January 14, 2025 — Noblesville by Current Publishing

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

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Noblesville High School senior to perform in inaugural Home Brewed Music series / P13

Noblesville Schools board announces meeting days, reviews projects / P3

Boutique Bargain Bash returns for second year / P5

Noblesville Preservation Alliance to host inaugural gala / P7

Noblesville Main Street previews 2025 events / P9

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Noblesville Schools board announces meeting dates, reviews projects

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees announced 2025 meeting dates and made various appointments during its Jan. 7 meeting. An update also was presented regarding a new softball building at Noblesville High School and a new athletic building at Noblesville East Middle School.

EDUCATION

A lawyer from Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim also administered the oaths of

office to new board member Bret Richardson and reelected members Christi Crosser and Stephanie Lambert.

The Jan. 7 meeting can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=802M-rZNdqw.

The next meeting is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 16.

What happened: The board received an update regarding a new softball locker room at Noblesville High School and a new athletic building at Noblesville East Middle School.

What it means: The projects, funded by a 2024 general obligation bond, were approved last summer. Nick Wissing, assistant principal of CSO, the architecture firm helping design the projects, presented the update. The softball facility will include an entry gate; a storage facility; a mechanical room; a coach’s storage office to store uniforms; coaches office meeting space; a training room; a coaches restroom and a new locker room for the softball team with 46 lockers. The athletic building update at NEMS will provide more restroom facilities for athletic events; a large concession stand; a ticket window; a mechanical room; and a storage room.

What’s next: Construction on the athletic building is expected to begin in March. Construction of the softball facility is expected to begin by early summer. The goal is to have both facilities completed by December.

What happened: The Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees announced its 2025 meeting dates.

What it means: The Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on the following dates in 2025:

• Feb. 16

• March 18

• April 15

• May 20

• June 17

• July 15

• Aug. 19

• Sept. 16

• Oct. 28

• Nov. 16

• Dec. 18

What happened: The board made various appointments.

What it means: Crosser was named president, Lambert was named vice president and Joe Forgey was named secretary. Appointments also were made for treasurer and deputy treasurer, with David Hortemiller, chief financial officer for Noblesville Schools, named treasurer and Susan Wilson, director of finance for Noblesville Schools, named deputy treasurer. The board also approved administrative appointments as part of the annual board reorganization process. The appointments include:

• Noblesville Traffic Committee: Noblesville Schools Director of Transportation Rob Williamson

• Hamilton County Transit Forum: Williamson

• Compliance coordinator: Noblesville Schools Executive Director of Student Services Julie Thacker

• Hamilton County Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Noblesville Schools Director of Buildings and Grounds Roy Wallace

• Noblesville Department of Planning Technical Advisory Commission: Wallace

• Title I coordinator: Noblesville Schools Executive Director of Learning Jen Wheat Townsend

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(Top) Rendering of the entryway and building for the girls softball locker room at Noblesville High School. (Bottom) Rending of the plan for the Noblesville East Middle School athletic building. (Renderings courtesy of Noblesville Schools)

COUNTY RECEIVES NEW RECEPTACLE FOR RETIRED FLAGS

a new receptacle for retired U.S.

The receptacle was provided by the National Association of Counties and distributed to Indiana counties by the Indiana Association of Counties. The receptacle was presented to Logan by Ward, who is a member of the national and state association’s board of directors. The receptacle is in the Veteran Service Office on the first floor of the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in Noblesville at 1 N. 8th St. (Photo courtesy of Pam Louks)

Boutique Bargain Bash returns

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Boutique Bargain Bash, a discount shopping event featuring local shops and small businesses, will return to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, 2003 Pleasant St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 18.

EVENT

Miranda Weaver and Amanda Garst, Fortville residents and co-owners of online boutique Variety Row, started the event in 2024 to help small businesses sell discounted seasonal inventory and get a fresh start transitioning into a new season. They will hold another event for summer inventory Aug. 2.

“We attend a lot of markets, and we came up with the idea of hosting one in January and August because it is usually our offseason for markets,” Garst said. “(Those months are) also a transitional time for clothing and inventory.”

Vendors from Hamilton County and other parts of Indiana will be at the event. Admission is $5, and shoppers can browse women’s and kids’ clothing, crystals, vintage clothing and jewelry, among other items, at a minimum of 30 percent off retail prices.

“Everything has to be 30 percent off for the event, but some stuff will be up to 75 percent off,” Weaver

said. “The first 50 shoppers in line also get a tote bag with different goodies from the vendors. We also will have a coffee vendor and sweet treats.”

Weaver and Garst want to make the August event bigger by holding it in the llama barn at the fairgrounds.

“We had so many people that wanted to do this one that we had to deny the space because of all the renovations they’re doing at the fairgrounds right now,” Garst said. “Hamilton County and the people at the fairgrounds are great to work with, and there are a lot more resources than in our county.”

For more, visit varietyrowboutique.com/pages/ boutique-bargain-bash.

Tom Logan, left, of the Hamilton County Veteran Service Office, and former Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward, who retired at the end of 2024, stand beside

flags.

A vendor’s setup at the 2024 Boutique Bargain Bash. (Photo courtesy of Miranda Weaver)

Gingerich named principal of North Elementary School

EDUCATION news@currentnoblesville.com

Noblesville Schools recently announced that Angie Gingerich will be the new principal of North Elementary School beginning July 1. Gingerich will replace Rob Lugo, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Gingerich has been the assistant principal of North Elementary School since 2018 and has 25 years of education experience at Noblesville Schools.

“Angie has been a strong leader, and we are very confident that she is ready to take on the role of principal,” stated Heather Hendrich, assistant superintendent of human resources and safety for Noblesville Schools. “We’re excited to see her make her mark on the special culture at North.” Gingerich has a master’s degree in technology education, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a principal licensure.

“It’s a true privilege to be part of such an exceptional school community, and I look forward to fostering strong relationships, upholding our tradition of excellence and collaborating with students, families and staff,” Gingerich stated. “I am sincerely grateful to Rob Lugo for his outstanding dedication, leadership and service.”

Noblesville Schools stated North Elementary will begin considering candidates to fill the assistant principal vacancy in the coming months.

DISPATCH

Pleasant Street closure — Pleasant Street will be closed to thru traffic between 13th Street and 16th Street for the remainder of 2025. 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 replacement of the bridge over Wilson Drain. Residents and businesses will maintain access to their property throughout construction. For more, visit reimaginepleasantst.com.

Gingerich

County honors employees for years of combined service

news@currentnoblesville.com

Hamilton County is recognizing 131 employees for their service to the community.

EMPLOYMENT

Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander said the board of commissioners and the county’s human resources department honor employees annually by presenting service awards at the end of each five years of employment. Each recipient is given a service pin with the number of years on it.

“Our goal is to give the citizens and taxpayers of Hamilton County the most responsive governmental services possible,” Human Resources Director Sheena Randall stated. “Employing top quality people, providing them with meaningful work and retaining their services helps serve the public efficiently and effectively.”

Former auditor Robin Mills, Surveyor’s Office Administrative Assistant Janet Hansen, Clerk’s Office Filings Deputy Peggy Nation and Randall top this year’s list of employees with the most longevity. They have each been with the county for 45 years.

“I am a Hamilton County born and raised gal,” Mills stated. “I started my county career right out of high school. I stayed all these years because Hamilton County is a great place to work and raise a family.”

Randall said the county also offers “great” benefits like health insurance and paid holidays.

Noblesville Preservation Alliance to host inaugural gala

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Noblesville Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Noblesville’s historic architecture, promoting community pride and fostering education about the city’s history, recently announced its inaugural gala to celebrate heritage, community and the future of preservation in Noblesville.

NONPROFIT

The cocktail-attire, community-centered gala will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. April 24 at the Mill Top Banquet & Conference Center at 802 Mulberry St. in Noblesville. NPA Vice President and Events Committee Chair Jessica Vandergraff said the gala will feature fine dining, entertainment and community engagement. Guests also will have the opportunity to connect with fellow preservation and local history enthusiasts and participate in a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences.

Proceeds from the event will benefit NPA’s efforts to preserve and protect Noblesville’s historic landmarks.

Vandergraff said the evening’s program will include remarks from guest speakers, live music by Harp & Axe during cocktail hour and the presentation of the inaugural Spirit of Preservation Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the preservation of the city’s historical assets.

“The Noblesville Preservation Alliance’s mission has always been to celebrate and safeguard the unique character of our community,” Vandergraff stated. “This gala is a chance for us to gather in appreciation of our past while looking ahead to a bright future for preservation in Noblesville.”

Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/ NPAGala or at NoblesvillePresrevation.org. Early bird pricing ends Feb. 1. Sponsorships are available for local businesses, organizations and individuals interested in supporting the event.

From left, Hamilton County Commissioners Steve Dillinger and Christine Altman, former auditor Robin Mills and County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

Donations accepted at Menards — Menards stores are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through the end of March. The company announced that stores also offer nonperishable food items for sale that can be donated. Menards has stores throughout the Midwest, including Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis.

Book signing — Noblesville author Kristina Kelly will be signing copies of her new book, “Tavern Tale,” at the Gal’s Guide Library in Noblesville, 107 S. 8th St., from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25. A portion of proceeds from the event will go to Gal’s Guide Library, a public library dedicated to women’s history.

Artist submissions — The Hamilton County Artists’

Association is now accepting submissions for the 4th annual Midwest Juried Art Exhibit that will be held March 7 through March 29. The entry deadline is Jan. 31. The non-refundable entry fee for up to three pieces is $30 for non-members or $15 for HCAA artist and patron members. For more, visit hcaa-in.org/ midwest-juried-exhibit.

Missing Children’s Day poster contest — The Indiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Justice are sponsoring the 2025 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and parents to discuss and promote child safety. Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, the day is dedicated to encouraging the

community to make child safety a priority. The contest is open to Hoosier students in fifth grade, with a limit of one submission per child. Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” Contest rules can be found at tinyurl.com/bdfwdbsthere. Submission deadline is Feb. 21.

Indiana Chamber — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce began 2025 with 24 new directors on its board. More than 200 individuals from an array of industries make up the Indiana Chamber board. All new board members will serve three-year terms through fall 2027. Amongst the new board members is Nathan Stallings of Noblesville, president at Matrix Integration.

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Noblesville Main Street presents 2025 events

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Main Street is gearing up for 2025 with the return of a range of community events and traditions.

SCHEDULE

NMS, a Noblesville nonprofit creating partnerships and programs to connect the community, recently announced its continuing partnership with Duke Energy through its sponsorship of the Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market from May 3 to Oct. 11.

Duke Energy also will sponsor First Fridays in downtown Noblesville. NMS Executive Director Kate Baker said residents can expect the downtown square to be open late for dining and shopping every Friday beginning in February. The city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, approved last fall, will be activated during First Fridays.

Baker said the Noblesville community can expect returning favorites throughout the year with expanded program timelines, such as Discover Downtown Feb. 7 and 8, Fall Fest Oct. 3 and 4 and Deck the Downtown Dec. 5 and 6.

“It is because of great community advocates like Duke Energy that organizations like Noblesville Main Street that work to support our local businesses, promote tourism and elevate community spirit are able to do such impactful work,” Baker said. “We could not be more grateful for their support.”

Other Noblesville Main Street 2025 events:

• June 7: Duck Race

• June 20-21: Magic of the Square Wizard Weekend

• July 19: Street Dance

• Aug. 22: Downtown Summit

• Sept. 19 Downtown Unseen (In collaboration with the Noblesville Preservation Alliance Historic Home Tour Sept. 20)

• Dec. 11: NMS Holiday Gala

• May through October: Music & All That Jazz on the second Saturday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. For more, visit noblesvillemainstreet.org.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

junior point guard a key to team’s success

Hamilton Southeastern High School junior point guard Kennedy Holman has become a force offensively and defensively.

“She is one of the hardest workers at both ends of the floor,” Royals girls basketball coach Brian Satterfield said. “There is a reason why we rarely take her out of the game. She is the leader or second in almost every statistical category, along with being our best defender. She continues to grow on reading the defense and seeing the floor. Some of the passes she makes are jaw dropping. Her growth in that area is impressive.”

As of Jan. 8, Holman averaged 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game for the Royals (17-0), and ranked No. 1 in the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association coaches poll. She shoots 48 percent from the field.

As a sophomore, Holman averaged 11.7 points, 7.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. As a freshman, she averaged 6.1 ppg. “It has been fun to watch her game grow every year,” Satterfield said. “We look

KENNEDY HOLMAN

Favorite athlete: University of Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore

Favorite artists: SZA

Favorite movie: “Coach Carter”

Favorite vacation spot: Puerto Rico

forward to seeing her compete at the next level but are excited to have her for another year.”

Holman said the goal for the team is “to continue to build on what we’ve started with taking steps forward and not back.”

Senior Maya Makalusky, who has signed to play basketball at Indiana University, led the team with 21.1 points and seven re-

Hamilton Southeastern High School point guard Kennedy Holman is one of the leaders of the unbeaten Royals. (Photo courtesy of Gabby Stimac)

bounds per game as of Jan. 8. Junior Kayla Stidham had a 10.3 ppg scoring average.

“Playing with two great players like Maya and Kayla has been so fun, it makes the game a lot easier and less stressful,” Holman said. “I think I’ve made the most improvement in my offensive side, specifically the shooting part. This is definitely the strongest team (in high school). Our chemistry is the best it’s ever been, which has led us to better opportunities.”

Holman is called “KK” by friends and family.

“Not sure how my mom came up with KK

because my middle name starts with an M, but she’s been calling me that for as long as I can remember and it stuck with me,” Holman said.

Holman’s most recent college offers are from the University of Oregon and University of Louisville. The other three schools she is considering at this time are Butler University, the University of Illinois and Marquette University.

“I’m going to wait to see how the start of the AAU season goes for me and after the first few tournaments, narrow it down from there,” said Holman, who has played for the Indiana Girls Basketball program since fourth grade.

Holman has played basketball since first grade. She also played volleyball, softball, gymnastics, soccer and track. She started concentrating only on basketball in seventh grade.

“I think just the feeling of winning is what makes me passionate,” Holman said. “I’m just a naturally competitive person who doesn’t like to lose in anything.”

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

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Firefighter-paramedic reflects on 25 years with NFD

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

After 25 years of service, firefighter-paramedic Todd Watson is leaving his position with the Noblesville Fire Department to work as an EMS clinical educator at Riverview Hospital. Watson, 54, was the lead paramedic for his crew and was a member of the department’s dive team, technical rescue team and the Noblesville Police Department Emergency Services Unit. His accolades include being named NFD Firefighter of the Year, NFD EMS Preceptor of the Year and NFD EMT Instructor of the Year, among other honors. The Greenfield resident answered the following questions from Current about his years of service.

HOW

DID YOU GET STARTED WITH THE NFD?

“I started out working as a paramedic in Indianapolis. I worked part time in Boone County with Witham Hospital and at Methodist. After I graduated from paramedic school, the Noblesville Fire Department was hiring their first-ever all-paramedic recruit class. I was one of the lucky ones that got picked. There were six of us at the time, and that was when Noblesville was taking over the paramedic service for the City of Noblesville away from Riverview Hospital.”

WHAT MAKES THE JOB MEMORABLE?

“Somebody that’s never done the job before will probably never understand all the training and the camaraderie you build with the men you’re working beside. It’s the people you count on to have your back if things aren’t going as smoothly as they should. It’s the brotherhood and being able to count on each other to get the job done. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to help somebody.”

WHAT MAKES A JOB IN PUBLIC SAFETY CHALLENGING?

“The biggest challenge is being able to read people because not everybody appreciates you. You’re out there trying to do

the best job you can. It’s hard when you have to realize the reason you’re there is because it is their worst day ever. They had no other person or entity to call to help them solve their problem. This job is not just EMS and fire — it’s everything.”

WHAT SHOULD THE COMMUNITY KNOW ABOUT THE WORK THE NFD DOES?

“It’s all about serving the public. Many people don’t understand why there’s a paramedic on an engine or a ladder truck, and not just on an ambulance. We bring a team of guys out there who will be able to help combat whatever situation you’re in. We show up as an army to help combat your problem. There’s a reason there are so many different fire departments and trucks. While we’re taking care of you, those other trucks will be out taking care of other people. We’re sending the troops to help you.”

THE CHALLENGES FACING FIRST RESPONDERS ARE RAPIDLY CHANGING. HOW IS THE NFD ADAPTING TO NEW CHALLENGES?

“This job is ever changing. If you’re not current on the trends, you definitely fall behind. (The NFD is) finding new and innovative ways to do things, whether it’s to fight a fire or do CPR. Every five years, a CPR update (is done), and every update is based on actual science and studies. They’re doing the same thing now, more so than ever on the fire side of things as well.”

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STEP DOWN?

“It’s a young man’s game. I’ve been battling a lot of back issues. I can still do the job, but it takes so much longer to recuperate when you hurt for several days afterward. The pain was the icing on the cake. It was time to step down and try and find something else.”

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

“I struggled a lot. I’ve padded my resume my whole career so when I walked away from the NFD, I would have my certifications to be a flight paramedic. However, I landed a position at Riverview Hospital that will allow me to stay involved as its EMS clinical educator. So, while I’m not with the fire department anymore, I get to stay involved with a lot of the guys and continue in their education.”

Watson

Fiber arts enthusiasts plan debut FIBRuary Fest

By Cassie King news@youarecurrent.com

Fiber arts enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate this winter with the debut of FIBRuary Fest, a festival dedicated to all things yarn and fiber.

CRAFTING

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

6PM & 8:30PM

The event, organized by Fishers businesses Color Me Happy Fiber Arts Studio and RoseGold Yarn, is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1 at Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Rd., in Noblesville, followed by a two-week yarn crawl across central Indiana.

Michelle Salyers, co-owner of Color Me Happy Fiber Arts Studio in Fishers, said she came up with the idea after hearing interest from crafters during a weekly Sit ‘n Stitch group in Noblesville. Around the same time, Salyers and Maddie Kellner, co-owner of RoseGold Yarn, discussed the concept during a fiber arts conference.

“The idea really took shape after a few days of brainstorming,” Salyers said. “We realized a February event could bring fiber lovers together during the winter lull and offer a sense of community and creativity.”

The festival’s name is an acronym for fun, inspiration, bonding and relaxation, and draws inspiration from the online yarn community. Fiber enthusiasts worldwide participate in the “Fiberuary challenge” each February.

“We wanted to bring that online energy into an in-person event,” Kellner said. “It’s a time when people are looking for something to do post-holidays and before spring festivals kick off.”

Vendors will showcase yarn, fiber and crafting tools, while yarn trucks parked outside will add to the vibrant scene. A separate space will feature coffee, snacks and communal crafting tables.

“We’re aiming for a ‘cozy crafting’ vibe,” Salyers said. “We’re even planning a ‘yarn doctor’ table where people can get help with their projects or watch demonstrations by local yarn shop representatives.”

The festival will feature artisans and vendors from across Indiana, selected based on expertise and connection to the local crafting community.

“For this first year, we focused on vendors we’ve met through other festivals and word-of-mouth recommendations,” Kellner said.

Following the festival, a two-week yarn

crawl from Feb. 2 to 17 invites participants to explore yarn shops within a 60-mile radius of Indianapolis. Each shop will provide exclusive experiences, such as limited-edition yarns, discounts and giveaways.

“Participants will receive a passport to track the shops they visit,” Kellner said. “Completed passports will be entered into a grand prize drawing, encouraging people to explore new stores and connect with fellow fiber lovers.”

The timing and structure of the crawl aim to accommodate winter travel conditions and provide ample opportunity for crafting.

“We think the two-week timeframe will give participants plenty of time to visit stores while allowing for cozy crafting days at home,” Salyers noted.

A key goal of FIBRuary Fest is to support local yarn shops and artisans, particularly during the slower winter months.

“Small businesses are critical to local economies,” Salyers said. “This event encourages people to come together, support small businesses and share their love of fiber arts.”

Kellner echoed the importance of fostering community.

“Many local stores offer classes and experiences for different budgets,” she said. “We hope attendees will not only shop but also build relationships with store owners and fellow crafters.”

Salyers and Kellner hope FIBRuary Fest will become an annual tradition and have plans to expand it in future years.

For more about FIBRuary Fest and the upcoming yarn crawl, visit fibruaryindiana. com or instagram.com/fibruary_indy.

From left, RoseGold Yarn owners Sarah Stuckey and Maddie Keller and Color Me Happy Fiber Arts owners Linda Williams and Michelle Salyers at a recent fiber crafts event. (Photo courtesy of Maddie Kellner)

CENTER STAGE

Noblesville High School senior to perform in inaugural Home Brewed Music series

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville High School senior Amy Schoonover has never had a chance to share her original music with the community — until now.

Schoonover, 18, is set to perform in a new live music series tentatively called the Home Brewed Music series, a collaboration between HamCo Live and Bier Brewery at 1618 S. 10th St. in Noblesville, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

Schoonover said she looks forward to sharing her original music at the event.

“I haven’t really had a chance for an audience to hear my original music, so this is going to be a big deal for me,” Schoonover said. “It’s my first gig outside of high school because my church and NHS (have organized) many (of the) gigs I’ve participated in. The event is the first thing I’m doing to improve my musicianship and solidify what I want to do in the future. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Josh Cecil, creator of HamCo Live, a website listing all live music events in Hamilton County, said the Home Brewed Music series is an opportunity for the community to hear original music by local artists.

“Our mission at HamCo Live is to make Noblesville the premiere live music destination in the Midwest,” Cecil said. “We think supporting original local artists and giving them a place to perform is fundamental to that goal. Bier Brewery, like many of our artists, is innovative, creative and community-oriented, so we are thrilled to be working with them.”

Schoonover said she has been interested in music since she was young. She plays several instruments, including piano, guitar and violin, and writes music.

“I’ve taken piano lessons for more than 10 years, and I’m a part of my school’s advanced orchestra,” Schoonover said. “I’ve been to some guitar classes and also do worship leading at my church. I really enjoy being a part of different bands and orchestras. It’s just all music all the time for me.”

Although she has played music and sang for most of her life, Schoonover only began writing music in 2020.

“I started when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and just progressed from there,” Schoonover said. “I think what inspired my creativity was that I write poetry, and a friend told me I should combine my poetry and piano talent to write songs.”

Schoonover said she enjoys writing her own lyrics because she can share her life experiences through music that connects with people.

“I always write about personal experiences, like breakups, friendships, relationships — just hard aspects of life,” Schoonover said. “Many of my songs include background tidbits of my life, but I try to make it relatable to everyone.”

take a different route regarding her future plans.

“I love songwriting, but I don’t want to become the next huge artist,” Schoonover said. “I think I would rather do little gigs and get my name out there a bit, but not so much that I’m super famous. I would love to write songs for other big-name artists. And with my piano and guitar experience, I’d love to open a studio and host a master class or teach lessons to younger kids, specifically those with special needs.”

For more about the Home Brewed Music series, visit hamcolive.com. For more on Schoonover, follow her Instagram at @amy.makes.music.

ON THE COVER: Amy Schoonover plays several instruments such as piano, guitar, ukelele and violin. (Photo courtesy of Amy Schoonover)

IF YOU GO

In the past four years, Schoonover has developed a personal songwriting process.

“I usually just sit at my piano, and either the lyrics come first, or the music comes first,” Schoonover said. “There could be a phrase of a lyric that comes, and then I build off of that, or a little instrumental melody that comes first. It’s just me sitting at my piano for a long while and starting to get a chorus or verse down, and then I’ll come back and refine it. I pretty much only write on piano, and from there, I can transpose to other instruments like guitar or ukulele. My brain works best when I am learning with my piano.”

After she graduates, Schoonover plans to continue her music career, and said she has a few options in mind.

“I’ve applied to Belmont University for its songwriting major, and I’m also considering a music business major,” Schoonover said. “I also applied to the University of Cincinnati for a commercial music production major. So, I’m waiting to hear back from them. I plan to go to college, study the technical business side of music and perform on the side.”

Although she enjoys songwriting, Schoonover wants to

Who: HamCo Live and Bier Brewery Noblesville are launching a series tentatively called Home Brewed Music, featuring Hoosier artists.

What: New local artists will be featured every third Thursday of each month. Noblesville High School senior Amy Schoonover will be joined by Spenser Johns of Indianapolis, Tay Bronson of Carmel and Jesse Jones of Indianapolis at the inaugural event. When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

Where: Bier Brewery at 1618 S. 10th St. in Noblesville. Why: “For a venue to have cover bands, they have to pay for a BMI and/or ASCAP license,” said Josh Cecil, creator of HamCo Live. “The cost of this license is related to the size of the venue. Considering Bier’s size, the cost of the license was considerably high. Working together, Bier and HamCo Live saw this as an opportunity to support all of the great local artists we have in our midst. We believe these events will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy good food, good beer and discover your next favorite artist.”

Noblesville High School senior Amy Schoonover always begins her songwriting process at her piano. (Photo courtesy of Amy Schoonover)

Amy Schoonover is an accomplished pianist.

Audience picks ‘Yesterday and Today’ setlist for Beatles interactive tribute act

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Billy McGuigan and his two brothers have deep ties to Beatles music and the memories associated with the songs.

“Our dad was a military man who traveled all over the world,” McGuigan said. “When we didn’t have money, we always had his Beatles records and guitar. We lost our dad to leukemia when he was 42. This music is what kept his spirit alive with us and kept us together as brothers. When we started 17 years ago, there were probably 30 to 40 Beatles acts with everyone dressed like The Beatles. We didn’t dress up as kids, so we didn’t want to do that.”

McGuigan, 49, and his brothers Ryan, 46, and Matthew, 42, created Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience.” The band will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 18 the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Before the two-hour tribute show, audience members are invited to fill out request cards listing their name, favorite Beatles song and the reason the song is so important to them.

About two minutes before the show, McGuigan said they put together a setlist from the audience, which he said makes each performance unique.

McGuigan said the show is less about how The Beatles dressed and more about what their music means to the concertgoers.

“Now, there are not as many bands dressing up like The Beatles, and we’re still around because our show has heart,” McGuigan said. “We’re not just playing the songs because someone is paying us to do it. We would do it, anyway. We just bring all our friends in the audience with us. At the end of the show, instead of twisting and shouting, you’ve gone through an experience that was kind of unique and unlike anything else out there.”

McGuigan said they have played every Beatles song in their catalog at least once on stage. The catalog contains approximately 225 songs.

The band played “Now and Then,” which was released in November 2023, one day after it was released. John Lennon, who was killed in 1980, recorded it as a home demo. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr completed it with overdubs and guitar tracks by George Harrison, who died in 2001.

McGuigan said the band can perform songs by McCartney’s Wings band and solo songs by the four Beatles, so they can play about 400 songs. He said there is rarely a show when “Hey Jude” isn’t requested. Other heavily requested songs are “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You.”

“Those consistently make our show,” he said.

McGuigan said he recently received six requests for “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.”

This is the first time McGuigan has

played in the Indianapolis area.

The brothers don’t play a particular Beatle on stage. McGuigan sings most of the McCartney songs. Ryan performs most of Lennon’s songs and Matthew sings most of Harrison’s songs.

“I play piano and guitar,” McGuigan said. “Matthew is music director and plays bass guitar and piano, and Ryan does a little of everything. He plays percussion and hits buttons on his keyboard.”

The band, which is based in Omaha, Neb., has three other members besides the siblings. Keyboard player Darren Pettit has been with the group since the start.

“We do about 100 shows a year,” McGuigan said. “The best part is having my brothers with me because we’ve been doing it since we were little kids. To see the adult versions of them become rock stars is kind of fun.”

Before McGuigan started the band with his brothers, he toured as the late Buddy Holly for several years.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

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

’YESTERDAY AND TODAY’

“Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience” is set for 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party” is set for Jan. 16, followed by “Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” Jan. 17 and “Dueling Pianos” Jan. 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DISPATCHES

Civic Theatre fundraiser set — “Waiting in the Wings,” a fundraiser to support Civic Theatre, is set for Jan. 22 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. There will be performances at 6 and 8:30 p.m. The cast will perform selections from shows Civic Theatre officials plan to stage in the future. The cast includes Bella Agresta, David Brock, Drew Bryson, Sadie Cohen, Joe Doyel, Jay Fuqua, Braxton Hiser and Sally Root. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘Luminaries’ series features African American Classical Composers — The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ “Luminaries” series will present “The Music and Lives of African American Classical Composers” at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium in Carmel. Saxophonist Trevor Conerly and pianist Andrew Brown will perform several musical pieces while highlighting the lives, challenges and stories of the composers. Conerly, a DePauw University graduate, is a saxophonist who lives and works in the Indianapolis area. Pianist Andrew Brown is a fellow DePauw grad and Indianapolis native. Admission is $10 and includes light refreshments. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Ryan, Billy and Matthew McGuigan from “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Battles Experience.” (Photo courtesy of Billy McGuigan)

‘Heart of Afghanistan’ set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Fanoos Ensemble will introduce a Carmel audience to a unique blend of their heritage.

MUSIC

The group will perform its “Heart of Afghanistan” program at 8 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.

Elham Fanoos, 27, who is based in New York City, plays piano and is the music director.

The Fanoos family’s father, Ahmad, came to the U.S. in 2021 and is the vocalist and plays the harmonium. Elham’s younger brother, Mehran, who is an Indiana University music student, plays the violin and Sohail Karimi plays the tabla.

“We like to call (Sohail) a brother from another mother because we’re very close,” Elham said.

The “Heart of Afghanistan” program is in collaboration with American Voices, which presents music around the world.

“We started presenting the program in 2022 and have performed in about 25

Agatha Christie’s

states and over 40 concerts so far,” Elham said. “We are mixing Afghan music with Western classical music because we believe this is a unique ensemble.”

Elham, who has been in the U.S. since 2015, said his father evacuated from Afghanistan with the help of Fox News.

“It was very unsafe for him and there were a lot of threats on him because he is quite well known in Afghanistan because he was a judge on ‘Afghan Stars,’” Elham said. “It was similar to ‘American Idol’ and big around Afghanistan.”

For more, visit fanoosensemble.com. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Actresses embrace ‘murder’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Devan Mathias views a murder mystery play as a juicy piece to put together because the actors and production team already know the ending.

MYSTERY

“We get to build those clues into the show throughout the rehearsal process, planting seeds for the sleuths in the audience along the way, but we have to do that without tipping our hats too much,” Mathias said. “So much of what’s happening in a murder mystery is about what’s ‘not’ being said, but rather what’s happening without words, all right in front of the audience. The challenge for us as actors — and part of what makes it such fun — is to develop these really rich backstories and strong opinions of each other to breathe life into that aspect of the story.”

Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.

“The playwright, Ken Ludwig, has done such a marvelous job honoring the original Agatha Christie tale while also bringing the comedy of this story to the forefront,” Mathias said. “What’s lovely about this script, and our production, is that it unites the mystery and the comedy genres in such a delicious way.”

The Fishers resident portrays Greta Ohlsson in “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” through Feb. 9 at Beef &

Noblesville resident Suzanne Stark portrays Princess Dragomiroff.

Stark said there are challenges with any role, particularly ones that are new to her resume.

“I am so looking forward to finding out ‘who’ I will end up being as we work through the rehearsal process,” Stark said. “The age of the Princess is the same range as my age, but I imagine I will approach her with more gravity than my normal personality or the roles I usually play.”

Stark said finding comedic moments in a play that has a dark theme is an interesting challenge.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Mathias Stark

From left, Mehran Fanoos, Sohail Karimi, Ahmad Fanoos and Elham Fanoos will perform Jan. 25 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy Elham Fanoos)

Credit where credit’s due?

Commentary by Terry Anker

The 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, assumed power upon the death of incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt, 82 days into Roosevelt’s fourth term in office. Presenting himself as a commonsense haberdasher from Kansas, Truman was known for his use of simple, working-class aphorisms, along with his many accomplishments, including the formation of NATO, implementation of the Marshall Plan and the rebuilding of the post-World War II world. Chief among his sayings may be his often referred, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” It is difficult to disagree.

ESSAY

Yet, most will remember the one on his desk in the Oval Office: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” When asked its intent and importance to his administration, Truman would cite the necessity of shared incentives in teams. If one person became too prominent, the other participants would encounter a dimin-

ished incentive to give their best effort to the overall cause. Acknowledgement and recognition serve as important forms of compensation. Many of us work harder and make sacrifices to reap the benefits of this form of social “credit.” If others take it from us, we might argue, what is the use of putting in the extra time?

Truman believed that this attention to value, tangible or not, could lead to diminished outcomes. But in the 72 odd years since he left office, the world is as much the same as it is different. Still, would a modern take be more likely that much more gets done if we don’t care who gets the blame? If one errs in 280 characters on X, careers are ended and lives are destroyed. Can innovation exist where the cost of blame is greater than the benefit of credit?

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

Confessions of a chronic loser

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I tend to lose stuff. Once, I lost a cellphone and found it in the freezer. Then, I misplaced my wallet and found it at the bottom of the dog food canister. There is a logical explanation for both of those incidents — sort of.

HUMOR

My wife Mary Ellen has told me many times that I am clearly a loser. She’s witnessed many of my misplacements, so I accept that label. But when her mother first met me, she told Mary Ellen I was a loser. She knew that after one visit. How perceptive.

To prevent further device separation, I bought a Tile. This ingenious product, about the size of a credit card, slips into your wallet and allows you to discover where you left your billfold by looking at a GPS map posted on your phone or computer. The screen gives the exact location of your valuables. Your cellphone also makes a beeping noise as you get closer to where your wallet is hiding.

The problem was that when I sat down anywhere, the pressure on my wallet in my pocket against the chair set off the Tile: Buzz! Beep! You’ve heard of a butt call. This was a trouser notification.

This sound confirmed that my wallet was nearby. Of course, it was nearby. It was in my pants. This was an unnecessary alert. And very annoying. It kept sounding off one morning at breakfast until my friends asked me to remove the Tile from my back pocket and place it on the table. An hour later, I walked out of the restaurant without my Tile. I didn’t realize it was missing until the following week. I had no idea where I’d left it.

Later that evening, my wife and I were headed out for dinner, but I couldn’t find my wallet. Mary Ellen said, “Why not use your Tile to locate it?”

“I lost my Tile.”

My wife Mary Ellen has told me many times that I am clearly a loser. She’s witnessed many of my misplacements, so I accept that label. But when her mother first met me, she told Mary Ellen I was a loser. She knew that after one visit. How perceptive.

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Are you telling me you spent $50 on a device to find your wallet and you then lost the device you bought to find your wallet? Now, what are you going to do?”

“I am going on Amazon to see if they make another techie item that I can buy to find the Tile that I bought to find things I can’t find.”

Later that week, I was fiddling with my phone. Suddenly, I got a prompt that said, “The last time you used your Tile was at Another Broken Egg Cafe three weeks ago.” This is the place where our group meets for breakfast. I always leave things there, except a tip (just kidding). Sure enough, they had my Tile.

After Christmas, I returned a few items at a local department store and browsed. “Can I help you find anything?” the clerk asked.

If only he knew.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Terry

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

LIFESTYLE

1. Gloomy atmosphere

5. Zionsville Farmers’ Market fruit

9. Wall Street term

14. Slurpee alternative

15. Indiana Toll Road toll unit

16. Self-assurance

17. Start of a quote attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr.

20. Fable fellow

21. Pirelli product

22. Hair holder

23. Vintner’s valley

26. ___ Diego

27. Pacers tiebreakers, briefly

28. IU and PU foe

31. Ticket, slangily

33. Asian New Year

35. Colts supporters

37. Did the Mini-Marathon 38. Pancake topper

40. Texter’s “Just sayin’”

41. Quote, Part 2

43. “What’s ___ for me?”

45. Hose woes

47. Fish story

48. Indiana State Prison chamber

49. Fight decision, for short

50. Kind of question

52. VCR button

53. Bier Brewery brew

55. IND scanning org.

57. Pop

59. Swindle

60. Duke Energy measurements

62. Black-and-white cookies

66. End of quote

70. “The Barber of Seville,” e.g.

71. Mata ___

72. Top-notch

73. U-Haul rival

74. Thumbs-up votes

75. “Uncle!”

Down

1. Adel’s Gyros bread

2. Tummy pain

3. Jeans brand

4. Allow to board

5. Cook’s spray

6. PC file suffix

7. Came down

8. Just say no

9. Abundant

10. AAA Hoosier Motor Club job

11. One who works on a grand scale?

12. So far

13. Takes a break

18. Apple tablet

19. Coach Parseghian of Notre Dame

24. Cat sounds

25. Trendy berry

28. Slightly awry

29. Wood cutters

30. Not deliberate

32. It may be obtuse

34. Indiana Mr. Basketball from North Central HS: ___ Gordon

36. Letters on a love letter

38. Shorthand pro

39. Heap

42. Snake’s warning

44. RN’s specialty

46. Take up arms

50. Harley competitor

51. Aroma

53. Westfield Playhouse player

54. Ditzy

56. “Quiet!”

58. 70-Across highlights

61. Canine command

63. Showbiz “grand slam”

64. “Good heavens!”

65. Put your foot down 67. Mine find

68. Fury

69. Bro’s sib Answers on Page 19

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Noblesville (16 S 10th St, Noblesville, IN 46060) is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements under 327 IAC 15-5 to discharge storm water from construction activities associated with the Boden Rd. and 166th St. Roundabout Project. The project is located at the intersection of Boden Rd. and 166th St., in Noblesville Townships, IN. Run-off from the project site will discharge into William Lehr Ditch via Noblesville’s stormwater system. Questions or comments should be directed to Aaron Barding, Clark Dietz, Inc., 8900 Keystone Crossing, Suite 475, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Phone (317) 8083153, Email: aaron.barding@clarkdietz.com.

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