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.
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Indy Drivers pickleball team competes in national championships
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
An Indiana-based professional pickleball team was one of a dozen to compete Oct. 17-21 at the National Pickleball League Championship Weekend in Cincinnati.
ATHLETICS
The Indy Drivers clinched the championship in 2023 during the NPL’s inaugural championship event. Although the defending champs didn’t make it a repeat in 2024, players said the league — the first professional level pickleball league for players 50 and older — is the real star of the show.
Rick Witsken, 52, of Zionsville is one of the co-founders of the league, which was established in 2022 for older athletes to participate, connect and pursue their passion while elevating the sport. Since its inception, the NPL has grown to an organized league of members from all backgrounds — from surgeons to Heisman Trophy winners — and has even attracted celebrity owners. Actor Vince Vaughn purchased the Coachella Valley Scorpions in July 2024.
“The growth has been absolutely insane,” Witsken said of pickleball. “I coach middle school tennis and we’ve now added club pickleball to the Zionsville middle school teams that I coach. I’ve seen an incredible number of adults (start playing) and COVID-19 obviously had a lot to do with the growth of the sport. Players evolved through backyard, parking lot, cul-du-sac and driveway pickleball. It’s such an easy entry point for the game and the socialization for people is incredible. It’s just off the charts with relationships evolving. It was just the right place at the right time for what people needed during the pandemic.”
Witsken said the game is attractive to Gen Xers and baby boomers who spent time in basements and garages playing pingpong in the 1980s. He said the sport maintains its popularity thanks to its accessibility.
“I think this combination of pingpong and tennis is very attractive,” Witsken said. “It’s such a sociable, personable, close-proximity game that can span generations. Fifty- and 60- and 70-year-olds can be easily as good as 17- and 18-year-olds. That’s a beautiful thing when you talk about family and whether it’s the holidays or just a summer outing. All the nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles and grand-
parents, they all can play the same sport. There are very few sports that you can say that about.”
The Indy Drivers features other local players, including Heather Iffert of Carmel; Matt Troyer of Fishers; and Ken Julian of Westfield.
Iffert, 59, was a part of three Brebeuf Jesuit state championships in girls’ tennis as a player in the 1980s. She also won five titles in her 16 years as a coach for North Central from 1992 to 2007. She coached several singles and doubles state titles for Panther tennis players.
Iffert was drafted to the Indy Drivers and said teamwork is key to success in the league.
“We don’t practice together,” she said. “When you play, you go in and have a team practice on Friday (of the tournament). It’s the only time you practice as a team. Then we play two matches on Saturday and two on Sunday. Finding the right combination can be tough, but it’s amazing you can make it work.”
An associate pro at the Indianapolis Racquet Club, Iffert coaches tennis, ranging
from beginners to advanced players.
“Tennis will always be my first love, but the great thing about pickleball is you can have success right off the bat,” she said. “It’s amazing the competition and the level of play from top to bottom in pickleball. There are very small margins of difference. It’s a great game.”
Witsken began playing pickleball competitively in 2014. Although he has been an athlete his entire life — he was a twotime high school state tennis champion in Indiana and a distinguished two-time All-American at the University of Alabama, where he was ranked No. 1 in doubles — he said pickleball is for everyone, even at a higher level.
“There are a number of amateur-level players who are older than 45 years old who are thirsting to get to the level of pro,” Witsken said. “If you work hard, you train, you’re a good athlete and you work on your fitness, nutrition and your skills, you absolutely could be drafted into the National Pickleball League.”
Current Publishing freelance writer Ken Severson contributed to this report.
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The Indy Drivers is one of 12 professional teams in the National Pickleball League. (Photo Courtesy of Indy Drivers)
Charles “Chuck” Hughes Webster, Jr., 76, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on October 1, 2024, after a diagnosis of glioblastoma. Known for his care and concern for others, deep love for his students, and even deeper love for his family, Chuck left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Chuck was born on June 16, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Hughes Webster, Sr. and Bette Williams Webster, both of whom preceded him in death. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Oakland University in Linguistics, a field that sparked his lifelong love of language, Shakespeare, and the art of telling a good story. Chuck was a remarkable writer and an avid reader of many texts, including what some might consider exceptionally boring books. He was also known for carrying a New York Times with him wherever he went, even to prom. Chuck’s career as an educator began in 1979 at The Roeper School in Michigan, where he served for 19 years as a teacher, Upper School Director, and ultimately the Head of School. In 1998, he made the bold decision to leave Roeper and start a new high school in the middle of a cornfield in Carmel, Indiana. He became the Founding Head of School for University High School of Indiana where he served until his retirement in June 2020. Chuck’s vision of a high school that takes students seriously— not for what they will become but for who they are now—shaped everything about University. He saw schools as places where we learn to be more human, and he treated the cultivation of those spaces as his life’s work. Throughout his time as a school leader, Chuck’s passion for teaching never wavered; even while serving as Head of
School, he continued to teach classes on literature and to mentor students—the role he cherished most.
Chuck was a man of many loves—long walks with his beloved dog Lizzy, weekend getaways to West Baden, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. His heart also belonged to the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan, where Chuck spent his summers reading on the beach, visiting the old growth cedars on South Manitou Island, and reconnecting over wonderful meals with friends, family, and former students. The truest true blue Trailblazer, Chuck could always be found supporting University students at performances, academic competitions, and athletic events. There is already a plaque in place marking his favorite cheering spot in the University High School gym. But perhaps Chuck’s greatest joy was found in his family. Chuck is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy Ronayne Webster, his daughter and son-in-law, Rachael and Hung Trieu, his son and daughterin-law, Cullen and Kristen Webster, his grandchildren, Avery Jeanette Trieu, Taylor Hopkins Trieu, Benjamin Jenkins Webster, and his devoted Executive Assistant and friend of 13 years, Jennifer Thompson.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16 at University High School of Indiana at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Chuck Fund at University High School in support of the school’s continued mission to expand the hearts and minds of students. Visit universityhighschool.org/thechuckfund to donate.
Westfield special census set for May 2025
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield made it official — it’s looking for a new headcount.
GROWTH
In September, the Westfield City Council approved a fund transfer of $1.8 million from the operating balance to the administrative department to pay for a special census. Now, the city will focus on marketing and outreach to get the most bang for its buck.
City leaders said based on the anticipated increase in population, the city would recoup the money spent on the special census within the first two years via state reimbursements and an increase in population-driven taxes, such as road and cigarette taxes. Those funds will increase as part of an annual revenue stream until the next decennial census.
“By 2032, we would have a cumulative net return of almost $8 million, $7.9 million is our projection even with the payoff of the costs,” Deputy Mayor Danielle Carey-Tolan said. “That would be the best-case scenario, unless the numbers are higher (of) people taking the census.”
The special census is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. City leaders said the focus now is getting the most residents to respond, to get the maximum benefit.
“We have the advantage of the school system (and) as soon as we have the date, which is locked in on May 1, (2025), we can start using those different types of media to get folks to go to the internet part of this survey,” Westfield Director of Enterprise Development John Rogers said. “That will drive the costs down and probably the
number of folks that take that (will increase) because they don’t have to answer the door. There will be a certain (level) of audit testing that will take place in those responses.”
The marketing and public awareness effort by the city will be crucial to success.
“It really will make a big difference if all of us are working together to get folks to participate,” Rogers said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Westfield’s total population following the 2020 decennial census was 46,410. However, a population estimate conducted by the bureau in 2023 estimated the population had grown to more than 57,000.
Westfield’s special census is slated to begin in May 2025. (File photo)
Scouts to collect food
news@youarecurrent.com
Scouts from Westfield will collect food for those in need from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2, part of the annual Scouting for Food initiative to assist those in need.
ASSISTANCE
Scouts BSA Troop 107 and Girl Scouts Troop 1070 will canvas Westfield neighborhoods to gather nonperishable food items to stock shelves at Open Doors food pantry, 19360 Tomlinson Rd. in Westfield. The troop members have collected for the annual event for two decades. In 2023, they collected and sorted more than 4,000 pounds of food.
Scouts will place signs at the entrances of neighborhoods to let residents know they will be collecting food items. To participate, residents should place bagged items at their front doors labeled “Scouts” or “Open Doors.”
Donations also will be accepted at Webster & Garino, LLC, at 209 E. 179th St. in Westfield through Nov. 1 and in the parking lot west of Open Doors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
Alex Alford, left, and Braxton Stalbaum help collect and sort food in 2023 during Scouting for Food at Open Doors in Westfield. (Photo courtesy of Scouts BSA Troop 107)
Scouts will be joined by members of Troops 1910 and 1920, Venture Crew 451, and Cubs Scouts from Packs 107 and 126.
Needed donations of nonperishable foods include canned meat, vegetables, soups, beans, fruit, peanut butter, boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed cereal, brown and white rice, pasta and pasta sauce.
Scouting For Food is the second-largest collection day of the year for Open Doors. For a full list of needed items, visit opendoorswestfield.org.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
The City of Westfield will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of military members beginning with breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Bridgewater Club. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. and will feature remarks from local veterans including Mayor Scott Willis, keynote speaker Roy Adams and Westfield Police Chief Shawn Keen, as well as live performances by the Westfield High School Signature Sound choir. Student winners of the
WESTFIELD NOVEMBER CALENDAR
poster and essay contest will present their work during the ceremony. Veterans who attend will receive a gift during the program. The event is free and open to the public.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Westfield City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month unless otherwise noted at Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St. Meetings are open to the public. November’s meetings take place Nov. 11 and Nov. 25. Agendas are available online at westfield.in.gov under the agendas
tab. Meetings can be viewed online at youtube.com/@WestfieldIndiana.
TOWN HALL MEETING
Mayor Scott Willis will host a Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St. This is the final in a series of quarterly meetings to provide residents with an opportunity to connect with the mayor and learn more about the vision for Westfield’s future, as well as on-going community engagement efforts. Residents who would like to see certain topics dis-
cussed can email communications@westfield.in.gov.
STATE OF THE CITY
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis will deliver a state of the city address during the Westfield Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Nov. 21. The luncheon begins at 11 a.m. at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St. Registration is $30 for chamber partners and $45 for non-partners. Register online at westfieldchamberindy.com under the events tab.
FOUR NEW MEMBERS JOIN WESTFIELD LIONS CLUB
From left, Westfield Lions Club members Jeff Larrison, Norm Steele, Christal Steele, Amy Grovogel, Tim Grovogel, Carrie Larrison and Dan Wilcox. The Steeles and the Grovogels were welcomed into the club Oct. 3. Lions Jeff and Carrie Larrison sponsored the new members, and past District Gov. Dan Wilcox led the initiation ceremony. The meeting was held at the Open Doors Food Pantry, one of the many local organizations supported by the Westfield Lions Club. For more on membership opportunities, visit westfieldlions.org. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Lions Club)
Westfield Boulevard upgrades planned
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The road closure at Westfield Boulevard and Union Street was lifted in August, but the project to enhance the roadway continues. Westfield Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail told the Board of Public Works and Safety Sept. 25 that the intersection work is the beginning of a long-term expansion project of the roadway.
ROADWORK
“I know there have been some questions about the T-intersection,” Nail said. “We are in design for the extension of Westfield Boulevard to the north (from) Lantern Commons up to 169th Street with a potential roundabout at 169th. (The) T-condition that we have right now, although it may be a little inconvenient for the short term, the long-term plan is that Westfield Boulevard is the main arterial going (north) into downtown.”
Nail said the long-term goal is to decrease the amount of traffic on Union Street in order to keep speeds down and make Union Street more pedestrian friendly.
The City of Westfield issues a weekly traffic bulletin, Travel Westfield, with a list of road closures and projects. Subscribe at tinyurl.com/mea23x3d.
DISPATCHES
McDonald’s donates to local school athletic programs – McDoanld’s restaurants across the state raised more than $80,000 to benefit Hoosier high school athletic programs recently during the inaugural High School Sports Digital Fundraiser Day. McDonald’s owners/operators contributed 10 percent of all sales made through the McDonald’s app Oct. 2 to designated high schools, benefiting 177 athletic programs statewide. Schools received a minimum donation of $250. Recipients include Carmel, Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Lawrence Central and Zionsville Community high schools.
DISPATCHES
Voting – The Election Office recently teamed up with the Hamilton County GIS team to make finding voting locations easier. A new interactive map allows voters to find early voting locations nearest to them, offering the dates and operating hours of each. Early voting is available at nine locations throughout the county, with two locations each in Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield, and three in Carmel. To access the interactive map, visit geohub.hamiltoncounty.in.gov.
Toys for Tots – AAA Hoosier Motor Club is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots to help children in central Indiana by collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-14 for distribution during the holidays. Donations can be made at participating AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch locations between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 13. Locations include 1438 W. Main St. Suite 104 in Carmel; 8997 E. 116th St. in Fishers; 9200 Keystone Crossing Suite 500 in Indianapolis; and 8751 Wesleyan Rd. in Indianapolis/College Park. In 2023, the Indianapolis chapter of Toys for Tots distributed 78,560 toys and supported 65,000 children.
Prom & Fundraiser — Special Olympics Hamilton County will host a night of games, raffle prizes and dancing from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9 at Forest Park Inn in Noblesville, 701 Cicero Rd. Special Olympics Hamilton County athletes, friends of athletes, family of athletes, volunteers and community members are welcome to join in to support the athletes and organization. All attendees are required to raise a minimum of $50 for admission. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers. For more, visit sohcindiana.org/event/ sohc-prom-and-fundraiser.
Citizens launches water line info campaign – Citizens Energy Group recently kicked off a communications campaign, including mailed letters and a new online portal, for customers who own or may own a lead service line connecting their home or business to the water main. More than 75,000 customers may still use lead service lines. The information campaign is mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Learn more at citizensenergygroup.com/lead.
Development plan approved for hospital
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Westfield’s Advisory Plan Commission approved a detailed development plan Oct. 7, the next step toward construction of a new Community Health Network campus that will bring a six-story hospital to the city.
HEALTH CARE
The site plan includes a new hospital campus and site improvement for 54 acres near 196th Street and U.S. 31.
Community announced its intention to build in Westfield in June.
The new facility will include an ambulatory surgery center, medical office building, emergency department and a patient tower. Services will include women’s health, integrative medicine, orthopedics, primary care, behavioral health and specialty services. Women’s health services will include labor and delivery with a neonatal intensive care unit to promote family-centered care.
The project includes reconstruction of two existing buildings at 19800 N. East St. and 19900 N. East St. A 100-bed inpatient
tower will be constructed. Completion of the medical office building is expected in the first quarter of 2025. The surgery center, hospital service building and hospital tower are projected for com-
pletion
The project cost is estimated at $335 million.
Learn more at ecommunity.com/ westfield-campus.
Community Health Network is building a new hospital campus in Westfield. (Image courtesy of Community Health Network)
in mid-2026.
Westfield Library Foundation kicks off holiday season
news@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Library Foundation will host a Christmas tree unveiling party from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 2 at the library, coinciding with the launch of the foundation’s annual Christmas tree raffle.
FUNDRAISER
The raffle will feature themed trees decorated by interior designer and Westfield Library Foundation Executive Director Erin Downey. The foundation wants to raise $10,000 to benefit the library.
“We couldn’t be more excited to kick off the holiday season with what we hope will become a new tradition in our building,” Downey stated. “Decorating for the holidays is a passion of mine, and I believe this year’s tree selection will truly resonate with our community. Every penny raised will support library programming and services in the coming year, so we hope the community will pack the house.”
Westfield Library Foundation Executive Director
Erin Downey decorates this year’s holiday trees at the library. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Library Foundation)
Themed trees include “The Polar Express,” sponsored by The Farmers Bank; “Patriotic Nutcracker,” sponsored by the City of Westfield; “Taylor Swift’s Christmas Era,” sponsored by Grand Maple Dental; “Vintage Christmas,” sponsored by Medallion Partners; and “Diamond and Pearls,” sponsored by Moyer Fine Jewelers. Raffle tickets are $10 and are available at the library and online through Dec. 1. Winners will be drawn Dec. 2. Learn more at westfieldlibraryfoundation.com.
PICKETT FOR CONGRESS PICKETT FOR CONGRESS
DEMOCRAT for Indiana 5th Congressional District
ZCHS athlete excels in juggling three sports, academics
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School senior Caroline Sampson likes her role as an athlete for all seasons.
“For me, it actually hasn’t been too horribly hard to juggle three sports because I have been playing multiple sports my entire life,” said Sampson, who plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse for the Eagles. “I thrive when I constantly have something to do. I think that playing three sports has helped me prevent injury because I am constantly cross training and training different muscles in each. I would say the hardest part is the first couple of weeks of each season where I kind of have to shake the rust off from not playing that sport in a couple of weeks and get in the right mindset for the sport I am about to be playing.”
Sampson, the seventh of 10 siblings, has had strong athletic role models. Five of her six older siblings played three sports at ZCHS. However, they didn’t play any of the sports Sampson plays. Courtney, Cally and Cassidy competed in swimming, cross country and track. Alex participated in swim-
CAROLINE SAMPSON
Favorite athlete: Tyrese
Haliburton
Favorite subject: Anatomy
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
Favorite musicians: Drake and SZA
ming, track and football. Jack competed in cross country, track and diving.
The 6-foot Sampson played forward for the soccer team, which finished its season in the sectional. She is a power forward on the basketball team and a defender in lacrosse.
“An additional challenge for this year of athletics, however, is that I have three new
head coaches for each sport,” Sampson said. “So far, the transition with these new coaches has been very smooth and exciting, and I think they each continue to help me and my teams represent our school well.”
Eagles girls soccer coach Rob Klatte enjoyed working with Sampson.
“Caroline is a very strong and competitive athlete. She works hard, is mobile off the ball and is a good target player who can hold play up in moments of transition,”
Klatte said. “But even more so, she has proven to be a wonderful teammate and leader for our soccer program. She is attentive and does the small things consistently well, trains with a smile on her face, pushes and encourages others while still striving to be her best. Driven on the field and in the classroom, Caroline epitomizes the term student-athlete.”
Sampson said she has received some interest from colleges to play either lacrosse or basketball at the next level.
“So, I am keeping my options pretty open towards my future,” she said. “I have been pretty consistent in narrowing down my choices in that I want to stay closer to home, just because my family is so important to me.”
Sampson has a 5.0 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. She plans to major in pre-med in college.
Sampson started playing soccer first when she was young, then basketball and began lacrosse as a freshman in high school.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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Zionsville Community High School senior Caroline Sampson is a three-sport athlete. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Sampson)
DOWN ON THE FARM
Visitors get a rare look at Westfield Washington Township historic barn
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield continues to grow with business and residential developments now spread across farmlands that once surrounded the city center.
But west of Springmill Road on 193rd Street stands an iconic barn emblazoned with the year it was built — 1888 — holding on to a rural slice of Americana just outside the limits of one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Randy Reynolds’ great-grandparents built the farm just north of 193rd Street and Eagletown Road, which has been operated by the Reynolds family for more than 135 years. Items collected by the family over the past century have now been organized and curated into a private museum at the barn.
“My dad worked at Oldsmobile his entire life in Noblesville, and (after he left Oldsmobile) he painted tractors for a living. So, we started collecting tractors,” Reynolds said. “Most of this is family stuff. I had an auction and sold a lot of my stuff, because I had too much stuff. But I kept the family-related things. When I built this building, I just decided to do this museum.”
The Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum held a meet-and-greet at the farm Oct. 15, giving dozens of visitors a chance to see the Reynolds’ family collection. The museum is a small room with display cases holding collectibles, memorabilia, equipment, toys, photographs, signs, hats, model airplanes and even an array of M&M’s figurines.
The museum also features a large display of memorabilia that Reynold’s father collected during his career, from body shop and service signs to letters of commendation and even a Thermos emblazoned with an old Oldsmobile logo.
Reynolds built the structure that houses the museum just east of the original barn about five years ago. But creating a museum was not his original intent.
“I just had too much junk,” he said, laughing. “So, I decided to do this, and I didn’t make it big enough. But I can always make it bigger later on.”
WWHS & Museum Program Director Barbara Day said the historical society organized the event at the Reynolds’ family farm to showcase some of the history of Hamilton County that local residents might not be aware exists just outside of the hustle and bustle of Westfield.
“There’s so much in this little space, and it’s so well taken care of. It’s not like walking onto a barn where everything is dirty and dusty,” Day said. “There are so many unique items here. People have driven by the barn for years not realizing what was here. It’s just kind of a little gem. Even the home, look at how beautiful it all is. I think particularly since we all (grew up) around here, we’re all
Westfield people and we didn’t know this was here.”
Reynolds moved to the property in 1980 from his mother’s family farm at 156th Street and Springmill Road, which has since been developed into residential neighborhoods. He said the farm is like a little slice of rural Westfield frozen in time as development sprawls around it.
“It’s just changed so much,” he said.
Although the museum is not open to the public, Reynolds said it is available at times for small events, such as parties or gatherings like the one hosted by the WWHS & Museum.
“It’s friends and family. We have a few parties out here. I let people have small parties out here but about 20 people is all you can do,” he said. “It’s not open to the public. We
can’t do that because we don’t have restrooms and all that.”
Sometimes, he said, people just show up.
‘I usually know them or somebody will tell them. I’m kind of private about my stuff but people will come here just to look. It’s usually farmers or somebody who has been around this area all their lives,” Reynolds said. “Everybody knows where I live. If I tell them, It’s the barn that says 1888, they know where I live. They’ve seen it before. That’s an easy way to tell people where you live.”
ON THE COVER: The Reynolds’ family farm with its signature 1888 rooftop is located at 193rd Street and Eagletown Road.
(Photo by Marney Simon)
The Oct. 15 visit at the Reynolds’ family farm was one of several programs organized by the Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum in 2024. Programming this year included a visit to Union Bible College and Academy; an evening with Westfield founders Simon Moon, Asa Bales and Ambrose Osborne; and a discussion at Roberts Settlement in Jackson Township on the area’s history with the Underground Railroad.
Besides a museum at the rear of Westfield City Hall, WWHS & Museum also operates Barker Cabin at 136 Penn St. Opened in 2023, the cabin — circa 1835 — serves as a welcome center and educational facility for local school
groups and other organizations.
The cabin was originally home to Nicholas Barker, who built the cabin for his wife Fanny and their 11 children north of Ind. 32 and Shady Nook Road. The cabin was later repurposed as a barn. The structure was acquired by the WWHS & Museum, moved to its current site pieceby-piece and restored over a two-year timeframe.
WWHS & Museum was one of dozens of nonprofit organizations awarded grant funds from Hamilton County Tourism’s 2024 Tourism Gives program, totaling $1,500 utilized for programming needs.
Learn more at wwhs.us.
Visitors look at the Reynolds’ family collectibles during an event at the farm Oct. 15. (Photos by Marney Simon)
Memorabilia from Oldsmobile, where Randy Reynolds’ father worked in Noblesville, is on display in the museum.
Saxophonist James keeps honing craft as success grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Saxophonist-composer Boney James has a definite reason for the name of his latest album.
“Slow Burn,” his 19th album, was released Oct. 18. Two of his most successful albums were his previous two — “Solid” in 2020 and “Detour” in 2022.
“Things have been trending upwards,” James said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m calling my new record ‘Slow Burn,’ because even though it’s my 19th record, I feel I’m just hitting my stride. I feel like I’m getting better every day. I’m still dedicated to being a better musician, a better saxophone player, a better songwriter and producer. I’m really in love with the new music I’m making and thankfully the fans are still there as well and growing.”
James will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This will be James’ fourth Palladium visit, having previously performed there in 2016, 2018 and 2023.
“It’s one of our favorite places to play. It’s a beautiful building,” James said. “The last time we played the Palladium, it was completely sold out, even those seats behind the stage. It was one of the greatest shows we ever had. The band and I still talk about it. Hopefully, we can recreate that experience.”
James, 63, said he plans to perform four songs from “Slow Burn.”
“It’s always a challenging thing to drop things from the show that we’ve been playing and people are enjoying,” James said. “This is my 19th record now, so it’s getting more and more challenging to squeeze in new material. There are songs from my earlier records that people would be disappointed if we didn’t play. That stuff never gets old to me.”
James loves to see the audience’s reaction to all his music.
“That’s what made me want to become
a musician in the first place is that feeling of being on stage and the communal spirit you get with the band,” he said.
“It’s something I find I can’t experience anywhere else. I only discovered I enjoyed writing songs and making records.
The joy and passion I have for playing live has not diminished at all over the years.”
James, a four-time Grammy Award nominee, also plays Keyboards on the album.
“Sometimes, I’ll replace myself on the record who is a better keyboardist than I am, which is just about everybody,” he said.
James started out playing the clarinet but switched to saxophone when his teacher recommended he give it a try.
“I didn’t want to change. (The saxophone had) a much heavier case that I was going to have to carry to school,”
James said. “As soon as I picked it up, I just loved it. When I was a kid in the ‘70s, there was an awful lot of sax on pop radio. There were a lot of sax solos you could hear, and bands with horn sections. That was something that I could all of a
sudden participate in and I just got excited by it. For me, it’s still my favorite thing to do is to play that saxophone.”
James said he loved rhythm and blues music, so he would hear sax on a Marvin Gaye song. He said Earth, Wind & Fire was a horn-driven band, along with Tower of Power.
“I heard Grover Washington Jr. in about 1975 when I had been playing for three or four years,” James said. “He was the first solo artist who was playing saxophone as the lead instrument with the funky R&B groove behind him. That is still sort of the tradition I am carrying on today.”
James said he still practices the saxophone every day.
“I feel like I’m making progress and more connected to the horn,” he said. “I’m more expressive and have ideas of things to do. The songs on this record are really special. I’m crazy in love with the record. I try not to let anyone hear anything until I realize it’s possibly the best it can be. It’s ready to be born.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and boneyjames.com.
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Dinner with Divas,” a drag performance, is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
The Live at the Center series features Chad Mills Band at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for the free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
‘SHE LOVES ME’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “She Loves Me” from Nov. 1-17 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
ZAKIR HUSSAIN AND RAHUL SHARMA
The duo of Zakir Hussain and Rahul Sharma will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
CSO fundraising brunch set — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra League’s Musical Morning brunch is set for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Woodland Country Club in Carmel. There will be a short concert by Melanie Mashner, CSO principal harpist, and Layne Anspach, horn and visiting lecturer in chamber music at Indiana University. A panel discussion, “Harmony in Action,” will feature Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Carmel City Councilmember Shannon Minnaar and CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain. The fundraiser will support the CSO’s music programs for families and young artists. For information and special requests, call 317-800-8322.
Saxophonist Boney James will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Boney James)
‘Looney’ version of ‘Barber’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gabriel Preisser will make his first appearance with the Indianapolis Opera, but he is no stranger to “The Barber of Seville.”
INDY OPERA
Preisser, a baritone based in Orlando, Fla., said he has appeared in the classic opera five or six times, each time in the lead role of Figaro.
The Indianapolis Opera’s production of “The Barber of Seville” runs Nov. 15-17 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s one of the greatest roles in the repertoire and has one of the most iconic arias, thanks to Bugs Bunny,” Preisser said.
Figaro gets to break the fourth wall and kind of be the instigator and the puppet master in many ways and gets to have fun on the stage.”
Preisser said the first time he played Firgaro was in 2010.
The Looney Tunes cartoon features the music from the classic opera in an episode called “Rabbit of Seville.”
“It’s fun music, the slapstick element of the comedy, the beautiful (Gioachino) Rossini music,” Preisser said. “It’s a pleasure to get to do it. It’s one of my favorite roles.
“You try to keep him youthful. They’re all young characters,” Preisser said.
Director Jessica Burton said she embraces the Looney Tunes spirit of the production.
“People will get that reminiscence of childhood of the first time seeing opera on the tiny little TV screen,” she said.
Preisser said he has seen productions that feed off that wackiness.
“I saw one production where they replicated the Bugs Bunny set from that script,” he said. “All the productions I’ve been in are more on the traditional side. But there is nothing wrong with either one. Anything we can do to make opera more accessible or relevant, I’m all for it.”
For more, visit indyopera.org.
‘La Cocina’ wins grand prize
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Heartland International Film Festival grand prize winners had different routes to the major cash prizes.
HEARTLAND
“La Cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, re ceived the $20,000 Narrative Feature Grand Prize, and “Porcelain War,” directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, earned the $20,000 Documentary Feature Grand Prize at the 11-day festival, which concluded Oct. 20.
it has been selected to play at.”
Sorvig said it was surprising an independent documentary, “Champions of the Golden Valley,” won the Overall Audience Choice Award, beating out every other film in voting, including major Oscar contenders and dramas.
“Of the big Oscar contenders, ‘September 5’ won the Narrative Special Presentation Audience Choice Award, which is the first festival award for the film that premiered at Venice and then played Telluride,” Sorvig said. “Richard D. Propes Social Impact Documentary Winner
“There’s a wide range of movies, styles and topics every year and the burden is really with our juries when it comes to the Grand Prizes,” said Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “‘La Cocina’ premiered in Berlin and we were the first major festival award that it has won, whereas our documentary winner ‘Porcelain War,’ about artists in Ukraine, has taken the festival circuit by storm since premiering at Sundance and continues to win awards at nearly every festival
‘Zurawski v Texas,’ featuring Hoosier natives Amanda and Joshua Zurawski, who attended their first screening, also won our Documentary Audience Choice Award.”
Actor Craig T. Nelson attended the Awards Presentation to accept the Pioneering Spirit Award: Lifetime Achievement Award. Nelson stars in “Green and Gold,” which had its World Premiere at Heartland and won the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award.
Sorvig said the world premiere of Noblesville filmmaker Rocky Walls’ “Dirty Laundry” was sold out and electric.
Preisser
Burton
Sorvig
West Fork Whiskey to add Fountain Square location
Westfield-based West Fork Whiskey Co. will open a new cocktail bar and tasting room in Fountain Square in Indianapolis.
TASTING ROOM
The location, 1233 Shelby St., is scheduled to open in winter 2024-25. The new cocktail bar will feature a curated menu of whiskey-forward craft cocktails, flights of the distillery’s award-winning bourbon and light snacks and finger foods, according to the company.
“Given we recently said goodbye to our Kennedy-King neighborhood location, we are extremely excited to start a new chapter in Indianapolis in the Fountain Square neighborhood,” West Fork Whiskey Co. co-founder Blake Jones stated. “Not only will this cocktail bar and tasting room feature our whiskey but we will also be able to offer vodka, gin, craft beer, and wine. We can’t wait to be back in Indianapolis where our distillery was founded.”
The cocktail bar and tasting room will include an industrial design.
Founded in 2015 by Jones, David McIntyre and Julian Jones and headquartered in Westfield, West Fork Whiskey Co. distillery has received numerous national and international awards for its products.
The distillery’s main location, 10 E 191st St., includes a family-friendly restaurant, cocktail bar, event center, distillery, warehouse and processing arms. The site also hosts tours and tastings.
Lisa Damour for Current.pdf 1 10/11/24 4:26 PM
Learn more at westforkwhiskey.com.
West Fork Whiskey will open a cocktail bar and tasting room in Fountain Square this winter.
(File photo)
Don’t ignore these symptoms
Commentary by Dr. Hannah Wilson
FRAME OF THE MONTH:
vision loss.
VISION
In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to put your ocular health on the backburner. However, there are some visual symptoms that are considered medical emergencies because of their sight-threatening nature. These symptoms include sudden onset flashes of light, an increase in floaters or spots and a curtain-like shadow that appears in your field of vision. Should you experience any of these visual phenomena, seek immediate attention with your eye care provider.
Designed in coastal California, SALT. is a premium eyewear brand dedicated to timeless style and effortless beauty. Committed to quality construction, each SALT. frame goes through a 130 step process to produce durable eyewear, which stands up to the rigors of a life well-lived.
Some people describe the flashes of light associated with a retinal detachment like lightning bolts in their peripheral vision or seeing stars after getting hit in the head. Floaters can appear as specks, lines or cobwebs. Seeing a few floaters is normal, but a sudden increase of floaters, especially in your central vision, is cause for concern. Finally, if you notice reduced peripheral vision or a shadow of a curtain moving across your field of view, you may have a retinal detachment.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
All three aforementioned symptoms can be signs of retinal detachment. The retina is the thin tissue at the back of the eye, which is responsible for sensing light and converting it into signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Clear vision is impossible without a properly functioning retina. When a retinal detachment occurs, retinal cells separate from the underlying tissue that provides nourishment. This is painless, but the longer a retinal detachment is left untreated, the greater the possibility of permanent
Call the office to schedule your appointment today! (317) 844-2020 www.Revolution-EYES.com 14250 Clay Terrace Blvd. Suite 160, Carmel
Dr. Katherine Schuetz OD Astigmatism Contacts
If you experience any of these ocular warning signs, it is imperative that you do not delay in scheduling an appointment with your eye care provider. With early detection, retinal detachments can be treated to preserve your vision and keep you seeing clearly for many years to come.
Dr. Hannah Wilson is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES and Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care in Carmel. She is happy to answer any questions regarding family vision needs and can be reached at DrWilson@Revolution-EYES.com.
Dr. Hannah Wilson OD Daily Disposable Contacts
Blueprint for Improvement: Bright and beautiful Zionsville kitchen
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1998, this kitchen in Zionsville’s Austin Oakes neighborhood needed a refresh. Through modern aesthetics and efficient functionality, the outcome is an inviting and practical space that radiates brightness and beauty, significantly elevating the homeowners’ everyday living experience.
THE BLUEPRINT
• White perimeter cabinetry offers timeless style, complemented by warm wood tones on the island and bar for a touch of organic warmth.
• The reimagined appliance layout enables the inclusion of a statement double range with custom hood, establishing a functional focal point.
• Smart storage solutions, including a knife block drawer, tiered utility drawers, utensil pull-outs and roll-out shelves keep essentials close at hand while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.
• The integrated quartz counter and backsplash provide the sophisticated appeal of natural stone without the upkeep.
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.
Puzzling election predictions
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Who will win the election Nov. 5? I don’t know. Nor do you. Jeremiah Farrell, a former professor of mathematics at Butler University and creator of what is considered by many to be the greatest crossword puzzle ever, didn’t know back in 1996 either, so he hedged his bet.
HUMOR
Jerry passed away in 2022, but he left behind what Hoosier Will Shortz called his favorite crossword puzzle of all time. This is quite a compliment from a man who edited and created thousands of these brain teasers.
The puzzle appeared in the New York Times on Election Day in November 1996, the day of the Bob Dole and Bill Clinton presidential matchup.
Professor Farrell, puzzle solver and creator, had done several Sunday puzzles for The New York Times. All Times’ puzzles are carefully edited.
That’s why Jerry’s entry caused quite a stir. One of the clues (39 across) read: Lead story in tomorrow’s newspaper. It was a prediction of who would win. The uproar came from both sides. It seemed like intentional bias.
BOBDOLE or CLINTON. Note that both answers had seven letters. But how could they both work? That’s where Jerry’s genius was evident. All the down clues were designed so that two different solutions would work. Shortz called it an “amazing feat, possibly the most creative crossword ever.”
Here are the clues and the alternatives:
39 Down: Black Halloween animal (Could be Cat or Bat)
40 Down: French word (Lui or Oui)
41 Down: Provider of support (IRA or Bra, and that’s my favorite)
23 Down: Sewing shop purchase (Yarn or Yard)
“BOBDOLE or CLINTON. Note that both answers had seven letters. But how could they both work? That’s where Jerry’s genius was evident.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
27 Down: Short writings (Bits or Bios)
35 Down: Trumpet (Boast or Blast)
42 Down: Much debated political initials (NRA or ERA)
Professor Farrell found seven such clues, but most people who did the puzzle did not realize there were alternative answers that could spell BOBDOLE_ELECTED or CLINTON_ELECTED. As noted, many complained that this was an inappropriate clue, showing favoritism by the puzzle creator and The Times.
I manufactured something similar with DTRUMP and HARRIS. Here’s what I came up with.
Show of disapproval: Hiss or Diss
Body part: Arm or Toe
Informer: Rat (I only need one solution here)
A sports judge (Abbreviation): Ref or Ump
Type of group: Ilk or Mob
A close relative (Slang): Sis or Pop
How’d I do? Notice how the alternative spelling can give us both candidates: HARRIS or DTRUMP. Of course, I would also have to create the entire puzzle, but I’m 77, so I’m not sure I have the time.
So, who will win the election? I don’t have a clue.
I have six.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LEGAL NOTICE OF RATE LED - UNMETERED OUTDOOR LIGHTING SERVICE
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice of its intention to file a request for expanded offerings under Rider No. 42, Rate LED – Unmetered Lighting service to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on or around November 1, 2024. This offering provides Duke Energy Indiana’s customers additional pricing options for efficient, unmetered roadway or other outdoor LED lighting service. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission PNC Center
101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407
Telephone: 317-232-2703
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: 317-232-2494
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President
November 15, 16 & 17, 2024 | The Tarkington Theater
To Purchase Tickets: Call 317.843.3800, Visit indyopera.org, or Scan the code
PREMIERE SEASON SPONSOR
46. Challenged
48. IND safety org.
49. The “P” of USPS
52. DVD forerunner
53. Jazz Kitchen genre
55. Inane
58. Fishers YMCA workout site
60. Mystical glow
61. Burn a bit
64. PC alternative
67. Replies to an evite
71. Cherished starting position at the Indy 500
72. Fuzzy fruit
73. Wicker material
74. Years and years
75. 20-20 or 50-50
76. Some tomatoes at the Zionsville Farmers’ Market Down
1. CD precursors 2. Tennis do-over 3. Toothpaste tube inits. 4. Unknowing
5. WNAP classic tune
Knucklehead
Hamilton Town Center map phrase: You ___ Here
Spasm 9. Job safety org.
Kind of eclipse 11. Indianapolis Bridge Center card
12. Camera type, for short
___ Paulo, Brazil 21. USN rank 23. ATM button array
Jamaican music
Bewilder
Owed for
41. Indiana Fertility Institute lab eggs
43. Monument Circle musical grp.
44. Loch ___ monster
45. Handicapper’s hangout, briefly
47. IU Health personnel
50. Advil rival
51. Baton Rouge school (Abbr.)
54. Fairy tale monsters
56. Victory Field fielding statistic
57. Rodeo rope
59. Sen. Braun
61. Tax pro
62. Boone County Fair critter
63. Union Brewing Company brew
65. Roman 1004
66. Astound
68. Vigor’s partner
69. Green shade
C&H TREE SERVICE
FIREWOOD SALE
Topping – Removal
Deadwooding – Landscaping
Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
Personal Assistant Services LLC
Tami Osbourne - 812-629-5754
Helping families with:
*Residential Cleaning & More
*House/Pet Sitting *Laundry
*Family Errands
*Date Night Child Care
References provided Upon Request!
LANDSCAPE SERVICES
* Patios
* Landscape
* Fire Features
* Pergolas
* Decks
* Retaining Walls
* Design / Build
IndyScapes.com Fidel Lopez 765-208-6008
UNLEASHED SCOOPING
Save your back and your time!
Family/locally owned dog waste scooping service with 16 years of experience. Prices start at $16/week for one visit for up to two dogs. More frequency also available. Email: UnleashedScooping@gmail.com. Phone 317.764.4777.
GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL Professional & Economical
Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.
Guitar Lessons
LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years
• FALL CLEAN-UP
• LEAF REMOVAL
• MOWING
• FERTILIZING
• TEAR OUT/REPLACE
FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491
SALE
HOLIDAY MART
Christmas Items
GARAGE–THRIFT-BOUTIQUE
*Gently Used: Mens & Womens Clothes Med – XXL
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters
Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors
Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
*Furniture, Dishes, Lace 12780 Old Meridian St. (Inside salon- Rain or Shine) No Early Birds
Thursday Nov 7, Friday Nov 8 Saturday Nov 9th 9-6 PM Carmel Office Hiring full time Maintenance Tech
HOA MGMT office – work would be performed on locations around Indy area. Company vehicle provided, Gas card included. $20-$24 with benefits. Please send resume to: dennell.pluymert@associa.us WILL DO FALL CLEAN-OUTS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Pants: BELL BOTTOMS, CAPRI, CARGO, CHINOS, JEANS, STIRRUP; Roll: CALIFORNIA, DRUM, EGG, HONOR, TOOTSIE; Birds: CARDINAL, DOVE, ROBIN, SPARROW; Cheeses: BRIE, CHEDDAR, SWISS; Colleges: BUTLER, MARIAN; Site: JASPER
