December 24, 2025 — Noblesville by Current Publishing

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Noblesville Common Council approves $250 million Morse Village development

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Common Council approved the rezoning and development of Morse Village, a $250 million project on 174 acres near 206th Street and Hague Road, in a 6-3 vote at its Dec. 17 meeting.

CITY NEWS

The project will now go through additional review steps, including with the city’s Technical Advisory Committee and Architectural Review Board and through an internal construction document review. The build-out is expected to take nearly 10 years, with construction beginning in 2025.

Developer LOR Corp. introduced the project to the common council Oct. 15. The Noblesville Plan Commission sent a unanimous favorable recommendation to the Noblesville Common Council for the project Nov. 18, and the council held an additional public hearing Dec. 3.

Morse Village will have three main areas: North Pointe, South Pointe and West Pointe, with single-family homes, townhomes, condos, multifamily homes, commercial space and more. The development includes 30,000 square feet of commercial space, restaurants and a new roundabout at 206th Street and Hague Road.

“The Morse Village development will provide additional housing and commercial opportunities to serve our community’s growing need along with the investment and preservation of greenspace,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated in a news release. “Much due diligence has been done by the council, developer and city to hear from the public and work together to adjust the project plan to meet the needs of current and future residents in the area. I appreciate the council’s thoughtful consideration for this development and look forward to its positive impact on the City of Noblesville.”

Several residents have been against

the project from the beginning and voiced concerns about surrounding wetlands, an eagle’s nest on the property, traffic, safety and more at the three-hour meeting Dec. 17.

Some opposed to the development have also threatened elected officials with violence via email and phone calls, which Jensen stated the Noblesville Police Department is actively investigating.

Councilmember Evan Elliott, who voted against the project, said his perspective has changed since the development’s introduction.

“I’ll admit, as of Oct. 15, I thought this project was super cool,” Elliott said. “I think we can agree that there’s a lot of agreement on North and South Pointe. West Pointe is where we still have some

Map of the three sections planned for Morse Village. (Map courtesy of LOR Corp.)

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concerns. I was a huge fan, and then I really got down into the details of this project and realized the scope.”

Councilmember Mark Boice also voted against the project, saying he could not get behind the West Pointe portion, which will have four-story condos, among other items, that remonstrators also oppose.

“I can support the majority of this, and I do appreciate the changes that (have been made to West Pointe), but I still can’t support it,” Boice said. “Every time that something has come before us, we have had a change.”

The meeting can be viewed at youtube. com/watch?v=SMwW4N9uUQs.

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The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

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County faces unprecedented number of retirements

news@currentnoblesville.com

Hamilton County will lose 22 employees with a combined 686 years of service to the county to retirement at the end of the year.

EMPLOYMENT

Director of Human Resources for Hamilton County Sheena Randall said this is one of the largest retirements the county has ever seen.

“A lot of that is driven by the baby boomer generation, many of whom have worked for us for decades,” Randall stated.

Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward started his career with the county at age 19 while in college studying construction technology, according to Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander. He has served as the county’s surveyor since 1977.

“I’ve been with the county for 51 years now,” Ward stated. “I’ve stayed all these years because I love the work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served this community, but now I’m looking forward to traveling the world with my wife.”

Randall said succession planning has been a priority for her department as it forecasted the “exodus” several years ago. Sander said they’ve worked closely with department heads to identify future leaders and prepare them to step into the soon-to-be vacated roles.

“We’ve made a significant investment in workforce development, and we’re excited about the up-and-coming employees who are ready to take on the challenges that come with these retirements,” Randall stated.

Executive Assistant and Office Manager for the Hamilton County Auditor Kim Rauch also is retiring after nearly three decades of service. Sander said she joined the county when it was experiencing rapid growth and became a “key figure” in the auditor’s office.

“I’ve had the privilege of working under three different auditors and it has been a true pleasure to serve my community, but I’m looking forward to not having to ‘adult’ anymore,” Rauch stated.

Ward and Rauch point to the county’s “competitive benefits and wages” and a “healthy work environment” as reasons for their longevity.

“Hamilton County has always been a

Front, from left, Robin Mills, Diana Cleland and Linda Swickard. Middle, from left, Lore Rieke, Lee Graham and Darla Workman. Back, from left, Pete Jakositz, Kim Rauch and Connie Garrett. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

wonderful place to work, and our strong history of employee retention speaks to that,” Randall stated. “These employees have been the backbone of our workforce and we’ll be sad to see them go, but we hope they enjoy their well-earned retirement years.”

HAMILTON COUNTY RETIREES:

Auditor’s Office

• Robin Mills, 44 years

• Dawn Coverdale, 36 years

• Lee Graham, 30 years

• Kim Rauch, 28 years

• Darla Workman, 25 years

Assessor’s Office

• Dixie Packard, 30 years

• Lore Rieke, 26 years

• Linda Swickard, 22 years

Buildings & Grounds

• Todd Rees, 29 years

Health Department

• Tammy Gleber, 21 years

Highway Department

• Merv Hair, 41 years

• Jim Neal, 28 years

• Kevin Morgan, 25 years

Information Systems Services

• Diana Cleland, 27 years

• Connie Garrett, 24 years

Judicial Services

• Shellie Watson, 37 years

• Joni Haymaker, 25 years

Prosecutor’s Office

• Lynett Duvall, 44 years

Recorder’s Office

• Cheryl Hobson, 20 years

Sheriff’s Office

• Peter Jakositz, 30 years

Surveyor’s Office

• Kent Ward, 51 years

• Jerry Liston, 43 years

Former CHS coach Hebert gets NHS football job

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

John Hebert is eager for a fresh challenge.

SPORTS

Hebert, who recently resigned after 10 seasons as Carmel High School’s football head coach, is Noblesville High School’s new head coach. His hiring was announced Dec. 17.

record, winning 6A state championships in 2016 and 2019. The Greyhounds were 6A state runners-up in 2018. Hebert had previously been a CHS assistant coach for 20 years.

“There is so much to love about Noblesville in general as a community,” Hebert said. “The athletic program is just a part of that. Everyone I’ve talked with so far has been so encouraging and supportive. The facilities are outstanding. It really shows a commitment to excellence by the community.”

Noblesville was 2-8 last season, losing close games to eventual Class 6A state champion Brownsburg 22-18 and an overtime loss to sectional champion Fishers during the regular season. Hebert replaces Dave Sharpe, who resigned after five seasons.

“The 2024 Miller football team was close time and again against nearly every team they played, which included four top 10 teams,” Hebert said. “I think it speaks to the toughness of the players and team.”

Hebert, who will start in January as a physical education teacher at NHS, said he estimates 10 or 11 starters will return.

The 1989 CHS grad lives in northeast Carmel but said he plans to move to Noblesville.

Hebert said he is excited to compete in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference, which included two teams in the Class 6A state title game as Brownsburg edged Westfield 22-18.

“They have great coaches and programs, which are really setting the pace right now for the state,” he said. “(CHS) not being in a conference the last two years was tough in terms of consistency and familiarity.”

The Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference voted to oust Carmel and Center Grove after word got out that the schools were interested in joining the HCC. In the end, the HCC voted not to add the two schools. Carmel was 3-7 last season and 5-5 in 2023. Overall, Hebert had an 82-39

The Millers have had success at the middle school level. The Noblesville Grinders won the Indiana Elementary Football Association championship this past season. The league is made up of fifth- and sixth-graders.

“The feeder program was one of the biggest selling points for me,” Hebert said. “There are outstanding coaches at the youth, travel and middle school level. There are also several very strong classes in a row coming up, all with strong numbers of kids playing. I’m so excited for the present and the future.”

Leah Wooldridge, athletic director for NHS, said more than 50 candidates applied for the position.

“Coach Hebert rose to the top thanks to his strong relationships with athletes, families and the community, his high integrity and his outstanding track record of winning,” Woolridge stated. “His years of leadership in the 6A division and the caliber of the recommendations he has received from around the state made him the strongest choice, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him lead our Millers into their next football chapter.”

NHS GETS NEW SOCCER COACH

Thomas Doering has been promoted from boys soccer assistant coach to head coach, replacing Ken Dollaske, who is moving out of state. The Millers won three consecutive state titles (2021-23) under Dollaske.

“Coach Doering has been an integral part of our soccer program’s outstanding success these past seven years and is more than ready to step up to head coach,” Wooldridge stated. “His strong tactical knowledge and calm leadership bring out the best in his players, and I’m looking forward to what he can accomplish with the future of this program.”

Doering will continue in his role as an NHS Spanish teacher.

Doering

Hebert

DISPATCHES

New county program — Hamilton County’s Circuit and Superior Courts will launch a new Alternative Dispute Resolution program in 2025. To ensure the program is accessible to those in need, a sliding fee scale will be implemented for those who qualify for assistance, based on their income. For families earning less than $35,000 per year, the program will provide a subsidy for mediation services, guardian ad litem services, parenting coordination and parenting classes, with a maximum co-payment of $100. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the filing fee for all divorce, legal separation and paternity cases will increase by $20. Those additional dollars will help fund the program, along with a grant from the Indiana Supreme Court. The program will be self-sustaining after the first year.

House committees — Hamilton County legislators recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse. House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of

members’ two-year terms. State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler will serve as a member of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee, House Public Policy Committee and House Utilities, Energy, and Telecommunications Committee. Shonkwiler said committees play a crucial role in evaluating proposed legislation, reviewing public testimony and considering amendments to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of bills. House lawmakers are scheduled to convene at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 8 for the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Hoosiers can visit iga.in.gov to find legislation, view calendars and watch committee meetings and sessions.

Stuff Da Bus — The Stuff Da Bus project has been running at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville for 15 years as a joint project between the BGCN’S Torch & Keystone Clubs. This year members were able to raise $11,150 in sponsorships with 28 different donors. Members also had the opportunity to walk in the city’s Holiday in Lights Parade to celebrate and recognize the project.

OBITUARY

Theresa “Onalee” Crocker, 89, of Noblesville passed away December 12, 2024. She was born the sixth of ten children, the daughter of the late Cecil William and Lucy Grace (Pillard) James. On a chance blind date, she met the love of her life, Thomas “Norman” Crocker whom she married on April 30, 1966.

Onalee graduated from the University of Iowa with her teaching degree. Early in her career she enjoyed teaching the second grade, before she was able to teach her true passion of art. She was a gifted artist and specialized in painting china and porcelain with her distinctive style.

Onalee was a devoted wife to Norm during his Air Force career of multiple stations, stateside and overseas, and three tours in the Vietnam War. Upon Norm’s retirement from the United States Air Force, they moved back to her home state of Iowa to continue raising their two daughters and be closer to her family. In their second retirement, they settled in Spring Hill, Tennessee making many friends and memories for 19 years before moving to Noblesville, Indiana. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Norman Crocker; two daughters, Sarah

Kathleen (Eric) Swanson of Noblesville, Carla Crocker (Shane) Alexander of Jackson, TN; four grandchildren, Chase Ryan (Erin Alexander Armitage) Alexander, Paige Emilia Swanson, Annika (Nichole) Swanson, and Charles Norman Swanson; two great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Harper; and two sisters, Ruth Eleanor (Marvin) Siebels and Susan Nichols. She was preceded in passing by a grandson, Levi Thomas Alexander; and seven siblings, William James, Diane James, David James, Cecile Pillard James, Dean Eldon James, Mary Kathleen Zimmerman, and Lawrence James.

A Celebration of Life will be held in May 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Cicero, Indiana. Details will be updated to Onalee’s tribute site where you can also share an online condolence at www. flannerbuchanan.com.

At the personal request of Onalee, please do not send flowers or plants but rather a memorial contribution to the Suburban Hospice, 156 West Muskegon Drive, Greenfield, IN 46140.

Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park.

Nonprofit receives toy donation

news@currentnoblesville.com

For the 15th consecutive year, Pacers Sports & Entertainment and JAKKS Pacific Toys teamed up to bring gifts to Hoosier families through its annual Big Toy Giveaway, the centerpiece of PS&E’s annual season of giving.

GIVING BACK

PS&E and local nonprofit partners distributed toys through a series of in-person events throughout the state, bringing together local officials, Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever alumni, and other special guests. Amongst those who received a toy donation was the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville Dec. 16.

“We are overjoyed that we’ve received such a large donation through JAKKS and the toys they have picked for our youth couldn’t be more perfect,” Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville Director of Club Operations Abigail Stutesman stated. “We know that it’s going to put a lot of smiles on their faces, and we can’t thank Pacers Sports & Entertainment enough for making sure that they’re pulling off this toy delivery for our club.”

The program began in 2009, and since then, thousands of toys have been delivered to families in need through a network of more than 100 local nonprofit organizations around the state.

“(JAKKS Pacific founder and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Berman) has made thousands of Hoosier children so happy over the years, and those are memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” PS&E owner Herb Simon stated. “He is always thinking about how we can grow the program and make it reach more families, and I am so grateful to him for his generosity and friendship.”

Berman said he was honored to participate in the initiative with the Pacers.

“The recent years have posed significant challenges and had a notable socio-economic impact on children and families,” Berman stated. “JAKKS remains committed to contributing as many resources and products as we can to help ease the burden. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to support and to our continuing partnership with the Pacers for many years to come.”

Indiana Fever mascot Freddy Fever and members of the Indiana Pacemates sign autographs, take photos and distribute free toys to children at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Samantha Halsema)

FHS girls basketball player’s game grows with confidence

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior forward

Nevaeh Dickman admitted she has struggled with confidence in the past.

“But now, I feel like I’ve grown into myself as a player and know my strengths and I believe in myself more than I ever have,” Dickman said.

Fishers girls basketball coach Lauren Votaw has noticed the progress.

“Nevaeh has grown tremendously in her overall poise and willingness to be aggressive through contact,” Votaw said. “Nevaeh’s role is much the same as it was last year, in that we need her to step up and defend the other team’s best scorer on many nights as well as be an active presence for us on the offensive end. She is in a new leadership role this year as her teammates are looking to her in big moments. She has handled this well and continues to grow in her confidence as a leader.”

Dickman said she has grown as a leader in several ways.

“Learning how to communicate on the

NEVAEH DICKMAN

Favorite athletes: JuJu Watkins, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Carsen Edwards

Favorite TV shows: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dexter,” “You,” “Criminal Minds”

Favorite subject: Science/ anatomy

Favorite musician: Drake

court efficiently has helped me better connect with my teammates and coach,” she said. “I feel like I’ve also been more outgoing this year and willing to meet new people, so that has helped me grow as a

leader because my relationships with my teammates are stronger.”

The 6-foot Dickman has been averaging per-game team highs of 16.2 points on 50

percent shooting and seven rebounds for the Tigers (8-4). She averaged 10.6 ppg last season. The Tigers graduated top scorer Talia Harris last year.

“Talia was obviously a huge part of our team last year and was a large part of our scoring,” Dickman said. “This year in her absence, I wouldn’t necessarily say I feel the need to score more. I think right now I’m trying to do whatever it takes to win more games, and recently that has meant scoring more. But our team this year has a lot of great pieces that can score and create for themselves and others as well, so just doing whatever I can to win games is where I’m at.”

Basketball wasn’t love at first sight for Dickman, who will play for the University of Buffalo next season.

“I started playing when I was really young but didn’t like it that much, so I quit for a couple years,” she said. “But in fourth grade, I tried again and I started to fall in love with it and I’ve played ever since then.”

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

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Fishers High School senior girls basketball player Nevaeh Dickman leads the team in scoring and rebounding. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Votaw)

CHIEFLY ROLE

Noblesville resident to serve as Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith’s top staffer

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville resident Sherry Ellis was recently hired by Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith to serve as his chief of staff. A polarizing figure, Beckwith — also a Noblesville resident — will be sworn into office Jan. 13, 2025, alongside Gov.elect Mike Braun.

As chief of staff, Ellis said her role is to support Beckwith in his role as president of the Indiana Senate; communicate with Hoosiers regarding various initiatives; and provide support to the Indiana Department of Agriculture and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, among other responsibilities.

Ellis, 50, moved to Noblesville when her father died in 2021 after living in Westfield for 18 years. Prior to working with Beckwith, Ellis worked in higher education as a program mentor at Western Governors University and in project management and process improvement at One America in Indianapolis.

She said she was never involved in politics and did not plan to be until she met Beckwith 10 years ago at Northview Church in Noblesville, where he was a worship pastor.

“He had created an organization called ‘Sing Love Worship’ that offered music lessons,” Ellis said. “My kids both started taking lessons through his program. Naturally, I couldn’t help but point out ways he could do things better and offer to help facilitate some of the invoicing and structure.”

During Beckwith’s unsuccessful run for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District seat in 2020, he asked Ellis to join him as his treasurer and campaign manger.

“It was more about getting to know Micah and wanting to help him on his journey versus my own aspirations and goals to get into politics,” Ellis said. “I learned a lot from listening to him discuss how the government works and functions. It’s a whole new industry than what I am used to.”

During Beckwith’s Republican convention campaign for lieutenant governor and the general election, Ellis served as his campaign manager, overseeing daily operations, paying invoices and scheduling events, among other tasks.

“The race was really birthed from education, and the lieutenant governor is a position that people vote on,” Ellis said. “It’s not supposed to be appointed by the governor. You’re electing delegates to be a representative, and people just don’t know that. It became very obvious through the campaign that people had no idea how that process worked. They just assumed it’s like the president and vice president, and it’s not.”

Beckwith has been known to generate controversy. For example, in November, he responded to an issue of the

Indiana Daily Student — the Indiana University student newspaper — that published an image of President-elect Donald Trump on its cover, accompanied by unflattering quotes made by people who have worked for Trump. Beckwith threatened to pull funding for the publication, stating, in part, “This is WOKE propaganda at its finest and why most of America looks at higher education indoctrination centers like IU as a complete joke and waste of money.”

Controversy arose again in November when Beckwith’s planned visit to Westfield High School’s agriculture classes was canceled by the school following complaints from parents. He went on the “Kendall & Casey” radio show on WIBC and said, “I think I’m going to use this story all over the state to try to get universal vouchers pushed through and try to strip away as much funding from schools like (WHS) as possible because of the woke crap you guys are doing right now.”

The school district later reissued the invitation.

Working with someone with strong opinions comes down to talking 1-on-1 with people and building relationships, according to Ellis. She said Beckwith is willing to talk with anybody at any time.

“I think because (politics) can be so confusing, people get lost and give up trying to understand,” Ellis said.

“Though people may not like the way he says things, when you get down to the heart of the content, it’s kind of hard to argue. Once you break it down and let people know their voice can be heard and how, they’re more willing to get involved and speak up. We all have so much more in common than we do against each other. I think once you get past all the sound bites and forced strife people try to put out there, you get to the heart of the issues and can find that common ground.”

Beckwith said he chose Ellis to be his chief of staff because she is somebody he can trust.

“She is a woman of character,” Beckwith said. “She has a strong faith, which is important to me, and she’s also talented when it comes to leadership. I needed somebody who would be able to catch the vision that Mike Braun and I have, and I couldn’t think of a better person.”

Beckwith also said it is beneficial to have someone on his team who is an “outsider” in the world of politics.

“I think people across the political spectrum are fed

Continued on Page 9

Lt. Gov-elect Micah Beckwith, left, and Sherry Ellis, who will serve at Beckwith’s chief of staff. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

Continued from Page 7

up with politics as usual, the status quo,” Beckwith said. “One thing I’m trying to do, and I know that (Braun’s) trying to do it as well, is to look at people outside the typical political sphere. I think it’s important that we bring normal, everyday Hoosiers into the world of government to help lead. Sherry is not a lifelong government career politician. She is an outside-the-box-kind of leader, and I think it will bring a lot of great value to Indiana, to her constituents and the people we’re serving.”

Ellis said she wants to bring positive energy to the state capitol and plans to work closely with Braun’s team.

“We have a high level of excellence and standards for our team, but also, I jokingly say I want our office to be like the envy of the capital, where everybody wants to come visit our office,” Ellis said. “All possibilities of what can be done to improve our state is exciting.”

ON THE COVER: Noblesville resident Sherry Ellis will serve as Lt. Gov-elect Micah Beckwith’s chief of staff. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

THE ELLIS FILE

BIRTHPLACE: Hagerstown, Md.

AGE: 50

MARITAL/FAMILY STATUS: “My husband (Stuart) and I were married in 1998. We’ve got two young adult children. My son Bronson is 21, and my daughter Rylin is 18.

HIGH SCHOOL: Pike High School

COLLEGE: “I studied sociology and organizational communication at (Indiana University Indianapolis) before earning an MBA from Anderson University.”

HOBBIES: “I love to travel. I have been to Scotland and Ireland, and I’ve been to Europe a couple of times. My husband and I love to travel around the United States as well. I love different cultures, different communities and sights.”

FAVORITE THING ABOUT NOBLESVILLE: “I love Dillon Park. That’s one of my favorites. I think the parks and golf courses are my favorite parts. I love how much outdoor stuff there is to do.”

LIFE GOAL: “To be remembered as somebody who was very encouraging and kind but also very present.”

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More than 68,000 children lack access to healthy food.

CHS graduate pays tribute to great piano men

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Craig A. Meyer was often told that he resembled Elton John.

That led Meyer to create a tribute act 15 years ago, during which he dons replicas of some of Elton’s most famous garb.

The 1981 Carmel High School graduate will return to Feinstein’s cabaret in Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael on New Year’s Eve for the third consecutive year. His “Elton, Billy & Barry — They Write the Songs” shows are set for 7:30 and 10:45 p.m.

“Their catalog is so rich and so deep,” Meyer said. “Billy Joel has epic songs like ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.’ Barry Manilow has thoughtful songs like ‘Mandy’ and ‘Could It Be Magic” as well as fun stuff like ‘Copacabana.’ It’s such a deep catalog of music that really is the soundtrack of at least my generation on the radio.”

Meyer said he tries to split the setlist as evenly as possible between the three piano men during the 75-minute shows.

“In the full two-hour version, it’s a little more even, but you try to do the best you can with the time you are given,” Meyer said. “It will cover all the greats. In addition to that, I got some really great footage from my show that I get to share in the show, talking about working with Barry and being on tour with him. It’s really fun.”

Meyer was part of an ensemble of two men and three women performing with Manilow during his “Showstoppers” tour in 1991-92.

“He gave each of us the opportunity to step out on our own and take the stage,” Meyer said.

Meyer will recount his journey in his two Feinstein’s performances.

“I have fun every time I step out on stage, but performing as myself and being able to tell my story is really fun,” Meyer said. “Getting feedback from the audience in hearing my own stories is just a lot of fun.”

Based in Atlanta, Meyer said visiting

Carmel is a good time to connect with friends and extended family.

“I’m looking forward to a rocking New Year,” he said.

Elton John hits he performs include “Bennie & the Jets,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Crocodile Rock.” Billy Joel songs include “You May Be Right” and “Piano Man.”

In addition to his vocal performances, Meyer has appeared on Broadway in “Meet Me in St. Louis” and toured nationally in “Cats” and “White Christmas.” He has acted in TV shows, such as “Will and Grace” and “General Hospital.” Meyer also has made film appearances in “Leatherheads” and “Identity Thief.”

ON TAP

Dan Farrell will return to Feinstein’s at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025 with “Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Neil Diamond.” He will present “Thank You for the Music” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Farrell, a Westfield resident, stepped away from his role as one of the three

co-founders of Actors Theatre of Indiana In 2023. He has created tribute shows to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett and Barry Manilow. He will perform his Bennett show Feb. 22 at Feinstein’s. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Jan. 5 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Murder Mystery Night” is set for Dec. 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’

Civic Theatre’s presentation of “White Christmas” concludes Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

DISPATCHES

Songbook Foundation hires communications manager — The Great American Songbook Foundation has hired an experienced professional for a new staff position focusing on communications. Brian Bosma has begun work as the Foundation’s first communications manager, creating and managing content for a comprehensive communications strategy that includes newsletters, social media, event publicity, web updates, marketing materials and other digital and print communications. Bosma served most recently as director of marketing and communications for Damar Services in Indianapolis. Previous work has included overseeing digital media for Ivy Tech Community College and Traders Point Christian Church and managing media relations and communications for the Indianapolis Indians.

Kingston Trio concert set — The Kingston Trio will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, 2025, at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Kingston Trio is known for such folk hits as “Tom Dooley” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Craig A. Meyer, a 1981 Carmel High School graduate, will perform a tribute to Elton John, Barry Manilow and Billy Joel. (Photo courtesy of Craig A. Meyer)

Blueprint for Improvement: Opulent primary bath in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2006 in the Hunt Country Preserve section of Zionsville, this primary bathroom featured lots of great space but lacked modern style. Our team reimagined the layout to create a luxurious retreat that makes every day feel like an opulent spa day.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Natural elements like oak, cedar, natural stone and crystal are expertly combined with man-made components like porcelain, glass and metals for a dynamic material mix that makes a statement.

• The new vanity creates a dramatic focal point thanks to custom oak cabinetry, quartzite counters and arched brass mirrors.

• The hardware and fixtures convey the perfect balance of classic style with modern appeal thanks to luxe gold tones and contemporary lines.

• The sauna, clad in tongue-and-groove eucalyptus, provides the ultimate at-home spa experience.

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.