January 7, 2025 — Noblesville by Current Publishing

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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‘PLIÉ’-ING HIS TRADE

Noblesville dancer pursues professional ballet dream / P10

Twisters Soda Bar to open this spring / P3

Commissioners approve bids, consulting contract / P3

Hamilton County initiative aims to prevent veteran suicide / P5

Noblesville Creates announces updates to annual challenge / P7

THE LEO SOFA

BARTOLA END TABLE 18”x24”x20”

ALLIE SWIVEL CHAIR

BERNIE SWIVEL CHAIR

January 7, 2025

Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com

Commissioners approve bids, consulting contract

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Commissioners held meetings Dec. 9 and Dec. 20, when they awarded bids for small structures at Whistler

Road/Forkner Ditch, Pennington Road and Middleton Avenue, and approved a consulting contract for the county’s auditors office, amongst other items.

The next Hamilton County Commissioners meeting is set for 1:45 p.m. Jan. 13.

What happened: The commissioners awarded bids for small structures at Whistler Road/Forkner Ditch, Pennington Road and Middleton Avenue.

What it means: Hamilton County Attorney Mike Howard opened the bids for all structures. The bids for the structure at Whistler Road/Forkner Ditch were:

• E & B Paving: $1,250,999

• HIS Constructors:

$1,205,520

• Hoosier Pride Excavating: $1,282,538

• Morphey Construction: $2,051,000 The bids for the small struc-

tures at Pennington Road and Middleton Avenue were:

• E & B Paving: $977,887

• Indiana Earth Work: $1,286,000

• HIS Constructors: $995,768

• Hoosier Pride Excavating: $1,185,420.82

• Midwest Paving: $928,094

• Morphey Construction: $1,178,000

What’s next: Joel Thurman with the highway department reviewed the bids for the structure at Whistler Road/ Forkner Ditch and awarded it to HIS Constructors for $1,205,520 Dec. 9. He awarded the bid for the structures at Pennington Road and Middleton Avenue to Midwest Paving for $928,094 Dec. 20.

What happened: Hamilton County Grant Administrator Todd Clevenger was granted approval of a contract for professional services in 2025 with former county auditor Dawn Coverdale by the commissioners Dec. 9.

What it means: Clevenger said at the end of 2024, more than 80 years of institutional knowledge left the county’s auditor’s office. The contract is to allow Coverdale to help with budgeting, bond ordinances and different appropriations to assist the new auditor. The contract is budgeted in the auditor’s 2025 budget.

Twisters Soda Bar to open this

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Twisters Soda Bar, a soda shop with a menu of creative twists to popular drinks, will open at 1007 S. 10th St. in Noblesville in March. The business has shops in Pendleton and Yorktown.

NEW BIZ

Twisters Soda Bar offers various flavors of mixed soda, small snacks, hot chocolate and more. Co-owner Jaclyn Chadburn said the bestsellers are Fall Creek Water, a mix of Dr. Pepper, coconut, vanilla and coconut cream, and Dr. Pepper Icees.

Chadburn and co-owner Kelly Klein, Pendleton residents, opened their first Twisters Soda Bar in March 2023. The idea for their business was inspired by their sons’ lemonade stand.

“Our kids started a lemonade stand just for fun in Kelly’s neighborhood,” Chadburn said. “We started talking about how we both loved making the mixed soda drinks. So, we started at the Pendleton Farmers Market. We compiled our menu, logo and everything within four weeks.”

Chadburn and Klein eventually sold sodas at fairs, festivals and school events before securing a permanent location.

“We wanted to get our name out and get exposure to our company,” Chadburn said.

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spring

“We had a temporary location on the weekends in November 2022 at Mystic Waters Campground in Pendleton and got our first building in Pendleton in February 2023. We worked hard to grow our business and refine our processes and systems. We opened (in) Yorktown in May of 2024.”

Chadburn and Klein said Noblesville is an ideal location for Twisters Soda Bar.

“Pendleton and Yorktown are smaller towns,” Chadburn said. “Being in Pendleton taught us a lot about what goes into the store, what goes into the planning, what goes into the preparation — all that stuff. We love Noblesville. It still has some of

March. (Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Chadburn)

that small-town feel in the downtown area. We’re excited to be a part of the growth in that neighborhood.”

Twisters Soda Bar offers a VIP program via text message that tells members the drink of the week, which is a new drink that is half off each week.

“It gives people an option to try new flavors at a discounted price,” Chadburn said. “People love being a part of the text group and getting discounts and unique things that people don’t get if they just come into the store.”

For more, visit twisterssodabar.com.

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Jaclyn Chadburn, left, and Kelly Klein will open their third Twisters Soda Bar in Noblesville in

Westfield teenager draws attention on national cycling circuit

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary first rode in a gravel cyclinng race in the fall of 2019 in Zionsville.

“I fell in love with it from there,” Clary said.

Prior to that race, Clary had gone on cycling rides with his father, James Clary, earlier in 2019.

“My dad had raced years prior with a cycling club, so I’ve always been around bicycles and people who liked to ride bicycles,” Clary said. “That fueled my passion to ride.”

Clary, 16, said his favorite accomplishment was winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 15-16 division in August 2024 in Redmond, Wash.

“It’s how well you do over four races and I was fortunate enough to win three of them,” said Clary, who won the scratch race, elimination and long scratch race.

Clary and a partner, Stephanie Lawrence, won the USA Cycling Elite Co-ed Madison National Championship in November 2024

JACKSON CLARY

Favorite athlete: Mark Cavendish

Favorite movie: “Ford v Ferrari”

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite musician: Luke Combs

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii

the 15-16 age division.

Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary with his medals after winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 1516 division in August 2024. (Photo courtesy of James Clary) in Detroit.

“It’s basically a relay race,” Clary said. “You grab your partner’s arm and sling them into the race on the exchange.”

Lawrence, a Marian University cyclist, helps coach Clary. Jackson trains under the guidance of Marian assistant coach Matt Gittings from EuroPro Coaching.

Clary also captured the USA Cycling Junior American Criterium Cup series title in

“That was how well you placed over a series of races, and I went to four of the eight races,” he said. “I got three first places and one second place.”

Clary said he has three main goals for 2025.

“In late July, I want to bring home another title from Junior Track Nationals,” he said. “I want to win the 17-18 Omnium, and later on, I’ll be going to Elite Track National

Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. I have no goal as far as a result, but my goal is to meet new people, find some new friends and make some connections. I just want to do as well as I can. Depending how I do in Junior Track Nationals and Elite Track Nationals, I can qualify for the Junior World Championships in the Netherlands.” His ultimate goal is to qualify for the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles.

“I like to stay with the group a long time because I have a lot of explosive power,” Clary said. “I’ll wait as long as I can and sprint toward the finish line. I have a big kick.”

Clary said Westfield High School strength and conditioning coach Tavio Henderson has helped him improve his strength.

Representing the Cleveland Cycling Academy U23 Cycling Team and the Midwest Development U19 Cycling Team, Clary has raced in 15 states and on five velodromes. He logged more than 6,000 miles in 2024 and competed in 84 races at 47 venues.

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

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Hamilton County initiative aims to prevent veteran suicide

By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com

In 2022, the Hamilton County Health Department reported that the number of veteran suicides had increased 28 percent from the previous year.

WELL-BEING

After learning about the increase, A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care, a network of those who live in and serve the community, decided to act and created Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities, a coalition that works to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families and caregivers in Hamilton County.

Anyone is welcome to join the coalition. Its members are from a variety of backgrounds, including other veteran-serving organizations, non-profits, local government and other entities throughout the county, including volunteers, veterans and service members.

A major way the coalition reaches veterans to reduce suicide is through the Governor’s Challenge via a partnership with

A Healthier Hamilton County and with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Governor’s Challenge has three pillars.

“The first is identification,” said Kristen Ludeker-Siebert, director of coordination for A Healthier Hamilton County: System of Care. “We want to identify the service members, veterans and then families within our county, and that will then naturally move over into connection, which is pillar two. The second thing we want to do is connect those folks to resources, benefits, programs, those types of things, so that they feel connected to one another, their families, themselves, wherever they need to find connection.”

The third pillar is promoting safety for those considering suicide.

“That pillar is working on how we can give to the community when it comes to keeping people safe who are in a suicidal crisis,” Ludeker-Seibert said. “How can we help out there?”

Learn more at hamiltoncountyphhc.org/ stronger-veterans-stronger-communities.

The City of Noblesville Common Council and Board of Public Works and Safety will hold regular meetings on the following dates in 2025. The Board of Public Works and Safety meets at 9 a.m. and the common council will now meet at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Regular meetings are held at 16 S. 10th St.

• Jan. 14

• Jan. 28

• Feb. 11

• Feb. 25

• March 11

• March 25

April 15

April 29

May 13

May 27

June 10

June 24

July 15

July 29

Aug. 12

Kristen Ludeker-Seibert presents information about Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities to raise awareness for the coalition and its cause. (Photo courtesy of Kristen Ludeker-Seibert)

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NOBLESVILLE JANUARY EVENTS

NOBLESVILLE SAFETY ACTION PLAN

The City of Noblesville will hold a public information meeting and open house at Stony Creek Elementary School at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 regarding updates to the recently adopted Noblesville Safety Action Plan. The goal of the Safety Action Plan is to prevent deaths and serious injuries on Noblesville’s transportation system. There will be discussions regarding Greenfield Avenue improvements from 10th Street to 16th Street. The project would improve the safety and mobility of the Greenfield Avenue and 16th Street intersection and extend pedestrian facilities through the corridor. Representatives from the City of Noblesville and Lochmueller Group will give a short presentation about the Safety Action Plan and the proposed project and be available to gather feedback and answer questions. For more, visit noblesville.in.gov/topic/index. php?topicid=672&structureid=7.

BUILD A SNOWMAN

Those ages 7 and older can learn about the science of snow and crystals from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Taylor Center of Natural History at Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville, 12308 Strawtown Ave. Make homemade ice cream, craft a sundae sculpture and build a snowman. Snow, snowman accessories and ice cream ingredients are provided. Register at hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1997/ Programs-and-Events.

CANCER FUNDRAISER

Visit Hawaii Fluid Art at 13185 Harrell Pkwy. in Noblesville from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 to be a part of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Attendees can create a one-of-akind piece of artwork while helping ovarian cancer survivors/caregivers in Indiana. Hawaii Fluid Art is donating 10 percent of proceeds to the NOCC. For more, contact northwestin@ovarian.org.

SAVOR NOBLESVILLE

Sample offerings from a variety of local vendors at the 5th annual indoor food experience, Savor Noblesville, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Mill Top Banquet Center in Noblesville, 802 Mulberry St. Proceeds from Savor Noblesville will be donated to the PTO to support students and families at North Elementary School. For more, visit savornoblesville.com.

Noblesville Creates announces updates to annual challenge

COMPETITION news@currentnoblesville.com

Noblesville Creates and Hamilton East Public Library’s annual Comic Book in a Day Challenge is returning for its 12th year.

The competition has new features to allow artists of all ages and skill levels worldwide to compete by creating a comic book entirely from scratch and contend for prizes.

“This event will provide participants and visitors alike with access to expertise in many forms,” stated Lydia Cheesman, a spokesperson for Noblesville Creates.

The event will feature two host artists — Erik Lundorf and Victor Dandridge — who will help contestants engage with each other and work through creative challenges, according to Cheesman.

The Comic Book in a Day judges — Stuart Sayger, Gavin Smith and Deon Parson — will be available to talk to contestants and guests, demonstrate drawing techniques, sell their artwork and prints, and review all submissions at the end of the event.

Cheesman said returning champion Joseph Haas also will participate as a judge and share his experience with competitors and visitors to the event. Haas was the 2024 Best Overall award winner.

ZOOM INTERNATIONAL

COMPETITION SET FOR JAN. 17

The Jan. 17 online competition will be held remotely via Zoom. Cheesman said the competition is designed for aspiring adult pros and will provide a platform for the event to reach worldwide.

Contestants will log in at 9 a.m. and stay connected to Zoom until 4 p.m. All online artwork submissions are due at 4 p.m., and contestants will present their stories to one another starting at approximately 4:15 p.m.

To register, visit noblesville-creates. square.site.

ADULT/TEEN DIVISION COMPETITION: JAN. 18

The in-person competition will be held at the Ignite Studio at 5 Municipal Dr. in Fishers. The seven-hour competition will begin at 9 a.m.

Contestants have until 4 p.m. to complete their story and turn in up to eight pages. Contestants will then present their stories to the assembly of judges and fellow artists around 4:30 p.m.

Beginning on or after Jan. 13, Pleasant Street will be closed to thru traffic between 13th Street and 16th Street. The closure will last until Phase 2 of the Reimagine Pleasant Street project is complete in early 2026. The closure is to reconstruct and widen Pleasant Street to four lanes. It also includes replacing the bridge over Wilson Drain. Residents and businesses will maintain access to their property throughout construction. For more, visit reimaginepleasantst.com.

To register, visit noblesville-creates. square.site

YOUTH DIVISION COMPETITION: JAN. 18

The four-hour youth competition, for children 12 and younger, will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and contestants will have until 2:30 p.m. to complete their story and turn in up to four pages.

Contestants in the youth division will present their stories to the judges and fellow competitors starting around 3 p.m.

To register, visit noblesville-creates. square.site.

AWARDS CEREMONY:

JAN. 22

The top awards will be presented at an awards program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ignite Studio at 5 Municipal Dr. The event is free and open to contestants, friends and the public.

COMIC BOOK IN A DAY WORKSHOPS

Before the competitions, Noblesville Creates and the Hamilton East Public Library offer a series of workshops to prepare for the challenge. The workshops are free and will be held at the Ignite Studio at 5 Municipal Dr. from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participation in the challenge is not required to attend the workshops.

For more, visit noblesvillecreates.org/ comicbookinaday.

Page 1 of Joseph Haas’ first place 2024 Best Overall comic. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Creates)

2024: Year in Review

REIMAGINE PLEASANT STREET

Phase 1 - Opened on September 27

Phase 2 & 3 - Began construction this year.

The project includes 1,750 trees planted, 6 roundabouts and 70,000 tons of asphalt

Over 200 people are working on the project

FINCH

Broke ground on transforming 603 acres in east Noblesville into a mixed-use development worth $700 million when completed

10,000 sq. ft. of commercial/retail space.

690 age-restricted single family Del Webb units

First phase set to open in 2025

HARD HAT RESILIENCY GRANTS

The city launched the "Hard Hat Resiliency Grant" program over the summer to support downtown businesses impacted by INDOT’s Reconstructing SR32 project along Conner Street This project also made upgrades to SR37 at 186th Street and 191st Street

PARKS & RECREATION CAMPS

Spring Break Camp served a total of 267 children over a span of 10 days

Summer Camp served a total of 830 participants over 7 weeks.

Tots at Play served a total of 40 toddlers and their parents

NEW POLICE STATION ANNOUNCED, BREAKING GROUND IN 2025

A new police station addresses the growing needs of the Noblesville Police Department and will provide space for additional staff and equipment

Worked alongside FOP to evaluate sites and receive their endorsement on the former Firestone site

INNOVATION MILE

Innovation Mile is a public/private partnership that encompasses 600+ acres fronting I-69 and is a live, work, play, and engage innovation district

The Arena is under construction and will open next year. It will be the home of the Indiana Pacers G League franchise

DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA (DORA)

15 downtown restaurants and bars participating.

DORA allows patrons 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved businesses within the DORA district and sip, shop & stroll downtown Noblesville

CREEK BY DEL WEBB

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES & MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL

Advisory Council on Disabilities hosted two resource fairs Mayor’s Youth Council hosted a Culture Fair with SERVE Noblesville, raised money for The Cooper House & Ben’s Ranch, and volunteered at the Michael Treinen Foundation's Turkey Trot and other community events

THE GRANARY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES IN 2024

Private investment: $671,000,000

New Commercial Space: 855,069 Sq ft

New Jobs Created: 227

New Residential Units: 1,403

Added 1,429,232 sq ft of new non-residential space

$67 million mixed-use development on 3 acres

Includes 225 apartments, 5,000 sq. ft. of retail, 300 parking spaces for residents/public and a trailhead on southern portion for Nickel Plate and Midland Trace Trail

Invests in the livability for current and future residents

PUBLIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Noblesville has been ranked the 12th safest suburb in the United States by SmartAsset

Added 5th ambulance into service and a new ladder truck

$200,000+ invested in physical wellness initiatives

More than 50% of budget is allocated to public safety.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

A Party on Pleasant was held to celebrate the Reimagine Pleasant Street Phase 1 milestone and allow guests to walk the road and bridge prior to the roadway opening

The city held a Pre-Eclipse Party at Federal Hill Commons to celebrate Noblesville being in complete totality for the Total Solar Eclipse

MORSE VILLAGE

$250 million mixed-use development project covering 175 acres, including 30+ acres of dedicated greenspace

The project features 30,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and local restaurants, 675+ residential units and a new roundabout at 206th Street and Hague Road

PLANNING FOR NOW & THE FUTURE

Issued permits for 890 residential units, which includes townhomes and single-, two-, and multi-family homes

Received 1,200+ contributions from residents on the East and West Gateways Master Plans

The master plan will establish a vision and steps needed to bring the vision to reality over the next 15–20 years

PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMMING

Over 30,000 people attend the Easter Egg Hunt, summer concerts at Federal Hill Commons and Dillon Park and Movies in the Park

New Programming: Frights at Forest, Parks-Palooza, Sit-n-Stitch, Noblesville’s North Pole, Jingle Bell Breakfast and Candy Cane Crawl.

‘PLIÉ’-ING HIS TRADE

Noblesville dancer pursues professional ballet dream

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville resident Joey Moore has been involved in dance for as long as he can remember.

Moore, 18, began dancing at age 10. He is participating in his last season with En Pointe Indiana Ballet in Noblesville, which is co-owned by his parents, Christopher and Anne Moore. He has begun the process of auditioning for ballet companies to become a professional dancer.

“I would love to join a company, and I’ve been sending my audition videos,” Moore said. “My top three choices are to go to Sarasota (Florida) Ballet, Ballet West (Salt Lake City) or possibly the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.”

Moore said the audition process involves following the requirements of each company.

“There’s in-person auditions, but you can also do video auditions,” Moore said. “For video auditions, you film the video and email it to each company, and if they like what they see, they’ll email you back and invite you to come take (ballet) class. Then they’ll let you know if they want you there, maybe not even as a company member but as a trainee. It basically grows from there.”

Being accepted by a ballet company would be a “sigh of relief,” according to Moore, because his work over the years would “finally pay off.”

“I don’t know for other people, but for me, being a part of a company would mean a lot,” Moore said. “Company life is about the same as what we train at En Pointe. They have class and rehearsal every day, and they do a lot of performances — even more than we do.”

Moore said his dream is to become a principal dancer at Sarasota Ballet and that joining the company would be a significant steppingstone in making ballet a full-time career. He said he has made connections with some of its dancers, and loves the repertoire, location and its director.

“You have to be able to have the stamina at studios, and even when you’re taking regular classes as a student, you have to be able to build that up so you can be ready for a (professional ballet) job,” Moore said.

When he was a child, Moore watched his aunt and uncle, Robert Moore, and his wife, Pollyana Ribeiro, who are co-directors at En Pointe Indiana Ballet, perform in ballets. He said they became his biggest inspiration.

“I grew up going around to wherever they were dancing, mostly when they were with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and when I was around 5 or 6 years old, I would go and watch their shows when they performed,” Moore said. “When I was 10, they came to Indiana and helped open the studio.”

Robert said Moore was one of his “biggest fans” from a young age.

“I always saw potential in Joey,” Robert said. “It was just a matter of time before he understood it. It has been

a wonderful journey watching Joey grow, not only as a talented dancer but also as a confident, strong and kind young man. My wife and I couldn’t be more proud and can’t wait to see his future success.”

By age 11, to concentrate on ballet, Moore became a home-school student after previously attending Hinkle Creek Elementary in Noblesville.

“I fell more and more in love with it,” Moore said. “I started picking up more classes and training more, and now I’m fully home-schooled so that I can do more hours of dance. Homeschooling was the biggest jump I’ve taken towards pursuing dance as a career, because when I decided that it was what I wanted to do, I put all my time and energy into it. I’ve transitioned from what people would consider the normal life of going to school and having sports after. I am dancing and finding time in my schedule for school,

rather than going to school and finding time for dance.”

As he refined his ballet technique, Moore began to get paid guest offers to dance in other states around the country. He most recently performed with Le Jeune Dance in Ohio for six performances of “The Nutcracker” in December.

“(En Pointe Indiana Ballet has) collaborated with them before, so I already knew everyone I was dancing with,” Moore said. “It was also a challenge because it was with people that I don’t get to partner with all that often. I just had to go and learn the dances. I had to practice with them for only about a day or two before doing the show. It all felt a bit rushed, but it was a really fun experience.”

He also has been a paid guest dancer for Dance Arts Los Alamos in New Mexico.

“I don’t want to say that experience was relaxed, but their studio is definitely not as focused on getting kids jobs as much as it is recreational dance,” Moore said. “It was definitely a different environment, but it was still a lot of fun and still similar to Le Jeune Dance with learning choreography and the dances a day or so before the shows.”

Moore will perform in En Pointe Indiana Ballet’s production of “Curiosity” Feb. 21 and Feb. 22.

“’Curiosity’ is an En Pointe original that is Cirque de Soleil-inspired,” Moore said. “It is jazz infused with steampunk themes and a lot of fun.”

For more about En Pointe Indiana Ballet productions, visit enpointeindiana.com.

AGE: 18

EDUCATION: Home-schooled

LIFE GOAL: “My ultimate life goal, once I’m done dancing, would be to go to college and get my degree in civil engineering.”

BIGGEST DANCE INSPIRATION: “My Uncle Robert Moore.”

HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF DANCE: Biking, hiking, cooking MESSAGE TO ASPIRING BALLERINAS: “There’s going to be a lot of hard times, and people aren’t always going to be the nicest to you. No matter what, keep pushing because it’s worth it.”

ON THE COVER: Joey Moore poses for a photoshoot in downtown Noblesville. (Photo by Elizabeth Pack Photography)

Joey Moore performs in En Pointe Indiana Ballet’s production of “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.” (Photo by Elizabeth Pack Photography)

Vindys’ lead singer benefits from national tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Vindys had planned to work on a new album in the summer of 2024.

Instead, the band got an offer it couldn’t refuse — joining Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on a national tour over the summer, including a gig at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in Indianapolis.

“Of all the cities we went to on that tour, Indianapolis was the most receptive to us,” said Jackie Popovec, the band’s lead singer and main songwriter. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the HI-FI to play a show.”

The Vindys will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis. Jessie Phelps will be the opener.

“I gained quite a bit of confidence in what I’m doing,” Popovec said. “There’s not a ton of money in this game. For Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to come out of nowhere and have their people call us, ‘Do you want to go on tour?’ It just gave me this boost that I needed in motivation in what I’m doing and confidence in what I’m doing in my writing.”

Popovec said she has long admired Benatar.

“I’m sure I have a tape somewhere of me singing karaoke to Pat Benatar as a toddler,” she said. “So, for one of the biggest voices to say you got something, it’s just completely wild to me. I don’t know if I can thank her enough for that.”

Popovec said the band has been working on new music since the summer tour, mostly playing in shows in the Ohio cities of Cleveland, Akron and Columbus along with Pittsburgh.

“As an independent band doing it all ourselves, I don’t have a booking agent or a label or anything. We’ve been trying to radius out more, and Indianapolis seems like a new place to start growing,” Popovec said.

The Vindys’ first album, “Bugs,” came out in 2021. They are releasing a second album this year.

“I’ve been sitting on a lot of new mate-

rial for three years now, so I’m excited to get it out there,” Popovec said.

The Vindys were founded in 2014 in Youngstown, Ohio. The band’s name is derived from the city’s newspaper, The Vindicator.

“Everyone says print is dying and everyone says rock ‘n’ roll is dying, but here we are still standing, The Vindys,” Popovic said. “It’s all about the grit and grind for us. As a band that makes its money off of shows and gigs, we love being from Youngstown. We can get to several major cities within a half-day drive. You can’t do that if you are from Los Angeles.”

Popovec said she is known throughout Youngstown. Her father is a food sales representative and she started playing at restaurants as a teenager.

“It’s definitely a ‘Cheers’-type of town that I live in. I always feel welcome everywhere I go,” said Popovec, referring to the 1980s TV sitcom set in a neighborhood bar.

Popovec said she is proud of what The

Vindys have accomplished.

“To make it nowadays, you have to work at it and put yourself out there in front of people,” she said. “That’s the most important thing to garner those relationships with your fan base. in person. That’s how we are able to create a small business for ourselves and something that is sustainable.”

Popovec, who has a powerful voice, said she grew up appreciating all kinds of music.

“When you are exposed to so many things, it’s going to seep in,” she said. “It makes you a well-rounded listener. My parents were listening to VH1, Top 40 and radio, which is how I cut my teeth on melodies and pop music. Then I discovered Etta James, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday online. I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, what is all this?’ So I deep dived into the jazz world through iTunes, which is crazy and cool that it was available to me.”

For more, visit thevindys.com. For tickets, visit hifiindy.com.

MAC MCANALLY

Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, a member of the late Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Actor Don Farrell’s “Sweet Caroline — The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, feinsteinshc. com.

LET’S SING TAYLOR

Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift will perform at 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” runs Jan. 9 to Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘Change of Heart’ set for debut

editorial@youarecurrent.com

“Change of Heart” is set to debut Jan. 1019 at the Switch Theatre in the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. The play was written by Dr. Louis Janeira, a cardiologist who lives in Zionsville whose pen name is Dr. L. Jan Eira. “Change of Heart,” directed by Tejas Hairns, follows the journey of elderly couple Vijay and Anita, retired medical professionals turned vigilantes, who embark on a morally questionable mission to rid the world of wrongdoers while saving innocent lives. The play delves into the depths of human nature, questioning the boundaries of justice and the price of redemption.

For more, visit themdwriter.com.

The Vindys will perform at the HI-FI Indy on Jan. 11. (Photo courtesy of The Vindys)

Blueprint for Improvement: Chic Fishers primary bath renovation

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1995 in Fishers’ Lakeside Green neighborhood, this home’s primary bathroom was ready for a transformation. The new owners wanted to upgrade their builder-basic space into something bright and beautiful. By keeping the same layout but reimagining the design, our team created a room that feels entirely new.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower elevated the functionality of the room, bringing a spa-like serenity to the homeowners’ daily routine.

• The addition of a floating vanity keeps the compact space open and airy while offering ample storage.

• A tongue-and-groove ceiling treatment, stained to match the vanity, makes a statement by adding warm, organic charm and unique style.

• Marble tile combined with gold accents in the finishes introduces refined elegance and a touch of livable luxury.

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.

After

1. Con game

5. Penrod Arts Fair mo.

9. Brickyard Billiards equipment

14. Sped around I-465

15. Notion

16. White house?

17. Stunned

19. Indy 500 sound

20. Intelligent group

21. Coastal bird

23. Conner ___

26. Possessive pronoun

27. Reeked

29. Fury

33. Abodes for the rich and famous

38. Rocky Hollow ___

39. Poker declaration

40. Had a ribeye at Cobblestone

42. Cattle breed

43. McCormick’s ___

44. Plan B

46. Grasp

47. Angela Buchman weather event

49. Bit of Morse code

50. French Lick ___

56. “Inside Indy” show boss

61. Bad bacteria

62. Like the old bucket in the IU-PU rivalry

63. Sink

66. No longer fresh

67. Employ

68. Prepared

69. 19th US president

70. Fragrance

71. Checks out Down

1. Carmel Post Office purchase

2. Shrink in fear

3. Worthen or Mackey

4. Soccer superstar Lionel

5. Knight’s title

6. UIndy URL ending

7. Chest muscles, for short

8. Adopt

9. Wabash ___

10. Taj Mahal site

11. Plumbing problem

12. Singer with The Gang

13. A few

18. State Road 32 goo

22. Arctic flier

24. Monument Circle music

grp.

25. Sicilian erupter

28. Houston team

29. McNally partner

30. Pond growth

31. Overfill

32. Latin 101 verb

33. Ind. neighbor 34. Hair style 35. Christmas carol

36. Winter vehicle

37. Texter’s “Beats me”

38. Colts enthusiast

41. Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market corn units

45. Little devil

47. Kings on a Pacers scoreboard

48. “Tommy” band

49. Indiana ___

51. Yank’s foe

52. Start of Caesar’s boast

53. Zero input

54. Dance move

55. Trig ratios

56. Stylish

57. “Pro” follower

58. Thumbs-up

59. Proof word

60. Surprise attack

64. Sellout inits.

65. That lady Answers on Page 20

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