Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 12
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Butler student encourages local youth to consider DECA
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A Butler University undergraduate wants local youth to expand their knowledge and prepare for the future.
ENGAGEMENT
A 2022 graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, Eric Bedrosian, 20, moved with his family to Westfield two years ago. Now a junior year at Butler University, Bedrosian is studying marketing and finance. In April, Bedrosian was elected to serve as the International President of Collegiate DECA.
DECA — formerly known as Distributive Education Clubs of America — is a nonprofit career and technical student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the world.
DECA’s high school chapters include Westfield, Carmel, HSE, Noblesville, Brebeuf Jesuit and Zionsville. In his new position, Bedrosian said his goal is to reach out to students, families and community stakeholders to provide more information on how everyone can benefit from DECA.
“I started doing DECA my junior year of high school during (the pandemic). It was something that a couple of my buddies just called me one day and they said the easiest way to describe it was a business competition,” he said.
Berdrosian competed his junior and senior years at HSE, and in 2022 he and his teammates Alex Jurkovich and Ajay Singh were named International Champions at the International Career Development Conference for their project — a detailed written strategic plan and presentation — on hospitality and tourism operations research. It inspired him to stick with the program in college.
When he arrived at Butler, there was no chapter.
“When I was looking at Butler, I had the
opportunity to meet the business dean and tell him (I wanted to) start a collegiate chapter, and he said go for it,” Berdosian said. “So, freshman year I founded the chapter with a group of really great people. We grew the organization and became the third-largest collegiate chapter in the world out of 200 and just have had a great time growing the organization at the local level.”
He ran for his position in the international division after learning more on how the organization touches high school and college students worldwide. Now, he’s working to increase involvement.
“The high school division focuses more
on preparing you for college, what you want to do, what you want to study and the things that you are excited about,” Berdosian said. “The collegiate level, we really start to do that career preparedness. We’re working to get you out into the workforce, ready to go. There’s only so much you can learn in a college class. Sometimes it takes that extra, competitive experience or that extra push to do well in your life. I think collegiate DECA is a perfect place to do that.”
DECA students participate in competitive events that surround business management and administration, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism, marketing and personal finance.
“The other side to DECA is more of the networking opportunities and leadership opportunities,” Berdosian said. “A lot of members join just to get that networking and career experience. We really advocate for (career and technical organizations) where people can get out and about in their communities and get involved. Sometimes people don’t know they exist, but we serve over a quarter-million students every year but there are people who still don’t know what DECA is.”
Berdosian said DECA is more than its mission statement. Between the high school and collegiate divisions, DECA serves more than 260,000 members internationally. Indiana’s association governs high school and college chapters across the state. He wants to engage with community leaders to help spread the word about the organization.
“The experience in DECA particularly is what you make of it,” he said. “If you really want to get out there and into an international leadership position, you can go for that. But if you simply want to attend chapter meetings to listen to a guest speak, you can also do that. It’s up to you what your journey looks like.”
Learn more at deca.org.
Westfield resident and HSE graduate Eric Berrosian is one of the founders of the DECA chapter at Butler University. (Photo courtesy of Eric Bedrosian)
New troopers graduate — Indiana State Police have announced that 21 newly appointed troopers have graduated from the 85th Indiana State Police Academy. Six were assigned to the Indiana State Police Indianapolis Post and will begin the next phase of training — a three-month field training period riding with veteran troopers — to put into practical application the training received at the academy. Upon successful completion of field training, each new trooper will be assigned a state police patrol vehicle and will begin solo patrol. The Indianapolis District includes Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Hendricks and Boone counties.
Applications for ISP – The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for the 87th Recruit Academy for traditional and lateral applicants. New applicants must be a United States citizen; must be between the ages of 21 and 40 as of July 17, 2025; must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes; must possess a valid driver’s license; must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the state of Indiana; and must have a high school diploma or GED. Probationary troopers who graduate from the academy and successfully complete field training receive a $5,000 cash bonus. Interested individuals must apply online at IndianaTrooper.com. by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 13.
Fellowship opportunity for college graduates – Orr Fellowship, an early career development program in Indiana, is accepting applications for its 2025 cohort of Orr Fellows. Qualified candidates for the two-year program must be anticipating graduation in August 2024, December 2024 or May 2025 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher; a strong interest in leadership or business; demonstrated leadership and/or impactful work, life and volunteer experiences; and authorization to work in the United States. Orr Fellowship recruits, assesses and matches university graduates with high-agency roles in growing Indiana businesses, providing graduates with professional development resources and a support network to accelerate their careers. Selected finalists will interview and be matched with partner companies on Nov. 22. Apply at orrfellowship.org/apply.
Being cared for together benefits both moms and babies. That’s why you’ll find women’s and pediatric care on one campus connected to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, featuring:
• Indiana’s highest level of care, including NICU and cutting-edge pregnancy care
• 109 private NICU rooms within 268,000 sq. ft. of new space
• Level I Trauma Center
• All 8 floors dedicated to women and infants care
• Central Indiana’s first hospital where moms and babies stay in the same room
Women and Infants Hospital coming to Indy’s Northside — opening fall 2024
A parent’s perspective on Marian University Preparatory School
Commentary by Felice Brown
When my daughter transitioned from a school in Texas to Marian University Preparatory School, a 100 percent virtual schooling institution, I was cautiously optimistic. In Texas, my daughter was enrolled in a large online institution where she often struggled to get the attention she needed – illustrated by the fact that she was rarely called by name, as there were too many students to keep their names straight.
EDUCATION
As a young child, the lack of connection to her teachers and education caused my daughter to feel overlooked, at best, or, at its most extreme, getting in trouble because she didn’t respond to a name that wasn’t hers. By the end of first grade, my daughter was already discouraged and dejected without even being able to define the words. And then, our family took action.
When we relocated to Indiana, I was on a quest to find a different academic environment that would enable my daughter to feel safe and seen while learning – and
that’s when I discovered Marian University Preparatory School. Throughout the entire enrollment process, I had one goal: I wanted my daughter to have a positive experience in literacy over the next 12 months.
Upon entering Marian University Preparatory School, a 100 percent virtual school, we had some adjustments to make. Inter-
acting with fewer students was initially daunting for her. In Texas, my daughter didn’t have to know the answer because the likelihood she’d be called on was so low. However, in the virtual setting, with fewer students, her teachers and I were able to quickly ascertain her learning gaps and provide the additional support needed to help her master what she was learning – and the personalized attention she received from her teachers, Ms. Ready and Taylor, was transformative. They worked diligently to help her acclimate to the new environment and fostered an atmosphere that prioritized her well-being and academic growth.
The results have been remarkable, in and out of the classroom. My daughter participates actively in school plays and has seen a significant improvement in her reading and comprehension skills. Her enthusiasm for learning has soared, and she now spells and picks up new language skills with confidence. The progress in her English Language Arts, or ELA, scores is a testament to the nurturing and effective teaching methods at Marian University Prep. What took her days to complete due to test anxi-
ety at the beginning of the year now takes a fraction of the time, showcasing her increased confidence and reduced anxiety. Moreover, the school’s faith-based approach extends beyond academics. It subtly integrates values and lessons into everyday activities without being overly prescriptive. For instance, during Earth Day, my daughter became passionate about picking up trash in our local community. She even began thanking others for not littering, demonstrating her growing sense of responsibility and community engagement.
Financially, the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program has been a blessing, significantly reducing tuition costs and allowing us to cover her second-grade year as well. This has made it feasible for us to consider additional extracurricular activities, even though we live three hours from the school. We plan to use some Fridays or Mondays for travel so she can participate more fully.
In sharing my daughter’s journey, I hope to provide a comprehensive view of our experience with Marian University Preparatory School.
Felica Brown’s daughter dispays a project she created as part of the curriculum from Marian University Preparatory School. (Photo courtesy of Felice Brown)
INDIANA STATE FAIR FEATURES NEW FOODS, GLOWING ART
The Indiana State Fair previewed several new food items and attractions Aug. 1, including Taste of the Fair treats and beverages and an illuminated art installation. The fair, themed “The Art of Nature & Fun” this year, runs Aug. 2 to 18 (closed Mondays) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis. Learn more at IndianaStateFair.com. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Shane Wagner, owner of Zionsville-based SW Concessions, puts the finishing touches on The Everything Fry, curly fries topped with cheese, bacon bits, ranch, pulled pork and barbeque sauce.
Lawrence resident Ammar Atia makes a sample of the Chocolate Caramel Coffee “The Triple C” Float, which will be sold at Hook’s Drug Store Museum during the fair.
the Flowers
“All
Are for Me: Turquoise” by Indianapolis-based artist Anila Quayyum Agha will be on display in the Harvest Pavilion throughout the fair.
Cruise Indy expands to 3 sites
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
In its fifth year, Cruise Indy is undergoing an expansion.
CAR SHOW
For the first time, the car showcase will be at three sites, Cruise Indy President Dr. Kevin Macadaeg said.
Cruise Indy is set for three Carmel sites Aug. 17. Along with its original home parking lot base, Indiana Spine Group where Macadaeg practices at 13225 N. Meridian St., the other parking lot sites will be Meridian Mark 1 & II, 11611 N. Meridian St. and America Legion, 852 W. Main St.
“One of my goals is to have people on the road where they are traveling between the three sites. I want them in motion,” said Macadaeg, a north Indianapolis resident. “That’s one of the unique notions behind the whole idea. If anyone thinks their car is cool, then we want it there. Not just on the side of the road watching the cars
go by but we want people participating with their own cars. It’s not a parade, it’s a poker run. You’ll see a bunch of cars up and down the road. If they want to register and show their cars at one of the three sites, they can do that as well.”
The Spine Group will feature the Crossroads Corvettes Car Club and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Public Safety Day is set for the Meridian Mark I & II parking lot with those hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the same hours at the American Legion. The School of Rock band will perform at Indiana Spine Group and Tyler Poe and the Volunteer Railroad Band at American Legion. A band or DJ will be at the Meridian Mark lot.
There will be face painting for the children, music and food trucks at all three sites.
The event benefits Folds of Honor, which supports soldiers and first responders who are disabled or killed in the line of duty by awarding the spouse and children scholarships.
There will be a military flyover at 11 a.m. to begin the Folds of Honor program at the Indiana Spine Group.
New this year is the addition of Motorcycle Clubs and a Cruise Indy Passport, where people visiting all three sites can register and earn a Cruise Indy T-shirt.
Several other car clubs, including Mustangs, Thunderbirds and classic cars, among others, will participate.
Macadaeg, originally from Detroit, got the idea from Woodward Dream Cruise, held on Woodward Avenue in the Detroit suburbs.
“It was started as a way to raise money for a soccer field 30 years ago and turned into the biggest event in the world with 1.2 million people last year at this thing,” Macadaeg said.
For more, visit cruiseindy.com.
Macadaeg
Corvettes at a previous Cruise Indy. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Macadaeg)
Fishers native takes new role with Muslim advocacy group
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Community engagement and advocacy come naturally to Fishers native Yaquob Saadeh, and the recent IU-Indianapolis graduate is using those skills as the new community engagement coordinator for the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network.
OUTREACH
Saadeh, 22, attended Eman Schools in Fishers — a private Muslim school — and has been involved in Fishers’ Muslim community throughout his life. He said he loved growing up in Fishers, although there were some challenges.
“As a Palestinian living in kind of a suburban Midwestern town, sometimes you don’t feel like you fit in,” he said. “I’ve seen my mom get treated a certain way because she very clearly identifies as a Muslim with her head scarf. And I think in those instances, I didn’t really know how to react, just because I was so young, but it always kind of made me feel like there needs to be someone or a guiding voice or an organization that is advocating on behalf of Muslims when it comes to that stuff.”
“There’s so many small Muslim communities and so, I want to make sure that I’m reaching out to those communities and involving them in our advocacy efforts.”
– YAQUOB SAADEH
and I just realized my passion altogether lies in working with communities directly and building them up. And so that’s kind of how I transitioned into this role with the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network.”
As IMAN’s community engagement coordinator, Saadeh said he will focus on making connections with various Muslim communities throughout the state, from central Indiana, where the organization is based, to Evansville in the south, Fort Wayne in the northeast and Crown Point in the northwest.
Saadeh said negative attitudes toward Muslims haven’t really improved since he was a kid. He said his mother and sister still experience reactions to their traditional Muslim attire, including slurs yelled out by people in passing vehicles. One thing that has improved, though, is how the family reacts. Before, he said, they internalized their emotions.
“Now, we have a very open dialog about (how) this person is not secure in his Americanhood, so he’s coming after my Americanhood,” he said. “We know that regardless of how that person feels, we’re just as American, if not more American, than they are.”
As a college student, Saadeh became involved in advocacy for Muslims and Arabs. He founded the Middle Eastern Student Association at IU-Indianapolis and helped start an Indiana chapter of the national American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
“That kind of got me more connected with the student communities,” he said. “I was working a lot with partners and other student organizations and collaborating,
“There’s so many small Muslim communities and so, I want to make sure that I’m reaching out to those communities and involving them in our advocacy efforts,” he said. “We want to make sure that our policies that we’re advocating for are actually ones that affect not just Muslims in central Indiana, but all across the state.”
To accomplish that, Saadeh said he’s been on a listening tour, visiting mosques in various communities. He said he particularly wants to reach out to Muslims who haven’t been involved in the past. He said Muslim citizens need to be more involved if they want to help make positive changes.
“A lot of people are just very, very hesitant, especially when you’re speaking from the immigrant point of view,” he said. “A lot of immigrant families come from countries where they feel they don’t trust the government or there’s corruption. They don’t know that they can talk to their officials. Not all of them know that they can reach out.”
Saadeh stressed that IMAN is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for all Muslim Hoosiers, regardless of their ethnic or racial background.
For more about IMAN, visit imanadvocates.org.
Saadeh
Indy GreekFest returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indy GreekFest’s Lenie Tsakonas views the 51-year-old festival as displaying the spirit of Greek Culture to the community.
EVENT
“This time-honored festival has been a cherished tradition, showcasing the rich heritage, music, dance and cuisine of Greece,” said Tsakonas, director of marketing and sponsorships. “It’s a celebration of history and community, where generations have come together to enjoy and preserve Greek traditions. It has stood the test of time, creating lasting memories for all.”
The 51st Indy GreekFest is set for Aug. 23-24 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W. 106th St., Carmel. The hours for the free festival are 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 24. There is a $5 parking fee, cash preferred, for all vehicles.
There will be a kids zone with performances by Steve’s Puppets. The Hellenic Dance Troupe and George Karras & The Band are among the musical performances.
“Their performances are always a high-
light, bringing an infectious energy and a true taste of Greek culture that our community eagerly anticipates,” Tsakonas said of Karras & The Band.
Tsakonas said the Karras group features the bouzouki in their performances, adding an authentic touch that transports listeners to the heart of Greece.
“The bouzouki is a traditional Greek stringed instrument that holds a special place in Greek music and culture,” Tsakonas said.
Tsakonas said organizers have opened pastry pre-orders for GreekFest 2024. To preorder, visit indygreekfest.org/ collections/pastries.
A high school group performs at Indy GreekFest in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Lena Tsakonas)
BACK TO SCHOOL
Washington Township Schools celebrate opening of new Northview Middle School; North Central High School welcomes a new principal
NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
Washington Township Schools marked a significant milestone July 30 with the grand opening of the new Northview Middle School. Originally located on Westfield Boulevard, the new facility at 9020 N. College Ave. represents the district’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art educational environments that blend design excellence, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, according to WTS officials.
The two-story structure, designed to accommodate up to 1,050 students, features enhanced security measures and the latest energy-efficient systems, including LED lighting. Among its facilities is a dedicated Project Lead the Way classroom, fostering STEM education, and a makerspace designed to ignite hands-on learning experiences. The school also has a versatile “cafetorium,” a space that seamlessly transitions between dining and performance uses.
Northview Middle School also has an art room equipped with a full kiln for pottery projects and new athletic fields for football, track, baseball, softball, and soccer. The community can also enjoy a new cross-country course and walking trails.
The new school was made possible through the community’s support of the 2016 and 2020 referenda, which directed funds toward improving facilities and infrastructure districtwide. Students experienced the new school for the first time Aug. 1, coinciding with Washington Township’s first day of the school year.
Turner and Vice President Tracey Horth Krueger. (Photo courtesy of Washington Township Schools)
NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW PRINCIPAL
NorthIndy@youarecurrent.com
Jagga Rent was recently approved by the Washington Township School Board to become the next principal of North Central High School after a comprehensive hiring process involving broad-based stakeholder input.
Rent welcomed students on the first day of school Aug. 1.
“We are thrilled by Mr. Jagga Rent’s appointment as the new principal of North Central High School,” stated Nataki Pettigrew, chief academic and DEI officer. “Mr. Rent brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach that aligns with our district’s strategic goals and the unique needs of our diverse educational community. Mr. Rent will join a school community known for its deeply rooted Panther traditions and rich heritage. I am confident that Mr. Rent’s transformative leadership and commitment to
educational excellence will elevate North Central to even greater achievements. North Central is undoubtedly poised for an exciting new chapter with Mr. Rent at the helm.”
Rent’s extensive background in educational administration spans multiple roles and settings. He has served as an administrator in urban and suburban settings and has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of culturally responsive instructional practices and has a proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments that promote academic excellence and personal growth, according to school officials.
Rent was previously the principal of Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate Junior High School. Before that, he served as an assistant principal and dean at Hamilton Southeastern High School. He received both his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and master’s degree
in educational administration from Ball State University.
Rent’s impact extends beyond his recent administrative roles through his involvement as a Level Up Leadership Presenter for emerging education leaders through the Indiana Department of Education as well as an Empowering Diverse Leader Mentor for the Indiana Association of School Principals.
“I am extremely humbled and excited to embark on this new journey as the next principal at North Central High School,” Rent stated. “I am eager to contribute to the school’s rich tradition and history of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with the Washington Township community to continue their legacy of success.”
Rent is married to Finae Rent, and they have three children, Jaelynne, 11, Journie, 10, and Jagga Jr., 7. Finae Rent recently joined Eastwood Middle School as the new assistant principal. The family’s children will enroll in Washington Township Schools.
ON THE COVER: Northview Middle School Principal Tom Hakim cuts a ribbon surrounded by several students and, from left, Superintendent Nikki C. Woodson, Washington Township School Board President William
The new Northview Middle School can accommodate 1,050 students. (Photo courtesy of Washington Township Schools)
Carmel Community Players set to present rare horror show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Persistence paid off for Lori Raffel.
Raffel has been wanting to direct “The Woman in Black” since she first proposed the play to Carmel Community Players five years ago.
“The rights have been tied up by a Chicago theater for the past three years and after checking every morning for the past year I discovered it was available and I proposed it again,” she said. “We are the first theater in central Indiana to undertake this production.”
The CCP production is set for Aug. 16 to 25 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel Raffel said the play centers on a lawyer, Kipps, who is obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the specter of a woman in black. He engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. Only two actors are on stage with lines during the entire play.
“It’s not an easy project to take on for me as the director, and certainly for the actors who do most of the heavy lifting with lines and blocking and special effects,” Raffel said. “I have concentrated on the telling of the story because I think that is what theater is about, but there are scary and surprising elements throughout the show. The Woman in Black appears on stage during the show, but she does not speak. Surprisingly, I had six women audition for the part of the Woman in Black.”
The Carmel resident said the play is set in a Victorian theater in London in the early 20th century.
“The stage is set to show that a show recently closed on the stage, so there are set pieces and furniture sprinkled around the stage left over from the last production,” Raffel said. “The characters use these items to create their story, so the intimacy of The Cat stage is perfect for the show.”
Noblesville resident Earl Campbell plays Kipps. He said he was familiar with the storyline as he read the book “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill around Halloween several years ago.
Campbell said he enjoys the opportunity to play multiple characters within the course of the story. He said he plays characters from Kipps’ memories as he relays the story to The Actor.
The challenge, Campbell said, is the number of lines he and fellow actor Todd Isaac have on stage.
“That’s a lot of lines for only two actors in a 90-minute show, and it’s not just the lines, but it’s the accent and the dense storytelling and descriptions,” Campbell said. “It’s just not how the majority of people speak on a day-to-day basis, not in Indiana. So, it’s been a lot of line repetition — drilling the lines and imprinting them.”
Campbell said he must perform a different variation of English depending on which character he is playing in the show.
Isaac, a Zionsville resident whose character is titled The Actor, said he was only slightly familiar with the play before auditions, reading the script once right before.
The biggest challenge, Issac said, was presenting horror on the stage.
“It’s not an easy thing to do and I was excited to give this a whirl,” he said. “(I’ve) always been a big fan of horror, whether on stage or screen. It’s always been more difficult on stage.”
Isaac said the type of English spoken in the play isn’t easy to memorize.
“Doesn’t roll off the tongue like other shows,” he said.
This is Isaac’s first appearance with CCP.
“I only moved to the Indianapolis area a few years ago,” he said. “I don’t have a go-to theater company. It always depends on the show.”
Megan Janning, from Brownsburg, appears in the title role. Carmel resident Margot Everitt is the producer. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Barracuda: America’s Heart Tribute is set for Aug. 16, followed by Bubbles Up!
Let’s Celebrate Jimmy Buffett Aug. 17 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
Hollywood Nights: A Bob Seger Experience concert is set for Aug. 16, followed by Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Aug. 17 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony. org. SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE THE STRUTS
The Struts will appear with opening act Barns Courtney at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rock the ruins. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.
DISPATCHES
Emmylou Harris to perform at Palladium — Recently added to the 2024-25 Center Presents schedule is legendary singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris, who has released more than 25 albums. She will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 3, 2025, at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Harris is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and 14 Grammy Awards. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Country rock group Alabama set for Fishers Event Center — Multi-platinum selling country rock group Alabama has announced its “Roll on 2 North America” tour will include a stop Dec. 9 at the new Fishers Event Center. The concert will feature special guest Lee Greenwood. Tickets are now on sale at FishersEventCenter.com.
Todd Isaac, left, and Earl Campbell rehearse for “The Woman in Black.” (Photo courtesy of Samantha Kelly)
Costumes star in GHDT event
editorial@youarecurrent.com
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “Fashion at The Florence: GHDT Costumes Past and Present on the Runway” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Florence, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel.
FUNDRAISER
The fundraiser supports production expenses for the company’s new season, which begins with “Autumn Nights” Oct. 25-26 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
GHDT is known for its costumes that range from simple elegance to fantastic fashion, often with a global flair. GHDT Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock makes or curates all the costumes for the company’s productions.
“People often have great interest in the costumes of GHDT and are fascinated with the stories behind the costumes” Hancock stated. “I have selected costumes from the vast and eclectic collection that represent a small portion of the scope of costuming in GHDT productions.”
According to organizers, the event will be an opportunity to hear Hancock talk
about the inspiration behind his creations and see them presented as fashion on the runway, instead of the concert stage.
It will be the first event held in The Florence following the final installation of additional theatrical lighting and a new sound system in July.
The event is for ages 21 and older with cocktail or semiformal attire requested. There will be a silent auction and light refreshments offered. Seating is limited. Tickets are $100.
For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
CURRENT CRAVINGS CAFFÉ BUONDI
Caffé Buondi, 11529 Spring Mill Rd. in Carmel, offers a variety of European-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch options, including frittatas, smoothies, salads, crepes and more. Guests can also enjoy an espresso bar and other drinks featuring Lavazza coffee. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more at caffebuondi.com.
Ickx (Buckwheat galette folded with Nueske ham, Swiss cheese and a sunny-side up egg). (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
MOST POPULAR MENU ITEM: Signature frittatas RECOMMENDED DRINK: Pistacchio Cappuccino and Fragola Fresca cocktail.
CHEF’S FAVORITE: Rafa (spinach pasta layered with hard-boiled eggs, bacon, provolone and bechamel. Topped with gorgonzola cream).
Opening 9:55a National Anthem - Carmel High School's Choral Dept. 11:00a - 1:00p The Hippie Dream 1:30p - 3:15p Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts
3:40p - 4:40p Tim Wright 5:00p - 7:00p On the Record 7:30p - 10:30p BLUEWATER KINGS BAND 10:55a National Anthem - Carmel High School's Choral Dept. 11:00a - 12:30p Kenny Phelps Trio 1:00p - 3:30p Touch of Grass 3:45p - 5:00p Phone Club
Gregory Hancock and GHDT company members. (Photo courtesy of GHDT)
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JAZZ BRUNCH | Hosted by Blair Clark
BARRACUDA: AMERICA’S HEART TRIBUTE |
BUBBLES UP! LET’S CELEBRATE JIMMY BUFFETT | Don Far rell DRAG ME TO BRUNCH HOSTED BY PAT YO’ WEAVE | 11 am S how 21+ Only
SIMPLY THE BEST: A CELEBRATION OF TINA TURNER | Pre sented by Don Farrell
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David R analli
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience
PAUL HUGHES | Tributes to Frank Sinatra, Bobby Dari n, Dean Martin & Nat King Cole
SUMMER NIGHTS: THE MUSIC OF GREASE | Presented by D on Farrell
FRANK SINATRA: THE TRIBUTE | Presented by Don Farre ll
ADAM B. SHAPIRO IN HOLLYWOOD OR BUST | Songs From T he Silver Screen AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN | Emmy & Grammy A ward Nominee
Face 2 Face tour set for Conner Prairie
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Billy Joel understands one day his touring career will be over.
CONCERT
So, Mike Santoro said when met Joel, the 75-yearold piano man offered support for Santoro’s tribute act.
“The way he said it, ‘We’re keeping his music alive’ because he won’t be doing it forever,” Santoro said. “When he’s off the road and fans see one of our shows and they’re buying a record or downloading music, they’re not buying from us, they’re buying from him.”
The Face 2 Face tribute act, with Santoro as Joel and Ronnie Smith as Elton John, will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 24 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Santoro and Ronnie Smith formed Face 2 Face in 2010. Santoro performs as Billy Joel in a solo act called The Stranger as well.
“We come out together with the band and play four songs,” Santoro said. “Then Elton would exit and I would do a set for 40 minutes. Then he would do a set for 40 minutes, followed by a short intermission. Then we come back to do an hour and 15 minutes Face 2 Face. That’s what we’re doing (at Conner Prairie).”
Santoro, 55, said they have played Symphony on the Prairie several times. The concert stays true to the live music performance of both performers.
Santoro said he recently received the news that the name Face 2 Face is now a registered trademark in the music category. Santoro is based in Charlotte, N.C., and Smith in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Santoro has seen Billy Joel and Elton John perform live, but never saw the duo together when they toured at Face to Face. Their last tour together was in 2009-10.
Mike Santoro performs as Billy Joel in Face 2 Face tribute show. (Photo courtesy of Mike Santoro)
Holliday Park offers a challenge
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
If your goal is to combine a stroll through nature with leg day, then Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd. in Indianapolis, is the place for you.
Located on 94 acres of greenspace along the White River, the park’s eight trails total 3.5 miles and wind through wooded ravines with varying elevation changes, from trail inclines to several stone and wood staircases. The staircase on Trail 4 totals 125 steps of varying heights and surfaces and is not recommended for anyone who is not steady on their feet. It is one of several stairways in the park.
The trail along the river combines natural surfaces with boardwalks, with access in several sections to the banks of the White River. Although the trail can be moderately difficult, there are also several overlooks and benches to make the journey worth it. Although the trails are marked, getting your bearings might be hard on your first visit, so taking a photo of the map available at each trailhead is recommended. Not interested in a difficult hike? Hol-
TAKE A HIKE!
liday Park still has something for you. Besides a playground, pavilion, garden, outdoor learning lab and nature center, Holliday Park is home to The Ruins — an art project dedicated in 1973 and revitalized in 2016. The Ruins includes three sculptures from the facade of the St. Paul Building, a skyscraper in New York City built in 1898 and dismantled in 1959. The City of Indianapolis won a bid to move the sculptures to the park.
Learn more at hollidaypark.org.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 TH , 2024
11AM to 3PM at Lucas Estate, Carmel, IN
Holliday Park is located at 6363 Spring Mill Rd. in Indianapolis. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Blueprint for Improvement: Transforming tradition in Indianapolis
Commentary by Larry Greene
We believe every home should be customized to its family’s unique personality and needs, which can mean reimagining traditional spaces. When our clients envisioned transforming their Fall Creek home’s underutilized formal dining room into a chic gathering space, we were ready! Our team revitalized the area, creating the perfect bar room for relaxing and entertaining, while ensuring the space remains versatile for future resale.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The material mix sets a layered and stylish tone. Ebony cabinetry and rich wood tones lend a touch of sophistication, while antiqued mirrored shelving, seeded glass cabinet fronts and a hammered sink add texture and shine.
• The beverage fridge and sink make entertaining or unwinding with a drink easy and effortless.
• Wood tones on the counter, molding and plantation shutters lend organic appeal and depth, balanced by neutral tones on the walls and upholstery.
• In contrast to the room’s clean lines, the conversation area features graceful curves in the club chairs, cocktail table and lighting fixture. This juxtaposition helps define the space and creates a striking focal point.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
After
Before
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes. Custom order yours today!
