January 7, 2025 — Westfield by Current Publishing

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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Westfield adds riverfront development districts to downtown, Grand Park / P10

Westfield plans for eminent domain actions / P4

Penn Street extension plans underway / P5

Hamilton County resident shares experience with AED / P7

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January 7, 2025 Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

Local resident to serve as Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith’s top staffer

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville resident Sherry Ellis was recently hired by Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith to serve as his chief of staff. A polarizing figure, Beckwith — also a Noblesville resident — will be sworn into office Jan. 13, 2025, alongside Gov.-elect Mike Braun.

POLITICS

As chief of staff, Ellis said her role is to support Beckwith in his role as president of the Indiana Senate; communicate with Hoosiers regarding various initiatives; and provide support to the Indiana Department of Agriculture and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, among other responsibilities.

Ellis, 50, moved to Noblesville when her father died in 2021 after living in Westfield for 18 years. Prior to working with Beckwith, Ellis worked in higher education as a program mentor at Western Governors University and in project management and process improvement at One America in Indianapolis.

She said she was never involved in politics and did not plan to be until she met Beckwith 10 years ago at Northview Church in Noblesville, where he was a worship pastor.

“He had created an organization called ‘Sing Love Worship’ that offered music lessons,” Ellis said. “My kids both started taking lessons through his program. Naturally, I couldn’t help but point out ways he could do things better and offer to help facilitate some of the invoicing and structure.”

During Beckwith’s unsuccessful run for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District seat in 2020, he asked Ellis to join him as his treasurer and deputy campaign manager.

“It was more about getting to know Micah and wanting to help him on his journey versus my own aspirations and goals to get into politics,” Ellis said. “I learned a lot from listening to him discuss how the government works and functions. It’s a whole new industry than what I am used to.”

During Beckwith’s Republican convention campaign for lieutenant governor and the general election, Ellis served as his campaign manager, overseeing daily operations, paying invoices and scheduling events, among other tasks.

“The race was really birthed from edu-

cation, and the lieutenant governor is a position that people vote on,” Ellis said. “It’s not supposed to be appointed by the governor. You’re electing delegates to be a representative, and people just don’t know that. It became very obvious through the campaign that people had no idea how that process worked. They just assumed it’s like the president and vice president, and it’s not.”

Beckwith has been known to generate controversy. For example, in November, he responded to an issue of the Indiana Daily Student – the Indiana University student newspaper — that published an image of President-elect Donald Trump on its cover, accompanied by unflattering quotes made by people who have worked for Trump. Beckwith threatened to pull funding for the publication, stating, in part, “This is WOKE propaganda at its finest and why most of America looks at higher education indoctrination centers like IU as a complete joke and waste of money.”

Controversy arose again in November when Beckwith’s planned visit to Westfield High School’s agriculture classes was canceled by the school following complaints from parents. He went on the “Kendall & Casey” radio show on WIBC and said, “I think I’m going to use this story all over the state to try to get universal vouchers pushed through and try to strip away as much funding from schools like (WHS) as possible because of the woke crap you guys are doing right now.”

The school district later reissued the invitation.

Working with someone with strong opinions comes down to talking 1-on-1 with people and building relationships, according to Ellis. She said Beckwith is willing to talk with anybody at any time.

“I think because (politics) can be so confusing, people get lost and give up trying to understand,” Ellis said. “Though people may not like the way he says things, when you get down to the heart of the content, it’s kind of hard to argue. Once you break it down and let people know their voice can be heard and how, they’re more willing to get involved and speak up. We all have so much more in common than we do against each other. I think once you get past all the sound bites and forced strife people try to put out there, you get to the heart of the issues and can find that common ground.”

Beckwith said he chose Ellis to be his chief of staff because she is somebody he can trust.

“She is a woman of character,” Beckwith said. “She has a strong faith, which is important to me, and she’s also talented when it comes to leadership. I needed somebody who would be able to catch the vision that Mike Braun and I have, and I couldn’t think of a better person.”

Beckwith also said it is beneficial to have someone on his team who is an “outsider” in the world of politics.

“I think people across the political spectrum are fed up with politics as usual, the status quo,” Beckwith said. “One thing I’m trying to do, and I know that (Braun’s) trying to do it as well, is to look at people outside the typical political sphere. I think it’s important that we bring normal, everyday Hoosiers into the world of government to help lead. Sherry is not a lifelong government career politician. She is an outside-the-box-kind of leader, and I think it will bring a lot of great value to Indiana, to her constituents and the people we’re serving.”

Ellis said she wants to bring positive energy to the state capitol and plans to work closely with Braun’s team.

“We have a high level of excellence and standards for our team, but also, I jokingly say I want our office to be like the envy of the capital, where everybody wants to come visit our office,” Ellis said. “All possibilities of what can be done to improve our state is exciting.”

About us

Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 48

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Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith, left, and Sherry Ellis, who will serve as Beckwith’s chief of staff. (Photos by Jessica Todd)

Public works board plans for eminent domain

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Last month, the Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety gave authorization and approval of real property acquisition and eminent domain actions, if necessary, for three separate construction projects.

DEVELOPMENT

Most notable is the Monon Trail tunnel project — the construction of an underground trail connection at 161st Street. Westfield Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail said a bid letting is expected in early 2025, with a small amount of rightof-way acquisition needed to complete the project.

The board also approved a contract with United Consulting for constriction inspection services for the tunnel. Nail said the $648,700 contract is in line with the expected cost for those services.

“We do a lot of inspections in-house where we can within the engineering department. We have a really strong staff of inspectors,” Nail said. “But we’re not overly well-versed on trail tunnel constriction and so we are looking to get consulting help. We want to make sure that this is done correctly, done well and done in an efficient manner.”

Additional projects approved for potential eminent domain action include:

• Mule Barn Road — Located east of old Jolietville, the intersection with Ind. 32 is slated for reconstruction and lane widening through a partnership with INDOT. Nail said eminent domain would likely be necessary for one parcel.

• Jersey Street parking project — Plans to add surface parking and public parking to accommodate planned development will include acquisition of property.

Penn Street plans underway

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Plans to extend a roadway east of downtown to support a proposed mixed-use development continue to move forward. Last month, the Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety approved a measure allowing director of public Works Johnathon Nail to negotiate a design contract with Kimley Horn, to extend Penn Street to connect East Street to Hillcrest Drive and add additional angled parking spaces.

CONSTRUCTION

The design contract, still under negotiation, will not exceed $166,440.

The redesign will support the anticipated $27 million Ambrose and Main planned unit development, a mixed-use retail and residential project at Ind. 32 and East Street. The PUD, presented by Rebar Westfield, LLC, would include an L-shaped, four-story building with three floors of residential apartments, retail/restaurant space on the ground floor and more than 200 surface parking spaces.

The area is also slated for a new round-

An extension of Penn Street will support the proposed Ambrose on Main PUD at Ind. 32 and East Street.

(Image courtesy of City of Westfield)

about on Ind. 32 at East Street to include a median east of East Street. The median would prevent people on Hillcrest Drive from having eastbound access on Ind. 32.

“This Penn Street extension gives them a quick and easy way to get over to the East Street roundabout to go east on Ind. 32, so they are not making a right out and having to make a U-turn,” Nail said.

The development plans for Ambrose on Main also include improvements on Hillcrest Drive.

The PUD will return to the Advisory Plan Commission this month for recommendation consideration.

County resident saved by AED shares experience

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Danny Rhoad has a lot to be thankful for.

In May 2016 at age 13, Rhoad was playing at Grand Park in Westfield as part of a travel baseball team, when a freak accident caused him to go into cardiac arrest.

WELLNESS

“A ball ended up hitting me in the chest,” he said.” What ended up happening is called commotio cordis. It actually sent me into cardiac arrest for about three minutes.”

weeks later.”

Rhoad was back playing baseball by June 2016 and has had no long-term adverse effects from the incident.

But his experience prompted his family to connect with Bolt for the Heart, including the annual 5K fundraising event held each November in Carmel.

“That’s something my family and friends have been doing pretty much every year ever since,” he said.

Commotio cordis is a rare medical emergency caused when a hard object strikes the chest directly over the heart at a specific time in the heartbeat cycle. That action causes a disruption to the heart’s rhythm, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. It is the same condition that caused Buffalo Bills safety Demar Hamlin to go into cardiac arrest on the field during a game in 2023.

Now 21 and a senior at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Rhoad — a resident of Carmel — is sharing his story as part of the message of the nonprofit Bolt for the Heart, a Carmel-based organization that raises funds to purchase AEDs — automated external defibrillators — in Indiana.

Quick action by first responders saved Rhoad’s life in 2016. An AED located at one of Grand Park’s concession stands was used to restart his heart.

“I was transported to (Riley Hospital for Children) downtown and was in the hospital for about a week,” he said. “I was actually cleared. I had to do a stress test a week or two after the incident. They put you on the treadmill and put all these wires on you. I was cleared about three

AEDs explain to the user how to apply it to someone suffering from cardiac arrest. Bolt for the Heart — an extension of Heart Reach Michiana — has raised nearly $4 million since 2010, donating nearly 3,300 AEDs across the state including to the Indiana State Police, 92 Indiana sheriff’s departments and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The National Institutes of Health estimates that bystander use of AEDs saves up to 1,700 lives annually in the United States.

Rhoad opened up about his experience for the first time in 2024, advocating for Bolt for the Heart and the distribution of AEDs for public use.

“I’ve never actually got up there and told my story, I think because I was young,” he said. “It’s kind of a scary thing to talk about. I was only 13. Through maturing, I’ve definitely kind of learned that it’s such an important thing.”

Rhoad added that his experience has led him to be grateful for every day.

“You really never know. So, I have a lot of gratitude,” he said. “Being able to kind of wake up every day and know that I have a chance to kind of just live my life to the fullest.”

Learn more about Bolt for the Heart at boltfortheheart.com.

DISPATCH

Alternative dispute program launches — Hamilton County’s Circuit and Superior Courts launched a new Alternative Dispute Resolution Jan. 1. Filing fees for all divorce, legal separation and paternity cases have increased by $20, which will help fund the program along with a grant from the Indiana Supreme Court. The fund will provide mediation services and court-ordered programming for families who otherwise may not be able to afford these resources. The program will be self-sustaining after the first year. The program is accessible to those in need, a sliding fee scale will be implemented for those who qualify for assistance based on their income. The program is designed to resolve disputes faster and reduce caseloads. Learn more at hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Rhoad

Westfield teenager draws attention on national cycling circuit

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary first rode in a gravel cyclinng race in the fall of 2019 in Zionsville.

“I fell in love with it from there,” Clary said.

Prior to that race, Clary had gone on cycling rides with his father, James Clary, earlier in 2019.

“My dad had raced years prior with a cycling club, so I’ve always been around bicycles and people who liked to ride bicycles,” Clary said. “That fueled my passion to ride.”

Clary, 16, said his favorite accomplishment was winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 15-16 division in August 2024 in Redmond, Wash.

“It’s how well you do over four races and I was fortunate enough to win three of them,” said Clary, who won the scratch race, elimination and long scratch race.

Clary and a partner, Stephanie Lawrence, won the USA Cycling Elite Co-ed Madison National Championship in November 2024

JACKSON CLARY

Favorite athlete: Mark Cavendish

Favorite movie: “Ford v Ferrari”

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite musician: Luke Combs

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii

the 15-16 age division.

Westfield High School junior Jackson Clary with his medals after winning the Omnium National Championship in USA Cycling Junior Men 1516 division in August 2024. (Photo courtesy of James Clary) in Detroit.

“It’s basically a relay race,” Clary said. “You grab your partner’s arm and sling them into the race on the exchange.”

Lawrence, a Marian University cyclist, helps coach Clary. Jackson trains under the guidance of Marian assistant coach Matt Gittings from EuroPro Coaching.

Clary also captured the USA Cycling Junior American Criterium Cup series title in

“That was how well you placed over a series of races, and I went to four of the eight races,” he said. “I got three first places and one second place.”

Clary said he has three main goals for 2025.

“In late July, I want to bring home another title from Junior Track Nationals,” he said. “I want to win the 17-18 Omnium, and later on, I’ll be going to Elite Track National

Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. I have no goal as far as a result, but my goal is to meet new people, find some new friends and make some connections. I just want to do as well as I can. Depending how I do in Junior Track Nationals and Elite Track Nationals, I can qualify for the Junior World Championships in the Netherlands.” His ultimate goal is to qualify for the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles.

“I like to stay with the group a long time because I have a lot of explosive power,” Clary said. “I’ll wait as long as I can and sprint toward the finish line. I have a big kick.”

Clary said Westfield High School strength and conditioning coach Tavio Henderson has helped him improve his strength.

Representing the Cleveland Cycling Academy U23 Cycling Team and the Midwest Development U19 Cycling Team, Clary has raced in 15 states and on five velodromes. He logged more than 6,000 miles in 2024 and competed in 84 races at 47 venues.

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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DISPATCHES

Westfield year in review — Westfield

Mayor Scott Willis will present a review of 2024 at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Westfield High School auditorium. Willis will recap his first year in office and discuss plans on the horizon for the city. Tickets are free, but residents are asked to reserve their seats in advance. Reserve tickets at ticketleap.events/tickets/city-of-westfield/ Q1-Town-Hall.

Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant — Westfield

Mayor Scott Willis recently announced a $240,000 commitment to neighborhood vibrancy grants. The funds were approved as part of the 2025 city budget and will allow neighborhoods and homeowner associations to apply for matching funds at a ratio of 2-to-1. Neighborhoods will be eligible for up to $25,000 in matching funds. The funds can be used to enhance or update landscaping at neighborhood entrances, remove invasive species, renovate entrance signs or add lighting and fountains to ponds. Grant applications opened this month.

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.

Melt the Trail registration open — Registration is available for the 10th annual Melt the Trail 5K run/walk race at 10:30 a.m. March 1 at Grand Junction Brewing Co. in Westfield. The race makes its way through Westfield on the Monon Trail and over the bridge at Ind. 32. Registration includes a long sleeve race shirt, finisher’s medal, post-race snacks and drinks, one free drink ticket for participants 21 and older, a timed route and a chance to win an award. After the race, there will be food available for purchase from Grand Junction Brewing Co. Guaranteed shirt deadline is Feb. 11. Register at westfieldwelcome.com/melt-the-trail.

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Westfield adds riverfront development districts to downtown, Grand Park

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield will hit the ground running with development projects in 2025. The Westfield City Council opened the door to additional riverfront district development in downtown Westfield and Grand Park in late December.

By state law, businesses within a riverfront district can apply for an alcohol permit through the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, regardless of how many other liquor licenses are issued within the municipality, provided the district is also part of an economic development area. Riverfront districts are established only around named waterways, not drainage ditches or ponds.

The new districts will be established around two areas — along Main Street and Grassy Branch east of downtown; and in Grand Park between Ind. 32 and 191st Street, adjacent to Grassy Branch and Cool Creek.

“Riverfront districts are based on a 6,000-foot radius of riverfronts — named creeks or waterways through the city,” senior planner Lauren Gillingham-Teague told the council Dec. 23. “It is (essentially) parcels that we have identified as being generally ripe for development. There are two types of parcels included in this riverfront district. There are parcels that are already in an economic development area (and) parcels that are eligible to be granted riverfront district licenses if they were added to an economic development area.”

Westfield established its first riverfront district in 2018 around Grand Junction Plaza and Grassy Branch, where it cuts through the center of the city to just west of U.S. 31.

“This builds upon it,” Gillingham-Teague said of the new downtown district.

The ordinance adds several parcels to the district on Ind. 32 between East Street and Willow Creek Way. Those parcels north of Ind. 32 are already in an economic development area, which means any business wanting to sell alcohol within that boundary can apply for a license through the ATC. Several parcels south of Ind. 32 were also added to the district; however, those parcels are not in an economic development area.

The downtown area includes the site of the proposed Ambrose on Main PUD, a mixed-use development that would include a ground-level restaurant under three floors of apartment units if approved.

The Grand Park district will include most of the land that sits between the sports fields and event center and Ind. 32. The council discussed the proposal during a first reading Dec. 9 prior to approval Dec. 23.

“The Grand Park addition was obvious with all the development happening, any

way that we can aid in development, be it with liquor licenses or policies we’re interested in doing,” Gillingham-Teague said during the first reading of the ordinance. “Similarly, with the downtown where the (existing) riverfront district was developed in 2018, a lot of development has moved.”

The 2018 Grand Junction Plaza riverfront district is overseen by a committee that reviews liquor license applications and makes decisions and sends recommendations to the ATC. That will continue for the new districts.

BUILDING UP WESTFIELD

The establishment of two new riverfront districts in Westfield is only one of several projects aimed at economic development as the City of Westfield grows.

Last month, plans to amend the Grand Millennium planned unit development were presented for a first reading to the Westfield City Council. The PUD includes 17 acres of land south of Westfield Washington Public Library and east of U.S. 31.

The developer — CRG Residential — is seeking an amendment to add new buildings and amenities that would ultimately help Grand Millennium complement the proposed Park and Poplar PUD just to its north.

“We wanted to put as much activity as we could at Park Street,” CRG Residential Vice President of Development

David George said. “You have great activity going back and forth between the park and (the proposed) Park and Poplar (PUD). So, we want to put a building near there.”

The amendment would include multiuse buildings and a parking structure, plus a tie-in to amenities already in the area.

“We want to make sure you have a reason to drive to the area and not through the area,” George said. “There is a great connection between two main travel areas for pedestrians — the Midland Trace Trail and the Monon Trail. The Monon isn’t exactly there but it’s pretty quick to get there.”

The Grand Millennium PUD amendment is scheduled to come before the Advisory Plan Commission Jan. 14 for a public hearing.

Westfield Chief of Legal Kaitlin Glazier said the areas are eligible because of their proximity to named waterways. Glazier said once a district is established within an economic development area, the ATC can issue unlimited one-way, two-way, and three-way nontransferable permits to restaurants in these areas without regard for typical permit quota restrictions. But, she said, there is still a process for those applicants.

“Once (a district) is established, the ATC shall consider — but doesn’t have to follow — the city’s recommendation,” Glazier said. “Just because the city (recommends a license) doesn’t necessarily mean that a permit will be issued. It’s still up to the ATC.”

Established by state law, an economic development area is a legally defined geographic area intended to facilitate economic development or redevelopment. Westfield’s new riverfront districts sit mostly within established economic development districts.

“The statute reads that the permit premises must be within an EDA or a similar area,” Glazier said. “(The) ordinance (was drafted) to say that (the council) would never recommend something that isn’t in one of those areas yet.”

City council president Patrick Tamm said the creation of the districts brings flexibility to business owners and property owners looking to develop in Westfield.

“This does free up a lot of permits,” Tamm said. We’re attracting a lot of visitors. The riverfront districts are being utilized across the state, particularly in areas that are bringing in visitors. Frankly, Grand Park and our area of Westfield absolutely should be doing these types of things.”

The ordinance includes investment commitments for both districts for development projects, including TIF and street upgrades from the city; grant funding from Hamilton County; and state-issued READI 2.0 funds. The total amount to be committed to each district is to be determined.

The ordinance creating the establishment of the additional district boundaries was approved unanimously.

ON THE COVER: Westfield added two new riverfront districts along Grassy Branch in downtown and Grand Park. (Photo by Marney Simon)

The Westfield City Council approved a measure to add riverfront districts to Grand Park and downtown Westfield. (Photos by Marney Simon) Cool Creek and Grassy Branch both extend into Grand Park.

Blueprint for Improvement: Chic Fishers primary bath renovation

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1995 in Fishers’ Lakeside Green neighborhood, this home’s primary bathroom was ready for a transformation. The new owners wanted to upgrade their builder-basic space into something bright and beautiful. By keeping the same layout but reimagining the design, our team created a room that feels entirely new.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower elevated the functionality of the room, bringing a spa-like serenity to the homeowners’ daily routine.

• The addition of a floating vanity keeps the compact space open and airy while offering ample storage.

• A tongue-and-groove ceiling treatment, stained to match the vanity, makes a statement by adding warm, organic charm and unique style.

• Marble tile combined with gold accents in the finishes introduces refined elegance and a touch of livable luxury.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Vindys’ lead singer benefits from national tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Vindys had planned to work on a new album in the summer of 2024.

Instead, the band got an offer it couldn’t refuse — joining Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on a national tour over the summer, including a gig at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in Indianapolis.

“Of all the cities we went to on that tour, Indianapolis was the most receptive to us,” said Jackie Popovec, the band’s lead singer and main songwriter. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the HI-FI to play a show.”

The Vindys will play at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis. Jessie Phelps will be the opener.

“I gained quite a bit of confidence in what I’m doing,” Popovec said. “There’s not a ton of money in this game. For Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo to come out of nowhere and have their people call us, ‘Do you want to go on tour?’ It just gave me this boost that I needed in motivation in what I’m doing and confidence in what I’m doing in my writing.”

Popovec said she has long admired Benatar.

“I’m sure I have a tape somewhere of me singing karaoke to Pat Benatar as a toddler,” she said. “So, for one of the biggest voices to say you got something, it’s just completely wild to me. I don’t know if I can thank her enough for that.”

Popovec said the band has been working on new music since the summer tour, mostly playing in shows in the Ohio cities of Cleveland, Akron and Columbus along with Pittsburgh.

“As an independent band doing it all ourselves, I don’t have a booking agent or a label or anything. We’ve been trying to radius out more, and Indianapolis seems like a new place to start growing,” Popovec said.

The Vindys’ first album, “Bugs,” came out in 2021. They are releasing a second album this year.

“I’ve been sitting on a lot of new mate-

rial for three years now, so I’m excited to get it out there,” Popovec said.

The Vindys were founded in 2014 in Youngstown, Ohio. The band’s name is derived from the city’s newspaper, The Vindicator.

“Everyone says print is dying and everyone says rock ‘n’ roll is dying, but here we are still standing, The Vindys,” Popovic said. “It’s all about the grit and grind for us. As a band that makes its money off of shows and gigs, we love being from Youngstown. We can get to several major cities within a half-day drive. You can’t do that if you are from Los Angeles.”

Popovec said she is known throughout Youngstown. Her father is a food sales representative and she started playing at restaurants as a teenager.

“It’s definitely a ‘Cheers’-type of town that I live in. I always feel welcome everywhere I go,” said Popovec, referring to the 1980s TV sitcom set in a neighborhood bar.

Popovec said she is proud of what The

Vindys have accomplished.

“To make it nowadays, you have to work at it and put yourself out there in front of people,” she said. “That’s the most important thing to garner those relationships with your fan base. in person. That’s how we are able to create a small business for ourselves and something that is sustainable.”

Popovec, who has a powerful voice, said she grew up appreciating all kinds of music.

“When you are exposed to so many things, it’s going to seep in,” she said. “It makes you a well-rounded listener. My parents were listening to VH1, Top 40 and radio, which is how I cut my teeth on melodies and pop music. Then I discovered Etta James, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday online. I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, what is all this?’ So I deep dived into the jazz world through iTunes, which is crazy and cool that it was available to me.”

For more, visit thevindys.com. For tickets, visit hifiindy.com.

MAC MCANALLY

Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, a member of the late Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Actor Don Farrell’s “Sweet Caroline — The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, feinsteinshc. com.

LET’S SING TAYLOR

Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift will perform at 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” runs Jan. 9 to Feb. 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘Change of Heart’ set for debut

editorial@youarecurrent.com

“Change of Heart” is set to debut Jan. 1019 at the Switch Theatre in the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. The play was written by Dr. Louis Janeira, a cardiologist who lives in Zionsville whose pen name is Dr. L. Jan Eira. “Change of Heart,” directed by Tejas Hairns, follows the journey of elderly couple Vijay and Anita, retired medical professionals turned vigilantes, who embark on a morally questionable mission to rid the world of wrongdoers while saving innocent lives. The play delves into the depths of human nature, questioning the boundaries of justice and the price of redemption.

For more, visit themdwriter.com.

The Vindys will perform at the HI-FI Indy on Jan. 11. (Photo courtesy of The Vindys)

43. McCormick’s ___ 44. Plan B

46. Grasp

47. Angela Buchman weather event

49. Bit of Morse code

50. French Lick ___

56. “Inside Indy” show boss

61. Bad bacteria

62. Like the old bucket in the IU-PU rivalry

63. Sink

66. No longer fresh

67. Employ

68. Prepared

69. 19th US president

70. Fragrance

71. Checks out Down

1. Carmel Post Office purchase

2. Shrink in fear

3. Worthen or Mackey

4. Soccer superstar Lionel

5. Knight’s title

6. UIndy URL ending

7. Chest muscles, for short

8. Adopt

9. Wabash ___

10. Taj Mahal site

11. Plumbing problem

12. Singer with The Gang

13. A few

18. State Road 32 goo

22. Arctic flier

24. Monument Circle music grp.

25. Sicilian erupter

28. Houston team

29. McNally partner

30. Pond growth

31. Overfill

32. Latin 101 verb

33. Ind. neighbor

34. Hair style

35. Christmas carol

36. Winter vehicle

37. Texter’s “Beats me”

38. Colts enthusiast

41. Noblesville Main Street

Farmers Market corn units

45. Little devil

47. Kings on a Pacers scoreboard

48. “Tommy” band

49. Indiana ___

51. Yank’s foe

52. Start of Caesar’s boast

53. Zero input

54. Dance move

55. Trig ratios

56. Stylish

57. “Pro” follower

58. Thumbs-up

59. Proof word

60. Surprise attack

64. Sellout inits.

65. That lady Answers on Page 16

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