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AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL Student Impact in Westfield provides a safe space for WWS youth / P9

Westfield parks to get a creative upgrade / P4

Willis: Grand Park is Indiana’s top tourism asset / P5

INDOT awards $1.5M for Westfield Road projects / P7

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December 24, 2024

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Little Star therapy center provides unique offerings for adults

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By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com An Indiana nonprofit that provides applied behavioral analysis therapy services has expanded its NONPROFIT offerings at its Carmel location. Little Star ABA Therapy provides a variety of services to people with autism. Although the center provides daily services to children, the Little Star Psychological Services department is focused on teens and adults who are underserved in the Indianapolis region. The program assists adults with time management, money management and social skills. “The psych-services department at Little Star is relatively new. We’ve only been around since 2020,” said Lauryn M. Toby, a behavior analyst, psychologist and vice president of Psychological Services at Little Star Therapy Center. “We’ve just been slowly trying to grow these services.” Toby said most people served at Little Star are younger and more impacted by autism symptoms, which often require intensive therapy. But the psychological services program focuses on adolescents and adults who are in school or have recently finished school but are struggling in certain areas. “A lot of times with higher functioning autism or people who are less impacted by their autism symptoms, that doesn’t start to really affect them as significantly until they become adults,” Toby said. “Where they struggle is with keeping a job and living independently and all of those skills that you need to be successful as an adult. And so, our goal has really just been, ‘What can we bring and what can we provide to fill in those gaps?’” One way Little Star assists the adults is through social skills groups, where those receiving services can form connections and practice hands-on skills — sometimes as simple as role-playing how to act in a

Little Star ABA Therapy’s psychological services department hosted its inaugural Infinity Market in late November in Westfield. (Photo courtesy of Little Star ABA Therapy)

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share? Contact Managing Editor Marney Simon at marney@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You also may submit information at currentinwestfield.com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

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social setting, from answering the door to hosting friends to interacting with others at a party. Jennifer Baker, a behavior analyst and Little Star’s Psychological Services director, said working with adult groups led to the inaugural Infinity Market, which took place in November at the West Fork Whiskey event center in Westfield. “The Infinity Market was kind of born out of individuals in our adult group noting that they really struggle with traditional employment for a variety of reasons,” Baker said. “So, we would have lessons on interviewing and traditional 9-to-5 instructions. We had a lot of anxiety and fear (over workplace settings), just a lot of different sensory concerns which is typical with autism.” Adults in the program can set up booths at the market to sell their own goods, such

as handmade journals, cutting boards and purses. It was a way to introduce creators to alternative career opportunities. “It’s also a representation,” she said. “It’s not very often that they might see other autistic people being really successful in their careers.” Baker said the idea behind the fair was not only to provide a space to sell their wares, but to serve as inspiration for others to consider similar career options. “We wanted to create a space for them where we were really thinking about the sensory accommodations that we need there and they have a lot of support,” she said. Little Star ABA Therapy is at 12650 Hamilton Crossing Blvd. in Carmel. Additional centers are in Bloomington, Clarksville, Newburgh and West Lafayette. Learn more at littlestaraba.org.

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December 24, 2024

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The Westfield Department of Parks & Recreation has initiated a strategic arts master planning process for parks and green spaces. (Photo by Marney Simon)

Westfield parks to get a creative upgrade @WESTFIELDWELCOME

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By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com The Westfield Department of Parks & Recreation is looking to enhance the local arts scene. ARTS The Westfield Parks & Recreation Board approved a measure Dec. 4 authorizing the department of parks and recreation to enter into a services agreement with Noblesville Creates, Inc. to develop a strategic arts master plan. Parks & Recreation Director Chris McConnell said the organization will assist in the creation of a plan to build a framework for developing public art and investing in cultural infrastructure. “(The arts master plan) would help better guide us in our public art selection as far as where it should go and how the community can interact with that art, not only visual art but performing arts as well and what we might be able to do as a parks department to better provide art and performing arts in our facilities,” McConnell said. “The reason that the parks department is heading this up is because a lot of this art — both visual art as well as performing arts — will take place in facilities that we manage.” McConnell said public arts displays include landscape design and art installations inside roundabouts, statues and murals. The $45,000 agreement includes three

phases. Phase 1 will identify a list of key stakeholders to engage in the earliest stages of developing the conceptual framework for the plan. The first phase will include workshops, site visits and asset mapping. Phase 2 will consist of community engagement, using data from Phase 1 to reach out to local artists, organizations, schools, businesses and residents to identify community members to include in the creation of the plan. A community survey will also be launched. Phase 3 will include review and analysis of feedback; integration of documents developed by other City of Westfield departments or committees; a draft plan; and a final plan with strategies for community roll-out. The goal of the arts master plan is to enhance the city’s cultural landscape, support local artists and create a vibrant community identity. The plan is expected to be complete by October 2025. Noblesville Creates — formerly Nickel Plate Arts — is a Hamilton County-based arts agency that assists with development of the “creative economy.” The organization manages grant projects and programs within Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion and Shelby counties as the Region 7 Arts Partner for the Indiana Arts Commission. Learn more at noblesvillecreates.org.

December 24, 2024

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Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said Grand Park is Indiana’s top driver for tourism. (File photo)

Mayor Willis: Grand Park is Indiana’s top tourism asset By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Willis said. “We are the premiere place in Indiana for tourism. But, we have to do a better job of attracting those visitors to With operations at Grand Park to move stay in Westfield, sleep in Westfield, spend to Grand Park Sports & Entertainment as their money in Westfield. Because Grand of Jan. 1, 2025, Park will be that economic engine GOVERNMENT Westfield Maythat Mayor Cook always envisioned or Scott Willis if we can do that.” said he’s focused on helping the Willis said planning is underway rest of the Grand Park area live up for creating a mixed-use district to its name. for the undeveloped areas around Willis told attendees at last Grand Park, including office space, month’s State of the City address hotels, restaurant options and Willis during the Westfield Chamber of entertainment. A proposal for a Commerce luncheon at IMMI Conference sports district is also in the works, which Center that former Mayor Andy Cook’s origcould potentially bring a winter-sports stainal vision for Grand Park felt a bit “pie-indium to Grand Park. Willis said the goal is the-sky” at first. But, he said, the growth to have people who visit Grand Park keep at Grand Park has left him pleasantly their dollars in Westfield. surprised. “It’s going to be an opportunity for our Now, he said, it’s time to market the visitors to not have to leave the campus,” Grand Park to reach its best potential. he said. “If you’re a parent like me who “I remember seeing videos where (Cook) has spent hours and hours at Grand Park would say ‘we’ll get 250,000 people to and you get tired of packing those coolers Grand Park’ and everyone said ‘this guy is because you’re afraid to get in your car crazy.’ Well, last year it was 5.5 million,” and drive because your parking space will Willis said. “We have to do a better job of be guaranteed to not be there when you telling that story to not only our residents get back (and) you’re probably not getting but to the state of Indiana, because we are through (a drive-thru) and back in time for the driver in Indiana for tourism. We just the next game, we’re going to have restauare. Nobody is even close.” rants, eating areas, live entertainment. It’s In 2023, Grand Park recorded 1.3 million going to be a place where people will come unique visitors, totaling 5.5 million visits to in and stay the whole day.” its 31 sports fields, 26 diamonds, and three Willis said the concept also includes indoor facilities. a trolley service to take people to local Willis pointed to a study completed in hotels. 2023 by Hunden Partners of Chicago that The city is in the process of creating a ranked Grand Park as 16th most-visited site detailed master plan for Grand Park, with among all arenas, convention centers and an estimated development timeframe of 10 sports complexes in the United States. years. Adoption of that plan is anticipated “Lucas Oil Stadium is a distant 78th,” for early 2025.

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December 24, 2024

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FHS girls basketball player’s game grows with confidence By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Fishers High School senior forward Nevaeh Dickman admitted she has struggled with confidence in the past. “But now, I feel like I’ve grown into myself as a player and know my strengths and I believe in myself more than I ever have,” Dickman said. Fishers girls basketball coach Lauren Votaw has noticed the progress. “Nevaeh has grown tremendously in her overall poise and willingness to be aggressive through contact,” Votaw said. “Nevaeh’s role is much the same as it was last year, in that we need her to step up and defend the other team’s best scorer on many nights as well as be an active presence for us on the offensive end. She is in a new leadership role this year as her teammates are looking to her in big moments. She has handled this well and continues to grow in her confidence as a leader.” Dickman said she has grown as a leader in several ways. “Learning how to communicate on the

NEVAEH DICKMAN

Favorite athletes: JuJu Watkins, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Carsen Edwards Favorite TV shows: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dexter,” “You,” “Criminal Minds” Favorite subject: Science/ anatomy Favorite musician: Drake court efficiently has helped me better connect with my teammates and coach,” she said. “I feel like I’ve also been more outgoing this year and willing to meet new people, so that has helped me grow as a

Fishers High School senior girls basketball player Nevaeh Dickman leads the team in scoring and rebounding. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Votaw)

leader because my relationships with my teammates are stronger.” The 6-foot Dickman has been averaging per-game team highs of 16.2 points on 50

percent shooting and seven rebounds for the Tigers (8-4). She averaged 10.6 ppg last season. The Tigers graduated top scorer Talia Harris last year. “Talia was obviously a huge part of our team last year and was a large part of our scoring,” Dickman said. “This year in her absence, I wouldn’t necessarily say I feel the need to score more. I think right now I’m trying to do whatever it takes to win more games, and recently that has meant scoring more. But our team this year has a lot of great pieces that can score and create for themselves and others as well, so just doing whatever I can to win games is where I’m at.” Basketball wasn’t love at first sight for Dickman, who will play for the University of Buffalo next season. “I started playing when I was really young but didn’t like it that much, so I quit for a couple years,” she said. “But in fourth grade, I tried again and I started to fall in love with it and I’ve played ever since then.” To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

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December 24, 2024

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INDOT awards $1.5M for Westfield road projects news@youarecurrent.com The City of Westfield recently announced a $1.5 million Community Crossing grant from the Indiana INFRASTRUCTURE Department of Transportation to help pay for projects within the 2025 road resurfacing program. INDOT announced nearly $140 million in matching grants for 223 municipalities and counties in November. The funds are earmarked for local road projects through Community Crossings, part of the state’s Next Level Roads program. “We must continue to prioritize the condition of our infrastructure, particularly our main thoroughfares and neighborhood streets,” Mayor Scott Willis stated. “Pro-

grams like the Community Crossing grant are critical in helping us expand our capacity each year and ensure our roads are properly maintained.” Westfield will provide a 50 percent match to the funding. To qualify, the city was required to provide an asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. According to INDOT, applications submitted were evaluated based on need, current conditions and impacts on safety and economic development. The city plans to announce road resurfacing priorities in spring 2025. An interactive map of projects awarded Next Level Roads funds throughout the Hoosier state is available at entapps.indot.in.gov/ dotmaps/nlri.

Coroner’s Office purchases toxicology tech news@youarecurrent.com

overdose investigations in a timely manner by minimizing testing delays created by The Hamilton County Coroner’s office rethe nationwide backlog. cently purchased new technology to assist “Having this technology in-house, we with death now can produce toxicology reINVESTIGATIONS investigasults within 30 minutes versus tions. the four-week average time frame Coroner Jeff Jellison said corfrom private toxicology laboratooners’ offices throughout the ries,” Jellison stated. “The ability country are experiencing delays to provide real-time toxicology in evidence data sharing and case data to forensic pathologists, law completion due to backlogs at prienforcement, and the public health Jellison vate toxicology laboratories. community is a game changer in To mitigate those challenges, the Hamforensic investigations.” ilton County Coroner’s Office purchased a In the release, Jellison noted that nationRandox Multistat Rapid Toxicology Analyzal backlogs are associated with the rising er. According to a news release, the anacaseloads caused by drug-related deaths, lyzer will provide the coroner’s office with often related to opioid abuse and new the ability to complete drug and alcohol emerging illegal drugs.

DISPATCH Missing Children’s Day poster contest — The Indiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Justice will sponsor the 2025 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and parents to discuss and promote child safety. Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, the day is dedicated to encouraging the community to make child safety a priority. The contest is open to Hoosier students in fifth grade, with a limit of one submission per child. Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” Contest rules can be found at tinyurl.com/bdfwdbsthere. Submission deadline is Feb. 21, 2025.

Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Patrick Feeney

Bringing expert care to diﬀerent communities. Community Health Network is making Orthopedic and Sports Medicine care more accessible for patients. Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Patrick Feeney is now accepting patients in Anderson, Carmel and, soon, Westteld. Dr. Feeney is dedicated to getting patients back to living the lives they want — whether it’s getting student-athletes back on the eld, helping treat arthritis in green-thumbed community members or treating chronic conditions. And he’s ready to help you. To learn more about Dr. Feeney or to schedule an appointment in Anderson, Carmel or, soon, Westteld, visit eCommunity.com/DrFeeney or call 317.621.2727

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December 24, 2024

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District 25 Rep. Smith learns committee assignments news@youarecurrent.com

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testimony. “Our legislators bring incredible talent Indiana District 25 State Rep. Hunter and dedication to addressing the issues Smith (R-Zionsville) will serve on the House that matter most to Hoosiers, and I’m conAgriculture and Rural fident we’ll make meaningful progress on GOVERNMENT Development Commit- our caucus priorities this session,” Huston tee, House stated. Education Committee and House State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) Environmental Affairs Committee was reappointed as chair of the in the 2025 legislative session. House Judiciary Committee and Committee assignments were will serve as a member of the announced Dec. 12. House standing House Courts and Criminal Code committee appointments are made Committee, and the House Utiliby the Indiana House Speaker ties, Energy, and TelecommunicaSmith biennially and last the duration of tions Committee. State Rep. Danny representatives’ two-year terms. Lopez (R-Carmel) will serve as a member Smith said he takes his assignments of the House Judiciary Committee and the personally. House Ways and Means Committee. State “As a farmer, my goals are to support Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) will agricultural and environmental policies serve as a member of the House Governthat grow and preserve our agriculture ment and Regulatory Reform Committee, industry,” Smith stated. “I look forward to House Public Policy Committee, and House working with my colleagues to vet propos- Utilities, Energy, and Telecommunications als for new laws and supporting legislaCommittee. tion that best serves our communities.” District 25 includes portions of ZionsHouse Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) ville, Westfield, Carmel and Sheridan. said committees are the workhorses of Lawmakers convene at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 8 the legislative session, where bills are at the Statehouse for the first day of the vetted and discussed, and members of the 2025 legislative session. Learn more at public can share their feedback through iga.in.gov.

DISPATCH Community Health implements visitor restrictions — Visitor restrictions have been implemented at all Community Health Network hospitals in response to an increase in flu activity monitored by the Marion County Public Health Department. The temporary restrictions are meant to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses within hospitals. They include: no visitors under age 18; visitors are limited to immediate family or as identified by patients; no more than two visitors at a time per patient; visitors must wear masks in patient rooms when requested; no visitors with respiratory symptoms.

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December 24, 2024

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County faces unprecedented number of retirements news@currentnoblesville.com Hamilton County will lose 22 employees with a combined 686 years of service to the county to retireEMPLOYMENT ment at the end of the year. Director of Human Resources for Hamilton County Sheena Randall said this is one of the largest retirements the county has ever seen. “A lot of that is driven by the baby boomer generation, many of whom have worked for us for decades,” Randall stated. Hamilton County Surveyor Kenton Ward started his career with the county at age 19 while in college studying construction technology, according to Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander. He has served as the county’s surveyor since 1977. “I’ve been with the county for 51 years now,” Ward stated. “I’ve stayed all these years because I love the work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served this community, but now I’m looking forward to traveling the world with my wife.” Randall said succession planning has been a priority for her department as it forecasted the “exodus” several years ago. Sander said they’ve worked closely with department heads to identify future leaders and prepare them to step into the soon-to-be vacated roles. “We’ve made a significant investment in workforce development, and we’re excited about the up-and-coming employees who are ready to take on the challenges that come with these retirements,” Randall stated. Executive Assistant and Office Manager for the Hamilton County Auditor Kim Rauch also is retiring after nearly three decades of service. Sander said she joined the county when it was experiencing rapid growth and became a “key figure” in the auditor’s office. “I’ve had the privilege of working under three different auditors and it has been a true pleasure to serve my community, but I’m looking forward to not having to ‘adult’ anymore,” Rauch stated. Ward and Rauch point to the county’s “competitive benefits and wages” and a “healthy work environment” as reasons for their longevity. “Hamilton County has always been a

Front, from left, Robin Mills, Diana Cleland and Linda Swickard. Middle, from left, Lore Rieke, Lee Graham and Darla Workman. Back, from left, Pete Jakositz, Kim Rauch and Connie Garrett. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

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wonderful place to work, and our strong history of employee retention speaks to that,” Randall stated. “These employees have been the backbone of our workforce and we’ll be sad to see them go, but we hope they enjoy their well-earned retirement years.” HAMILTON COUNTY RETIREES: Auditor’s Office • Robin Mills, 44 years • Dawn Coverdale, 36 years • Lee Graham, 30 years • Kim Rauch, 28 years • Darla Workman, 25 years Assessor’s Office • Dixie Packard, 30 years • Lore Rieke, 26 years • Linda Swickard, 22 years Buildings & Grounds • Todd Rees, 29 years Health Department • Tammy Gleber, 21 years Highway Department • Merv Hair, 41 years • Jim Neal, 28 years • Kevin Morgan, 25 years Information Systems Services • Diana Cleland, 27 years • Connie Garrett, 24 years Judicial Services • Shellie Watson, 37 years • Joni Haymaker, 25 years Prosecutor’s Office • Lynett Duvall, 44 years Recorder’s Office • Cheryl Hobson, 20 years Sheriff’s Office • Peter Jakositz, 30 years • Surveyor’s Office • Kent Ward, 51 years • Jerry Liston, 43 years

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December 24, 2024

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AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL Student Impact in Westfield provides a safe space for WWS youth

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com An organization that serves Westfield Washington Schools students is one of nine Hamilton County groups awarded funds from HOPE for Hamilton County — previously known as the opioid settlement — as part of an initiative to make strategic investments in local organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction services. Student Impact was founded in 1999. Students from Westfield intermediate, middle and high schools visit the building — a renovated farmhouse at 536 N. Union St. — after school Monday through Thursday. Students walk to the center — known as “The Rock” — where they have after-school snacks and engage in activities from arts and crafts to simply playing games and hanging out in a safe and supervised environment. Student Impact Executive Director Brittany Delph said youth who attend Student Impact generally fall into three categories: • Students experiencing trauma — Traumas may include food insecurity, need for energy assistance, divorce, abuse, or trauma within the family. • Students experiencing isolation — Student Impact assists students with making connections and building friendships to combat isolation. • Students looking for new opportunities — Some students opt-in to Student Impact because they are looking to make a difference in their communities by way of volunteering, character development and participating in activities with their peers. “Being a very influential and affluent county, that does not dictate the quality of life that a lot of these kids do have in regards to being connected with a community of friends,” Delph said. “Are they experiencing isolation and loneliness? That’s something that we see a consistency with our kids. One of the things that we see often here, which is very surprising, is families that might not necessarily be struggling with the ability to get food, but kids that are going home to empty households, whether that is a big mansion or tiny home, parents are working long hours, they are not there when they get home.” Students who attend the after-school

Student Impact hosts a basketball league for youth. (Photo courtesy of Student Impact)

program have a variety of activities they can participate in, from organized crafts to hanging out with friends. The building was expanded in 2023, converting the two-car garage into indoor space for video gaming, arts and crafts, a ping pong table, a student-run cafe and outdoor recreational space. The students even produce their own podcast onsite and operate a student-run merch shop, where older students can learn marketable skills on running a business. “They should have constructive alternatives to that time where they’re using their brains and their bodies and building a community of friends that are supporting them, and they’re actually connecting and starting to understand that some of the things they’re experiencing, they’re not on

their own,” Delph said. Students said Student Impact is a comforting place to visit. “For me Student Impact is a safe place but not only a safe place, a home. I feel like I could talk to anyone here,” said eighth grader Izzy J. Seventh-grader Nora C. said Student Impact is a warm environment. “The environment, staff and leaders make it welcoming,” she said. “They go with the flow and let us enjoy our time the way we want to.” Presley G., another seventh-grader, described Student Impact as a fun place to hang out with friends and meet new people. “Everybody is nice and welcoming and they always greet me by my name,” Presley

MAKING AN IMPACT HOPE for Hamilton County — an initiative of the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs — aims to address the opioid crisis through strategic investments in local organizations that address those issues that may contribute to opioid use. Student Impact was awarded $17,000 in grant funds to support services. “We heavily leaned into the prevention side of what we do here at Student Impact,” Student Impact Executive Director Brittany Delph said. “Between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. is the heaviest for juvenile crime. That is

because kids are going home. They’re spending a lot of free time by themselves. Our ability to host students here in the afternoon keeps them off of the streets.” The funds will be utilized to help translate Student Impact’s marketing materials into other languages. Funds will also go toward a collaborative effort with Journey Counseling to train staff to recognize when students may need additional support. Funding for Student Impact comes 100 percent from community donations, fundraising and grant funding.

said. “It makes me feel known.” Wyatt T., a seventh-grade student, likes playing basketball with his friends. “Student Impact is an all-inclusive organization that invites everyone who wants to come as family and friends,” he said. Seventh-grader Luke C. said having the ability to choose his own path each visit makes Student Impact a fun place to hang out. “It’s a place to hang out with your friends with the ability to choose what you want to do and eat free food,” he said” (I like to) bring with my friends and be able to choose what we want to do.” The number of students who show up at Student Impact can vary from 50 to over 100 on any given day. Student Impact also hosts smaller faith-based groups outside of the after-school activities; a student basketball team; and small group activities during school breaks. “The organization is free for the community, so all students are welcome into the building,” Delph said. “We do not have any sort of a vetting process where we’re saying, ‘Yes, you can come, no, you cannot come.’ We do receive referrals where the schools will recommend to the family for various reasons to check out Student Impact and we work closely with organizations like (Westfield Youth Assistance Program) where they call and have a specific kid who might have some very specific needs.” While there is no fee, there is a registration process. Registration information is available at therockwestfield.org. “What happens in this after school period is just this beautiful explosion of kids and fun and games,” Delph said. “We create community. Our goal with our staff is to allow this space where kids start to realize how they can resolve conflict, how they can be in this community with people who have various ideas and various understandings of how life should go, but still operate together. And it creates this healthy community where we’re showing kids what it looks like. We’re showing kids how to create connections and build a community.” ON THE COVER: Student Impact is a free

after-school resource for intermediate, middle and high school students in Westfield. (Photo by Marney Simon)

December 24, 2024

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CHS graduate pays tribute to great piano men By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Craig A. Meyer was often told that he resembled Elton John. That led Meyer to create CONCERT a tribute act 15 years ago, during which he dons replicas of some of Elton’s most famous garb. The 1981 Carmel High School graduate will return to Feinstein’s cabaret in Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael on New Year’s Eve for the third consecutive year. His “Elton, Billy & Barry — They Write the Songs” shows are set for 7:30 and 10:45 p.m. “Their catalog is so rich and so deep,” Meyer said. “Billy Joel has epic songs like ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.’ Barry Manilow has thoughtful songs like ‘Mandy’ and ‘Could It Be Magic” as well as fun stuff like ‘Copacabana.’ It’s such a deep catalog of music that really is the soundtrack of at least my generation on the radio.” Meyer said he tries to split the setlist as evenly as possible between the three piano men during the 75-minute shows. “In the full two-hour version, it’s a little more even, but you try to do the best you can with the time you are given,” Meyer said. “It will cover all the greats. In addition to that, I got some really great footage from my show that I get to share in the show, talking about working with Barry and being on tour with him. It’s really fun.” Meyer was part of an ensemble of two men and three women performing with Manilow during his “Showstoppers” tour in 1991-92. “He gave each of us the opportunity to step out on our own and take the stage,” Meyer said. Meyer will recount his journey in his two Feinstein’s performances. “I have fun every time I step out on stage, but performing as myself and being able to tell my story is really fun,” Meyer said. “Getting feedback from the audience in hearing my own stories is just a lot of fun.” Based in Atlanta, Meyer said visiting

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’ Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Jan. 5 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET “Murder Mystery Night” is set for Dec. 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ Civic Theatre’s presentation of “White Christmas” concludes Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

DISPATCHES

Craig A. Meyer, a 1981 Carmel High School graduate, will perform a tribute to Elton John, Barry Manilow and Billy Joel. (Photo courtesy of Craig A. Meyer)

Carmel is a good time to connect with friends and extended family. “I’m looking forward to a rocking New Year,” he said. Elton John hits he performs include “Bennie & the Jets,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Crocodile Rock.” Billy Joel songs include “You May Be Right” and “Piano Man.”

In addition to his vocal performances, Meyer has appeared on Broadway in “Meet Me in St. Louis” and toured nationally in “Cats” and “White Christmas.” He has acted in TV shows, such as “Will and Grace” and “General Hospital.” Meyer also has made film appearances in “Leatherheads” and “Identity Thief.”

ON TAP Dan Farrell will return to Feinstein’s at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025 with “Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Neil Diamond.” He will present “Thank You for the Music” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Farrell, a Westfield resident, stepped away from his role as one of the three

co-founders of Actors Theatre of Indiana In 2023. He has created tribute shows to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffett and Barry Manilow. He will perform his Bennett show Feb. 22 at Feinstein’s. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

Songbook Foundation hires communications manager — The Great American Songbook Foundation has hired an experienced professional for a new staff position focusing on communications. Brian Bosma has begun work as the Foundation’s first communications manager, creating and managing content for a comprehensive communications strategy that includes newsletters, social media, event publicity, web updates, marketing materials and other digital and print communications. Bosma served most recently as director of marketing and communications for Damar Services in Indianapolis. Previous work has included overseeing digital media for Ivy Tech Community College and Traders Point Christian Church and managing media relations and communications for the Indianapolis Indians. Kingston Trio concert set — The Kingston Trio will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, 2025, at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Kingston Trio is known for such folk hits as “Tom Dooley” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

December 24, 2024

INSIDE & OUT

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