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THE MADONNA AND CHILD
Newfields artwork featured as 2024 Christmas stamp / P8
Conquer Paralysis Now opens new HQ, rehab center / P2
Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate Constitution Week / P3 Ruth’s Chris’ 30th anniversary special to 2 employees / P5
SoBro restaurant to host ‘Chew on This’ event / P6
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Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 16
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Fall into Puccini’s!
Conquer Paralysis Now opens new HQ, rehab center in former Five Seasons building
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
After sitting vacant for seven years, the expansive building along I-465 that formerly housed the Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Carmel has reopened with a new mission.
NOW OPEN
Dozens gathered at the 114,000-squarefoot facility at 1300 E. 96th St. Oct. 1 to celebrate the grand opening of the new headquarters of Conquer Paralysis Now, which will include the nation’s second DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center powered by NeuroHope. The nonprofit organizations are partnering to provide an outpatient rehabilitation center for those experiencing paralysis and eventually plan to transform former indoor tennis courts into gym space for adaptive sports. In the future, other related vendors and nonprofits are expected to lease space on the second floor of the building.
Conquer Paralysis Now founder Sam Schmidt, a co-owner of IndyCar team Arrow McLaren Racing, became a quadriplegic in 2000 after suffering a spinal cord injury during practice. He splits his time between homes in Carmel and Las Vegas, where the nonprofit was previously headquartered and the first DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center continues to operate.
“I would rather have my legacy be Indy 500 wins and championships, but sometimes your path in life changes,” Schmidt said. “Racing is my passion, but NeuroRecovery has become my purpose. It will be my purpose for the rest of my life.”
Conquer Paralysis Now invested $20 million to renovate the facility, which included infilling indoor and outdoor swimming pools and renovating the space to be fully ADA-compliant.
NeuroHope, an outpatient physical rehabilitation center, relocated its staff and equipment from Sunnyside Road in Indianapolis to the renovated facility. Executive
Director Chris Leeuw founded the nonprofit in 2013 after recovering from a spinal cord injury that initially left him paralyzed from the neck down. He traveled the U.S. for two years of treatment and wanted to make recovery options more readily available in Indiana, especially for those who had maxed out their insurance.
“Just because patient care is expensive doesn’t mean it should not be available to the people that need it,” Leeuw said. “That’s what we’re building here. That’s what this facility will be.”
Brandi Kurka, executive director of DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center, said the center’s programs have led to patients relearning how to walk, drive a car, go back to work and more. She said she is eager to see the Carmel facility continue to fill and be transformed.
“We can create a one-stop-shop for people with disabilities,” Kurka said. “Transportation is a challenge, so we can have everything here in this one building.”
Learn more at ConquerParalysisNow.org, NeuroHopeWellness.org and DrivenLV.org.
86th & Ditch Rd or 82nd & Dean Rd
Officials from Conquer Paralysis Now, DRIVEN NeuroRecovery, NeuroHope and the City of Carmel cut the ribbon Oct. 1. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Conquer Paralysis Now founder Sam Schmidt gives remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
NeuroHope relocated its equipment to the Conquer Paralysis Now headquarters building at 1300 E. 96th St. in Carmel.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION CONSTITUTION WEEK CEREMONY
The Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a Constitution Day kickoff ceremony at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Sept. 16. Constitutiion Day is celebrated every Sept. 17 in observation of the day the Constitution was ratified in 1788. A weeklong observence was signed into law in 1955 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization. DAR members are dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in communities across the nation.
Janaé, Breast Cancer Survivor
In January of 2021, Janaé was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to a routine mammogram, Janaé’s care team at Community Health Network was able to detect her cancer early, and by May of that year, she was cancer-free.
Janaé often wonders what she might have missed had she not had her annual mammogram, including the births of her seven grandkids. It’s simple, it’s convenient and it can save your life.
Schedule your annual mammogram today at eCommunity.com/mammogram
From left, Indianapolis Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Judith Thomas with Mayor’s Proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 Constitution Week; Jennifer Capps, Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter regent; and Indiana DAR State Regent Elaine Sholty. (Photos courtesy of Vanessa Burkhart)
Attendees lay roses on the Constitution display.
From left, Linda McGlothlin, Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter NSDAR historian; guest speaker Judge James P. Hanlon; and Jennifer Capps, Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter Regent.
Charters of Freedom display at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The custom setting, featuring founding documents, are on permanent display in bronze in the Sarah Evans Barker Citizenship Plaza at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s Johnson-Floyd Presidential Commons.
Interchange project coming to U.S. 31 and I-465
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Planning is underway for a major overhaul of the I-465/U.S. 31 interchange.
CONSTRUCTION
INDOT hosted an informational meeting Sept. 26 in Carmel to introduce the Level Up 31 project — a plan to address regional growth and traffic congestion that affects efficiency at the Meridian Street/U.S. 31 interchange.
INDOT officials said adjustments to the interchange are a direct result of growth in Hamilton County. Since 2015, the population of Carmel has increased nearly 13 percent, while the population of Westfield has exploded by nearly 60 percent — representing more than 20,000 new residents. That growth has rendered previous future traffic estimations moot. In 2015, INDOT estimated that by 2035, traffic counts though the interchange would total 92,930 vehicles per day. However, as of 2023, that daily count had already exceeded 83,000.
The new forecast predicts 112,910 vehicles per day by next year, and 155,520 by 2045.
INDOT is planning an overhaul of the interchange at I-465 and U.S. 31/Meridian Street. (Photo courtesy of INDOT)
One of the biggest proposed changes to the interchange is access to 106th Street. Rather than using the ramps onto northbound U.S. 31, travelers on I-465 would exit the interstate then reenter U.S. 31 via Meridian.
“What we’re proposing is, you would actually come down to the traffic signals (on Meridian) and access that way,” said Jason Littleton, roadway engineer with WSP, the
professional services firm working with INDOT on planning. “There will be two lanes west to north, two lanes east to north, and then three lanes of Meridian. The 106th Street traffic will go under (I-465) and will already be on the right side to exit.”
Joe Mattick of Carmel attended the meeting specifically to see the proposed changes to the 106th Street exit.
“Based on what they’re saying, for the
people like us who want to exit onto 106th, this does sound better,” Mattick said. “We’d have to stop at a light (but) on the current ramp you have to get across traffic and there’s a concrete wall right there that you can’t see around to see if any traffic is coming. It’s very difficult, there’s a very short merge area once you get past that wall. So, it’s not a good situation now but this looks like it will be better. I always think, ‘Let’s wait and see.’ But I’m optimistic.”
Littleton said the exit ramp and flyover ramp from I-465 will each be widened to two lanes. However, fixing the backups caused by cars queuing into the U.S. 31 exit is not part of the Level Up 31 planning. That falls under the I-465 Northwest Improvements Project, which kicked off in 2022 and aims to make improvements along the I-465 mainline from 86th Street to U.S. 31, including at the interchanges with I-865, Michigan Road and U.S. 31/Meridian.
Planning for that project has been slowed while the U.S. 31/Meridian Street interchange is adjusted.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025. Learn more about the project at levelup31.com.
Ruth’s Chris’ 30th anniversary special to 2 employees
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
There have been two constants in Ruth’s Chris Steak House celebrating 30 years in Indianapolis.
MILESTONE
Bartender Rob McGuire and sales manager Lori Seefeldt have been with the restaurant the entire time.
In 2017, Kristy and Ryan Rans came into ownership of Prime Hospitality Group and now own 12 Ruth’s Chris restaurants.
“Celebrating 30 years with Ruth’s Chris on the northside is an incredible milestone for our Prime Hospitality Group family, and we owe much of our success to dedicated team members like Rob and Lori, who have been with us since the very beginning,” said Kristy Rans, president of Prime Hospitality Group. “Their unwavering commitment, passion for service and deep connection with our guests have been instrumental in creating the exceptional dining experience we’re known for. We’re incredibly grateful for their contributions and excited to continue building on this legacy within the Indianapolis community for years to come.”
Ruth’s Chris opened at 96th Street and Keystone Parkway in 1994 and then moved to the Ironworks building on 2727 E. 86th St. in 2014.
McGuire, a 67-year-old Indianapolis resident and North Central High School graduate, was hired about two months before it opened in 1994.
“I’d been a bartender for 10 years before I was hired at Ruth’s Chris,” McGuire said. “I was a bar manager at Del Frisco’s.”
McGuire was bar manager at Ruth’s Chris for the first 15 years and then shifted into the bartender role.
“I didn’t have to work 50 hours anymore,” he said. “I’m working three or four shifts a week now. I enjoy bartending. It’s good to do what you enjoy.”
McGuire said the original spot was similar to a “Cheers” bar — a reference to the 1980s TV show — because there were regulars from the neighborhood.
“It’s a much bigger place and near a lot of hotels,” McGuire said of the current spot. “It’s like Vegas. We get so many people
from all over going to the restaurant.”
McGuire said working at Ruth’s Chris has been the best job of his life.
McGuire said the bartending business hasn’t changed much since he started.
“It’s down to your relationships,” McGuire said. “I tell them when they come in no matter what goes on out there, we’re going to have a good time behind the bar. We have a good time (and) the guests have a good time. When I come behind the bar, everyone is going to start laughing because that’s how it has to be. Everybody stays in a good mood.”
Seefeldt previously worked at Jonathan’s, which was the restaurant site that Ruth’s Chris took over in 1994. She interviewed and accepted the offer to stay.
“It (original location) was good for us for 20 years, but it was clear we either needed to do a pretty big renovation or move, and the owner decided to move us,” Seefeldt said. “That created a lot more great dining space. We’ve got beautiful patios. As the sales manager, I handle any private events, whether it be corporate or social. I also handle off-site catering events.”
The maximum capacity was 60 for private dining in the former location and grew to 200.
“It’s a good company and it’s a very easy brand to sell,” Seefeldt said. “Whether you walk into a Ruth’s Chris here or in California, you are going to get that consistency.”
Seefeldt
Bartender Rob McGuire started as bar manager when Ruth’s Chris opened. (Photo courtesy of Ruth’s Chris)
SoBro restaurant to host
‘Chew on This’ event
news@currentinfishers.com
A Broad Ripple business is among six Indiana restaurants participating in the Indiana Humanities
FOOD
“Chew on This” program, which invites Hoosiers across the state to dig into local food and engage in conversation.
During the Oct. 17 event, conversations about how food plays a role in creating community will take place at participating restaurants, including Aroma Indian Cuisine, 4907 N. College Ave., encouraging Hoosiers to have insightful dinner discussions.
The event is part of an Indiana Humanities initiative called Food for Thought, which focuses on food in the context of culture, history, law, politics, science, the arts, religion, ethnicity and humanity’s place in the world. It’s also part of Indiana Humanities’ multiyear initiative “Unearthed,” which encourages Hoosiers to discover and
discuss their relationships with the natural world and explore how people shape the environment and how the environment shapes us.
“Time and time again, our ‘Chew on This’ experience has brought people of all backgrounds together for fulfilling conversation over a meal,” stated Marisol Gouveia, director of engagement at Indiana Humanities. “Our hope is that guests leave the dinners feeling connected and that they continue to think about and use their recipes for community long after they’ve left.”
Each dinner conversation will be led by a facilitator.
Other participating restaurants are Thai Villa Cuisine in Fishers, La Catrina Tacos & Tequila in Jeffersonville, Legacy West African Cuisine in Muncie, the Putnam Inn in Greencastle and Oak & Alley in Warsaw.
Tickets include a meal, nonalcoholic drinks, tax and tip. To register, visit bit.ly/4gIvEgS.
DISPATCHES
Food festival in Indianapolis — The Chicken & Beer Festival returns the fourth year to University Park in Indianapolis from 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19. The festival features 50 local food and craft beer vendors. By blending cuisines from Filipino, Venezuelan, Indian and American comfort food vendors with local breweries, the festival creates a space that fosters inclusion and celebrates the power of food to bring communities together. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $45 for VIP entry. Purchase tickets at chickenandbeerindy.com.
IPL hosts rhymes challenge — The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee is hosting its annual Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge, open to students in grades 6-12. IPL has two branches in Lawrence. The challenge is an opportunity for young people to express themselves through poetry, rap or spoken word. The deadline for entry into the 2024 Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge is Oct. 31.Every student who submits work will receive a gift card, and 10 students will be selected to present their pieces at the Fall Fest/Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge event on Nov.16. For more, visit spirit.indypl.org/ slammin.
IU Health to sponsor 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
news@youarecurrent.com
The 500 Festival has announced Indiana University Health as the new title sponsor of the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. This partnership leverages IU Health’s commitment to community wellness and its longstanding support of the 500 Festival and its events. The two organizations’ aim is to enhance the positive impact on health, wellness and fitness among Hoosiers statewide. OneAmerica previously served as the sponsor.
PARTNERSHIP
“We are thrilled to welcome IU Health as the title sponsor for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon,” stated Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Their commitment to health and wellness has been instrumental in the growth and success of our events. We look forward to collectively expanding our initiatives to inspire fitness and active living across Indiana for all Hoosiers.”
IU Health has supported the Mini-Marathon in prior years, providing wellness services to runners throughout the race. As the presenting sponsor for the 500 Festival Education Program since 2014, the organization has impacted more than 274,000
students, promoting health and fitness amongst younger generations. More than 700 IU Health employees have participated in the 500 Festival Employee Wellness Challenge, and more than 100 volunteer annually for the Mini-Marathon and 5K.
Riley Hospital for Children, part of the IU Health network, welcomes the 500 Festival Princesses to its annual Indy 500 party, strengthening community ties. Many princesses choose to complete their outreach events at IU Health locations statewide. A child life specialist from IU Health also contributes to the selection process for the Princess Program, underscoring the deep integration of IU Health in the festival’s initiatives.
“This partnership moves forward the IU Health vision to make Indiana one of the healthiest states in the nation,” stated Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health. “Investing in the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is an investment in the long-term health and wellness of Hoosiers and their quality of life in communities across the state.”
The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, scheduled for May 3, 2025, attracts thousands of participants from across the nation.
Demand for new homes strong
REAL ESTATE news@youarecurrent.com
Permits for new homes increased by 20 percent in August 2024 over 2023, according to a report from the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis.
The City of Indianapolis issued 238 building permits in August.
Total new home permits issued in August include:
• Avon — 18
• Brownsburg — 42
• Carmel/Clay — 21
• Fishers — 22
• Lawrence — 5
• Westfield — 128
• Whitestown — 45
• Zionsville — 22
The breakdown of permits shows the housing market remains robust, driven by strong demand for new homes.
“The recent permit increases in central
Indiana signal a healthy housing market,” BAGI CEO Steve Lains stated. “Although home prices remain high, inflationary pressures are easing and that’s a positive sign for builders and buyers. Interest rates are higher than many would prefer even amidst this recent decrease, but with inflation being tamed, we expect to see a stable, resilient housing market moving forward.”
According to BAGI, housing prices in central Indiana remain steady, reflecting the nationwide trend of persistent demand outpacing supply. In September, the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates by a halfpoint. BAGI anticipates that decrease will encourage some homeowners to dive back into the market.
The limited supply of existing homes continues to drive the demand for new construction.
The latest permit breakdown report can be viewed at BAGI.com/Permits.
THE MADONNA AND CHILD
Newfields artwork featured as 2024 Christmas stamp
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A painting that spent much of the past 40 years in storage at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in Indianapolis will make its way around the world this holiday season.
The Madonna and Child from the workshop of Italian Baroque painter Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (1609-1685) and included in the collection at Newfields is the featured artwork on the 2024 United States Postal Service Christmas stamp, a First-Class Forever stamp.
The stamp was unveiled during a special ceremony Sept. 17 at Newfields.
Belinda Tate, who serves as the Melvin & Bren Simon Director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, said the artwork has not been displayed at the museum since the 1980s. The piece underwent conservation treatment in 2024.
“We recognize the importance of the United States Postal Service and the integral role in shepherding visual and written communication on which we depend every day. This is especially true in the fall and winter season when millions of greetings of love and comfort travel across the United States and the world,” Tate said. “It is an honor for the IMA’s Madonna and Child to be included among the artworks that will accompany these messages in the form of a postage stamp.”
Clowes Conservator of Paintings Roxy Sperber said the painting had not undergone conservation treatment for more than 80 years. Scientific techniques that were not available when the painting was last featured at IMA showed the canvas had previously been torn and restored, leaving markings on the painting that have now been corrected.
“As I began conservation treatment, the quality of the painting really became apparent,” Sperber said. “You can see these beautiful red and blue pigments that started to emerge. The lovely handling of the flesh in the Christ child and the Madonna’s faces really struck me.”
Sperber said analysis of the materials shows the paint was sourced from Afghanistan and imported to Europe, making that paint more valuable than gold at the time.
“This is an indication that the painting is actually very valuable, important work,” Sperber said.
Curatorial assistant Sadie Arft said that
while the painting has not been displayed in 40 years, it was at one time a popular piece at IMA. Arft said the painting is more subtle and subdued than some of the artist’s other works, which makes the selection as this year’s stamp unique.
“She is only one of a couple of Madonna’s from (Sassoferrato’s workshop) that are looking out and looking at us, as though she is inviting us into the painting,” Arft said.
Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, who assisted with the unveiling of the stamp, said Newfields is one of the most important cultural institutions in the state.
“I love sending and receiving hand-written notes,” Holcomb said. “A stamp can provide a small expression in the same way art can articulate a story and emotion or a shared history.”
Representatives from Newfields said the U.S. Postal Service keeps the process for how stamp artworks are chosen a secret, but said they were informed earlier this year that the Sassoferrato painting was one of 35 finalists out of 30,000 potential selections.
This is the second Sassoferrato painting to be used as a stamp. A similar painting was the official Christmas stamp in 2009.
Two-hundred million stamps were commissioned, enough to last through 2024 and 2025.
The artwork will be on display at Newfields throughout the holiday season.
ON THE COVER: Unveiling the 2024 Christmas stamp at Newfields, from left, Jay Bigalke of Linn’s Stamp News, Indianapolis Postmaster Keith Blane, USPS Indiana District Manager Christi Johnson-Kennedy, Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, IMA director Belinda Tate, conservator Roxy Sperber and curatorial assistant Sadie Arft. (Photos by Marney Simon)
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The artwork will be on display throughout the holiday season. Stamps are available for purchase in booklets of 20 at your local post office or online at store.usps.com while supplies last.
The 2024 Christmas stamp and original painting are on display at IMA at Newfields. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Postal workers sell stamps featuring artwork from IMA at Newfields following the unveiling and dedication of this year’s Christmas stamp.
Comedic moms bring show to the Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley try to find humor in the most trying moments of motherhood. The comedians will present their “#IMOMSOHARD: Ladies Night” show at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. It’s the fourth national tour for the friends.
PERFORMANCE
“It’s a two-person standup tour,” Hensley said. “Jen and I just hit all the topics that resonate with women and moms. We talk about stuff that would normally make us cry. We try to make it funny, so everyone feels a little better about the hard stuff.”
The friends began by producing videos online, which built a following.
“When we started, we had babies at home. They were like little, tiny people, and that provided its own material,” Hensley said. “Now, we have these teens and tweens and we have all new material to write about. It’s evolved over the course of the four tours.”
The comedians’ web-series, “#IMOMSOHARD,” started out in 2016.
“Our first video, Jen forgot her daughter’s name and that’s when the videos took off,” Hensley said. “It was a lightning strike in the right direction, ‘Oh, wow. Women like this.’ They like seeing our friendship and what we have to say. We’re not trying to teach them anything or try to show them how to do anything better. We did really sexy videos about hemorrhoids, body hair and the coup de grace we did was our swimsuit video. That one went globally viral and did not garner one modeling contract.”
From there, Hensley said the act became a television pilot, a bestselling book, a children’s book, a podcast and a wine line.
“It’s just been this boulder rolling downhill that we’ve been really happy to be a part of,” Hensley said.
After the series took off, Hensley and Smedley realized they needed to have a
live comedy tour.
“We had to go see these women that are commenting on (us) and see them face to face,” Hensley said. “Jen and I are both comedians. We were like, ‘Let’s put this on the stage in front of thousands of women,’ and it’s been a blast.”
Hensley and Smedley grew up in Nebraska but didn’t know each other there.
“We separately moved to Los Angeles to pursue (careers),” Smedley said. “We finally met after a show in Los Angeles.”
Smedley was doing a comedy show and Hensley was encouraged to attend by a friend with offers of free beer.
“We were drinking beers in the parking lot afterwards because we’re both from Nebraska and we like tailgating,” Hensley said. “A friend said, ‘Did you know you’re both from Nebraska?’ The number of names we started dropping and how high we went in pitch started to break glass because we had all the same friends and knew all the same people but had never run into each other. We became fast friends and the rest is history.”
The comedians’ videos are on Facebook and YouTube,
“When social media really took off eight or nine years ago, everyone was talking to women on how to do a better job of what they were already doing,” Smedley said. “Or scaring us with stories
Kristin Hensley, left, and Jen Smedley will bring their comedy show to the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
of here is what can happen if you don’t do things the right way. We were like there is nothing for a mom who is up late at night that will just make her laugh. We get messages from mothers and grandmothers of, ‘Where were you when I was a mom? I needed someone to voice what I was feeling in a lighthearted way and make me laugh about it.’ I think it was a realization that cavewomen dealt with what we’re dealing with but just without iPads.”
Hensley said they love when women bring their husbands to the shows.
“They’re usually terrified when they show up,” Hensley said. “We like it that way. We also know some women who decided they are going to buy themselves a ticket and go and they end up with 10 new friends.”
Smedley said life creates an array of new material.
“There are a lot of hormonal changes from parents and kids,” Smedley said.
The comedians, who each have two children, often take questions from the audience. But they don’t share advice, just laughs
“When we’re home, you can pretty much be sure we’re on a soccer field somewhere,” Hensley said.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and imomsohard.com
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs Oct. 10 to Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
OPERA CABARET AT UNION 50
Leah Crane and Pavel Polanco-Safadit will perform Oct. 9 at Union 50 in Indianapolis. The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. with a three-course dinner. For more, visit indyopera.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Lee DeWyze will perform Oct. 10, followed by Paul Hughes Oct. 11 and Richard Cortez Oct. 12 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘KINKY BOOTS’
Civic Theatre’s production of “Kinky Boots” runs through Oct. 19 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘PAPER AIRPLANES REQUEST’ TOUR
Ben Folds’ “Paper Airplanes Request” tour is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY
Renée Elise Goldsberry will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Shelton concert set at Fishers Event Center — Country star Blake Shelton will perform March 29, 2025, at the new Fishers Event Center. Tickets are on sale at FishersEventCenter.com. In his 20-plus years performing, Shelton has accumulated 28 No. 1 singles, sold nearly 15 million album equivalents and earned approximately 12.5 billion global streams.
‘The Waiting Game’ set to debut
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Michael Husain grew up watching the Indiana Pacers in the American Basketball Association.
FILM
“The ABA was a bit of a renegade league that broke barriers,” said Husain, a Zionsville resident. “I didn’t realize those ABA players were struggling.”
p.m.
Oct. 19 at Living Room Theatres.
Husain served as director, producer, narrator, writer and interviewer. Geist resident Amy Pauszek and Indianapolis resident Bryan Boyd were co-producers.
Dr. John Abrams, a Carmel ophthalmologist, and attorney Scott Tarter co-founded The Dropping Dimes Foundation to help struggling ABA players financially and to help get them proper recognition.
“When I heard about Dropping Dimes and the work they were doing, it became important to me to follow that story,” Husain said.
The result is “The Waiting Game,” a 90-minute documentary that will have its world premiere at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Heartland International Film Festival at The Tobias Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis. There will be a second showing at 12:15
The NBA agreed to pay $24.5 million in July 2022 to former ABA players.
Four ABA teams — the Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, New York (now Brooklyn) Nets and Denver Nugget — joined the NBA in 1976. The other teams disbanded.
Husain said after recounting Dropping Dimes’ mission, the documentary tells the story of why the ABA was so impactful and worthy of recognition. The ABA was founded in 1967.
Former Pacers players Bob Netolicky and Darnell Hillman are among those interviewed in the documentary. Other featured interviews are Bob Costas, Julius Erving and sociologist Harry Edwards. Indianapolis filmmaker Ted Green, who was involved with Dropping Dimes, was interviewed as well.
For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
Director lauds Heartland’s mix
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Heartland International Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig expects filmgoers will be pleased with the mix of more than 110 feature films at the 11-day festival.
FILM
The Oct. 10-20 festival includes 28 world/North American/U.S. premieres, 73 regional premieres, 20 special presentations and 10 Indiana Spotlight films.
role and wrote and produced the film.
Sorvig said he connected with Eisenberg at Sundance. Both are 40 years old.
“It was my first and only ask for Opening Night, which usually doesn’t happen,”
‘’Coming off a couple of years with strikes and other things, the caliber of films is back at a high level, and we have some of the best films of the year,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “I’m thrilled to have this lineup. It’s a great mix.”
Sorvig said Heartland sets the tone with the three Spotlight showings: “A Real Pain” for Opening Night (Oct. 10); “Small Things Like These” (Oct, 16) for Centerpiece Showing; and “Emilia Pérez” for Closing Night (Oct. 20).
Sorvig saw “A Real Pain” at Sundance in January. Jesse Eisenberg plays the lead
Sorvig said. “I was absolutely thrilled to get this film that I really connected with in a deep way and someone who has an Indiana connection in a deep way. The funny thing is, Jesse Eisenberg wears an IU hat two/thirds of the way.”
Sorvig said Eisenberg is an avid Indiana University fan. Eisenberg’s wife, Anna Strout, grew up in Bloomington.
Sorvig said the film is a heavy favorite to be nominated for Academy Awards for best original screenplay and best supporting actor for Kieran Culkin.
The Centerpiece Screening features Cillian Murphy in “Small Things Like These.” Murphy earned the Oscar for Best Actor for “Oppenheimer” earlier this year.
Closing Night features “Emilia Pérez” from Netflix, starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz.
For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
Grand Funk stops at Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Grand Funk Railroad burst on the music scene in 1969. In 1971, it sold out Shea Stadium in New York City in 72 hours, breaking the box office record of The Beatles.
CONCERT
Now, more than 50 years later, the band is still going.
“I never dreamed I would be doing it in my 70s with grandkids,” said Don Brewer, one of two original members still with the band along with bassist Mel Schacher. “I feel blessed. It’s been an amazing life. I get out on stage and start singing ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ and I look at the audience and sometimes it’s grandchildren, children, parents and grandparents and they are all singing along to the song.”
Grand Funk Railroad will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The band is using the tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Gold-selling single, “The Loco-Motion.” Brewer, 76, is a drummer/vocalist.
“It’s the love of doing it,” he said. “What
else am I going to do at this particular time in my life? If I can do what I’ve loved doing all my life, that’s what I’m going to do.”
The band typically plays concert halls and casinos, but sometimes appears before much larger crowds at festivals.
“We do three or four shows a month usually,” Brewer said. “We’re not like the guys that get on the bus and do 100 shows. We’re kind of weekend warriors. We fly out, play Friday and Saturday, and fly home.”
Brewer wrote “We’re an American Band,” the band’s No. 1 single in 1973.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Sorvig
From left, Grand Funk Railroad members Max Carl (vocals), Mel Schacher (bass guitar), Don Brewer (drummer), Mark Chatfield (guitar), Tim Cashion (keyboardist)). (Photo courtesy of Gregg Roth)
Husain
Allied Solutions
secures naming rights to Center
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
SPONSORSHIP
FREEFORM: JEREMIAH COSNER BAND | Featuring Ben Gage & Melanie Pierce
THE PIANO MAN: A BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE | Presented by Eric Baker & Friends
LEE DEWYZE | American Idol Season 9 Winner
PAUL HUGHES | Tributes to Frank Sinatra, Bobby Dari n, Dean Martin & Nat King Cole
RICHARD CORTEZ: MOOD SWINGS | Emerging from NYC Jaz z Scene
JAZZ BRUNCH | Presented by Blair Clark Featuring Je nnie DeVoe
FREEFORM: RYAN M. BREWER BAND | Featuring Zach Piet rini & Lynzi Stringer
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC | An ABBA Party with Don Fa rrell
SWEET CAROLINE | The Life and Music of Neil Diamond
DRAG ME TO BRUNCH| Hosted by Pat Yo’ Weave
FREEFORM: JD EICHER | Featuring Neon Birdhouse & Sean Cunning ham
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David R analli
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience Presented by Brittany Brumfield
THE AHLWARDT’S PRESENTS: HUMAN JUKEBOX EXPERIENCE | You Pick, We Play!
PRINCESS TEA | Magical Luncheon with Fairy Tales Br ought to Life
Beef & Boards owner returns to role in ‘Fiddler’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Doug Stark was a young man the first time he played Tevye in “The Fiddler on the Roof.”
MUSICAL
The 75-year-old Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre owner first played Tevye in 1973 or 1974 at Enchanted Hills Playhouse in Syracuse, which he owned and operated with his friend and business partner, Bob Zehr.
He will now portray Tevye for the eighth time at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre from Oct. 10 to Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. Tevye is a poor milkman who wants to find good husbands for his five daughters.
“Thinking about it, it’s like ‘Sunrise, Sunset,’” Stark said. “When I first played it, it was the beginning of my career, and now it’s at the end of my career.”
Stark said Tevye was his favorite role from the first time the played it.
“I have always felt Tevye was a part of me, and I am a part of him — ask any father,” said Stark, who has three children: Nick, Elizabeth and Josh. “It fits on all levels — especially family and Tevye’s relationship to God.”
Stark previously portrayed Tevye at Beef & Boards in 1981, 1985, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2014.
Time has given Stark more perspective on the role.
“As I experience more of life, I am able to bring that knowledge to the role,” he said. “It is much easier today to act tired, hurt, angry, centered on the family and loss, because I have experienced all of it.”
Stark also has learned to appreciate small things about the role.
“I enjoy sitting down a lot more,” he said. “Like when I sit on the milk can — I enjoy it a lot more.”
Stark said “today more than ever” the musical resonates with audiences.
“It’s about family, tradition and relationship to God,” Stark said. “It’s about people finding happiness in the face of adversity and the ability to survive.”
Stark said his favorite song is “Far From The Home I Love.”
“It’s not Tevye’s (song), but it touches me every night,” he said. “It’s universal.”
For tickets, visit beefandboards.com
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre owner Doug Stark portrays Tevye for the eighth time at the Indianapolis venue. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)
Blueprint for Improvement: Warm and inviting sunroom retreat
Commentary by Larry Greene
When our Jackson’s Grant clients envisioned maximizing their living space, they came to us with the idea of transforming their screened-in porch into a bright, inviting sunroom. Our team embraced the opportunity, designing a seamless extension that not only enhances the home’s natural flow but also creates the perfect space for year-round gatherings.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Continuing the hardwood flooring into the sunroom creates a seamless transition between the kitchen and the newly expanded space, further enhancing the home’s cohesive flow.
• Custom built-ins and floating shelves frame the freshly painted fireplace, creating the perfect space to showcase family photos, cherished keepsakes and décor.
• The addition features windows designed to match the existing structure, flooding the room with natural light and ensuring seamless integration.
• A wood-planked ceiling adds warmth and a touch of organic appeal.
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.
Before After
Meridian Audiology treats patients like family
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S. after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
“We want our patients to know that we are here for them, and we will not rush them out the door so we can get on to the next patient. We love to get to know our patients, and we feel we treat them like we would treat our own family,” VonBlon said. “We’ve had many patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and that is a testament to our relationships with them.”
The Meridian Audiology Audiologists pride themselves on keeping up with, and offering the top-of-theline newest technology in hearing aids, tinnitus and auditory processing disorder. They were invited to attend Phonak’s new technology launch in August 2024. “Patients now wearing those
devices are reporting easy listening in noise and greater clarity than ever before while wearing these amazing hearing aids,” according to Dr. Wyss. Beyond comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid sales, service and maintenance, Meridian Audiology also offers the LACE AI (Listening for Communication Enhancement) program which improves comprehension of speech, tinnitus management consultations, hearing protection options and auditory processing disorder evaluation and management. We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss.
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm MondayFriday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@ meridianaudiology.com Website: meridianaudiology.com
Community Health launches new identity verification
news@youarecurrent.com
Community Health Network recently announced a new partnership with CLEAR, a secure identity platform, with a goal of streamlining password reset processes and improving identity verification.
TECHNOLOGY
Health care service desks are frequently targeted by individuals pretending to be employees or patients in attempts to reset passwords and gain unauthorized access to information, according to the announcement. To combat these threats, Community is moving away from multi-factor authentication, which verifies devices, to CLEAR Verified, which verifies the individual.
“We are taking an important step to secure our network by ensuring that both employees and patients are exactly who they claim to be when accessing sensitive systems,” stated Rick Copple, senior vice president and chief information officer. “This new approach is essential for safe-
guarding our data, systems and the care we provide.”
The rollout of CLEAR at Community began in September, starting with password reset processes for Community employees, eventually expanding to patient access and visitor registration. Initial enrollment is a quick process — users take a selfie and upload a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Once enrolled, identity verification can be completed instantly by taking a selfie.
“We’re proud to introduce a system that significantly enhances security while simplifying the experience for our staff and patients,” Copple stated. “This technology not only protects our network from unauthorized access but also makes it easier for everyone to use our services.”
Community Health has facilities in various communities in central Indiana, including Avon, Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence Township and Noblesville. For more, visit ecommunity.com.
(Photo courtesy of Meridian Audiology.)
VonBlon Wyss
LIFESTYLE
1. Indy 500 sponsor
4. Large African antelopes
10. Chills
14. Indianapolis trio?
15. University that plays at Blackstock Stadium
16. Herr’s wife
17. Fellows
18. Obstruct
19. Common houseplant
20. Shoe style
22. Some WTHR fare 24. 1492 ship
25. ___ King Cole
27. Produce a molar
28. Give the cold shoulder
29. Hog food
31. Balkan native
32. Dog in Oz
34. Civic Theatre play start
36. Apt. units
37. University that plays at Scheumann Stadium
40. ___/her pronouns
43. Noblesville HS swimming competition
44. Fill-in worker
46. “A Fish Called ___”
48. Part of IMPD (Abbr.)
50. Gov. Holcomb
53. Heavenly spirits
55. Ray Skillman Northeast Kia model
56. Nixed, at NASA
57. Pacers foe
59. Fills
61. “Terrible” czar
62. “And others,” in Latin 64. Haberdasher’s item
65. Tax assessment
66. College that plays at Little Giant Stadium
67. Half and half
68. Angers
69. Begins
70. Wood Wind Golf Club standard Down
1. Herb and Mel
2. Man’s jewelry item
3. Pesto ingredient
4. Revise a story for Current 5. Seafood restaurant offering
6. Hamilton County Court do-over
7. Scot’s refusal
8. Clothes
9. Like some Oliver Winery reds
10. Less certain 11. Inventor
12. College that plays at
Darrell Beane Stadium
13. Sights in the western sky
21. High muck-a-muck
23. Speak from memory
26. Small kitchen appliance
30. Batting avg., e.g.
33. El Toro Bravo menu item
35. One who might needle you?
38. Played the first card
39. Change
40. Kenyan language
41. College that plays at Alumni Stadium
42. Make a lasting impression
45. Crooked Stick Golf Club store
47. Home of the Grand Slam breakfast
49. Support column
51. Large lizard
52. Whirlybird, for short
54. Crockpot concoctions
58. Colts’ fig.
60. Oohs and ___
63. Barnes & Thornburg attorneys’ org. Answers on Page 12
Ushering in a new era.
For more than a decade, the Center has been a cornerstone for creativity in our community. Welcome to the center for art and culture in Central Indiana. Welcome to the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
TheCenterPresents.org
