400 square feet and office space available for renovation. Still,

the space would require build-out, which is estimated to cost $80,000. The commissioners gave preliminary approval to move forward with the space Oct. 29.

At the Nov. 12 meeting, Altman suggested that instead of spending the money and leasing for a short time, the River Road and 160th Street property could house a standalone coroner’s office and morgue.

“It would be a permanent solution for at least 20-plus years for the coroner and solves a lot of space issues,” Altman said.

“The other good thing is that it is in a location central to all the jurisdictions.”

A pole barn on the property houses public safety services, but Altman said it is not set to be used regarding the new public safety training facility. She suggested putting the coroner’s office in the barn.

“It offers some opportunity for law enforcement to become more involved with coroner operations and exercises,” Altman said.

Hamilton County Building and Grounds Director Steve Wood is looking into the initial costs of utilizing the pole barn with the already scheduled build-out for the training facility. A time is being planned for the commissioners and Jellison to walk through the pole barn.

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• More free time without home maintenance

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Riverview Health Foundation hosted its Gratitude Gala Nov. 1 and raised more than $385,000 to benefit the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Riverview Health in Noblesville, 395 Westfield Rd.

Vice President of Riverview Health Foundation Megan Wiles said the foundation is grateful for the donors who attended the event and are supporting the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation project, which involves remodeling the entire unit.

“The Gratitude Gala is a celebration of the connection between gratitude and philanthropy and how people can connect and contribute to (helping) others,” Wiles stated. “We couldn’t have had such a successful night without the support of our sponsors and the attendees at the event. Their gifts will certainly help towards the overall fundraising goal for the Acute

Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit project, and opportunities exist for others to contribute to the project.”

Riverview Health Director of Marketing and Communications Jason Kaufmann said the expansion and renovation will include modernized patient rooms designed for comfort and accessibility, expanded therapy areas equipped with the latest rehabilitation technology, improved communal spaces for patients and their families and enhanced facilities for staff.

“The continuation of monetary gifts provided to Riverview Health Foundation is critical to the future of Riverview Health,” President and CEO of Riverview Health Dave Hyatt stated. “(The) generosity enables us to maintain and expand the level of care we provide, ensuring that our facility can meet the evolving needs of our community.”

For more, visit donate.riverview.org/ acuteinpatientrehab.

Couple committed to raising awareness for AEDs

It started out as a normal September morning in 2017 in the Toussing household in Lawrence Township.

FUNDRAISING

Then 29, Kristin, a Noblesville High School graduate, and her husband Justin had just returned with their three boys from a trip to Disney World. Justin, a police officer, was working the night shift and was taking time to attend a school field trip. She had just taken her three children to school.

“I complained a little bit of chest pain and some pain in my jaw, but we didn’t think too much about it,” she said. “He did some Googling, but with my age and health, we brushed it aside. I told him I was going to lay down for a bit and see if I felt better. He forgot something and came back, talking to me, and I wasn’t responsive.”

Justin quickly shifted into first responder mode — unlocking the front door so paramedics could get in as he called 911 — and then administered CPR for several minutes.

“It was by the grace of God those three things popped into my head,” he said.

Lawrence paramedics used an AED, or automated external defibrillator, to shock her heart, which was key to her survival.

Since then, the family has been committed to running in the annual Bolt for the Heart race to raise awareness about the importance of having AEDs nearby. The family participates in Bolt for the Heart each year on Thanksgiving Day, including this year’s 5K run/walk set for Nov. 28 in Carmel.

In addition to raising awareness of AEDs, Bolt for the Heart distributes the lifesaving devices to law enforcement officers. Kristin said her husband was one of the first Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers to get an AED from Bolt for the Heart.

Kristin, now 37, shares her story of the sudden cardiac arrest to inform others.

“(The paramedics) shocked me once and they were able to get my heart rhythm back, but I still wasn’t breathing on my own,” she said. “They took me to Community (Hospital) and I was in a coma for almost 72 hours, then woke up and was in the hospital for 11 days.”

Kristin said she learned her husband could have given her CPR for hours, but the heart wouldn’t have restarted without the AED shock.

“I could tell she was gasping for air and snoring a little bit. That’s when I realized something was wrong,” Justin said. “When I rolled (her) over, I realized she was turning pale and purple. She wasn’t breathing.”

Justin, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, said it’s very different performing CPR on a loved one.

“I didn’t know about sudden cardiac arrest. The only thing I really knew about was heart attacks,” he said. “She didn’t really fit the bill for risk factors for heart attacks, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. To learn that is what happened and to see how few people survive unwitnessed sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting, it really hit home on how close we came to losing her. It made us all the more thankful we didn’t.”

Kristin said doctors have tried everything to determine the cause, but to no avail.

“Choosing to participate in the race and sharing our story is the least we can do,” said Kristin, a Realtor with F.C. Tucker Co. “If you have sudden cardiac arrest and someone sees you go down, you have less than (a) 10 percent chance of survival. So, we just feel really grateful and blessed that I have a story I can still share. It’s kind of a scary message to deliver. (Sudden cardiac arrest) can happen to kids, older adults and younger adults – it doesn’t discriminate.”

Kristin Toussing holds her running number for Bolt for the Heart. (Photos courtesy of Kristin Toussing)

Local communities awarded INDOT grants

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More than 200 communities in Indiana have been awarded a combined $140 million through the Indiana Department of Transportation’s fall Community Crossings grant program, part of the state’s Next Level Roads project.

FUNDING

According to INDOT, local communities that received grants in early November were Fortville ($892,282), Lawrence ($492,378), McCordsville ($1,027,778), Noblesville ($438,500) and Westfield ($1,474,531).

The Community Crossings matching grant program started in 2016, according to INDOT. It provides funding to cities, towns and counties across Indiana to help pay for improvements to local roads and bridges.

development, create jobs and strengthen local transportation networks,” INDOT states on its website.

INDOT offers two grant application periods each year in January and July. Eligible projects include road and bridge preservation, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and material costs for chip sealing and crack-filling operations.

Community Crossings is open to all local governments in Indiana. Cities and towns with a population of less than 10,000 or counties with fewer than 50,000 people are eligible for a 75/25 percent match. Larger cities and counties can receive grants with a 50/50 match.

The first application period in 2025 opens Jan. 2 and closes Jan. 31, with a maximum grant award of $1.5 million per community.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Football coach resigns — Dave Sharpe recently resigned after five seasons as the Noblesville High School football coach. The Millers had a 14-38 record, including 2-8 this past season. Noblesville opened the season with non-conference victories over Homestead and Mt. Vernon before losing the next eight games. Six of the Hoosier Crossroads Conference losses were by a touchdown or less. The Millers were 4-7 in 2022 and 2023. Sharpe plans to remain as a teacher at NHS.

Riverview Health Gastroenterologist honored — Dr. Sashi Sagi, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Riverview Health, has been named the 2024 Healthcare Professional of the Year by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Indiana Chapter. Dr. Sagi was honored at the Foundation’s annual Legacy Gala. He was chosen as this year’s recipient for his years of partnership with the Foundation as a leader in IBD research, time planning and presenting MyIBD Learning and IBD Pro events, involvement with the Take Steps initiative, leading the Indiana Chapter’s Healthcare Professionals Engagement Committee as chair and his care of the IBD patient population. For more, visit riverview.org/services/gastroenterology.

Partnership — Grace Church and Grace Care Center recently announced its partnership with Market District and Coca-Cola Consolidated, who are stepping up to provide 600 turkeys, hams and cases of Coca-Cola products to help families in central Indiana celebrate the holidays. Kaylah Bolender, director of digital media for Grace Church, said the donation arrives at a crucial time as Grace Care Center prepares for its busiest season. For more, visit gccfoundation.us or email Cara Augspurger at cara@gccfoundation.us.

Pickleball Palooza — Ivy Tech Hamilton County will host its inaugural Pickleball Palooza beginning at 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at Grand Park in Westfield. Players of all ages and abilities are invited to participate. Pickleball Palooza will feature a non-sanctioned, mixed singles scramble with players competing in skillbased pools. Funds raised through Pickleball Palooza will support Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s campus programs. Registration is $75 and the registration deadline is Dec. 10. Register at tinyurl.com/z7nyvv9d. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Ivy Tech Community College Assistant Director of Development Emily Cullen at ecullen@ivytech.edu.

Noblesville soccer player’s confidence leads to strong finish

Noblesville High School defensive midfielder Sadie Black’s confidence reached a high point in her final prep season.

“I think it showed in every aspect of my game,” she said. “But more specifically, I think I improved on my corners and free kicks by trying to be more consistent with my placement to give my teammates the best opportunities to score.”

That helped the Millers capture their third consecutive IHSAA Class 3A girls soccer state championship Nov. 2 by topping Center Grove 3-1 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.

“Winning a state title your senior year is always the dream, and so I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my soccer career at Noblesville. So, this state title is definitely extra special,” Black said. “I think we are just such a close group and it shows when we step out on the field. Coach (Mike) Brady, throughout this postseason, kept saying, ‘Do us,’ which meant to play our game, come together as a team and to play for each other, which ended

SADIE BLACK

Favorite Athlete: Trinity Rodman

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite subject: Biology

Favorite vacation spot: Tybee Island, Ga.

Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen

up being the keys for coming away with a state title this year.”

Brady said Black’s defensive presence was a major reason why the Millers (19-02) gave up only seven goals in 21 games during the season.

“She plays a position that doesn’t get much recognition, but her play has been an

Noblesville High School senior defensive midfielder Sadie Black played a key role in the team’s success. (Photo courtesy of Sadie Black)

integral part of the team’s success,” Brady said.

Black was one of the team captains and was chosen to lead the team in their pregame cheer.

“This honor goes to the player who embodies sportsmanship, a competitive spirit and a desire and work ethic to improve each day,” Brady said. “In turn, she models these qualities to her teammates and expects the same from them. She has contributed to the positive culture of our team and serves as a role model to her teammates and youth in the community.”

Black started playing soccer at age 2 with Lil’ Kickers but started playing com-

petitively at age 9.

“I tried playing softball, but it didn’t take me very long to figure out that softball wasn’t something that I wanted to do and that soccer was what I wanted to focus on,” she said. “When I was really little, I played forward and a little bit of goalie, but when I was about 10, I switched to defense and honestly it was one of the best decisions I ever made. As much fun as it is to play forward, I love playing defense because there is no better feeling in the world than a perfect tackle or header.”

An academic all-state selection, Black will play for Eastern Illinois University next season.

“I chose Eastern Illinois because the coaches and players immediately made it feel like a family and place that I would love to spend my next four years,” she said. “The campus is absolutely gorgeous and it’s the perfect distance from home. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Eastern Illinois was the place that I wanted to call home.”

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

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NHS to present fall musical

PRODUCTION

Noblesville High School will present its 2024 fall musical, “The Addams Family School Edition,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 21, 22 and 23 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Noblesville High School Auditorium, 18111 Cumberland Rd.

The kid-friendly production has 86 cast members, ensemble and crew members and 26 student musicians.

Alaina Wadsworth, a junior, said she is most excited for the audience to see all the hard work that has been put into the musical.

“I have been in six Noblesville productions including the ‘Addams Family.’ My character Alice is a really complex character, but stepping into her feels natural for me,” Wadsworth said. “Not only are we putting in hard work — we are having so much fun and everyone in the cast clicks with each other really well.”

Shantel Morris, the show’s director, said when choosing which show to present, she tries to alternate production styles.

“We have tried to create variation from year to year for the audiences in the community,” Morris said. “‘The Addams Family’ offers a great challenge to the makeup and costume departments. We try to consider all of the departments that are involved in a show and make sure everybody gets a year that might be a challenge to them.”

At the production, concessions and $10 goodie bags will be available for purchase. Tickets range from $10 to $15 and can be purchased online at noblesvillechoirs.org/ events/musical-2024 or at the door.

Noblesville High School junior Alaina Wadsworth rehearses as her character Alice Beineke. (Photo by Kadin Bright)

HEROES RUN HONORS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

County Sheriff’s Office Community Foundation, which creates opportunities for

and law enforcement to support each other, hosted its fourth annual Heroes Run at

Park in Noblesville Nov. 2. The race included a 5K, 1-mile family stroll and virtual opportunity. The race honored Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services, and according to Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Bryan Melton, the event was a “tremendous success,” with 330 men, women and children ages 2 to 85 participating. Melton said proceeds will help reach several goals throughout the year, including providing financial aid and help for those in need in the community; support employees at the sheriff’s office; and build stronger relationships between deputies, correctional officers, staff and the community. For more, visit hcsogivesback.org. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Melton)

HEPL geneology center honored

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville received the Outstanding Collaborative Project Award for its Crossroads Discovery Center Nov 13.

AWARD

The award was presented by the Indiana Historical Society. It recognizes an “exceptional project by a historical or heritage organization with one or more partners implemented during the past year, particularly for projects that share county or regional history,” according to the Indiana Historical Society.

The Crossroads Discovery Center, which opened during the summer, reimagines genealogy and local history services at Hamilton East Public Library with new technology and interactive experiences.

“I’m so proud of our amazing staff for all the hard work they put into this, the creation of this space and all the work they do every day,” HEPL Director Melissa Loiselle said.

Indiana Historical Society Director of Local History Services Tamara Hemmerlein

said the Crossroads Discovery Center’s nomination stood out to the awards committee because of its “engaging content.”

“The awards committee was so incredibly impressed with the work that was done in connecting individuals and communities and how this project was truly an inclusive and collaborative project,” Hemmerlein said. “The awards committee was especially impressed by the community collaborations and the relationship building shown by the success of the project.”

For more, visit hamiltoneastpl.org/ crossroads-discovery-center.

Like many women, Rainey’s health routine was disrupted by the pandemic. Before she knew it, three years had passed without an annual mammogram.

After getting back on track with this key screening, she was able to catch and treat her breast cancer early. And thanks to a simple mammogram and her care team at Community Health Network, Rainey is now cancer-free. It’s simple, it’s convenient and it can save your life.

Schedule your annual mammogram today at eCommunity.com/mammogram

Indiana Historical Society Director of Local History Services Tamara Hemmerlein, left, presents its Outstanding Collaborative Project Award to Crossroads Discover Center Assistant Manager Ann Grilliot. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
The Hamilton
the public
Strawtown Koteewi

ICE PLAZA

ICE RINK HOURS

November 23- December 20

Wednesday - Friday: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

December 21- January 6

Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours

anksgiving Day, Nov. 28: Closed

Friday, Nov. 29: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

*Hours are subject to change based upon weather and rink conditions.

Follow Noblesville Parks’ social media pages for updates.

Admission Rates

*Includes Skate Rental: Ages 12 and under: $11 Ages 13 and over: $13

Skate aid rental $3

Admission and skate rental are good for all day skating. Skate, take a break, shop, grab lunch and come back to skate later the same day for no additional cost!

Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza 175 Logan Street

H O L I D A Y S A T T H E H I L L AT

FEDERAL HILL COMMONS

Walkable Lights Display

Federal Hill Commons’ event lawn will again be transformed into a walkable lights display with festive, picturesque views

Holiday Pins

Participants can get special pins if they attend holiday activation events put on this season. They will also receive a special tote bag to add their pins to.

Holiday Carriage Rides

Families can reserve a unique, private carriage ride through downtown Noblesville. Rides with Santa are Dec. 21-23. Registration required.

Breakfast with Santa

Families can sign up for a limited experience to have breakfast with Santa and individual time to speak with Santa. Registration required.

11/23 11/30

6-23

11/30

Candy Cane Hunt

Participants will search for numbered Candy Canes then write down their location. Find them all to receive a small prize.

DECK THE DOWNTOWN FRIDAY | DECEMBER 6

Trolleys will be providing free travel to Downtown, Seminary Park, Noblesville Creates & Federal Hill Commons

Letters to Santa

1-14

Join Noblesville Main Street at Federal Hill Commons as artisans, makers, bakers and more will help fulfill your holiday gift needs DEC 7 DEC

The Parks office will host a Santa Mailbox for kids to mail letters to Santa. Include a self-addressed return envelope to get a letter back from Saint Nick.

Holiday Market

14 DEC

Noblesville’s North Pole

There will be stations for holiday crafts, live reindeer, photo opportunities, vendors, carolers, and Santa.

Noblesville Preservation Alliance – Holiday Home Tour, 4-8PM, 1274 Logan Street

Lights Over Seminary – 5:30-7PM, Lighting Ceremony at 6PM, Seminary Park

Noblesville Main Street – Downtown Shopping (participating merchants open late)

Hamilton County Artists’ Association –Exhibit opens, 6-7:30PM, 195 S. 5th Street

Noblesville Creates – “Gifted” Exhibit & Eric Utterback Showcase, 5-9PM, 107 S. 8th Street

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS DOWNTOWN PARADE SATURDAY | 6:30PM DECEMBER 7

The parade begins at 16th & Harrison, heads south on 16th, west on Logan, north on 9th, then east on Harrison. Want to participate? Register at www.noblesville.in.gov/parade.

10th Street roundabout now open

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The first phase of the Reimagine Pleasant Street project, which includes Pleasant Street from River Road to the new roundabout at 10th Street, is now open to traffic.

ROADS

The new roundabout at the intersection of 10th Street and Pleasant Street was recently opened to traffic.

Pleasant Street from River Road to 8th Street opened Sept. 27.

“The new Pleasant Street is a transformational corridor for our community,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “We were excited to celebrate with everyone at the Party on Pleasant, and I’m proud to say this phase opened ahead of schedule. We are continuing to work on the remaining two phases to complete the new eastwest corridor that will ease the commute for everyone traveling to and through our city.”

Phase 2 will include widening existing Pleasant Street from 11th Street to 19th Street to four lanes and reconstructing the roundabout at 19th Street to a twolane roundabout. Pleasant Street from 13th Street to 16th Street is scheduled to close in mid-January, according to Noblesville Communications Director Lexie Rock.

The new roundabout at 10th Street. (Photo courtesy of Matt Werner)

Rock said until the closure, Pleasant Street will remain fully open from River Road through Ind. 37 to Union Chapel Road. Phase 3 will include new road construction from River Road to the intersection of Hague Road and Ind. 32. Rock said as part of Phase 3 construction, crews will build a new bridge over Cicero Creek and a roundabout at the intersection of Hague Road and Ind. 32.

The roundabout will be constructed in coordination and partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation and will include a full closure of the intersection of Hague Road and Ind. 32 beginning in summer 2025.

For more, visit reimaginepleasantst.com.

Arts event supports local youth

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Spotlight on Art Benefiting Children founder Esther Lakes and her team provided $50,000 of support last year to Noblesville nonprofits Prevail, Inc., the Tom & Soni Sheehan Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Carmel nonprofit Children’s TherAplay Foundation through its Spotlight on Art event.

FUNDRAISER

The event committee hosted its third Spotlight on Art Nov. 14 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

“Because of the community’s generosity, the Spotlight on Art committee has been able to donate $100,000 in two years to three youth-serving organizations that are making a positive impact in our community,” Lakes stated.

At this year’s event, guests had the opportunity to support children who face daily challenges by shopping for artwork

from local artists and students. Participating artists will donate 50 percent of their evening proceeds to support children of the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Prevail, Inc. and Children’s TherAplay.

Hamilton County Councilmember Steve Nation returned as the event’s honorary chair for the second year.

“When I was asked by Esther Lakes to serve as honorary chair, I again immediately said yes, because I know how she cares for the children of our community and her belief in the importance of each child,” Nation stated. “The purpose of this event is to better serve families and care for our children so that they can reach their potential. If we fail to help prepare pathways for our children to enable them to overcome the situations in their lives, then they may never be able to find out who they are or what they can be.”

The total amount raised at this year’s event will be announced at a later date.

Lakes

PROVIDING A LIFT

St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation helps Noblesville family, announces fundraiser

For the Woolridge family of Noblesville, transportation has often been a struggle because two of its four members use wheelchairs.

That all changed Nov. 2, when the family was presented a wheelchair-accessible van by the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation, a Carmel-based nonprofit that assists people in Hamilton and Marion counties who experience difficulties in their life because of a disability, long-term illness or injuries suffered in an accident.

The van cost $66,565.

Andrea Woolridge has spina bifida and a fused hip. Her son, Isaiah Wiggins-Sandlin, 14, was born with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 3A and can’t walk.

Woolridge said the van will help improve the quality of life for her family and enable her and her son to make it to doctor’s appointments without asking for help.

“This van is truly going to change our lives. It means the world that we can now go places and do activities without feeling stuck at home when we don’t have anyone to help us,” Woolridge said. “We are so grateful to the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation for the gift of the van and to Superior Van & Mobility for their incredible help throughout the whole process.”

Her husband, Ryan Woolridge, said they heard about the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation from employees at Superior Van & Mobility, a Fishers-based mobility equipment provider.

“We’ve been working for three years to try and raise money to get (a wheelchair-accessible van) because they’re just so expensive,” Ryan said. “They’re way out of what we can remotely afford. We’ve been trying to raise money with very little success, and they told us about them. We don’t like to ask for help when we know there’s people that are worse off than we are. But finally, after a while of applying to organizations and hearing nothing, we decided one more time to apply and actually got picked.”

Molly Tittle, co-founder of St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation, established the organization in 2019 with her friend

Maria Bedford.

“We started the foundation in 2019, right before the (COVID-19) pandemic, and our first recipient was a friend of ours,” Tittle said. “We were able to start with her and help raise funds (in one month) to purchase a van and remodel her bathroom. Since then, we have been able to do similar things for people and families in Marion (County) and Hamilton County. Our goal is always to help improve the quality of their lives.”

Bedford said the friend, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, could no longer walk to the back of her van or maneuver the controls to get her power wheelchair out of the trunk. Helping their friend is what led them to start the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation.

“We were inspired with the concept of not only helping our friend, but also others who live with difficulties from a disability or long-term illness,” Bedford said. “We formed the foundation naming it after our beloved fathers, who are both deceased, and who instilled in us the virtue of generosity and care of others.”

Tittle said the foundation often works with Superior Van & Mobility to provide vans designed for people with disabilities to those in need.

“They have helped us with the majority of the vans that we have given, and they

are an unbelievable organization,” Tittle said. “With each individual transaction, they’re always so caring and want to make sure that they’re fighting for the specific needs of individuals, because they’re all very different.”

As a nonprofit, Tittle said the organization has held several fundraisers over the years, but most of its exposure has come from word of mouth. This year, the foundation is holding its first St. Nicholas Magnificent Cookie Exchange fundraiser from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 at Lucas Estate Pavilion in Carmel, 11453 Ditch Rd.

Tittle said the fundraiser will be the foundation’s largest to date.

“We were inspired by a bakery in Ohio that did the world’s largest cookie exchange,” Tittle said. “We thought this would be such a fun way to ignite the spirit of our foundation.”

In addition to the cookie exchange, the event will include festive music, cookie sampling, snacks, beverages, a gift card pull and a raffle. Tickets are $100. All proceeds benefit the foundation’s mission. Anyone who suffers from a disability, long-term illness or has had an accident can apply online for assistance from the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation at stnicholasneighborinneed.squarespace. com.

COOKIE EXCHANGE

Anyone interested in participating in the St. Nicholas Magnificent Cookie Exchange fundraiser must follow these guidelines:

• Provide four dozen cookies of the same flavor. Of the four dozen, three dozen will be used for the exchange, and the others will be for sampling.

• Organize three dozen cookies into a disposable container. Cut the remaining dozen into onefourth or one-eighth pieces for sampling. No open trays will be accepted.

• Mark the container with your name, the cookie name and your phone number in large capital letters on the outside of the container.

• After purchasing a ticket, complete the Google form sent via email requesting a brief description of the cookie and asking if it contains nuts.

• Drop cookies off between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 4.

ON THE COVER: From left, Draven WigginsSandlin, Isaiah Wiggins-Sandlin, Ryan Woolridge and Andrea Woolridge with their new wheelchair-accessible van. (Photo courtesy of Molly Tittle)
From left, co-founders of the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation Molly Tittle and Maria Bedford.
The Woolridge family with the St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation and Tim Branson, far left, of Superior Van & Mobility. (Photos courtesy of Molly Tittle)

currentnightandday.com

Performers relish roles in Civic Theatre’s ‘White Christmas’

Kaycee Beck seemingly was born to perform in musicals.

“On one side of my family, my grandma was in New York City Ballet, and on the other side, my grandma was a music teacher and my grandpa was a recording artist in Alaska,” Beck said. “So, I grew up in a huge musical family and ‘White Christmas’ was such a meaningful and amazing movie to watch during the holiday seasons. Honestly, this is a dream role for me being Judy and it’s very surreal I’m here.”

The Zionsville resident portrays Judy Haynes in Civic Theatre’s production of “White Christmas,” set for Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The story focuses on two sisters who become connected with two performers who want to hold a surprise Army reunion to help their former general’s struggling inn in Vermont.

“I love the nostalgia and the number ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,’” Beck said. “That number is so iconic and beautiful in both the movie and the musical.”

Beck, a 2019 Zionsville Community High School graduate, was active in show choirs in high school and performed with the Singing Hoosiers at Indiana University. She was the group’s varsity choreographer for three years and choreographer captain for the entire group for one year. She now choreographs show choirs for Noblesville High School.

“I think the art of telling a story and a message to the audience is my favorite part,” Beck said. “As much as I love to do it through song and dance, I think being able to touch the hearts of your audience members and connect with them and make friendships in that way is really powerful.”

This is Beck’s second Christmas show. She was in “Elf” in 2023, playing a wait-

ress and performing in the ensemble.

Beck enjoys the song “I Love a Piano,” which is in the musical but not the 1954 movie.

“It’s a seven-minute tap dance and (Civic’s) Anne Beck is an incredible choreographer, and she has choreographed such a lighthearted tap number for the group,” Beck said.

Mackenzie Foulks portrays her sister, Betty Haynes.

“I don’t dance very much,” Foulks said. “She is more of the singing sister and Judy is the dancing one.”

Foulks, a 2016 North Central High School graduate and a north Indianapolis resident, said her favorite scene is singing “Love You Didn’t Do Right by Me” while wearing a black dress with the male dancers.

“It’s very fun to perform,” she said. “I performed on cruise ships and there are those cast as just dancers. I kind of like to sing and have dancers around me to make me look pretty, that’s what I say. But I do wish I danced a little more on the show just because the choreography is so much fun and it looks so amazing.”

Austin Stodghill, who plays Phil Davis, saw the movie for the first time a few years ago.

“My parents are deaf, so I didn’t grow up with too many musicals in my life,” Stodghill said. “So, I discovered musicals later in life. What I like most is that he dances a lot. When I watch the movie, honestly, all the dancing is the most icon-

ic part of the show to me.”

Marc Coomes, a Brownsburg resident, plays Bob Wallace.

“I originally auditioned for Phil because I love dancing, but I ended up being Bob Wallace, so it’s all good,” Coomes said. “My favorite song is ‘Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.’ It’s kind of the lullaby of the show. It is really endearing to who Bob Wallace is. It reveals his softer side, not the military background, but the connection between him and the general’s granddaughter.”

This is Coomes’ first show in 15 years. He performed in three operas at IU and performed in several shows in high school in Evansville. He took time off from performing because he and his wife have five daughters.

Director Michael Lasley said this is the first time Civic has presented “White Christmas” but plans to make it part of a rotation with “Elf” and “A Christmas Story: The Musical” for the foreseeable future.

“It’s a huge production. It’s crazy to put these big old musicals together,” Lasley said. “A lot of musicals start out on stage and become a movie, and this was the other way around. We do a lot of contemporary things, but to get back to these great American standards (is rewarding). It’s all (the original music) by Irving Berlin but with a more modern orchestration. So, it’s a little jazzier than the original, but the movie musical of the 1950s was very hipster.”

For more, visit civitheatre.org.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’

Carmel Community Players presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” through Nov. 24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic and Lies” ls set for Nov. 21, followed by Dueling Pianos Nov. 22 and Murder Mystery Nov. 23 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR.

Leslie Odom Jr. will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CANADIAN BRASS

Canadian Brass will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Dionne Warwick will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Croce to return to Palladium — Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts announced “A.J. Croce: Heart of The Eternal Tour” is set for 8 p.m. April 4, 2025, at the Palladium in Carmel. Tickets went on sale to the general public Nov. 15. Croce, a singer-songwriter, and his band have been touring with their “Croce Plays Croce” tributes to his late father, folk singer Jim Croce, who enjoyed a string of pop hits in the early 1970s before his death in a 1973 plane crash. A.J. Croce played at the Palladium earlier this year. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org

DIONNE WARWICK
From left, Austin Stodgill, Kaycee Beck, Mackenzie Foulks and Marc Coomes perform in “White Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)

DIONNE WARWICK

SUN NOV 24 AT 7PM THE PALLADIUM NIGHT

THE HOLIDAYS SAT DEC 14 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM

Warwick still driven to perform

CONCERT

Dionne Warwick has been performing for more than 60 years. Initially, she said she figured her career would last about five years.

“Now, it’s 55 years later. It’s the way God planned it, I guess,” Warwick said. “I’m walking that path as long as he wants me to walk it. I love what I do and apparently people want to see me and hear me.”

ee, she was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame in 2016. She has a long friendship with Great American Songbook Foundation founder and Allied Solutions Center Artistic Director Michael Feinstein.

Warwick, 83, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Warwick said she always shares stories about her career with the audience.

“They want to get to know me like I want to get to know them,” Warwick said. “It’s like we’re sitting in my living room having a good old time.”

Warwick was at the Palladium for the inaugural gala in 2011 and was the gala headliner in 2019.

A 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induct-

“He’s a talented, exceptionally knowledgeable person,” Warwick said. “I find it a joy whenever he calls and says, ‘Can you do it this year?’ And, of course, the answer is yes all the time.”

Even after six decades, Warwick enjoys performing for audiences.

“People have incredible ears, and whatever they feel suits that ear becomes very special to them,” she said. “I’m very fortunate that I’ve been able to musically fulfill those periods of time with those people that sit in the audience. They are getting exactly what they came to get. They have different favorite songs.”

Warwick is renowned for many songs, including “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer for You,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love.” For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Join The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds Christmas Nights of Lights November 8th-22nd to help women in Indiana facing ovarian cancer. You can buy tickets at: christmasnightsoflights. com and when you use the promo code TealHearts24, you will save $10 on your ticket and $5 goes to help women fighting ovarian cancer.

If you cannot attend the Christmas Nights of Lights but would still like to help please consider linking the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition to your Kroger card by going to Kroger Community Rewards (it’s completely free) or buying a NOCC License plate.

If you have any questions or would like more information please reach out to northwestin@ovarian.org (Advertorial)

Warwick

Trampled by Turtles to open Fishers Event Center

Trampled by Turtles was created as a side project by vocalist Dave Simonett.

“When we started, we had one show and that was going to be it,” Simonett said. “All of us were in rock bands and we wanted to try something acoustic. In the town of Duluth (Minn.,) where we started, no one else was doing that. We thought it was something to try for a local festival there.”

Twenty-one years later, the bluegrass band is still going strong.

Trampled by Turtles will open for Turnpike Troubadours at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 in the opening performance at the Fishers Event Center.

“We’re excited to see what it’s like,” Simonett said. “It’s a cool opportunity to get in front of a lot of people who haven’t seen us or heard of us before.”

Simonett said the band will perform songs from “Always Here, Always Now,” which was released in September. The album includes the same five songs performed by both Trampled by Turtles and Simonett’s Americana band Dead Man Winter. Simonett and bassist Tim Saxhaup are in both bands.

“As the writing process fleshed itself out, I just thought I wanted to hear it with each band and see which one I liked better,’ Simonett said. “I settled on, ‘let’s record them with both,’ because I kind of envisioned both groups playing each song and couldn’t pick. My experiment was to sing the same song with the same singer and see how different people would make

Trampled by Turtles will play Nov. 22 in the opening performance at the Fishers Event Center. (Photo by Olivia Bastone)

it sound. Both were recorded fairly live in different studios.”

Country star LeAnn Rimes sings a duet with Simonett on “Out of Time” and is featured during “On My Way Back Home” on the Trampled by Turtles’ versions.

“We were discussing names and ended up having a weird third-party connection to LeAnn,” Simonett said. “I was assuming she wouldn’t have the time or interest. She was wonderful to work with and what a voice.”

Simonett said Trampled by Turtles has opened for Turnpike Troubadours several times in recent years.

“They’ve become one of my favorite bands from touring with them,” he said. “Both bands kind of go out for long weekends with a few shows at a time.”

Trampled by Turtles has played at a variety of venues. In Indianapolis, the band performed at the ALL IN Music Festival at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 2022 and at the Hi-Five Annex in 2024.

“We’ve played the little bars and we’ve opened for people at stadiums and everything in between,” Simonett said. “Each space has its own charm.”

For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com,

The Soap Factory opens

The Soap Factory, a handmade bath, body and home goods store, recently opened in Hamilton Town Center at 13185 Harrell Pkwy. in Noblesville. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Nov. 8.

NEW BIZ

The Noblesville store is The Soap Factory’s first franchise in Indiana. Owners Brandi and Drew Laxton of Pendleton said they selected Noblesville because of their affinity for the city and surrounding area. They have family members who are involved in the franchise.

“My wife is a traveling respiratory therapist,” Drew said. “We hopped around quite a bit and came up here for a three-month contract. We figured we’d hop from here to somewhere else, and we’re still here two years later. We love the area and wanted to figure out a way to invest in it.”

The Soap Factory offers an array of soap, shampoo, body butter, candles and other products made from natural, nontoxic ingredients. Everything is made in the store in a soap kitchen.

With the holidays approaching, the Laxtons plan to create new holiday soap designs and scents and offer some discounts.

“We’ve got a few different soaps that are coming out,” Drew said. “We have worked on a Grinch soap, and we’ve got some candy cane soap coming out. We have spa boxes in different sizes that we think will be a huge hit.”

For more, visit thesoapfactorynoblesville.com.

A display at The Soap Factory at 13185 Harrell Pkwy. in Noblesville. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

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A go-getter’s world?

ESSAY Commentary by Terry

Nineteenth-century American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once mused that, “Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing.” He makes a good point. We are far more likely to accomplish something when we set out with a clear objective and apply the effort required to take us there. Whether we imagined ourselves to be college educated or to earn enough to provide a college education for our offspring, a bit of chutzpah and more than a little labor are required to get us there. Earlier this year, Randstad Consulting, a Dutch human resources firm operating in 39 nations with more than 6,000 employees, released its 2024 Workmonitor report. Among other things, it held that more than 40 percent of Americans would refuse a promotion if offered; more than half are happy to remain in a job with no prospects of mobility; and almost twothirds see their noncareer interests as more important than their contributions at the office.

CFO.com took the data to be a significant shift for traditional U.S. workers and as an ominous horizon for replacing retiring leadership. Moreover, many of those who do work demand limited desk time along with other concessions and accommodations. Much has been said about whether we have enough leisure. Still, are we willing to accommodate a lesser lifestyle in the trade? If we care, do we look to inheritance, handouts, AI or cheap global labor to offset our increasing lack of productivity? Regardless, who will pick up the slack? Employment for those 65 and older has risen from 11 percent in 1987 to 19 percent today, up 42 percent. With the realized promise of a technological solution still out of reach, there seems to be considerable opportunity for those of us with some motivation. Will our ambition start something?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.

LIFESTYLE

adjustment,

Artist Chagall

Mideast

Tit for tat, maybe?

Burden

Brickyard 400 pit stop

25. Reacts to glare

Radioactive element

Victory Field umps’ calls

Spots

CIA kin

35. Indoor football team that will play in the new Event Center

39. Had wings at Wolfies 40. Take a breather on the Monon Trail

41. Merriment 42. Helicopter parts

44. Civic Theatre stage decor

47. No longer working (Abbr.)

49. Boxing great

50. Pro volleyball team that will play in the new Fishers Event Center

53. Spanish house

55. Spot

56. Texter’s qualifier

59. Dryer fuzz

60. Border

61. Prophetic sign

62. Art Deco notable

63. “___ Poets Society”

64. Letters on the back of a Colts jersey Down

1. Org.

2. Meadow

3. CIO partner

4. Lessen

5. Surrounded by 6. Not any

7. Cheez Whiz maker

8. Procurer

9. Like British peers

10. Kind of wit

11. Alley ___ (basketball play)

12. Start for Caps, Cat or cone

20. Convent resident

21. Clear

22. Beginning 24. Not married

25. Up to now

26. Ecuador’s capital

27. Sound of a leaky radiator

29. Palladium seat finder

30. Sailor’s pal

33. New newts

36. Goofed

37. Changed the look of

38. Car starter

43. Fancy

45. Type of meat or laughter

46. Col. Lilly

48. Part of LED

50. “___ It Romantic?”

51. Overexcited

52. Jane Austen novel

53. Cavs, on a Pacers scoreboard

54. Put on WRTV

57. Tailor-made line

58. Half and half Answers on Page 27

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