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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
Yes, it’s my fifth piece. I always overeat when I’m nervous. Why so judgey?
BAGI sets the stage for Parade of Homes
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis is expanding its reach across central Indiana, with plans to bring the Parade of Homes to the region in spring 2025.
BUILDING
BAGI’s parade of Homes takes place April 25-27; May 2-4; and May 9-11, 2025.
The event is set to meet the increasing demand for representation from across Indianapolis and surrounding areas and reach more potential home buying clients. The event is expected to showcase more than 60 homes and more than 20 builders and remodelers covering five geographic areas and four price points.
The event is different from BAGI’s annual Home-A-Rama event.
“Home-A-Rama is a high-end home show that happens in one location/neighborhood in the fall each year,” BAGI Director of Communications Amanda Parker said. “The Parade of Homes will feature multiple communities across the entire greater Indianapolis area at varying price points, delivering a more personalized experience. This means guests will be able to visit homes tailored to what they are looking for whether it be price, geographic location or style. The different types of homes will also feature a variety of products and vendors for guests to be able to get home design ideas.”
Parker said visitors can look forward to seeing a variety of homes produced by BAGI members, including fully custom, large-volume, multifamily and wholehome remodels. The show will include an all-access pass that allows participants to visit any home within the tour during the three weekends of the show — amounting to exclusive access to dozens of homes across central Indiana. Visitors will be able to communicate with builders and staff throughout the show.
“BAGI works diligently to not only create a brand standard for new home construction, but to aid in the effort to attain af-
fordable housing,” Parker said. “We are so excited that this show will not only speak to attendees on that personal level, but also showcase the great work our builders and remodelers are doing throughout central Indiana. Guests will be able to see multiple styles of homes to get design inspiration, connect with builders or remodelers and see what BAGI members can do. Their all-access pass will allow them to learn about the world of new home construction and even help them find their new home.”
Builders and remodelers can participate if they are active BAGI members and have something they would like to showcase within the greater Indianapolis area. While the show will feature a variety of communities and price points, the backing of BAGI via promotion and branding is expected to
lead to heightened exposure and accessibility to home industry partners.
The event is an opportunity for greater exposure, increased brand outreach and the ability to educate the public on new home construction techniques and design concepts.
Builders who wish to participate can submit an interest form at bagi.com/ parade-of-homes or by contacting Drake Branda, chief operating officer of BAGI, at drakeb@bagi.com.
BAGI data shows the Indianapolis metro area grew 2.2 percent between 2020 and 2023. Growth in Hamilton County was 6.5 percent and Boone County was 7 percent during that time.
Details will be available as the event nears at bagi.com.
to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.
Following the success of Home-A-Rama, BAGI will host the Parade of Homes across central Indianapolis in spring 2025. (File photo)
COMMUNITY
Park
and
Poplar
introduced to city council
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Five months after announcing that funds awarded to the City of Westfield from the Central Indiana Redevelopment Authority would be applied to the Park and Poplar project, the developers have revealed their initial plans to the public.
DEVELOPMENT
Old Town Companies introduced the Park and Poplar planned unit development — a $125 million mixed-used development that would anchor the west side of downtown Westfield — to the city council Nov. 11.
The PUD encompasses 11 acres zoned a mix of general business, enclosed industrial, Grand Millennium PUD and Grand Junction Plaza PUD. The measure calls for rezoning to mixed-use development for 9 acres, with the remaining 2 acres allocated for detention/retention. The PUD is located on Park Street between Westfield Boulevard/Poplar Street and Grassy Branch at the southeast corner of Park and Poplar streets.
In a presentation to the Westfield City Council, Old Town Companies Vice President of Development Jeremy Lollar said plans include retail and office space, a boutique hotel, a 207-unit apartment complex, a parking structure and five brownstone townhome buildings. A plaza adjacent to the Midland Trace Trail and Park Street will provide pedestrian connectivity to Grand Junction Plaza and downtown Westfield.
The parking structure will include 523 spaces, which the developer said may be
increased as the design process evolves.
“That parking accommodates everything needed for the development of the large multifamily building,” Lollar said. “(The townhouses) are all surface parked. (The structure) also accommodates the needs of a future hotel as well as the office/ retail space and then accommodates an additional 120 to 150 public parking spaces at all times that will help support Grand Junction and the general downtown parking needs.”
In June, the city announced CIRDA had selected the project as the recipient of a $4 million grant from Indiana Economic Development Corp. READI 2.0 funding. The money is part of the READI 2.0 Main Street Matters $45 million grant funding initiative.
In October, the council approved an ordinance providing for the issuance of $12 million in bonds. Half of those were earmarked for improvements at Simon Moon Park, with the remaining dedicated to infrastructure needs, utility relocation and streetscape planning for Park Street.
“(Park and Poplar) will serve as a key anchor point, helping to enhance Park Street and Restaurant Row,” Mayor Scott Willis stated in a news release following the Nov. 11 presentation. “It’s important to emphasize that the current restaurants and businesses will remain and that this project will address the current parking shortages in the area. We are excited to see continued investment in our downtown.”
Park and Poplar is scheduled for a public hearing before the Advisory Plan Commission Dec. 2. The council is tentatively scheduled to vote on the project in late January.
EXPERIENCE THE JOY AND CONVENIENCE OF BEING CLOSE TO YOUR LOVED ONES THIS SEASON
• A 55 & Better Community designed for making connections
• Convenient location near friends and family
• Guests welcome to join activities
• Event spaces for gatherings
• Scenic trails to explore together
• More free time without home maintenance
The Park and Polar PUD as introduced would include a 207-unit apartment complex. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
Westfield DORA to activate in January 2025
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield’s downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, is not yet active. But the district already has added a new permittee.
DOWNTOWN
A DORA allows individuals at least 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved vendors and retail establishments and carry them outside to be consumed within the DORA boundaries.
The Westfield City Council approved a resolution Nov. 11 adding Gringtinos as the 10th permittee in the district. The American/Latin pub and craft house joins Chiba; Something Splendid; Greek’s Pizzeria; The Italian House; Nyla’s; Four Finger Distillery; Westfield Wine Vault; Jan’s Village Pizza; and Field Brewing as permittees.
Westfield Director of Communications Kayla Arnold said since the city received approval from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to create the downtown DORA Oct. 28, staff has been preparing to get the district up and running.
“We will officially launch the downtown
The downtown DORA includes 10 designated permittees. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
Westfield DORA in mid-January,” Arnold said. “There are several things we need to do to make sure we stay compliant, including installing signage (and) working with all of the businesses to get them their cups and signage.”
Arnold said the city has created a DORA
logo; ordered boundary signs which will be installed in January; installed posts for the boundary signs; ordered window decals and coasters for businesses; and ordered 10,000 DORA-branded cups. Permittees will be provided with 1,000 cups at the onset of the DORA. The city is setting up a store-
front for those permittees to order additional inventory of cups as needed.
Going forward, the city will work with retailers now through January on DORA rules and a marketing campaign for the district.
Arnold said the city will review the DORA on a quarterly basis if there are additional permittees who wish to join. Permittees must be within the established DORA boundary — generally west to east from U.S. 31 to Gurley Street/Hillcrest Drive; and north to south from Penn Street to the Grand Junction Plaza area. Separate DORAs would need to be created for businesses outside the downtown boundary.
State law allows municipalities to create up to seven DORA districts. Districts are approved by ordinance by the council, with final approval granted by the Indiana ATC. Westfield is the second Hamilton County municipality to establish a DORA. Noblesville’s downtown DORA opened in July 2024. Carmel is currently awaiting ATC approval on the establishment of a DORA. Zionsville also has applied to create a DORA. Learn more about Westfield’s DORA at westfield.in.gov under the community tab.
JOIN US ON DECEMBER 7 GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA | 3 - 6 P.M. presented by Downtown Westfield Association
Westfield’s comprehensive plan process in analysis phase
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Mapping out a vision for Westfield’s future is the basis of the city’s comprehensive planning process.
CITY NEWS
Westfield Senior Planner Caleb Ernest gave an update on the comprehensive planning process to members of the city council Nov. 11.
Westfield’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved an agreement with Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Inc. (REA) in August for $520,000 for creation of the plan. REA is working on the baseline assessment and local capacity building, the first two phases of the seven-phase project.
Baseline assessment includes 19 tasks, including analysis of infrastructure, land use, housing and current uses and needs within Westfield, as well as regular meetings with staff and REA representatives.
“We set up a detailed project schedule,” Ernest said. “REA has been reaching out and collecting data from us. They’ve reviewed our existing policies, our programs, other plans that have been previously approved (and) former comprehensive plans and any other assessments that have happened in the city. They are gathering all these documents, reviewing them and
analyzing them before they start diving into the nitty gritty of steps moving forward.”
Ernest said the completion of the first two phases will dictate whether the city needs a complete comprehensive plan overhaul, or if the current plan can be amended and updated. The city is creating a steering committee and focus groups to ensure the community has a voice in the process.
Additional phases in the planning process include vision and values identification; draft plan development; final plan development; preparation for adoption; and final deliverables. Ernest said the vision and values identification phase will include the heaviest public engagement. The phase is expected to begin in January 2025.
A comprehensive plan is a nonbinding document that municipalities use to guide decisions on growth, attracting businesses, residential developments, safety, park planning and just about anything else that may happen within its boundaries. Specifically, Westfield’s comprehensive plan will focus on several key areas, including land use, zoning, transportation, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability, environment and community engagement. The comprehensive plan is expected to be complete by February 2026.
Westfield’s comprehensive plan will address land use zoning, transportation, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability, environment and community engagement. (File photo)
Landscape maintenance contracts approved
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Board of Parks and Recreation approved two bids Nov. 6 for services to address green space needs. The board approved an agreement with H&N Outdoor Services of Sheridan for high profile landscape maintenance for 2025 through 2027. Deputy Mayor Danielle Carey-Tolan said the contract — which totals $472,349 each year for three years — was the lowest of six bids solicited by the city.
PARKS & RECREATION
Westfield will pay $472,349 annually for high-profile landscape maintenance at parks, trials and along U.S. 31. (Photo by Marney Simon)
with Williams Creek Management of Plainfield for maintenance and preservation services.
High profile landscape maintenance includes weekly lawn care; turf management; landscape bed maintenance; and tree maintenance; and twice-weekly trash removal and cleanup at all city-owned parks and trails. The contract also includes janitorial services at parks and trails restrooms and along the U.S. 31 corridor between 146th Street and Ind. 38. The board also approved an agreement
The bid, totaling $213,440, includes invasive control treatments for city-owned parks, swales, wetlands and basins — including Grand Junction Plaza, Freedom Trails Park and 104 acres along U.S. 31 — for 2025, 2025 and 2027. The agreement represents a renewed contract for those services.
The agreement also included supplemental seeding along U.S. 31 in 2024. Both bids were approved unanimously.
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Library expands Spanishlanguage collection
news@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Library Foundation recently purchased 172 new Spanish-language books for Westfield Washington Public Library as part of an effort to promote literacy and cultural representation among the city’s growing Hispanic population.
INCLUSIVITY
is passionate about ensuring that families feel welcomed and empowered.
“My journey has inspired me to find ways to connect with these families,” he stated. “I know firsthand how transformative access to resources can be.”
Westfield Library Foundation board member Anuar Velazquez said the collection offerings are an investment for Westfield.
“Increasing the representation of authors and books in Spanish is crucial for our Spanish-speaking students and citizens, including those learning the language,” Velazquez stated. “When people read in a language spoken at home, it not only boosts literacy but also instills pride in their cultural identity.” Velazquez, a first-generation immigrant,
While the collection is for all ages, the foundation focused on family-friendly titles to help Spanish-speaking families engage with one another while reading.
“We are committed to making the library a welcoming hub,” Westfield Library Foundation Executive Director Erin Downey stated. “We hope this new collection fosters inclusivity and allows communities that may have felt marginalized to see themselves in the stories they read.” The library also recently enhanced its outreach efforts to Spanish-speaking families by offering English language classes and Spanish story times. Learn more at wwpl.lib.in.us.
Velazquez
Grand Park events funnel millions into economy
SPORTS news@youarecurrent.com
Two athletic tournaments hosted at Westfield’s Grand Park have been named recipients of the 2024 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by planning and location strategies publication Sports Destination Management.
The Grail and Mid-America Invitational, a lacrosse event, and Bullpen Tournaments’ ABC Championship Series were both recognized. Recipients are selected by evaluating the spectator fees, hotel room usage, restaurant business and visitor spending during the time of the sporting event.
“Grand Park is honored to host a variety of exceptional events each year, working with our outstanding partners and event organizers to create a great experience for athletes and spectators,” Grand Park Sports Campus Director Matt Trnian stated. “The Grail and Mid-America Invitational and the ABC Championship Series are two outstanding events that have both demonstrated the
positive economic impact our facility has on the community.”
The Grail and Mid-America Invitational, held June 29-30, attracted more than 6,900 athletes and 18,500 nonlocal visitors to Grand Park, creating an estimated economic impact of $4.5 million. Bullpen Tournaments’ ABC Championship Series, hosted from midJune to mid-July, attracted nearly 14,000 baseball players and contributed more than $30 million to the local economy, according to Sports Destination Management.
The recognition highlights the role of sports tourism in driving economic growth in the region.
“We’re proud to see our investments in sports tourism yielding such significant economic benefits for Hamilton County,” Hamilton County Sports Authority Director Carl Daniels stated. “With the ongoing support of local partners and the community, Hamilton County continues to establish itself as a premier destination for sports events.”
Learn more at sportsdestinations.com.
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DISPATCHES
Lantern Award nominations open – The Westfield Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the annual Lantern Awards. The semiformal cocktail reception celebrates the community of Westfield. The event is designed to bring the community together for an evening of fellowship while recognizing and honoring outstanding residents and businesses. Nominations are open through Dec. 20. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 30, 2025 at Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. Submit nominations at westfieldchamberindy.com/community-awards.
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.
Winter market applications now open – Westfield Welcome is accepting vendor applications for Westfield Winter Market, presented by Duke Energy. The market is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from Jan. 18 through March 29, 2025, excluding March 1. The market takes place this year at West Fork Whiskey, 10 E. 191st St. The Westfield Winter Market features honey, bread, pastries, handcrafted items, flowers, plants, cheese, meats, produce, pet food, specialty beverages and more. Apply to be a vendor or volunteer at westfieldwelcome.com/ westfield-winter-market.
Happy Little (Virtual) registration open
– The Indiana DNR and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation will host the third annual Happy Little (Virtual) 5K event April 19-27, 2025, to benefit state park programs. Registration is $36 and includes a t-shirt, commemorative bib number and a Bob Ross-inspired finisher’s medal. In 2024, more than 1,000 people participated in the virtual race, raising more than $18,000 for tree plantings and healthy forest initiatives in Indiana State Parks. Register at tinyurl. com/4ket8eew.
Fest
Fishers restaurant offers ‘Nutcracker’ cocktail experience
Ice rinks return for the holidays
Flaming German cocktail among new offerings at Christkindlmarkt
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Fest
Ice rinks return for the holidays
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
With the return of cold weather, business at ice-skating rinks throughout northern Indianapolis is warming up. Several ice rinks, such as the Federal Hill Ice Plaza and The Ice Rink at Holliday Farms, are now open or opening soon and will offer communities an outdoor activity for the entire family.
N OBLESVILLE
The City of Noblesville recently opened the seasonal Federal Hill Ice Plaza, presented by Noblesville Parks and Recreation. The temporary ice rink in the Federal Hill Apartments parking lot at 196 Westfield Rd. opened Nov. 23. It will close for the season Jan. 6, 2025.
Several other events also will be presented throughout December in Federal Hill Commons, according to Noblesville Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Charlie Elliott and Recreation Program Coordinator Sarah Oakley.
“From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14, we will turn Federal Commons into the North Pole,” Oakley said. “So, we’ll have live reindeer and a craft station. We’re trying to get a toy shop in one of the coffee houses, and we’re going to have live elf actors and carolers. So, it’ll be a fun event and tie right in with the ice rink. We also have a Jingle Bell breakfast on the morning of the North Pole event.”
There also will be a chance to skate with the Noblesville Police Department Dec. 20.
“We’re definitely about having everybody down there,” Elliott said. “We’re excited to open full-time from Dec. 21 through Jan. 6. We’re hopeful it fills up for those days.”
Admission, including skate rental, is $11 for kids 12 and under and $13 for people 13 and older.
For more, visit noblesvilleparks.org/402/Ice-Skating.
N ORTH I NDY
The Ice Rink at Holliday Park will return for its third year Nov. 29 at 6363 Spring Mill Rd. and remain open until March 1, 2025.
“We are excited and look forward to welcoming skaters back for the third season of the Ice Rink,” stated Adam Barnes, executive director of the Holliday Park Foundation. “As this event becomes more sustainable every year, we are proud of the impact we can make by offering residents the ability to get out and relax in nature during the winter months, as well as expanding our educational and community programming to foster lifelong memories at Holliday Park.”
In its third season, the rink will offer familiar and expanded programming as well as new partnerships, including:
• Concessions: MASHCraft, a new food and beverage vendor, will offer classic concessions and elevated food options, including beer and wine.
Concessions will be available Friday through Sunday and during special events.
• Learn to Skate: Skating lessons for a variety of ages and skill levels on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Coffee Club: A skating lesson group for adults with complimentary coffee on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
• Learn to Play Hockey: Free, drop-in hockey lessons will be conducted by Our Hockey House on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m.
• 3-on-3 Pond Hockey: The Ice Rink can be rented for 3-on-3 hockey games on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with equipment provided by the renting party. Each session is limited to the first 20 players at $25 a person.
• School Programming: The Ice Rink will host a variety of opportunities for schools including field trips, half-price Fridays with any student ID, private rentals for PTO fundraisers, parties, sports groups and homeschool skate sessions on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Private Rink Rentals: The rink can be rented for $400 an hour.
Tickets are $14 online and at the door and include skate rental. Admission is free for children 4 and younger and students of any age receive a half-off entry on Fridays with their student ID. Season passes are available for $150. For more, visit hollidaypark.org/rink.
OTHER AREA ICE RINKS:
• Carmel:
The Ice at Carter Green: theiceatcartergreen.com Carmel Ice Skadium: carmeliceskadium.com
• Fishers: Indy Fuel Tank: indyfueltank.com
• Westfield: The Ice Ribbon: tinyurl.com/3k7hkf26
• Lawrence: Winterfest: visitlawrenceindiana.com/events/ winterfest/skate-rink
Holiday Events
CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt features German-inspired food, gifts and entertainment throughout the holiday season at Carter Green. The market is generally open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24. Attendees may also skate at the Ice at Carter Green within the market. For a full schedule of events and special hours, visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com.
WESTFIELD IN LIGHTS
Free winter-themed games, food vendors, retail merchants, live llamas and visits from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are just some of the activities sched uled for Westfield in Lights. The event returns from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St. The event culminates with the traditional Tree Lighting Celebration beginning at 5:50 p.m. on the main stage. Mayor Scott Willis and special guests will officially light the tree at 6 p.m., which signifies the kickoff to the holiday season in Westfield. During the event, Mrs. Claus will be at Something Splendid, 217 Mill St. for a picture and cookies.
ZIONSVILLE’S CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE Registration is open for sponsors and parade participants for the family-friendly Christmas in the Village event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. at Eagle Elementary and concludes at Old National Bank. Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the tree on the corner of Pine and Main streets at the conclusion of the parade. Register as a sponsor or a parade entry at zionsvillechamber.org under the ‘events’ tab. Questions can be directed to info@zionsvillechamber.org.
The Federal Hill Ice Plaza at 196 Westfield Rd. (Photo courtesy of the City of Noblesville)
COOKIES WITH CHARACTERS
The City of Fishers Parks Department presents the annual Cookies with Characters Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at the Ambassador House, 10598 Eller Rd, Fishers. Activities include decorating cookies, a visit from the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who and other Whoville fun and games. All parents and children, regardless of age, must be registered to attend. Children 2 and under are free to attend with registration. No walk-ups will be permitted. Registration is non-transferrable. To register, visit playfishers.com/583/ Cookies-with-Characters.
NOBLESVILLE’S NORTH POLE
Experience Santa’s village at Noblesville’s North Pole at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14. Experience a visit with live reindeer, festive crafts, photo opportunities, elf training and more. Admission and activities are all free and vendors will have items for purchase. Attendees can also sign up for Breakfast with Santa at the Green Room. For more, contact Noblesville Parks & Recreation at 317-776-6350.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT STUDIO
Fest
Fishers restaurant offers
‘Nutcracker’ cocktail experience
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” has been a Christmastime staple for more than 100 years, inspiring numerous adaptations and — now — signature cocktails.
Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday Nov. 30 through Dec. 23, HC Tavern + Kitchen in Fishers, 9709 E. 116th St., will celebrate the holidays and honor the classic ballet with its “The Nutcracker Suite” holiday pop-up.
HC Tavern General Manager Aaron Hutchinson said this is the second year the restaurant has hosted a holiday pop-up. Last year’s event was based on The Grinch — a Dr. Seuss character — and Hutchinson said it was so popular, they were turning people away some nights.
This year, he said, the restaurant’s terrace will feature over-the-top decor, including life-sized displays of favorite “Nutcracker” characters along with themed cocktails.
“We’re really transforming our terrace on our second level into a kind of a whimsical world where guests can come, enjoy the holiday ambience, have some cocktails and then hopefully enjoy some dinner or something at the bar, either before or after,” Hutchinson said.
He said the holidays are a busy time for the restaurant and the pop-up experience is an added value they are offering to customers.
“You have businesses doing holiday parties, you have families traveling and getting together and then, hopefully, people will come either before or after their meal and enjoy the ambiance (and) take some holiday pictures,” he said.
No reservations are required to attend the pop-up, but people can get onto a list if the space fills up before they arrive. Hutchinson said that last year, the response from customers was almost overwhelming.
“The team here experienced guests arriving hours early to get their name on the list,” he said. “And on nights we closed at 10 — at 9, they had to just turn the wait list off, because we
“Nutcracker”-themed cocktails will be featured during HC Tavern + Kitchen’s holiday pop-up experience, starting Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 23. (Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)
would (have) a 2-1/2-hour wait for it.”
Hutchinson said some of the specialty cocktails for “The Nutcracker” pop-up include a toasty Nutcracker, which is essentially a s’mores old fashioned; a Sugar Plum Fairy made with rosè gin; and the Mouse King’s revenge, which is a bananas foster martini.
“We’ve got some really neat drinks that are on-theme for the holiday season,” he said. “I think it’s going to be really special and really going to transform the ambience of our loft space.”
For more, visit atthehc.com/ happenings.
NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCES
Various “Nutcracker” performances are planned during the holiday season. They include:
• Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, The Palladium, Carmel
• The Village Dance Studio, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville Community High School, 1000 Mulberry St.
• Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Dec. 13-15, STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, Zionsville
• Indianapolis Ballet, Dec. 19-22, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, Indianapolis
• Ballet INitiative, Dec. 20-22, The Basile Theatre, Indianapolis
Presented by IU Health North Hospital
Holiday Events
CARMEL: HOLIDAY PORCHFEST
Holiday Porchfest will feature performers singing holiday classics beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 in Midtown Plaza. Onsite vendors will offer warm beverages and snacks. Learn more at CarmelPorchfest.org.
NOBLESVILLE: REINDEER EXPRESS
The community can take an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa at the Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville this holiday season. The journey takes passengers on a round-trip ride from Noblesville to Arcadia, traveling through Cicero and over Morse Reservoir. The ride includes hot chocolate, a holiday cookie, holiday music and a chance to write a letter to the North Pole. For tickets, visit nickelplateexpress.com/winter-train-rides/ reindeer-express.
WESTFIELD: LETTERS TO SANTA
A Letters to Santa mailbox will be available with direct service to the North Pole at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St. through Dec. 15. Mailboxes are also located outside Westfield City Services, 2728 E. 171st St.; Westfield Fire Department Headquarters/Station 81, 16901 Ditch Rd.; the Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope so Santa can reply promptly.
FISHERS: WINTER ART MARKETS
Fishers Arts Council’s Winter Art Markets at Sun King, 9713 District N. Dr., Suite 1220, return Dec. 5, 12 and 19, with markets running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each day is a different set of artists and artisans. and every evening includes fine art, books, toys, personal care items, jewelry and more.
CARMEL: SANTA SOIREE
Clay Terrace will present the Santa Soiree from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Village Green in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Guests can meet Santa, enjoy holiday beverages, listen to live music performances and watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Carriage rides
will be available from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend the event. Learn more at clayterrace. com/events/santa-soiree-2.
ZIOSNVILLE: HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
The 13th Annual Carol of Homes — Holiday Home Tour will showcase six local homes festively decorated for the holidays Dec. 7 in Zionsville. The tour is tied together from home to home with Zionsville Community High School show choir performers singing traditional and modern holiday tunes. Tickets are $25 each. Learn more about the tour at holidayhometour.weebly.com
WHITESTOWN: WINTER MARKET
The Town of Whitestown hosts a monthly winter market at the Whitestown Community Recreation Center at the Whitestown Municipal Complex. The market is 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14; Jan. 11, 2025; Feb. 8; and March 8. A variety of vendors will sell local products and foods. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
NOBLESVILLE: COOKIE CRAWL
Explore the Downtown Square and gather cookies from local merchants during the annual Cookie Crawl charity event! Pre-order your cookie tin prior to Dec. 7 and pick it up Dec. 7th at Linden Tree. Walk around the downtown collecting cookies to fill your tin at participating businesses. A map will be given to you when you pick up the tin. Proceeds are donated to Fueled for School of Noblesville. For more, visit facebook.com/ events/486694984400003?_rdr.
WESTFIELD: HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Westfield High School Performing Arts students including concert band, symphonic band, wind symphony, percussion ensemble, New Waves Choir, Signature Sound Choir and Limited Edition Choir are part of the holiday festival at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the WHS auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. Purchase tickets at westfield.band/ concerts.
This Week’s Market Magic!
Special Events
Nov. 30, 7-8 p.m., Sankt Martinstag
Dec. 1, 12-8 p.m., Indianapolis Colts Fest
Werkstatt
Nov. 23-Dec. 1, Markus Wagner, Oberammergau Woodcarver
Kinderecke
Nov. 30, 4-7 p.m., Wooden Lantern Craft
Dec. 1, 12-8 p.m., Blue Horseshoe Ornament Craft
Spielhaus
Nov. 27, 12-3 p.m., Snow Sisters
Nov. 30, 12-5 p.m., Roz Puppets
Dec. 1, 12-6 p.m., Santa
Entertainment
Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m., Jennie DeVoe
Nov. 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans
Nov. 30, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Johnny Koenig
Dec. 1, 2-4 p.m., Johnny Koenig
November 23 - December 24
Feuerzangenbowle translates to “fire tongs punch.” (Photo by Roben Bellomo, Bellomo Studios, Carmel Christkindlmarkt)
Flaming German cocktail among new offerings at Carmel Christkindlmarkt
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A flaming German cocktail traditionally served at festive social gatherings has debuted this year at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
To make Feuerzangenbowle, which translates to “fire tongs punch,” rum-soaked sugar is lit on fire and as it caramelizes it drips into a cup of Glühwein below.
Michael Nahmias, vice president of operations for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, said Feuerzangenbowle tastes similar to Glühwein with a hint of rum.
“In general, though, the taste is sort of secondary to the experience,” Nahmias said. “This is the kind of drink that is often enjoyed at home with loved ones or maybe a group of friends that only gets together once a year.”
Feuerzangenbowle has been enjoyed in Europe since at least the 1700s but became more popular in Germany in 1944 after the film “Die Feuerzangenbowle” was released.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Maria Murphy traveled to Wörgl, Austria, to work with a coppersmith on the design of kettles that can be used to make Feuerzangenbowle on a large scale at the Carmel festival, which runs through Dec. 24 at Carter Green.
Nahmias said the drink is typically served in smaller settings than the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, but organizers are taking steps to replicate the traditional experience of enjoying Feuerzangenbowle as much as possible.
“Obviously it’s difficult to bring that intimate, cozy vibe into a bustling market, but we’re doing everything we can to make it special,” Nahmias said. “Our Feuerzangenbowle will be served out of giant 40-plus liter copper kettles; you’ll see these types of stands scattered across Germany, and as far as we know, we’re the first to do it this way in the U.S. That’s a point of pride for us. We want people to
come to Carmel and have an experience that they can’t get anywhere else in the country.”
The Christkindlmarkt will serve Feuerzangenbowle in a commemorative mug. An extra shot of rum can be added upon request.
Nahmias said he doesn’t know if Feuerzangenbowle will become as popular in the U.S. as some other German-inspired beverages, but he is eager for Christkindlmarkt visitors to give it a try.
“Feuerzangenbowle is more of a niche drink. It doesn’t have the cultural resonance in America the same way that German beer or even mulled wine does,” Nahmias said. “Hopefully, it becomes another fan favorite. In general, though, I want every one of our visitors to leave the market having learned or experienced something new. Maybe they learn how to ice skate, maybe they gain a newfound love of polka music, or maybe they try a new drink and learn about a German comedy from 80 years ago.”
Learn more at Carmel Christkindlmarkt.com.
NEW OFFERINGS
In addition to Feuerzangenbowle, other new offerings at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt this year include:
• Knödel & Champignons – A vegan hut offering dumplings and sauteed mushrooms covered in a creamy garlic sauce.
• Zinnstadt – A pewter booth offering a variety of hand-painted German pewter ornaments and steins.
• Werkstatt Souvenirs – A gift shop next to the Werkstatt dedicated to the sale of items made by visiting German artisans, including handcarved figures, glass creations and more.
• Custom Glass Ornaments – A limited-edition Carmel Christkindlmarkt collectible ornament, glass-blown the traditional Lauscha way and hand-painted specifically for the market.
Gift Ideas
LOCAL SPIRITS
Indulge in the local spirit scene. St. Elmo Steak House’s cherry-and-vanilla infused bourbon and Indianapolis-made Barkeep Vodka, crafted from Indiana corn, are readily available at local retailers.
SPORTS TICKETS
Give the gift of excitement with tickets to a professional sporting event. Hamilton County soon will feature several new teams. In addition to the Indy Fuel Hockey, the Indy Ignite Volleyball and Fishers Freight Football will call the new Fishers Event Center home. The Indy Mad Ants also will soon play in Noblesville. Find ticket options at:
• indyfuelhockey.com/tickets
• provolleyball.com/season-tickets
• fishersfreightfootball.com/tickets
• fortwayne.gleague.nba.com/ticket-central
GIFT CARDS
Give the gift of choice this holiday season with a gift card! Many local businesses are offering special deals. Consider a gift card to Indiana State Parks for outdoor adventures or to a local restaurant like Wine & Rind, Joe’s Butcher Shop, Bub’s Burgers, or Anthony’s Chophouse. For a culinary treat, check out Huse Culinary’s gift card offer: a 20 percent bonus on purchases of $125 or more.
Fest
CANADIAN BRASS
SAT NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DIONNE WARWICK
SUN NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
HOME FREE: ANY KIND OF CHRISTMAS TOUR
TUE DEC 3 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES: WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN
THU DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW
FRI DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS
SAT DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
MATTEO BOCELLI: A NIGHT WITH MATTEO THU DEC 12 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024
FRI DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
SAT DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
MAC MCANALLY
FRI JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
LET’S SING TAYLOR: A LIVE BAND EXPERIENCE CELEBRATING TAYLOR SWIFT SAT JAN 11 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE SAT JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX FRI JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
HEART OF AFGHANISTAN FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SAT JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUN JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE KINGS OF QUEEN SAT FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRI FEB 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968
JOHNNY CASH CONCERT SAT FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRI FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
SEASON PARTNER
KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SAT FEB 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE FRI FEB 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE STEPCREW FRI MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRI MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE &PALMER FRI MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DUSTBOWL REVIVAL:A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRI MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUN MAR 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES SUN MAR 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM
LANG LANG FRI MAR 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
EMMYLOU HARRIS THU APR 3 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT APR 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG
UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS WEDS APR 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT APR 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN APR 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THU APR 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRI APR 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BLACK VIOLIN SAT APR 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUES, APR 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES THU MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SAT MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
iLUMINATE SUN MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN
DON WAS LANG LANG EMMYLOU HARRIS
KALANI PE’A
MATTEO BOCELLI
senior outside hitter develops all-around game
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern High School senior volleyball player Lindsey Mangelson’s value to the team kept increasing during her three years as a starter.
“She has been a critical piece of the puzzle the last three years,” Royals coach Jason Young said. “She is obviously an outstanding offensive player. She turned herself into a really good defensive player the last several years through hard work. She started her career as a piece of the puzzle and then became a main piece this last year. We really depended on her to carry the load and she was able to do that for us. She’s an outstanding player and a really great kid.”
A 6-foot-2 outside hitter, Mangelson helped the Royals win IHSAA Class 4A state championships in 2022 and 2023. They finished 32-3 and reached the 4A semistate final Nov. 2 before losing to Fort Wayne Carroll in a 3-1 match.
“It’s a blessing. I would’ve never thought that I would be a part of such a special program,” Mangelson said. “Each team was
LINDSEY MANGELSON
Favorite TV show: “Gossip Girl”
Favorite athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo
Favorite vacation spot: “Hilton Head, S.C.
Favorite type of music: Country
different, but I have loved being on all of them.”
Mangelson, who set a single-season team record for kills with 549, was named the 2024 Hoosier Crossroads Conference Athlete of the Year for volleyball. The previous school record was 532 by Hayden Huybers in 2015. Mangelson also set the sin-
Hamilton Southeastern High School senior volleyball player Lindsey Mangelson was named the Hoosier Crossroads Conference Athlete of the Year for volleyball. (Photo courtesy of Lindsey Mangelson)
gle-match record for kills with 36 against Zionsville, breaking Kierra Jones’ record of 29 set several years ago.
“My mental game is where I think I’ve improved the most,” Mangelson said. “I have been getting better at building up my confidence and the confidence of those around me. I’m still not where I want to be, but I’ve seen a huge difference in how I handle struggles.”
Young said she was counted on as one of the captains and leaders.
“The kids naturally gravitated toward her because of who she is,” Young said. “She went from (being) a three-rotation player for me as a junior and turned into a six-rotation player where she didn’t come off the floor. She was playing all the time. The work she put in (during) the offseason to get better defensively made significant improvements in her game and allowed us to use her more, which was a huge help. Anytime she was on the court, we were better.”
Mangelson, who has signed to play for Mississippi State University, said she will miss her teammates the most.
“All the many memories I have made with them, from our team dinners to the late-night bus rides, and the wins,” she said.
Mangelson said she chose Mississippi State because of the coaches and the players and because she loved the smalltown college feel.
“I also have always wanted to play in the SEC,” she said
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
IndianaSpineGroup.com/Swiatek
•
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• Treatment of back and neck pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and work-related injuries
• Management of simple and complex spine problems, including revision surgery
AN ACE FORE! WESTFIELD
Chatham Hills to host LIV Golf’s 2025 season-finale tournament
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield will be the final stop of the LIV Golf 2025 season.
Liv Golf Indianapolis takes place at the championship course Aug. 15-17. The three-day tournament will serve as the regular season finale as players vie for the 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title. LIV Golf Indianapolis will feature many of the best players in the sport competing across three days of intense individual and team competition.
Henke Development Group, LLC owner Steve Henke, the developer at The Club at Chatham Hills, said LIV expressed interest in Westfield in spring 2024.
“There were a lot of factors that went into this,” Henke said. “There were other cities that were also competing for this, but they came to us. The demographics showed that Indianapolis was a strong location to have events such as this. They looked at the course (and) they loved the course. They looked at the staff and they loved the staff. They also looked at the clubhouse and they rated the clubhouse an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10.”
Although the tournament is major news for the golf community, the economic impact for the City of Westfield is anticipated to be substantial, particularly in combination with 2025 Colts Camp, which should wrap up just days before LIV Golf Indianapolis comes to town.
Mayor Scott Willis said the tournament is expected to bring an economic impact to Westfield of $21 million to $29 million. In addition to players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Joaquin Niemann and Tyrell Hatton, the tournament will feature fan engagement activities, entertainment and opportunities for local businesses to participate.
Over the next nine months, city leaders will plan how to support the expected 25,000 to 30,000 visitors LIV Golf Indiana will bring.
“The big thing right now is coming up with a public safety strategy,” Willis said. “We’ll be looking at parking. We need to be partnering with either the school district or local businesses to find places where people can come in and we can shuttle them in. Certainly, Chatham Hills is not going to be able to park 30,000 people here at the club, so we’ve got some work to do logistically around that. That’s probably the biggest challenge we’ve got.”
Visit Hamilton County Vice President/Chief Strategy Officer Karen Radcliff said the answer to why LIV Golf chose Hamilton County to house one of its tournaments is simply — why not?
“Back in the ‘90s, Hamilton County actually went all-in on golf course development,” she said. “So, when there was a boom in golf course development all across the United States, Hamilton County decided to do it here. And because of that, we have benefited from a lot of really nice
Course enhancements to accommodate LIV Golf Indianapolis include the construction of 13 new bunkers and expansion of the driving range for additional capacity.
golf course development and championship-level golf. That has drawn the eye of a number of groups that like to host tournaments here, whether it’s NCAA, PGA, LPA and now LIV Golf. So, really, it’s the quality of golf that is here in Hamilton County that brings people here.”
In addition to economic impact, the tournament offers Westfield the kind of publicity that money can’t buy.
“I think it puts Westfield on a whole different level in terms of notoriety,” Willis said. “It’s a chance for us to be on the international stage and show them the best of Hoosier Hospitality and Westfield Hospitality. It’s going to open doors for other types of companies and amenities
and events to come to our community. This is just the starting point of many things to come.”
Deposits are now being accepted to secure hospitality tickets before they go on sale.
Fans also can sign up to receive exclusive updates and access to tickets, including pre-sale information on hospitality and grounds passes at livgolf.com.
ON THE COVER: The three-day LIV Golf Indianapolis tournament is expected to bring more than $21 million in economic impact to Westfield. (Photo courtesy of The Club at Chatham Hills)
TRADITION AND LEGACY
LIV Indianapolis 2025 opted for Westfield for its tournament due to the high-quality facilities and greens.
The championship course at The Club at Chatham Hills was designed and built by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye. Dye, who passed away in 2020, designed more than 200 golf courses, including Atlanta National Golf Club, Ogeechee Golf Club at the Ford Plantation in Richmond Hills, Ga., Brickyard Crossing Golf Course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, previously known as Ocean Trails Golf Club.
“With those elite golfers coming, one of the special things about this is that it is one of Pete Dye’s last courses that he designed and built,” Henke Development Group owner Steve Henke said. “I had the honor to work with Pete Dye for 400 or 500 hours over the
years. What an honor it was to work with Pete. He was so involved in everything out here (that) he was probably out here at least 40 times.”
Henke said course enhancements will be made to accommodate the tournament, including additional length, the construction of 13 new bunkers and expansion of the range for additional capacity. The renovation will adjust the range fairway from 3 acres and 220 yards deep to 6 acres and 275 yards deep.
The Club at Chatham Hills has hosted several professional and collegiate-level events, including the American Conference Division I Men’s Golf Conference Championship in 2024; the NCAA Division I Women’s Regional in 2023; the 2022 Indiana State Open; the 2020 Indiana PGA Professionals Championship; and the 2019 Indianapolis Open.
Learn more at chathamhills.com.
The Club at Chatham Hills will welcome LIV Golf in 2025, with an expected 25,000 to 30,000 visitors to Westfield. (Photos courtesy of The Club at Chatham Hills)
Farrell returns in musical version of ‘A Christmas Story’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Don Farrell, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” is the perfect transition from movie version to musical.
Farrell is returning to play the Old Man, whose name is Frank Parker, in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” which runs Nov. 29 to Jan. 4 at the Indianapolis venue.
“It’s a great show. It’s just a beautiful, perfect show for the holidays,” the Westfield resident said. “Everyone knows the movie and I still watch it every single year. The way in which the creatives transferred the movie to stage, sometimes things work and sometimes things don’t work as well when that happens. I think with this production, they really hit it out of the park with how they transferred the movie and all of those iconic moments that people look forward to seeing in the movie. It’s all heightened in a magical sense with how the art form of musical theater and how the score is written and the lyrics. It’s a beautiful chestnut of a holiday show and you definitely feel great at the beginning of it, the middle of it and all the way to the end of it. You are walking out in the holiday spirit.”
Ethan Mobley, 14, an eighth-grader at Zionsville Middle School, plays Scut Farkus, the main bully.
“This is my kind of character, but I have never truly played the antagonist,” Mobley said. “It can be challenging to pretend to hurt my castmates and make it look real. The feedback I got last rehearsal was to be meaner, something I’m not used to being told. It is fun to play the person who everyone is afraid of. As the oldest of three kids, it isn’t far from a normal day. The scene where I get beat up is a new experience, but I try to embrace it.”
“All of the interactions I have with the other kids are fun and I love all of the dancing we get to do,” Cohen said. “I think everyone who sees it will think my character is funny, too, because of some of the words I have to say, and especially the scene with the triple-dog dare is hilarious.”
The iconic scene is when another friend, Flick, is dared to put his tongue on a frozen flagpole and it sticks to the pole.
This is Cohen’s fourth show at Beef & Boards.
Farrell enjoys the song “The Genius on Cleveland Street,” which he sings when he’s working on a crossword puzzle and dreaming of winning a prize. Another of his favorite songs is “A Major Award.”
“It a wonderful fantasy when he wins that lamp that everyone knows,” Farrell said. “It’s a hysterical number.”
Farrell said he loves the scene when his character’s kids open presents on Christmas.
“It’s very Norman Rockwell,” Farrell said. “It takes place in a fictional town in Indiana and I think there’s some Indiana pride about that, too.”
Mobley saw the musical for the first time at Civic Theatre in 2022.
“Benji Pasek and Justin Paul have composed and written some of my favorite musicals, and this one does not disappoint,” Mobley said. “Getting to perform at Beef & Boards feels like a huge accomplishment, like my hard work has paid off from the past four years of doing theater. I auditioned but didn’t get a role in the production of ‘A Christmas Story’ where I first saw the show, so making it into this one feels special.”
Evan Cohen, 12, a seventh-grader at Creekside Middle School, plays Ralphie’s good friend, Schwartz.
“But I have never had this many lines before, so it is fun to get to have a character with more personality,” he said.
Cohen played Young Charlie in the 2022 production of “Kinky Boots” and was in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Louisa Zabel of Zionsville plays Esther Jane, and Westfield resident Allie Stacy plays Mary Beth.
Teddy Wiegand, an 11-year-old from Brownsburg, is making his Beef & Boards debut as Ralphie. Oliver Barszcz, 9, Indianapolis, plays Randy. Alex Arickx, 13, Plainfield, plays Flick. Barszcz and Arickx were Munchkins in Beef & Boards’ production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and at 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Cathy Morris: An Electric Violin Christmas” is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’
Civic Theatre presents ‘White Christmas” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
ANY KIND OF CHRISTMAS
Home Free’s Any Kind of Christmas tour is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Songbook Academy to present free holiday concerts — The Great American Songbook Foundation is presenting two free holiday concerts in December featuring local and regional alumni from its annual Songbook Academy summer music intensive. “Songbook Academy Sings the Songs of the Season” is set for 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 22 in the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Registration for free tickets (limit four per household) is available at TheSongbook. org/SAHoliday24. The Songbook Academy, now entering its 16th season, selects 40 high school singers nationally each year to experience a week of mentoring from top university faculty and other arts and entertainment professionals. For the Dec. 22 performances, 27 singers, including seven from Carmel, four from Zionsville, two each from Westfield, Fishers and Noblesville, will perform holiday classics. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Don Farrell performing as the Old Man in the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” in 2019. (Courtesy of Beef & Boards)
Cohen
Mobley
A different holiday play set for Basile Westfield Playhouse
By Mark Ambrogi marK@youarecurrent.com
For Jeremy Tuterow, this is a different kind of holiday show.
PERFORMANCE
The Indianapolis resident is directing Main Street Productions’ version of “Greetings!” from Dec. 5 to 15 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
“The mother and father have a special needs child who lives with them who is on the (autism) spectrum, and their older son comes to visit with his girlfriend (Randi),” Tuterow said.
The parents are devout Catholics and Randi is a Jewish atheist. While the son and girlfriend are fine with having different beliefs, the father is not.
“It’s about understanding each other’s differences, overcoming those and still being able to stay close with each other and not have something like that separate them, which is true for our current state,” Tuterow said. “There are some great comic places, but it’s very touching. It’s a lighthearted drama, I guess.”
Tuterow directed the play approximately
12 years ago for another theater group.
Fishers resident Megan Fridenmaker plays Randi.
“This role has a lot more bite than a lot of the roles that I’ve performed before,” Fridenmaker said. “I tend to play more meek characters that become strong over the course of the show. Randi is strong from the start, so seeing her kind of grow from strong and prickly to maybe still strong but a little less prickly with the family is definitely challenging. She has been a blast to play and she has made me a better actress playing this role.”
Noblesville resident Barb Weaver plays Emily.
“There’s a lot of things I can relate to (with) her because these guys are the same age as my kids,” Weaver said. “Emily is more open to new experiences than her husband. I like to think I’m open to new ideas and new experiences. I think it’s to make people think. It’s set at Christmas, but it’s not your normal Christmas show.”
Nathaniel Taff of Noblesville plays the older son and Dylan Acquaviva of Zionsville plays the son with special needs.
“I like that the role put him in the con-
From left, Dylan Acquaviva, Jim LaMonte, Barb Weaver, Nathaniel Taff and Megan Fridenmaker. (Photo courtesy of Main Street Productions)
flict between the unknown and his Catholicism and the Jewish religion,” said India-
napolis resident Jim LaMonte, who plays the father. “He’s staunch and hard in his beliefs, but by the end, he’s kind of more open than he was at the beginning of the show. So, you see his progression through the show. He’s completely not who I am as an individual, but I like playing him. It’s not your typical sugar-coated Christmas show. There’s some meat and depth to it. It’s very thought-provoking and you leave feeling good at the end.”
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
IBC presents ‘The Nutcracker’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Ritter family will be well represented in the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker.”
DANCE
Ritter sisters Miriam, Cecilia, Philomena and Emily, from Lebanon, are in the production
“It’s a lot more fun to dance with your siblings,” Emily said.
“I always wanted to be in the lead role,” Miriam said. “It’s my favorite role that I’ve ever gotten.”
Miriam said the acting part is the hardest part.
Cecilia, 9, plays Big Mouse, Nurse Mouse and Party Girl.
Emily, 16, plays the roles of Snow, a young lady, Waltz and Arabian.
DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’
DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
“The Nutcracker” will be performed at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir are joining IBC in the performances.
Timoor Afshar, a former Fishers resident who trained at IBC, is the guest artist. He now performs with the Vienna State Ballet. Indianapolis resident Ashlie Rohan, who has studied at IBC since age 5, and Carmel resident Emily Geon share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the four performances.
Miriam Ritter, 11, plays Masha.
“Arabian is probably my favorite role. It’s always been something I wanted to do,” she said. “The way we move in Arabian is different, but it’s fine to learn different movements.”
Philomena, 13, also performs.
Arisa Cayetano, a 13-year-old Geist-area resident, also plays the roles of Snow, a young lady, Waltz and Arabian.
“This is my ninth ‘Nutcracker’ with IBC,” she said. “Arabian is new for me. It’s fun to learn all the new characters.”
There will be four dogs that each appear in a performance who were chosen by judges.
For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
ICC holiday concerts set
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
The strains of Andy Williams singing “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” are filling the airwaves, and soon, the melodic, holiday season sounds of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir will again be heard.
MUSIC
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir is preparing to perform its series of annual holiday concerts. The choir will perform four shows at the Second Presbyterian Church at 7700 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis from December 13-15.
theme with some classic songs. Throughout the weekend of the event, audiences can expect to see approximately 350 choir members perform classic songs like “Winter Wonderland,” “Carol of the Bells” and “We Need a Little Christmas.” Pedde said the choir will sing with an accompanying chamber orchestra.
“It’s really looking at classical holiday music and doing a twist on the classics,” Pedde said. “People will hear a lot of their favorites. There’s a lot for everybody to enjoy.”
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Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s Executive Artistic Director Joshua Pedde said the annual series is a great holiday tradition.
“I think there’s nothing like hearing children’s voices during the holiday, especially with the music,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident. “It’s very different than hearing a church choir. This can get people into the holiday spirit and it will be magical.”
The concerts will have a vintage holiday
Show dates are: “Angels Sing: A Vintage Holiday,” 7 p.m. Dec. 13; “Celebrate the Season,” 3 p.m. Dec. 14; “Angels Sing,” 7 p.m. Dec. 14; and “Sounds of the Season,” 4 p.m. Dec. 15.
Tickets for a single performance are $16 and can be purchased online at icchoir. org/tickets. Children 5 and under are admitted free but require a ticket. If the concerts do not sell out in advance, tickets will be available for purchase at the door an hour prior to the performance.
Afshar
Pedde
Tech CEO turns teacher at Carmel’s Midwest Academy
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
For the last five years, Scott Sego and his company, End 2 End Managed Services, have handled Midwest Academy’s technology needs.
EDUCATION
This year, Sego took on a more unique role with the school.
As the Carmel school sought to offer more class options to its students, Sego expressed an interest in spending more time in the classroom. So, this semester he made his teaching debut with a technology elective class alongside co-teacher Chelsea Baker. The class, Production and Technology, is taught five days a week.
Typically, Sego, president and CEO of End 2 End, draws from his industry experience to teach students about technology, while Baker handles classroom management and student engagement.
The class has learned about 3D printing and will study laser cutting and the Cricut machine.
tesy
As Sego nears the end of his first semester of teaching, he said it has been an enlightening experience.
“Thus far, my experience has been exceptionally positive,” Sego said.
Midwest Academy serves students in third through 12th grade with ADD/ADHD, language-based learning differences, high-functioning autism and processing challenges. Learn more about the school at MyMWA.org. Learn more about End 2 End Managed Services at e2emsp.com.
Scott Sego, right, works with a Midwest Academy student. (Photo cour-
of Amber Smith)
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