IGNITING WELLNESS
January 21, 2025
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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 16
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Common council elects officers, approves interlocal agreement for road project
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
At its first meeting of the year Jan. 14, the Noblesville Common Council elected new officers, presented Stake in the Ground awards and approved a road impact fee agreement between the city and Hamilton County.
GOVERNMENT
The next common council meeting is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at 16 S. 10th St. in Noblesville.
What happened: Noblesville Assistant City Engineer Jim Hellmann and Noblesville Project Manager Andrew Rodewald were honored with Stake in the Ground awards.
What it means: Councilmember Mark Boice said more than 25 years ago, former councilmember Alan Hinds developed the award to honor someone who “puts their stake in the ground” to make Noblesville a better community. Boice said Hellman and Rodewald were involved with many roadway projects in 2024 like the Reimagine Pleasant Street project and the electrification of the Carrigan Road bridge.
What happened: The council elected its 2025 president and vice president.
What it means: The council elected Megan Wiles, former council vice president and District 6 representative, as council president. Mike Davis, who is in his second term and represents District 1, was elected vice president.
What happened: The council approved a road impact fee agreement with Hamilton County.
What it means: Hamilton County and the City of Noblesville entered into an interlocal agreement for a road project as part of the construction of the Hamilton County Public Safety Center at 18291 Presley Dr. As part of the project, the county will extend Presley Drive from its northernmost dead end to the north past the future driveway of the new facility. City of Noblesville Attorney Jonathan Hughes said the cost to prepare the road is $390,000, and 50 percent of that is eligible for road impact fees. Road impact fees are one-time payments made by developers to local governments to help pay for new roads and other public infrastructure. Per the agreement, the county will pay the full cost, and the city will be paid the road impact fee. Hughes said it is a $142,000 investment by the city, and in exchange, the city receives a $390,000 road investment. What’s next: As part of the agreement, road improvements must be open to traffic no later than Feb. 11, 2027.
COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENTS
Sue Maki, left, was elected president of the Hamilton County Council, replacing Amy Massillamany, at the Jan. 8 county council meeting. Election of officers is an annual practice at the first meeting of each year. Maki was elected to the Hamilton County Council in 2020 and took office Jan. 1, 2021. She is an at-large member who has a degree in political science from Baldwin Wallace University and an M.B.A. from Anderson University. She served as manager of Environmental Initiatives & Education for Carmel Utilities for 15 years before retiring in June 2021 to devote more time to her county council role. Other appointments include Brad Beaver, middle, and Steve Nation, right, who will serve as co-vice presidents. (Photos courtesy of Tammy Sander)
Noblesville High School bands — Noblesville High School jazz and orchestra students have been invited to perform at upcoming events. The NHS jazz band will open for the Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for their performance at the Palladium in Carmel, 1 Carter Green, at 7 p.m. Jan. 26. NHS also had the only orchestra in the state chosen to participate in the 2025 Music for All National Festival. They will perform March 15 at the Palladium. For more, visit festival.musicforall.org and thecenterpresents.org.
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. For more, visit reimaginepleasantst.com.
Andrew Rodewald, left, and Jim Hellman with their Stake in the Ground awards. (Photo courtesy of Lexie Rock)
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
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.
GriefShare — Noblesville First United Methodist Church at 2051 Monument St. in Noblesville has begun its next GriefShare sessions open to the community. The winter GriefShare weekly sessions will meet on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants are invited to join anytime during the 13 weeks of meetings. A one time registration fee of $20 is appreciated. GriefShare is a 13-week non-denominational group featuring Christ-centered programming that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. For more, visit noblesvillefirst.com or contact Coleen Albright at coleen.albright58@gmail.com.
Artist’s work to be displayed — Two Noblesville-based artists will be featured on the Michael and Karen Heaton Art Gallery Wall at the Westfield Washington Public Library this summer. Augusta Edwards and Neal Snapp were selected as the artists of the month for July 2025. The gallery wall is named in honor of foundation supporters and donors Michael and Karen Heaton. Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd., is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
State police recruits graduate — Thirty members of the 86th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy graduated recently during a ceremony in the Indiana State Capitol Rotunda. The graduation and swearing-in ceremony followed 22 weeks of intense training which totaled more than 1,100 hours. New recruits studied criminal and traffic law, deescalation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, impaired driving detection, scenario-based training and a host of other academic subjects related to modern policing. Among the graduates are Samuel Miller of Fishers and Jarison Solomon Wood of Noblesville, who were both assigned to District 52 –Indianapolis. District 52 includes Marion, Hamilton, Boone, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson and Hendricks counties.
Walk-In-Closets
Reach
ATHLETICX BRACE
Let Pain Slow
COMING SOON
The City of Noblesville announced Jan. 14 that King Jugg Brewing Co. is the new business going into the former Bolden’s Dry Cleaners site at 151 N. Eighth St. in downtown Noblesville. The business will be along the White River and within the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.
Lexie Rock, the city’s communications director, said Bolden’s Dry Cleaners, which closed in July 2023, was a family-owned business for 63 years. The City of Noblesville purchased the building the same month.
Construction is expected to begin before the end of this year and be completed in 2027. Rock said King Jugg Brewing Co., a brewery-restaurant, has committed a minimum $4 million investment into adaptive reuse of the site and building, along with “significant economic impact and community involvement commitments.”
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said King Jugg is “the right fit” for the location.
“Noblesville’s thriving downtown is a family-friendly place where you can shop,
City announces new business City officials unveil signage
news@currentnoblesville.com
Signage celebrating the history of the Plum Prairie neighborhood and the Rev. Barney Stone has been installed in Noblesville as part of the Reimagine Pleasant Street project.
HISTORY
Local leaders celebrated the history of Noblesville and Hamilton County throughout the Pleasant Street corridor Jan. 10. The signage records the significance of the Plum Prairie neighborhood and the legacy of Stone, who was a longtime pastor of the First Baptist Church and one of the first formerly enslaved persons to settle in Noblesville.
“Recognizing our past while celebrating our future is at the heart of the Reimagine Pleasant Street project and our city,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “This signage pays homage to Reverend Stone and is a tribute to the Plum Prairie neighborhood and what it means to our community. We’re thrilled to see this project come to life as we continue to highlight the character of Noblesville.”
Lexie Rock, Noblesville’s communications
dine, recreate and socialize, so finding the right partner for the former Bolden’s site was necessary,” Jensen stated. “I look forward to having King Jugg in Noblesville and the impact it will bring to our downtown.”
Mike Finnegan, owner of King Jugg Brewing Co., said the business looks forward to partnering with the city.
“Noblesville is a growing, vibrant community that is ideal for our next location,” Finnegan stated. “We’re excited to bring great food, live music, craft beer and a place to watch any big sporting event to Noblesville’s downtown and become a part of (the) fantastic community.”
director, said the Plum Prairie neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was home to a growing African American community in Noblesville. Stone served in the Union Army during the Civil War, moved to Noblesville with his family in the 1890s and pastored the First Baptist Church at 5th and Cherry Streets.
Construction for Phases 2 and 3 of the Reimagine Pleasant Street project is underway.
Rendering of King Jugg Brewing Co. at 151 N. Eighth St. in Noblesville. (Rendering courtesy of Lexie Rock)
From left, Executive Director of the Noblesville Preservation Alliance Joshua Glassburn-Ruby, Hamilton County historian David Heighway and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen attend the unveiling of the signage Jan. 10. (Photo courtesy of Matt Werner)
Commissioners elect president, approve highway agreement
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Hamilton County Commissioners elected its 2025 president and vice president and approved design changes for a roadway project, among other items. The next meeting is set for 1 p.m. Jan. 27.
What happened: The commissioners elected its president and vice president.
What it means: Steve Dillinger was elected president and Christine Altman was elected vice president. Dillinger was first elected to the Hamilton County Commissioners in 1989, making him the longest-serving reelected commissioner in Indiana. He represents District 2, which includes the cities of Fishers and Noblesville and Delaware and Noblesville townships.
What happened: The commissioners approved an agreement for additional design improvements on a highway project at 146th Street east of Hazel Dell Road to the bridge over the White River.
What it means: The purpose of the roadway project is to improve efficiency, safety and the level of service of the intersection. The supplemental agreement with American Structurepoint, an engineering consultant, approves additional designs because of unknown Americans with Disabilities Act corrections that needed to be made.
What’s next: The approval raises the cost of the project to $231,926. Construction is set to begin in 2026.
Resident looks to grow business
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A Noblesville resident is trying to make a positive change in sustainability.
RECYCLING
Reuben Williams, 24, launched a recycling business, Pure Recycling, in 2024 to optimize electronic waste renewal. He said discarded electrical or electronic devices, including working and broken items, can be dangerous to the environment because of toxic materials they contain.
“I have always been an environmentalist,” Williams said. “I was thinking about the greatest problems in the near future in America, which are being the most underserved, and one would be the state of recycling as a whole. I thought about some of the most common things that are polluted that we don’t have the infrastructure for, and one would be e-waste.”
Williams said he realized the need for a program like Pure Recycling when he learned about the amount of lead and mercury impacting America.
“The amount of resources being overlooked in this entire avenue of industry is incredible,” Williams said. “Boston Consulting Group did a study and found that $10.7 billion of minerals alone are going into landfills just from e-waste. As we progress into a new energy revolution, with AI and electronic vehicles, many of these minerals will need to be recycled at a significantly higher rate.”
Williams is forming partnerships with schools, libraries, nonprofits and churches, among other organizations, to create drop-off sites for electronic waste and conduct recycling drives. Pure Recycling partners with public libraries across Indiana and is in the process of partnering with Meijer and Fresh Thyme.
Pure Recycling received its license for drop-off sites last month. It will soon have locations in Hamilton County where people can drop off items like phones, tablets, speakers and printers, among other electronic devices.
For more about Pure Recycling, visit purerecycling.org.
Williams
The Picklr opens at Keystone Crossing
By Les Morris NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
Dave Gilreath and Ron Brock have caught the pickleball wave and they’re crashing it into central Indiana. It’s not like the pair didn’t have enough going on. They are the founders and managing partners of Indianapolis investment management company Sheaff Brock, a business they started in 2001.
PICKLEBALL
But then Gilreath started playing pickleball in Florida. One thing led to another, and the initial result is The Picklr Keystone Crossing, in what was a former Office Max at 3810 E. 82nd St. The facility held its grand opening Dec. 21.
Gilreath and Brock formed a corporation, Pickle Indy, to handle their pickleball plans and the Keystone Crossing location is the first in what is expected to be a total of at least six Picklr clubs in Central Indiana.
The next opening for a Pickle Indy is scheduled for Jan. 25 in Noblesville at 9847 Cumberland Pointe Blvd.
The 30,000-square-foot club features 10 fully fenced indoor courts, a pro shop, private event space, unlimited league play, tournaments, youth academies and open play. There are several membership options available. It’s open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Becca Hsu is the Keystone club’s coordinator and leads a staff of approximately 20 part-time employees. There are eight instructors who teach at the facility, too.
“It really unites people,” Hsu said. “People are friendly and inclusive. I’ve been an athlete my whole life and I haven’t seen a sport that has the friendly community that pickleball has.”
Co-owners of The Picklr Keystone Crossing Ron Brock, left, and Dave Gilreath at the grand opening in December 2024. (Photo courtesy of The Picklr Keystone Crossing)
Community foundation launches new strategic plan
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Community Foundation, a $100 million public foundation working to mobilize people, ideas and investment in the community, recently announced the launch of its new strategic plan that went into effect Jan. 1.
IMPROVEMENTS
“This transformative roadmap reflects HCCF’s commitment to addressing Hamilton County’s most critical challenges, empowering all residents to thrive in a growing and inclusive community,” HCCF Director of Marketing Kelsey Singh stated. Singh said based on a comprehensive needs assessment conducted in 2024, which included extensive community conversations and analysis of more than 2,000 data points, HCCF identified five key areas of improvement for Hamilton County:
• Affordable housing
• Education and training
• Social services
ment, leading discussions on critical issues and clearly communicating nonprofit needs and impact, we aim to strengthen connections across the community.”
• Grantmaking: “HCCF’s grantmaking strategy will focus on priority areas to drive meaningful impact,” Singh stated. “By aligning donors and partners, streamlining processes and making targeted investments, HCCF aims to create lasting change that addresses the identified needs of Hamilton County residents.”
• Nonprofit ecosystem development and health: “To ensure a sustainable and effective nonprofit ecosystem, HCCF will support capacity-building efforts, foster collaboration and create a centralized data resource hub,” Singh stated. “This approach will enhance transparency, drive informed decision-making and amplify the collective impact of the nonprofit sector.”
• Child care solutions
• Transportation
“Hamilton County has experienced rapid growth, and our needs assessment revealed that it is a tale of two counties,” Danielle Stiles-Polk, interim resident of the HCCF, stated. “Though many community members are thriving, significant concerns exist about accessing essential services. This strategic plan underscores our dedication to addressing the county’s most pressing needs, leveraging strategic leadership, intentional investments and meaningful partnerships to drive lasting impact.”
HCCF’s strategic plan centers on four key goals:
• Leading and convening: “HCCF will position itself as a leading convener, bringing together diverse voices to develop collaborative solutions,” Singh stated. “By broadening engage-
• Donor relationships: “HCCF is committed to increasing donor impact through deeper engagement and exceptional donor experiences,” Singh stated. “By expanding co-investment opportunities, raising awareness of HCCF’s role in local philanthropy and implementing a donor-centric approach, we aim to strengthen connections between donors and the causes that matter most in Hamilton County.”
Singh said HCCF will continue to support its fundholders by helping them invest in areas that align with their passions, interests and values.
“When opportunities arise that align with the foundation’s new focus areas, fundholders will receive tailored support to maximize their impact,” Singh stated.
HCCF has unveiled a refreshed logo in tandem with the strategic plan.
For more, visit hamiltoncountycommunityfoundation.org.
DISPATCH
Galentine’s Brunch — Gal’s Guide Library in Noblesville, the first women’s history lending library in the United States, will host its Galentine’s Rebel Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb 9 at the Osprey Pointe Pavilion in Noblesville, 19777 Morse Park Lane. The event, themed “Rebel Gals,” is open to all ages but has an adult focus. Tickets are $45 per person and include a mimosa bar, brunch grazing table, mantra wheel, squad selfie spot, a gift bag and a presentation from Leah “Riwo” Leach, founder and executive director of Gal’s Guide Library. For more, visit galsguide.org.
Noblesville senior balances basketball, travel softball
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brookelyn Grayson’s collegiate future is on the softball diamond.
But for now, she is enjoying her final season on the Noblesville High School girls basketball team.
“I love the girls and atmosphere,” said Grayson, who will play softball for Duke University next season. “We’ve been really successful, and this year we were kind of the underdog. A lot of people counted us out. We have a better record than we did at this time last year. This year has been fun to be a part of.”
Grayson, a 5-foot-5 backup guard, encourages younger girls to be versatile.
“You can be really good at your main sport, but if you enjoy basketball, or even another sport, you can still develop and play that sport,” Grayson said.
Grayson doesn’t play high school softball but concentrates on travel softball. She plays for the Indiana Shockwaves’ 18-and-under team, coached by her father Tommy Grayson. Her older sister, Cameron, is a sophomore pitcher for the University of
BROOKELYN GRAYSON
Favorite athlete: Sydney
McLaughlin-Levrone
Favorite TV show: “The Vampire Diaries”
Favorite musician: Rihanna
Favorite vacation spot: California
Brookelyn Grayson, who signed to play softball for Duke University, plays basketball for Noblesville High School and travel softball. (Photo courtesy of Callie Grayson) Minnesota.
During basketball season, Grayson and the Shockwaves practice Sundays at Indiana Baseball Academy.
Brookelyn Grayson primarily plays shortstop but also can play second or third base. She batted .570 for the Shockwaves last season as the team’s leadoff hitter.
“I like hitting leadoff because I’m the
first one out there,” she said. “I think my (softball) IQ is really high, so I can see the pitcher’s spin and what she’s trying to do, whether she is trying to work one side of the plate or try to mix it up. Even if I don’t get a hit or get on, I can try to help my teammates have an advantage when they come to bat.”
She said playing travel softball is an advantage because the Shockwaves play in tournaments in the South during the spring.
“Schools in the South play high school softball in the fall instead of spring,” she
said. “We get a team of girls who don’t play high school softball and we go down to Georgia maybe once every three weeks or once a month. I’m still getting live at-bats and more reps.”
Grayson said she chose Duke because it has strong academic and athletic programs.
“I was getting a top 10 education with a top 10 softball program,” said Grayson, who plans to major in biology and pursue a career in dentistry.
She is working on sharpening her softball skills.
“Once I get to Duke, I know I am going to have to prove myself, because they are at such a high level, I’m going to have to make an impact right away if I’m going to see playing time,” she said. “My goal is to work on my game and continue to be a leader on my team. From a hitting standpoint, I want to make sure I am hitting the ball hard.”
Grayson, a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo, began playing softball when she was 5 years old.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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Exotic Snacks Indy now open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Exotic Snacks Indy, a convenience store that sells snacks and drinks from around the world, is now open at 14300 Mundy Dr. in Noblesville.
NEW BIZ
Abdulrahman Ali, 19, co-owns the business with his brothers, Abdullah Ali and Ali Ali, and their cousins, Abdullah Younes Ali, Mohammed Ali, Ahmed Ali and Yaser Ali. The family operates the exotic snack shop inside the phone repair store that they also own.
“(The) phone repair store was just doing all right,” Abdulrahman said. “We had a lot of space at the front of the store, so we slowly added some exotic snacks. We had good feedback from customers, and they told us we should add more, so we started slowly increasing our supply.”
In its first few weeks of operation, Abdulrahman said the snack shop, which gets its stock from global and domestic vendors, has had videos of the inside of the store go viral on social media; drew more than 2,000 customers; and nearly sold out of stock numerous times.
“We didn’t expect to have so many customers, so we were in shock,” Abdulrahman said. “Now, we’re expanding and have a very large supply coming.”
Abdulrahman, who is studying construction management at IU-Indianapolis, said snacks from around the world are hard to find in the area. Popular items include chicken wing-flavored Lays potato chips and different flavors of Coca-Cola and Fanta.
“One day, I was on TikTok and I saw an exotic snack store an hour or so away,” Abdulrahman said. “A few of my friends and I drove there, and when we arrived, it
was small and had a small selection. We were pretty frustrated about it. I wanted exotic snacks, but there was nowhere near us. So, I got one table at the phone store, and one table turned to five. Step by step, we slowly started getting more and more snacks in the shop.”
Abdulrahman wants to stock new items as the store’s popularity grows.
“We’ve nearly sold out of our stock, which is a good problem to have,” Abdulrahman said. “Hopefully, within the next few weeks, we will have around five rows of shelves, two fridges and two freezers. We’re also going to have teddy bears and mystery boxes. We’re planning on having a lot of fun, small activities in the shop.”
For updates on the store’s inventory, follow @exoticsnacksindy_ on Instagram.
David Weekley Homeowners Libby & Chris Phillips, Ben & Heather Muser, and Andrew & Rebecca Barrilleaux
Specialty items at Exotic Snacks Indy. (Photo courtesy of Abdulrahman Ali)
Summer Summer Camp Camp Get Movin’ Series
Registration Begins February 3 at 8:00 am
ENROLL & SUBMIT PAYMENT
Online at noblesvilleparks.org
By phone 317.776.6350 if payment by debit/credit card.
In person at Forest Park Inn
PARKER IRWIN Camp Director
ALIYA STATLER Assistant Camp Director
The all-new Get Movin' Series runs from Monday, June 2, to Friday, July 25. This 8-week adventure will introduce young campers to an exciting world of activities and exploration at Mojo Up Sports Complex and Finch Creek Park!
Each week, campers will have the chance to explore a variety of activities designed to keep them active and engaged, all while having fun. With access to top-notch facilities, kids will get hands-on experience trying new games and movements, building teamwork skills, and discovering their favorite ways to stay active.
What’s included?
Daily lunch is provided by Mojo Up’s commercial kitchen, ensuring campers are fueled for fun every day.
Morning and afternoon snacks to keep them energized. Sunscreen to help keep everyone safe.
5 camp t-shirts, one for each day of the week! Campers are required to wear their camp T-shirts daily, helping build a sense of team spirit.
Weekly field trips allow campers to explore new environments, learn something new, and have a blast outside the regular camp setting.
Special 3-day camp week during the week of July 4th so families can enjoy the holiday while still experiencing camp fun.
Cost: The weekly rate is $225 for the Rookies and Majors Series. The three-day camp from June 30 to July 2 is $150.
Forest Park Camps
Join us at Forest Park for a summer of excitement and exploration with the Ultimate Adventures Series and Preschool Camp!
From Monday, June 2nd to Friday, July 25th, this 8-week program at Forest Park will immerse young adventurers in creative activities, outdoor fun, and the wonders of nature.
Each week, campers will enjoy hands-on experiences in nature, arts, and teamwork-focused games designed to keep them active and engaged.
What’s New This Year?
Weekly Special Sessions! We’ve partnered with local experts to offer campers specialized, hands-on activities in areas like creative arts, science, sports, and more. These special sessions will bring fresh excitement and new skills each week!
Daily Snacks Provided: Campers will enjoy morning and afternoon snacks to stay energized and ready for a full day of fun and exploration.
Sunscreen: To ensure campers stay safe while playing outdoors, we’re providing sunscreen every day to protect them under the summer sun.
Campers will be busy with outdoor adventures, creative projects, and exciting challenges all summer.
Cost: The weekly rate is $160 for all summer camp options at Forest Park. The three-day camp from June 30 to July 2 is $100.
IGNITING WELLNESS
Nonprofit prepares to grow, enhance initiatives in 2025
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville nonprofit IGNITE enjoyed growth in 2024 with 25 new women joining its IGNITE Transform program. Now, the nonprofit, which helps women in central Indiana overcome hardship through mental and physical health training, is offering new and expanded initiatives this year.
IGNITE has a wellness program, IGNITE Transform, and operates a community center, IGNITE Center 4 Community, at 698 N. 10th St. in Noblesville.
Over the next year, IGNITE will add new programs and enhancements to current programs. Plans include adding a spiritual wellness coordinator and supporting women transitioning out of incarceration with the goal of reaching more women in need.
IGNITE TRANSFORM
IGNITE Community Partner Coordinator Sally Bauer said IGNITE Transform is a mental health program that addresses spiritual and physical wellness. The program is for women 18 and older who are recovering from addiction and are struggling to overcome mental health issues or other barriers.
Bauer said IGNITE founder Mary Beth Woehrle started IGNITE in 2016 after undergoing bariatric surgery.
“Mary Beth began realizing how important physical activity was for mental health,” Bauer said. “While it was easy for her at the time, she realized (many) people don’t have access to a place to train and work on mental health.”
Woehrle worked alongside several trainers before finding a building for IGNITE in 2021.
“They looked for many years for a building, and they wanted to try to be somewhere in the Noblesville area and Hamilton County,” Bauer said. “When our building came about, it was huge and affordable. So, now we have this big facility, and that is when IGNITE Transform took off. We (opened) it up to have 13 workout classes weekly.”
Bauer said IGNITE Transform offers a professionally integrated approach to mental health for women, built on three pillars that are expanding this year. They are:
• Mental health therapy: Provides up to 52 sessions per participant annually, with a growing team of more than 20 licensed professionals. IGNITE recently partnered with Aspire, which helps Hoosiers overcome physical and mental illness, to explore innovative program integration at no barrier to cost.
• Physical wellness: Offers two weekly physical wellness programs with eight trainers.
• Spiritual wellness: Supports spiritual growth with a dedicated team that plans to hire a spiritual wellness coordinator this year.
IGNITE CENTER 4 COMMUNITY
Although the IGNITE Transform program is tailored specifically for women, the IGNITE Center 4 Community welcomes men and women and offers community-focused initiatives that are also expanding this year, including:
• Weekly spaghetti dinners: Forty attendees come for dinners weekly, and the nonprofit is expanding outreach beyond Hamilton County.
• Monthly mental health talks: Relatable sessions on managing daily anxiety and stress, with plans to grow through partnerships and grants.
• Wellness center classes: Eleven weekly donation-based classes, recently expanded with support from the Hamilton County Health Department.
• Weekly breast cancer support groups: An important resource for 15 to 20 participants.
This year, the IGNITE Center 4 Community has a new program in partnership with the Hamilton County Jail. Through a grant, IGNITE will support women transitioning out of incarceration to reduce relapse and recidivism.
“We will target women who are getting ready to get (out of jail) and start working with them in the last 60 days of their sentence,” Bauer said. “Once they do get out, they’ll have an established community. They’ll know their trainers and have started Bible study and working out. We’re going
to provide mental health therapists that go to the jail, trainers that go to the jail and then always do Bible studies via Zoom or whatever works.”
Bauer, who previously worked at the Shepherd Center, a senior citizen center in Noblesville, said she became involved with IGNITE after the center collaborated on an advocacy program for seniors. She admired what IGNITE stood for and looks forward to continuing to aid in program expansion.
“It’s such a huge variety of women that we’ve helped, even people who don’t have addiction,” Bauer said. “It takes a village.”
For more, visit ignitetransform.org.
ON THE COVER: Women exercise in an IGNITE Transform class. (Photo courtesy of Sally Bauer)
MASQUERADE GALA
IGNITE will hold its largest fundraiser of the year, a Masquerade Gala, from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 8 at Embassy Suites Noblesville, 13700 Conference Center
Dr.
“At the gala, The Bishops, a local band, will be playing,” IGNITE Community Partner Coordinator Sally Bauer said. “There also will be food and a cash bar. Our goal is to raise $75,000. Last year, we raised around $50,000, and that allowed us to create scholarships and help additional women.”
The night will celebrate “mental health heroes” and showcase IGNITE’S 2024 highlights. A silent auction also will be available.
In Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen’s Jan. 3 segment of Friday Five, his weekly city updates on Facebook, he announced he looks forward to being a guest speaker at the event.
“I’m honored to have been asked to speak at the IGNITE Masquerade Gala,” Jensen stated. “It’s critical that, as a community, we prioritize mental health. It takes all of us coming together to say, ‘It’s OK to not be OK,’ and support our family, friends and community. IGNITE continues to be a valuable resource for those who need assistance, and I applaud their efforts for being a bright light for so many. I look forward to continuing to work with community organizations like IGNITE on meaningful topics such as mental health and wellness.”
Tickets for the Masquerade Gala are on sale. Individual tickets are $125, or attendees can purchase a table for $1,000. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.
For tickets, visit bit.ly/4agJ7Kl.
The IGNITE Center 4 Community at 698 N. 10th St. in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Sally Bauer)
Cheap Trick founder promotes vodka brand in Carmel visit
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
Even when he talks on the phone, Cheap Trick founder and lead guitarist Rick Nielsen wears his trademark baseball cap and jacket.
And that’s what he’ll wear for his appearance from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Niemann Harvest Market in Carmel, to promote his new spirit, ROCK’N Vodka.
Nielsen will sign bottles of ROCK’N Vodka and possibly flick guitar picks at customers, too, another trademark of the veteran rocker who used to toss used picks at concert goers in the 1970s.
This isn’t the first time Nielsen has invested in a business.
An investor in the Hard Rock Casino in his hometown of Rockford, Ill., and a longtime owner of Piece Brewery & Pizzeria in Chicago, Nielsen partnered with ROCK’N Vodka founders Andy and Isabelle Roiniotis in 2020 to help the married couple establish the brand and lift the community.
“I wanted other people to have jobs,” Nielsen said. “And good quality vodka and ROCK’N Vodka is the hottest new vodka on the market.”
ROCK’N Vodka has won several awards for quality, which Andy Roiniotis attributes to a unique distilling process incorporating sugar cane.
“There’s only a few sugar cane vodkas in the world,” Roiniotis said. “Our customers are going to get a top-shelf vodka at a reasonable price.”
Nielsen initially started out as a spokesperson but is now an equal investor.
“He’s been amazing for our brand,” Roiniotis said.
Few bands in the world have toured more than Cheap Trick.
Formed in 1973 in Rockport, Ill., Cheap Trick has toured nonstop for six decades and performed more than 5,000 shows. Throughout its history, the band has
played venues ranging from bowling alleys to rib fests to Olympic arena.
“I’ve been playing longer than Cheap Trick,” said Nielsen, 76. “I’m too dumb to quit.”
Cheap Trick, whose hits include “Surrender,” I Want You to Want me” and “Dream Police,” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
On the personal front, Nielsen recently finished playing some gigs with his family band, The Nielsen Trust, with his sons Miles and Daxx.
“I still play all the time and just played three straight nights,” Nielsen said. “I like what I do, and I like when other people like it.”
And he’s still throwing out those ubiquitous guitar picks of all colors and designs.
Cheap Trick returns to the area Aug. 9 when it opens for Rod Stewart at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.
As for the Carmel event, Nielsen will sign bottles of vodka and visitors can bring their hat and jacket.
“I’ll be there,” Nielsen said. “Just take your cap and jacket off.”
IF YOU GO
WHO: Rick Nielsen, founding member of Cheap Trick
WHAT: ROCK’N Vodka bottle signing
WHERE: Niemann Harvest Market, 2140 E. 116th St., Carmel
WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 25
Customers are encouraged to arrive early and there will be a cutoff point. Prizes will be awarded. Nielsen will sign bottles purchased and one other item. For more, visit rocknvodkas.com
‘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.
‘EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL’
“The Evolution of Joni Mitchell Starring Lauren Fox” is set for 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘DESCENDANTS THE MUSICAL’
The Drama Dept. presents “Descendants The Musical” Jan. 24-26 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘BREAKIN’
CLASSICAL’
Carmel Symphony Orchestra will be joined by breakdancers from FLY Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
WYNTON MARSALIS
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“The Magic of David Ranalli” is set for Jan. 23 with comedian-musician Heyward Banks Jan. 24-25 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, feinsteinshc.com.
DISPATCH
CIDE’s 25th anniversary gala set — To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will host an anniversary gala Jan. 25 at Iron & Ember in Carmel. The event will be emceed by Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell and will include refreshments and a performance by the senior company. Proceeds will support the future growth of the nonprofit. For tickets, visit cidedance.org/25th-anniversary-gala.
Cheap Trick founder and lead guitarist Rick Nielsen will sign ROCK’N Vodka bottles. (Photo courtesy of ROCK’N Vodka)
Cirque du Soleil shows set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Emily McCarthy saw her first Cirque du Soleil performance when she was 12 and immediately knew she wanted to be part of it one day.
PERFORMANCES
By age 16 in 2012, she had joined the Canadian-based entertainment company.
McCarthy is an acrobat on Cirque du Soleil’s “CRYSTAL,” which will be on the ice Jan. 2326 at the Fishers Event Center.
McCarthy started gymnastics at age 6 and moved to acrobatic gymnastics when she was 11. She competed for the Great Britain team for acrobatics from ages 13 to 16.
McCarthy has been a part of the creation of “CRYSTAL,” which started in 2017.
“I play one of the Crystal. The male Crystal is an ice skater and I do an act called hand-to-trapeze, which blends the acrobatic skills and ice skating together,” McCarthy said. “It’s a beautiful number where Crystal gets to tell a piece of the story.”
McCarthy said the story is very relatable.
“Not just for young women, but for every human being that has felt like they
don’t fit in or feel misunderstood. That’s the narrative of Crystal’s story,” she said.
“She doesn’t fit in at school and her family thinks she’s a bit weird. The whole show she is trying to figure out who she is and find the love for herself and find the beauty of the quirks. I do love the show for that reason. I also get to blend my acro-sport background and my arial skills.”
Besides ice dancing, pairs and solo skating, synchro and extreme skating, there are more than seven Cirque du Soleil disciplines in the show, including banquine, handto-hand, acro/tumbling, juggling, trapeze, poles, chair balancing and aerial straps. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
Emily McCarthy is an acrobat in Cirque du Soleil’s “CRYSTAL.” (Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil)
AAA Hoosier Motor Club named official partner of Devour Indy
editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association recently announced that AAA Hoosier Motor Club is the official partner of the Devour Indy Restaurant Week. The partnership highlights AAA’s commitment to supporting local businesses and enriching the vibrant culinary landscape of central Indiana and beyond, according to the organization.
DINING
Devour Indy Restaurant Week, the premier dining event in Indianapolis, brings together food enthusiasts to experience special menus and exclusive offerings from some of the city’s top restaurants. The event runs Jan. 20 to Feb. 2 and showcases the culinary talents of participating establishments while driving community engagement and economic growth.
“We are proud to partner with AAA Hoosier Motor Club as the official sponsor of Devour Indy,” stated Patrick Tamm, president/CEO of InRLA. “Their dedication to sup-
porting local businesses and enhancing the experiences of Hoosiers aligns perfectly with the mission of Devour Indy. Together, we’re creating an event that not only celebrates our city’s thriving hospitality scene but also strengthens our community.”
As the official partner, AAA Hoosier Motor Club will play an integral role in promoting Devour Indy, bringing its resources and extensive membership network to support participating restaurants. AAA members also will enjoy special perks, including a sneak peek of restaurant menus prior to the public launch.
“AAA Hoosier Motor Club has a longstanding tradition of advocating for local businesses and enriching the lives of our members,” stated Matt Goins, president/ CEO of AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “Partnering with Devour Indy is a natural extension of our commitment to the central Indiana community, and we are excited to help highlight the incredible culinary talent our region has to offer.”
For more, visit devourindy.com.
At Eskenazi Health our patients are treated with compassion and skill with nationally recognized programs that include a Level I trauma center, regional burn center, comprehensive senior care program, women’s and children’s services, Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, and a network of primary care sites located throughout the neighborhoods of Indianapolis known as Eskenazi Health Center. Eskenazi Health has been named Indiana’s top hospital for community benefit and health equity by the Lown Institute.
Blueprint for Improvement: Effortless elegance in Carmel
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1999 in Carmel’s Laurel Lakes neighborhood, this home’s kitchen was due for a contemporary facelift. Our team envisioned a timeless transformation featuring a classic palette, thoughtful storage solutions and strategic appliance placements, resulting in a functional and effortlessly elegant space.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A classic palette featuring tones of white, taupe and gray offers a versatile backdrop that adapts beautifully to evolving trends.
• Organic warmth is introduced through wood barstools, seagrass dining chairs and iron accents.
• Functionality is significantly enhanced by relocating the range off the island, providing additional prep and entertaining space.
• The removal of an impractical desk makes way for additional cabinetry, streamlining sight lines and increasing counter and storage space.
• The design is elegantly finished with a double-basin apron front sink, crown molding and brushed nickel hardware, bringing both charm and practicality to the forefront of this kitchen transformation.
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.
Across
1. “Who’s there?” reply
6. Fever or Colts, e.g. 10. Birth-related 11. Planets’ paths
14. *”No more delays!”
16. Circuit 17. F1 neighbor
18. Practice for the Indiana
Golden Gloves
20. Boone County Fair barn
21. Pie ___ mode
23. Sends an invitation for 25. Ludicrous
27. “Sorta” suffix
28. King Wok soup
29. Chaos
31. Robber
33. *”My Heart Will Go On” singer
35. Disreputable
37. Leniency
38. White River snakelike fish
39. Letter #26
41. Giraffes’ cousins
45. Mason’s tool
47. FedEx rival
48. IND posting
49. Employ
50. Mass Ave public art: “___ Dancing”
52. Turn upside down 53. *116th St. bagel guys
57. Sketched again
58. Make ___ of (botch) 59. Lays down the lawn
60. “Old MacDonald” refrain...and a hint to the answers of the starred clues
Down
1. Visiting, so to speak
2. Some Chevy SUVs
3. Big first for a baby
4. Fire & Flow Yoga class need
5. Col. Lilly
6. Little piggies
7. Jong and Wheeler
8. Tummy muscles
9. Belarus capital
12. Rotation on some tennis shots
13. Wrap snugly 15. ___ culpa
Hawaiian garland
House top
Study closely
22. Jeans maker Strauss
24. Running gags, e.g.
26. Attention-getting sound
27. Frozen treat
30. “My treat!”
32. Georgetown athlete
33. Dieter’s concern
34. Let fall
35. Adam’s third son
36. Spookier
40. Tickled pink
42. First female Speaker of
House
43. “That’s correct”
44. Tree fluid
46. Meanders
47. Half of bi-
51. Defunct Indy newspaper
52. At no cost
54. Sellout letters
55. Scot’s denial
56. Fat stat, briefly Answers on Page 19
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