April 18, 2023 — Zionsville

A Vision for Zionsville’s Future

narrative around Zionsville has to change.

Zionsville has a great story to tell, but our town’s good news has been overshadowed for the last three and a half years.

John Stehr knows that just as poor communication got us into this mess, better communication will help lead us out. For decades as a broadcast journalist, John told the stories of Central Indiana – in good times and in bad. Now, John Stehr wants to restore proper communication and trust between the Mayor’s office, the town council, and our neighbors.

Communication

• Leverage modern, creative communication strategies to tell the positive story of Zionsville - to those who already live here and those who don’t.

Main Street

• Re-brand “Historic Downtown Zionsville,” and market it as such, without necessarily changing how this area is zoned.

Signature Events

• Establish new, and promote existing, events such as Brick Street Market, Farmer’s Markets, Fall Festival, and Christmas in the Village to bring more people, more often, to our “Historic” downtown.

Wayfinding

• Add and improve signage throughout town that helps people navigate to the places they want to go.

Learn more about John Stehr at www.JohnStehrForMayor.com.

Voting locations for Boone County residents

news@currentzionsville.com

Boone County has announced the voting dates and locations for registered voters in the May 2 primary election.

To participate in voting, registered voters must bring a valid photo ID. Locations and times are listed below:

Boone County 2023 Election Day Locations

May 2 (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

• Boone County Courthouse

Rotunda in the Courthouse

• Zionsville Town Hall

1100 W. Oak St. Zionsville

• Zionsville Hussey-Mayfield Library

250 N. 5th St. Zionsville

• Grace Baptist Church

3001 Elm Swamp Rd, Lebanon

• Whitestown Municipal Building

6210 Veterans Dr., Whitestown

Boone County 2023 election early voting dates and locations

• Absentee voting at the Courthouse

April 4-April 27 Tuesdays and Thursdays

8 a.m.-4 p.m.

April 22

• Boone County Courthouse East Doors Courthouse 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Whitestown Municipal Building 6210

Veterans Dr., Whitestown 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

April 28

• Boone County Courthouse East Doors Courthouse 8am - 8 p.m.

• Zionsville Town Hall 1100 W. Oak St. Zionsville 1-8 p.m.

• Zionsville Hussey-Mayfield Library 250 N. 5th St. Zionsville 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

• Grace Baptist Church 3001 Elm Swamp Rd. Lebanon 1-8 p.m.

• Whitestown Municipal Building 6210 Veterans Dr. Whitestown 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

April 29

• Boone County Courthouse East Doors Courthouse 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Zionsville Town Hall 1100 W. Oak St. Zionsville 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Whitestown Municipal Building 6210

Veterans Dr. Whitestown 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Learn more about John’s vision for Zionsville.

www.JohnStehrForMayor.com

• Zionsville Hussey-Mayfield Library 250 N. 5th St. Zionsville 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Grace Baptist Church 3001 Elm Swamp Rd. Lebanon 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Confirm your voter registration at indianavoters.com or call 1-866-IN-1-VOTE or call the Boone County Clerk’s Office 765-482-3510

Paid for by John Stehr for Mayor

The

Follow Stehr for Mayor on social media:

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Zionsville couple to donate $500,000 to town’s nature preserve

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

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Zionsville residents Jim and Nancy Carpenter attended the April 10 town council meeting to make an announcement during the Carpenter Nature Preserve bond hearing.

The Carpenters, local conservationists who agreed to sell the 216-acre land (formerly Wolf Run Golf Club) for the Carpenter Nature Preserve to the town at a discounted price of $4.5 million, started the presentation by announcing a pledge to the Town of Zionsville in the amount of $500,000 for development of the Carpenter Nature Preserve.

“Jim and I are so passionate about preserving land for generations to come, and because of that, we have decided to further support this project by making an additional gift of half a million dollars for the care and development of this special place,” Nancy Carpenter said.

The Carpenters said the Zionsville Parks Foundation would administer the gift once the town purchases the land and once it is part of the Zionsville parks system.

“We feel grateful to be part of this wonderful opportunity, and we wish to thank you,” Nancy said.

Jim Carpenter said the couple’s mission is to bring people and nature together.

“When me and Nancy visited the nature preserve area, it was clear to us that there is never going to be anything like this available again anywhere near Zionsville,” he said. “So, we protected it.”

John Stehr, a Republican mayoral candidate and president of the Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation, said the pledge will benefit the town for generations to come.

“The Carpenters have been incredibly patient,” Stehr said. “They’ve been paying the insurance, maintenance of the land and the taxes, and they’ve been willing to do it. That’s what good citizens do.”

Preserve bond, not to exceed $5.5 million, Jarod Logsdon, superintendent of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation, presented a comprehensive overview of the history of the nature preserve, including where it is today and where it can be in the future upon consideration of the bond for the acquisition and development of the nature preserve.

“We’ve excited the community with this opportunity,” Logsdon said.

The vote consideration on the bond was 6-1 in favor. The second reading and final approval will be at the May 1 town council meeting.

Before voting at the town council meeting on first reading of the Carpenter Nature

Jim and Nancy Carpenter inspect a bird box at the Carpenter Nature Preserve in Zionsville. (File photo)

The nature preserve is expected to open in 2026.

The Carpenter Nature Preserve. (Photo courtesy of Jarod Logsdon)

Whitestown announces $20 million aquatic facility

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

aquatic center have not been finalized but the announcement of the plan has been “long-awaited,” Bohm said.

DEVELOPMENT

The Town of Whitestown announced April 7 plans for a new $20 million aquatic facility near the former automotive junkyard, Wrecks Inc., near Interstate 65 in Whitestown.

“We are breaking ground later this year,” Whitestown Town Council President Clinton Bohm said. “By 2025, we will have the facility up and going and ready for full utilization.”

The first steps toward a public-private partnership for the project, including a build-operate-transfer adoption, was set to go before the Whitestown Town Council at the April 12 meeting. The BOT adoption is a collaboration between a government agency and a private-sector company that can be used to finance, build and operate large publicly owned projects.

“Our expectation is that we have council support to move forward on our agenda at the April 12 meeting so that we can get official approval on the ordinances and resolutions that we need to move forward,”

Bohm said.

Bohm said the project will be paid for without raising property taxes.

“For many years, we’ve been hearing residents say that they wanted the aquatic center,” Bohm said. “Now, with our industrial and commercial growth and the

financial planning we’ve put through, we are in a very sound position to use our tax increment financing dollars that we have on hand and supplement with some debt services that will be able to cover the cost of the project and get this going.”

Amenities, size and a name for the

“It took us a long time to get to this point. This project has been going on for many years,” he said. “It started underneath our previous council president, Eric Miller, and vice president, Susan Austin.”

The new aquatic center will neighbor a future youth sports fieldhouse, hotel, housing, retail space and more at Maurer Commons, a mixed-use space announced in 2021 as a joint venture between Milhaus and Homefield to redevelop the 135-acre site that Wrecks Inc. once occupied.

“The aquatic center was always one of the pieces that the town was going to be pushing forward as Milhaus was working on their youth sports fieldhouse concept with Homefield,” Bohm said. “We’ve been in communication with Milhaus the last couple of years on this project working towards development, and now that this site has been signed off on, this will be a great resource for Milhaus to move forward.

“We hope that this will be the spark to light the fire for full development of that space.”

The new aquatics facility will be near the former site of Wrecks Inc. near Interstate 65, the former automotive junkyard in Whitestown. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Whitestown)

WOOD SUBARU’S SPRING INTO SAVINGS!

Memorial service honors fallen heroes, Gold Star Families

By Megan Morton news@currentnoblesville.com

the national anthem during the Memorial Service in 2016.

500 FESTIVAL

Throughout the month of May, the 500 Festival presents a series of activities in the lead-up to Memorial Day and the Indianapolis 500. The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service, which recognizes the sacrifices of Indiana’s fallen military servicemen and women, is among the signature events.

The 64th annual American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service is set for 3:30 p.m. May 26 on the steps of the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis. The event, which also honors Gold Star Families — those who have lost a loved while serving in the U.S. military — is open to the public. Admission is free.

“For over 60 years, the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service has been one of our most revered traditions. We have one of the best memorial services in the country,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Thirty-five to 50 Gold Star Families attend this service, which includes performances, a color guard, fly over and a military funeral procession known as a cortege.”

Bryant added that a guest general, traditionally a four-star general, will speak at the service.

“Having a general who serves on the cabinet of the president of the United States shows the significance of this event,” Bryant said. “And it’s an honor we are able to provide a platform for someone of this rank to speak to our families and community.”

The memorial service also offers local service people the opportunity to contribute by serving in the military elements of the event.

“It’s great to see how much the 500 Festival does to honor our military,” said former Marine Sgt. Ronald Walker, who has participated in various 500 Festival events, including singing

Walker, who lives in Indianapolis, now serves with the Indiana National Guard and works closely with Gold Star Families through Survivor Outreach Services, which supports the families of the fallen.

“Gold Star Families are a special group, and I’m honored to support this connection that solidifies the bond of service, family and brotherhood,” Walker said.

Marilyn Frantz, a Gold Star mother from Lafayette, has attended the memorial service for more than a decade in memory of her son, Army Spc. Matthew Frantz.

“It means a lot to know that the 500 Festival takes the time to honor our son,” Frantz said. “On Jan. 20, 2006, while serving as a counterintelligence officer during Iraqi Freedom, a roadside bomb exploded near Matthew’s Humvee. Matthew and three other soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division lost their lives. The support we have received from Survivor Outreach Services has been crucial to help us pick up the pieces. I’ve met many Gold Star Families, and we look forward to the memorial service every year. Countless heroes like my son have given up their tomorrows, so we could have our todays.”

Gold Star Families are invited to march in the AES 500 Festival Parade, set for noon May 27 in downtown Indianapolis. On May 6, OneAmerica Mini Marathon Festival participants can dedicate completion of Mile 6 — known as the “Gold Mile” on the backstretch of the Indy 500 track — to a fallen hero.

“The track is what makes this race fun, and to honor these fallen heroes during the toughest mile of the race is the most emotional part of the run for most participants, including elite runners,” Bryant said. “We are honored and humbled to recognize these fallen heroes.”

For more, visit 500festival.com.

Frantz

Former Marine Sgt. Ronald Walker sings the national anthem at the 2016 500 Festival Memorial Service. (Photo courtesy of the 500 Festival)

ON MAY 2ND VOTE CAMPBELL

Zionsville is a unique community that continues to attract those who seek a better quality of life. We owe a great deal to those who came before and must do our part to maintain the very best of Zionsville for the future generations. To preserve our quality of life, it is imperative that we expand and diversify the town's revenue by leveraging resources and assets to attract dynamic businesses, jobs and people who will add to our spirit of community. In a highly competitive environment, Zionsville has much to offer. A growing income stream will allow us to invest in those priorities that make our town a wonderful place to live: public safety, infrastructure, public spaces, and community building. We cannot sustain and improve our community on the shoulders of residential homeowners. As a community, we must be bold enough to chart a path, making smart decisions today. The Vision is simply get Zionsville back on track and restore the faith it once had, so that the town council can be transparent and make sound decisions without a fight.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Zionsville is one the safest communities in the State and Kyle wants to continue building on that legacy. Kyle is committed to working with all public safety agencies to make certain they have the appropriate resources to fulfill their respective public safety duties.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Kyle will work to make Zionsville the state’s most desirable town to start a business and grow existing ones. Through existing relationships and partnerships that Kyle has cultivated over the last 10 years, as the General Manager of the Whitestown Marathon he continues to be a champion and advocate for driving economic development opportunities in Zionsville.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Kyle is a fiscal conservative and believes and fully understands where and how taxpayer dollars are spent. As a small business manager, Kyle knows firsthand the economic and business benefits in the short term and long term from prudent fiscal management. Kyle will continue to be fiscally responsible towards the hardearned tax dollars of the constituents in district 3.

Kyle pledges to work for you by listening and keeping you informed of what’s going on in town government.

Jane Burgess is Ready to Lead as Zionsville’s Next Mayor

Zionsville needs a mayor with a long history of leadership experience like Jane Burgess to get our town back on solid ground.

Community Leaders Support Jane for Mayor!

“As a former US Attorney and Member of Congress, I learned what a difference action-oriented leaders can make. Jane Burgess is the right person at the right time to lead Zionsville back to fiscal stability.

Jane has my enthusiastic endorsement for Mayor of Zionsville in the May 2nd GOP primary.”

Jane will support public safety throughout Zionsville:

Establish a 5-year plan for emergency services to keep pace with our growing community needs

Continue to prioritize school safety

Ensure police and fire have the training and equipment needed

Jane has a plan to restore fiscal responsibility for Zionsville: Rebuild confidence in Zionsville and reclaim our AA+ bond rating Conduct independent audit of Town’s finances & internal controls Return to transparent Town budgets

“Jane has been working with our community’s leaders for years. I saw her leadership and concern for our kids’ safety when she was on the Zionsville School Board – advocating and succeeding for School Resource Officers in each of the schools. I fully support Jane to be our next Mayor!”

— SUSAN BROOKS, Former Indiana Congresswoman

— TONY HARRIS, Boone County Sheriff

Paid for by Friends for Jane Burgess

Spring is in full bloom

Commentary by Ward Degler

It was like an explosion. Our daffodils and hyacinth were already in full bloom, but the trees held back. No buds, no blooms, no leaves.

PLAIN TALK

Then came Good Friday and everything changed. Trees erupted everywhere in what a friend once described as “the green fire of spring.”

Bare branches were suddenly covered with fragile buds. The redbud leaked pink. The dogwood buds began to swell. Maples exploded in green.

Several years ago, we had another early spring. Buds, leaves and blossoms emerged overnight. Then, we had a hard freeze. Everything turned black, withered, and fell to the ground.

Fortunately, Mother Nature is prepared for her own foibles. Slowly that year, everything came back. New buds emerged on shortened tree limbs. The dogwood leafed out; even the redbud issued a few pink flowers. Daffodils and hyacinths didn’t bloom again, but healthy leaves and stems came back and promised life would go on.

When I lived in Minnesota, we never expected anything to sprout until May, sometimes as late as Memorial Day. Late snowstorms were always a possibility. Sometimes Crocus poked their pointy blooms up through a blanket of snow.

On several occasions, Jeanne and I cleaned the snow off the car windshield, threw our bags in the back, and headed for Florida. It was fascinating to watch spring emerge as we headed south. Trees green with leaves and flowers in full blossom greeted us with every mile. When we came over a hill and saw a man mowing his lawn, we knew we had left winter behind.

The good news was after two weeks of soaking up the sunshine and wiggling our toes in the sand, we returned home to green trees and bright blossoms.

And as I write this, I realize that Good Friday is the day everything changed. God’s gift to the world was slain that day only to return and assure our life would go on.

Ward Degler lives in Zionsville with his wife. He is the author of “The Dark Ages of My Youth ... and Times More Recent.” Contact him at ward.degler@ gmail.com.

Greyhounds softball player is off to torrid start at the plate

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior first baseman Hope McDonald has developed into a consistent force at the plate.

“I definitely feel like I have a lot better plate approaches since my sophomore year,” McDonald said. “I feel like I’m just more comfortable going up there looking early in the count for my pitch. Being a power lefty, a lot of pitchers like to throw me outside. So, (I’m) looking for that pitch early in the count, not waiting to get down in the count. Last year, I feel like I did a much better job with that in comparison to my sophomore year.”

Through the first four games, McDonald is hitting .643 with two home runs and six runs batted in. As a junior, she hit .456 with six homers and 30 RBIs. She hit .297 with one homer as a sophomore.

Greyhounds softball coach Ginger Britton has watched McDonald improve each season.

MEET HOPE MCDONALD

Favorite TV show: “Friends”

Favorite movie: “Avatar”

Favorite subject: Science or biology

Favorite vacation spot: Catalina Island in California

“Hope’s biggest strength at the plate is her mental approach,” Britton said. “She understands the count and what pitches she wants to swing at when she is ahead. She is adaptable if she gets behind in the count and with two strikes is still on the offensive, which allows her to put better

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balls in play.”

Britton said McDonald is at her best when there is a runner on base.

“She thrives in her role of continuing the inning,” Britton said. “As she got older and stronger, balls that were hard-hit singles have turned into hard-hit doubles and now have started to exit the field. Her quality of

bats has increased, and she leads the team in RBIs.”

McDonald, who throws right but has always hit left-handed, said she used to be more of a slap hitter but became more of a power hitter by the time she reached high school.

McDonald primarily plays in the outfield for her club team, the Indiana Bombers.  She has concentrated on being more of a vocal leader this year.

“Our team has a lot of underclassmen that are playing varsity for the first time, so it’s a whole new ball game for them,” McDonald said. “They’re seeing better pitching. I’m definitely setting a goal of being a mentor for all the young girls.”

McDonald, who has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Coastal Carolina next season, plans to major in biological sciences or exercise science.

“When I was researching schools for that major, Coastal Carolina was one of the top ones,” she said. “I also wanted a warmer place to play softball. “

McDonald attended a Coastal Carolina camp in August of 2021 and committed shortly afterward.

Carmel High School senior first baseman Hope McDonald hit. .456 last season. (Photo courtesy of Shanelle Cunningham)

McDonald

Purple Stride 5K returns April 29

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Horsepower Carnival returns May 10

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentzionsville.com

FUNDRAISER

Pancreatic cancer survivors, their families and supporters are set to participate in the Purple Stride of Indianapolis 5K April 29 to fundraise in the fight against the disease. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at White River Park in Indianapolis.

Sixty Purple Stride walks are scheduled throughout the U.S. to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Funds raised will be used for research to provide new treatment options to patients and give them free 1-on-1 support through PanCAN patient services.

Rob Beeler, co-chairman of the Purple Stride affiliate of Indianapolis, said last year’s event raised $270,000. This year’s goal is $290,000.

Fundraising is typically done by teams formed around a family member who survived or was lost to pancreatic cancer, Beeler said.

Jenny Bivans, affiliate chair of PanCan in Indianapolis, began her journey with the network after forming a Purple Strides team in 2016 after her sister, Victoria, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Bivans, a Zionsville resident, said she formed

CURRENT Q&A

team Victory for Victoria to give her sister hope.

“Every time a donation would come, or somebody would join her team, it excited her. It made her know people were supporting her. It really encouraged her to keep fighting,” Bivans said.

After a long battle with the disease, Victoria died in 2020. In her memory, Bivans accepted her role with PanCan in Indianapolis. Team Victory for Victoria has been one of the top 10 fundraisers since 2016. It has raised more than $80,000.

The Purple Stride event is open to everyone. Learn more and register bit.ly/3GGkCbA.

Getting to know Evelyn Lees

Evelyn Lees is the city clerk for the City of Noblesville and has been in the position since 2016. In her role, she prepares agendas, takes minutes, keeps all records for Noblesville Common Council, all council committees, board of public works and safety and various boards and commissions, according to the city’s website.

What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

My best habit is rising early. My worst is procrastinating, which thankfully I don’t do much anymore.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I make really good soup, and I can adapt menus and recipes for just about any special diet.

What do you do when you’re stuck?

I stop, step back to look at the situation, find the problem and fix that.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Reading.

How do you relieve stress?

Exercise, prayer and watching cooking shows.

Favorite drink?

I make my own ginger kombucha.

Do you have a favorite meal in town?

The cactus salad at El Palenque.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I played baritone in high school.

The annual Horsepower Carnival will return to Children’s TherAplay in Carmel from 4 to 6 p.m. May 10 with disability- and sensory-friendly games and events for all ages and abilities.

THERAPLAY

The event will include the opportunity to play PopA-Shot with IndyCar drivers, photos with mascots and princesses, face painting, an adaptive dance party, food and more.

Children’s TherAplay is an outpatient pediatric clinic at 9919 Towne Rd. in Carmel that uses horses to assist with occupational, physical and speech therapy services, a treatment strategy known as hippotherapy.

Carnival tickets are available to the public — not just those who have used services at TherAplay.

“Everything is sensory friendly and disability friendly,” said Kathy Pelletier, Children’s TherAplay executive director. “We use our therapists and families to contribute to our planning so that everyone who attends will be able to navigate and feel comfortable.”

Guests will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a family pass for a VIP suite during practice and qualifying week of the Indianapolis 500. The winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. at the event.

Parking is at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W. 106th St., and a disability-accessible shuttle will transport guests to the event. Event tickets are $15 and can be purchased at childrenstheraplay.org.

From left, Zionsville residents Kenny and Erin Johnson with their kids, Makenna and Delaney, Jenny and Way Bivans, and their son, Brandon and his wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Emma, participate in Purple Stride. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Bivans)

Charity benefits children’s hospital

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

A Zionsville resident recently raised nearly $53,000 to benefit Riley Hospital for Children through dancing.

FUNDRAISER

Dr. Tara Holloran was one of the celebrity dancers at the March 17 “Reason to Dance, Reason for Hope,” a dance competition to benefit Riley at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. All donations were finalized April 7.

Surpassing the prior fundraising record by more than $15,000, Holloran and her dance partner, Jonas Kazlauskas, won the Kids Choice Award and the Judge’s Choice Award.

The event raised nearly $200,000 in donations supporting Riley’s child life specialists and research to develop new therapies.

“Everyone’s generous giving will benefit so many children,” Holloran said. “It was fun to have all those hours of practice pay off and it was all around an incredibly fun and uplifting night.”

Women of Vision luncheon set for April 27

– The 19th annual Women of Vision luncheon will be held April 27 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. Without Borders Boutique, Bash Boutique, and Carolyn's Corner Gift Shop will be in attendance to showcase their new spring clothing lines. Shopping begins at 10:30 a.m. with lunch, and the program follows at 11:30 a.m. featuring motivational speaker and comedian Amy Dee. Proceeds from the event benefit women, and children served at Riverview Health. Register by visiting donate. riverview.org/23WomenofVision.

Dr. Tara Holloran and her dance partner, Jonas Kazlauskas, dance to an Elvis routine at Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Tara Holloran.

COMMUNITY

Play time: Here’s what’s new at Zionsville parks

By Jessica Todd news@currentzionsville.com

parks system and some near the library and town hall.”

For more, visit zionsville-in.gov/facilities/ facility/details/overley-wormanpark-50.

BARNS AND BREWS

RECREATION

With warm weather around the corner, residents are encouraged by Zionsville Parks and Recreation Supt. Jared Logsdon to see and experience the improvements and innovations at Zionsville parks, along with a series of events. Some of the new features are ready, while others are works in progress.

“I am most excited for people to get outdoors and enjoy nature again,” Logsdon said. “We hope our parks are the place to go for people to enjoy being active, whether it’s at the dog park, on the new trail or at one of the sports courts.”

What follows is a look at some of the improvements/new offerings, along with progress being made on others, at parks in Zionsville.

RAIL TRAIL

Construction continues on the Big-4 Rail Trail extension. Work on the trail will create a roomier, 12-foot-wide surface. Phase I is complete and Phase II has begun on the southern side of the pathway.

“Rail Trail is among the most desired features because it connects 19 of our parks. The construction and improvements will impact summer plans for residents and visitors,” Logsdon said.

ZIONSVILLE SOUTHERN TRAILHEAD

There will be more parking and restroom options this season.

“A new trailhead facility is being built along Zionsville Road at the southern terminus of the Big-4 Rail Trail,” Logsdon said. “The trailhead will feature a year-round restroom, parking lot and accessible entry to the trail.”

PICKLEBALL COURTS

Besides the trails, many more amenities are coming this spring to the parks, including four new pickleball courts at Mulberry Fields.

“The new pickleball courts will have sports court lighting so people can play late into the evening while the park is open,” Logsdon said. “The popular splash pad will also reopen at Mulberry Fields in late May.”

MOUNTAIN BIKING AND DISC GOLF

Overley-Worman Park will be available for mountain biking in the warmer months as the adjacent southern section of the Big-4 Rail Trail opens.

“The mountain bike trail will be popular

this spring, as well as the space provided for disc golf,” Logsdon said.

The disc golf course has nine baskets with two tee pads on each hole. For more, visit zionsville-in.gov/facilities/facility/ details/overley-wormanpark-50.

ZIONSVILLE GOLF COURSE

Logsdon said the nine-hole golf course opened in March and is minutes from downtown Zionsville at 10799 E. 55 South.

Residents can purchase 2023 season passes, schedule tee times and find league play information at zionsville-in.gov/298/ Zionsville-Golf-Course.

GREEN FEST

Zionsville Green Fest will be presented at Zionsville Town Hall from 9 a.m. to noon April 22. The event celebrates Earth Day and Arbor Day and teaches residents about sustainable living.

“We have over 25 vendors set to come out for Green Fest,” Logsdon said. “The event encourages people to care more about the environment, and the vendors educate residents on information such as composting.”

Kelly Masoncup, treasurer of the Zionsville Parks Foundation, said the foundation is also excited about the return of Greenfest.

“Given last year’s interest at Green Fest, where over 125 free milkweed plants were distributed, we are planning to distribute butterfly weed plants this year, a project funded by a generous donor,” Masoncup said.

For more, visit zionsville-in.gov/facilities/ facility/details/overley-wormanpark-50.

ZIONSVILLE BUTTERFLY TRAIL

The Zionsville Butterfly Trail will be available from June to August.

“Local artists will be painting butterfly wings for visitors to take pictures with,” Logsdon said. “They will be placed throughout the community, including a few in our

Barns and Brews returns this summer for guests 21 and older. Logsdon said the parks partnered with Maplelawn Farmstead Board for this fundraising event.

“The Barns and Brews event highlights several local breweries and offers the

chance for adults to hear public speakers discuss nature and more,” Logsdon said. “This year’s lecture series will include bats with a mammologist from the state Dept. of Natural Resources, native gardening by the Indiana Wildlife Federation and Zionsville history with Heather Lusk.”

Residents can register online with the Zionsville Parks Myrec page zionsvillein. myrec.com/info/default.aspx.

The new mountain bike trail at Overly-Worman Park. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

ZCHS parents plan after prom event

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

At Zionsville Community High School, a parent volunteer group that works to keep students safe is planning a special event April 22 after prom at the school.

SCHOOL

Laura Gunderman, 2023 co-chair of the event, said the group plans the Game on, After Prom event each year to provide students a safe and fun alternative to celebrating after prom.

“It’s a huge effort with planning that begins as soon as the month after the previous year after prom party,” Gunderman said. “We give out $500 scholarships to some lucky seniors and have an impaired vision trike-riding obstacle course to educate about substance abuse in a fun, hands-on way.”

Game On is from midnight to 3 a.m. and includes a $500 scholarship prize, an Azionaqua membership, ZCHS show choir finale tickets, gift cards, a casino and more. The prizes are won through drawings throughout the night.

The night’s main attraction is one of the largest obstacle inflatables from Celebration Central, a party rental business in Zionsville.

ZCHS parents, local businesses, and community organizations, such as the Lions Club of Zionsville, Optimist Club, Tri Kappa, ZCHS PTO, Boone County REMC, and the ZCHS Alumni Association, pay for the prizes, food and activities.

“While the prom is planned by students and is a ticketed event and is free to all ZCHS juniors and seniors whether they attend prom or not,” Gunderman said.

For more, visit Zhs.zcs.k12.in.us/after_prom.

Bubbles, Bike & Bling Raffle

Dancing to live music

Jumbo Jenga and more fun games!

Emcee, Tim Griffin, Carmel Firefighter & WISHTV’s Life.Style.Live! Guest Host & Contributor

Dessert Dash

Music by The Bishops

ZCHS Principle Tim East and his wife Jenny before last year’s Preview party. (Photo courtesy of Laura Gunderman)

BRAIN POWER

Zionsville neurologist promotes cerebral health through the arts

By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Cynthia McGarvey, a Zionsville neurologist, uses art to inspire others to learn about brain health through painting, playing the cello and creating framed wall art.

McGarvey’s passion for the brain and its function is evident in her work as a neurologist at Josephson, Wallack, and Munshower Neurology of Indianapolis. She has dedicated her life to understanding the complexities of the human brain and helping her patients achieve optimal brain health.

But her interest in the brain doesn’t stop there. She has combined her passion for neuroscience and art to create what she calls “brain art.”

“I love taking care of my neurology patients, and I love having things that I do outside of that to fulfill me, so combining the two has helped me relieve stress and inspire awareness of the brain,” McGarvey said.

McGarvey, 52, explores artistic creativity by representing the human brain through colors and patterns.

In one of her latest pieces, “The Art of the Brain,” McGarvey used pages from a neurology book to create texture and used old twine and a wine cork to resemble the brain stem.

“I had no plan for this piece going in,” McGarvey said. “I used an X-Acto knife to carve out what the brain would look like, then used different materials to add texture and depth. I had an old neurology book sitting around that I hadn’t read in forever and decided to repurpose it.”

McGarvey said her inspiration for brain art came from years of working with patients with neurological disorders.

“I try to be deliberate and purposeful about what I do,” she said. “I have the privilege and opportunity to take care of so many patients with diverse neurologic conditions that are very impactful, and I see how much they affect people’s lives, and I am so grateful for all I have been able to

experience.”

As a self-taught artist, McGarvey said she saw an opportunity to bridge the gap in understanding the brain by creating art that would inspire others to learn about the brain.

“Everyone likely has been touched, either by themselves or by a loved one, by a neurologic problem,” she said. “It’s so diverse, from carpal tunnel to dementia to migraines to multiple sclerosis. So many people have something going on.”

But it’s not just the brain McGarvey is passionate about. She also plays the cello and is a member of a Zionsville chamber ensemble String it On, which she created nearly 10 years ago.

The Zionsville musicians play at a variety of events, including the Zionsville Lions

Club, the Zionsville Farmers Market and private events, among others. The ensemble is comprised of local professionals in the Zionsville area, ranging from teachers and lawyers to veterinarians and small business owners.

“Cindi McGarvey is the reason String It On exists,” retired Zionsville Middle School Orchestra Director Kathleen Swayze said. “She approached me one day and asked if there was a string group in Zionsville, and at that time, there was not. So, with her encouragement, we started one.”

McGarvey also started a brain health series at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville. She regularly shares insights on how a better understanding of the brain can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being. The series aims to promote awareness and understanding of brain health and focuses on various topics, including memory and the latest advances in cognitive therapy.

“The library’s brain health series evolved out of a conversation Dr. Cindi McGarvey and I had while she was working on a project in our maker studio,” said Laura Gangstad, maker studio specialist at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. “She loves to teach and wanted to share information on brain health with the community

and provide a time when people could ask questions from a practicing neurologist.”

Through talks and discussions, McGarvey said she can educate and empower people in the community with knowledge.

“I love that the series can improve the community’s awareness about brain health, because a lot of people are very interested in neuroscience, but patients have such limited time with their doctors,” she said. “So, this series gives that opportunity for discussions and to make healthy choices with brain health prior to neurological problems,” she said.

Despite her busy schedule, the mother of three said she loves life to the fullest.

“I want to always approach each day with passion,” she said.

McGarvey wants to continue raising awareness about neuroscience and brain health through her art and lectures.

“Stress is not caused by doing too much, but by doing too little of what fills my bucket and makes me feel alive,” McGarvey said. “That’s why I do the brain art and all the other things I do.”

BRAIN HEALTH SERIES

The brain health series at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville is led by Dr. Cynthia McGarvey, a neurologist from Josephson, Wallack, and Munshower Neurology of Indianapolis.

The series is presented every other month in the Lora Hussey Room at 6:30 p.m. The next lecture will be May 2, and McGarvey will speak on memory and advances in cognitive science.

The series features the newest information about neurological topics, helping Zionsville residents learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle and understand common neurological disorders.

For more, visit hmmpl.org/events.

ON THE COVER: Dr. Cynthia McGarvey with her artwork of watercolors, paintings, drawings and more. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia McGarvey)

McGarvey

Dr. Cynthia McGarvey plays the cello for the Zionsville String it On ensemble. From left are String It On members Kathleen Swayze, Susan Lyons, Nancy Johnston, and Cynthia McGarvey. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia McGarvey)

”Six brains,” a painting by Dr. Cynthia McGarvey using watercolors.

Authentic Japanese restaurant coming to Zionsville

By Jessica Todd news@currentzionsville.com

town is the perfect place for Kotoyama.”

The new location will have an urban-chic vibe and a large food selection. The menu contains an assortment of dishes that provide everyone with something to choose from,” Liu said.

NEW

BIZ

Kotoyama Ramen will open a location in Zionsville sometime this month. A firm date has not been determined. The restaurant will be near the Shoppes at Weston Pointe at 10875 N. Michigan Rd.

Juni Liu, the Noblesville location’s manager, said the ramen restaurant serves authentic Japanese dishes using premium ingredients and professional service.

“Our restaurant offers a casual dining experience in a warm ambience with cozy vibes,” Liu said. “We are excited to open our doors in a new town and provide the best Japanese dining experience to the Zionsville community.”

Kotoyama is a franchise, but the Noblesville staff members said they hope the new restaurant in Zionsville will bring residents more food selections.

“Zionsville is a town with charm, and it has become a tourist attraction area,” Liu said. “We will be the first restaurant to offer authentic Japanese dining in this area. The

“One of our most popular dishes is the yakitori, a traditional skewer with special sauce,” Liu said. “The Kotoyama sushi roll and sumo roll are the most popular sushi dishes, and butaniku ramen is the best Japanese traditional ramen.”

Kotoyama offers appetizers such as calamari and gyoza, ramen, donburi, fried rice and stir fry ramen and signature drinks such as mango punch and sakura tea.

“The Zionsville branch will offer a Japanese sushi and ramen bar, sake cocktail selections and fresh, fruity drinks,’ Liu said. “The price ranges from around $20 to $30 a person.”

The new Kotoyama Ramen will be open seven days a week. Business hours will be posted when the location opens.

“It will be a delightful dining experience with delicious food and a great time for family, friends and loved ones,” Liu said.

DISPATCH

Hattie’s Coffee crowdfunding — Kirra Sutton, founder of Hattie’s Coffee, is using Regulation Crowdfunding to raise funds from community investors to complete the buildout of a new coffee shop in a restored 1912 farmhouse in Whitestown. The coffee shop aims to be an inviting place for people to gather and build community while offering high-quality coffee and local food. The investment starts at $100, and the company has already raised more than $30,000 from 22 investors. The capital raised will go toward equipment, buildout, and signage. For more, visit mainvest.com/b/hatties-coffee-whitestown.

A Kotoyama Ramen restaurant is planned to open sometime this month at 10875 N. Michigan Rd. (Photo by Jessica Dodd)

READERS’ VIEWS

Resident supports Stehr for mayor

John Stehr is the mayor Zionsville needs now. In recent candidate forums and on social media, John has articulated his vision for Zionsville with enthusiasm and detail. He will bring stature and recognition to our community, and his superior communication skills will be valuable assets in building regional relationships and establishing positive momentum in our local government.

I am voting for John Stehr for Zionsville mayor, and I hope you’ll join me.

Amy Connelly, Zionsville,

Former co-worker supports Stehr for mayor

Editor,

As a Zionsville resident, I was thrilled when I learned that John Stehr is running for mayor. I first met John in 1997 when I joined the WTHR, NBC affiliate sales team. Two years earlier, John had joined WTHR as lead news anchor. His experience, skills, contacts and communication values are absolutely the best qualifications for this position of leadership.

On-air news is a very competitive business. When John joined the station, WTHR was in last place in news viewership between the competing stations in the Indianapolis market. However, within the next five years, with John as lead anchor, WTHR became central Indiana’s dominant news station, remaining the leader throughout our careers.

Susan Carr, Zionsville

At just 18 years old, Carlo was in disbelief of his mental health diagnosis. After overcoming his initial mistrust for his care team, he learned mental health doesn’t just impact you, but also those around you. According to Carlo:

“If you’re willing to be vocal about what’s troubling you, things do get better over time.”

Eskenazi Health was recently named Indiana’s #1 hospital for community benefit and health equity by the Lown Institute. Thanks in part to community partners and philanthropy, we are helping families get beyond barriers.

eskenazihealthfoundation.org

Cultivating future landscapes

Commentary by Terry Anker

We are quite lucky to live where we do. Well, many of us are in most ways. Included on the list of blessings would likely be that our communities are often counted among the utmost “treed” in the nation. That is to say that we value the photosynthesizing, shade-providing living objects rustling outside our windows, or under which we sway on the hammock strung between a pair of them. Many such local jurisdictions have been identified by the Arbor Day Foundation as “Tree Cities USA” — with one attaining “Tree City of the World.” Good. As our shifting planet brings the sun gloriously back to the Northern Hemisphere, the longer, warmer days escort in an eruption of flowers and leaves upon the once-gray Hoosier horizon.

ESSAY

spindly sprouts of fresh plantings. One must note the advantages. New stock is orderly, free from the damage or disease that accompanies a long life and does not resist new construction on old land. But what of the loss? How many years will pass before a family can picnic in the outspread arms of the looming, benevolent giant? When will the branches form an interlocking arch with her neighbors and provide cool passage on a hot summer day?

As we clearcut our lives to accommodate lost relationships, changes in circumstance or our incessant hunger for the new, are we accounting for the change? Once a lifelong friend is culled from our companionship, what span of time is required to plant, nurture and grow anew? Still, if we fail to seed soon, our landscape will be barren.

Yet, our perspective has been nudged a bit by progress. For some, shade comes now from high-piled concrete, glass and brick in the edifices of greater density “edge-city” living. Where once decades-old native hardwoods stood, now we find the

Who says school isn’t fun?

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I love the people I work with. We prioritize community and fun, and to that end often share in hilarious hijinks. Take last week, for example.

HUMOR

Every Friday, we sing karaoke in our hallway, and by “we” I mean me and occasionally a couple other teachers who I bully into it. Kids secretly dig it, though they have been known to take the long way around to avoid making eye contact as I croon “I Want It That Way” or “All the Single Ladies.” Anyhoo, when I came out after second period to perform some Zac Brown, the karaoke machine was gone. Disappeared. MIA. I looked high and low, made several not-so-discreet inquiries, and eventually discovered an honest-to-goodness ransom note demanding “a billion doll hairs” if I ever wanted to see my baby again. What the what?

Devastated and in shock, I stood there, paralyzed with indecision. But my alcove buddies immediately jumped in to help solve the mystery. One managed to confis-

cate security footage, which clearly showed the perp, a fellow department member, absconding with our beloved music magic maker. Another, our resident Canva goddess, printed highly professional-looking “Wanted!” posters to hang around the building, and my door neighbor managed to interrogate a senior and learned that the machine had in fact been spotted in the suspect’s room only minutes before. Ultimately, thanks to the sleuthing diligence of our team, we successfully rescued our karaoke machine and enjoyed the schtick of a fake kidnapping.

My husband Doo often comments that I always seem to be playing at school. He’s not exactly wrong. Because I love the people I work with! Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Devastated and in shock, I stood there, paralyzed with indecision. But my alcove buddies immediately jumped in to help solve the mystery.

— DANIELLE WILSON

A comedy of (grammar) errors

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

Heidi

My editor and proofreader, Heidi, is retiring. She has been correcting me for 22 years. Only my wife has beaten her record. When Heidi told me she was quitting, I panicked. Many of the mistakes she found over the years were from my haste to get a new idea fleshed out, knowing that in her capable hands everything would be checked. I never worried about stuff like punctuation because Heidi would fix the errors. Sometimes she would just underline phrases and say something very subtle like: NOT FUNNY! Who would replace her? Within hours, Mary Ellen volunteered for the job. My wife is an excellent proofer, but I worried it could affect our relationship. Heidi and I often disagreed and got into wording arguments. Mary Ellen said if she took on this task, she’d be the boss and there would be no quibbling. I was to do what I was told. This was also in our wed-

forward to seeing alumnus from George Washington University and dinners at some of the old joints we used to go to.

Here’s Heidi’s corrected version:

Mary Ellen and I are planning a trip to Washington, DC, for a short weekend. While in our nation’s capital, we will stay at the downtown Holiday Inn. I really want to visit the Smithsonian Institution and the International Spy Museum. I Iook forward to seeing the alumni I worked with from The George Washington University and then having dinners at some of the old joints we used to frequent.

wording arguments. Mary Ellen said if she took on this task, she’d be the boss and there would be no quibbling. I was to do what I was told. This was also in our wedding vows.

Here are Mary Ellen’s changes:

To ensure she could be objective with my writing, I created a test — a paragraph about an upcoming trip we have planned to compare Heidi’s nitpicking against Mary Ellen’s. Following is the draft I filled with intentional (and probably some unintention-

Mary Ellen and me are planning a trip to D.C. for a short weekend. While in our Nations Capitol we will stay at the Downtown Holliday Inn. I hope we have time to do other things like visit the Smithsonian Institute and the International Spy Mueum! I look

— DICK WOLFSIE

My beautiful wife and I are planning a trip to Washington, DC, for a long weekend. While in our nation’s capital, we’ll stay at the Waldorf Astoria and we’ll spend an entire day at the National Gallery of Art, viewing their French sculpture exhibit. I look forward to visiting with one of Mary Ellen’s longtime friends who lives in DC. Mary Ellen and I can’t wait to dine at Imperfecto, which is among DC’s most exclusive and swanky restaurants.

After seeing Mary Ellen’s edits, I said, “You fixed the grammatical and spelling mistakes, but you also changed our trip.” Before the conversation got heated, we came to an agreement. Now, she’s my travel agent, too.

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

and I often disagreed and got into

ATI to host world premiere of ‘Mr. Confidential’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Samuel Garza Bernstein became fascinated with the story of Confidential magazine and its owner Bob Harrison.

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

“An American in Paris” runs through May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE SPITFIRE GRILL’

MUSICAL

Garza Bernstein’s book about the Hollywood magazine from the 1950s came out in 2006. It was called “Mr. Confidential: The Man, His Magazine & the Movieland Massacre that Changed Hollywood Forever.”

“(Harrison) really changed the face of journalism, for better or for worse, and it was phenomenally successful,’ Garza Bernstein said. “Confidential outsold TV Guide and outsold Time magazine. At its height, 6 million people were reading it. We kind of think of it from the ‘LA Confidential’-kind of darkness. But the more that I got into the story and the family behind it, the more that I found it wasn’t that at all. It was very funny, very lighthearted, and really my mind started churning that it could be a musical.”

Actors Theatre of Indiana will present a world premiere of “Mr. Confidential” April 28 to May 14 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

ATI had a reading as part of its Lab Series in February 2022.

When Garza Bernstein decided it could be a musical, he reached out to composer David Snyder,

“I thought it was in his wheelhouse because he loves standards, and he worked with, I mean, he worked on arrangements and charts that were done for Judy Garland and for Frank Sinatra and has been in that kind of musical world for a very long time,” Garza Bernstein said. “We sat down in 2010 and started writing the musical, and it’s been a very long road, but musicals are kind of like that because there’s such a gigantic enterprise with so many moving parts.”

The project started with some readings in New York and then had a developmental small production at the New York Music Theatre Festival in 2014.

Garza Bernstein said the language of the magazine convinced him it could be a musical from the start.

“He wouldn’t talk about a beautiful African American woman; he would talk about a Nubian nymph. He loved the alliteration,” he said. “He loved puns and wordplay. It really lent itself to a musical comedy.”

Harrison faced a trial of conspiracy to commit criminal libel in 1957.

“All of these stories they talked about were true, but it became kind of this media circus,” Garza Bernstein said.

Garza Bernstein said Confidential magazine’s position was, if the court wanted proof their stories were true, it would subpoena every celebrity it had written about.

“No one wanted to go on the stand,” Garza Bernstein said. “Liberace did testify to the absurd libelous claim that his theme song should be ‘Mad About the Boy,’ which is what the magazine said. He took great umbrage at that, but I think we all know his theme song was ‘Mad About the Boy.’”

There was a hung jury, but Garza Bernstein said had he been

convicted, there was almost a 100 percent chance the verdict would be reversed on appeal because of several questionable decisions by the judge. The case was never retried and Harrison sold the magazine.

“The magazine was in existence through the early 1970s, but it never again had the financial success it had under Bob,” Garza Bernstein said. “But it also wasn’t as fun. It became like every other tabloid magazine.”

ATI co-founder Don Farrell is playing Harrison. Fellow co-founders Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins are also in the cast. Garza Bernstein said most of the cast is from the Indianapolis area.

Snyder said the ATI reading offered him a great opportunity to create orchestrations that could bring the swinging 1950s to life.

“At the New York Music Theatre Festival in 2014, we had piano, bass and drums,” Snyder said. “For our premiere at ATI, I’ve been given a seven-piece orchestra and have spent the last month creating the custom orchestrations for this group.”

Snyder said Garza Bernstein did a lot of rewriting of the script between 2014 and last year’s reading.

“The show now really has an emotional center, and that has helped me so much in the crafting of the songs, underscore and orchestration,” Snyder said.

Snyder said the idea of seeing the full production is extremely exciting.

“Normally for a new musical, the cast and musicians would have more time to become comfortable with unfamiliar material,” Snyder said. “But some of the cast did participate in the 2022 reading, which is helpful and, of course, there’s that adrenaline rush when you just have to commit to bringing your full concentration every minute of rehearsal.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

Main Street Productions’ presentation of “The Spitfire Grill,” a musical, runs through April 23 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

Premium Blend will perform in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. April 20 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 in person or register for livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘TRUE WEST’

Carmel Community Players’ production of “True West” is set for April 21-30 at Ivy Tech Hamilton County in Noblesville. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

MASTERWORKS 5

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present Masterworks 5, featuring cellist Sterling Elliott, in concert at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at the Palladium. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

GRAHAM NASH

Graham Nash will perform at 7 p.m. April 23 at the Palladium. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

EAR CANDY

Carmel High School’s a cappella group, Select Sound, all perform at 3 p.m. April 23 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

Candlelight Theatre features 3 area performers — Ann Richards, Noblesville, Donna Wing, Geist area, and Tony May, Fortville, are among the performers in Candlelight Theatre’s production of “Classic Murder,” a trilogy of one-act plays. “Classic Murder” opened April 15-16. The remaining performances are at 8 p.m. April 21-22 and 28-29 at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 North Delaware St., Indianapolis. For more, visit bhpsite.org.

Bob Harrison’s Confidential was a successful Hollywood magazine. (Photo courtesy of Samuel Garza Bernstein)

Four Phantoms set for concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

“The Phantom of the Opera” is the longest-running musical in Broadway history. So, Franc D’Ambrosio had the idea of teaming four actors who have played the Phantom in the past as a concert tour.

The Four Phantoms will appear in concert at 8 p.m. April 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Brent Barrett played the Phantom in a Las Vegas production for two years.

“I also went over to Germany and had to learn it in German,” Barrett said. “I did the show for six months.”

Barrett has known D’Ambrosio, who had a 6 1/2-year run as the Phantom on Broadway, for many years. D’Ambrosio held the title of world’s longest-running Phantom for more than a decade.

Barrett and D’Ambrosio have been part of the Four Phantoms since its start. D’Ambrosio emailed Barrett about the Four Phantoms concept while Barrett was performing in Germany.

Barrett told him it was a great idea and would love to be part of it. John Cudia and Ciarán Sheehan have replaced the two other original Four Phantom members.

“We’re drawing from all of our careers, as well, as we’ve added a new section,” Barrett said. “I’m hesitant to say pop, but it’s not strictly Broadway.”

Barrett said there are a lot of four-part arrangements for the material that musical

PERFORMANCE MUSIC

director Ryan Shirar arranges, and their solo songs.

Barrett sings a number from “Chicago” because he played Billy Flynn in that show.

Cudia is the only actor to have performed as both as the Phantom and Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” on Broadway.

“Anyone coming is not going to be disappointed as far as there not being enough ‘Phantom’ material,” Barrett said. “It’s dispersed through the evening, and there is a large chunk later in the show. We also tell stories about our lives and how the music connects to us.”

Barrett said “The Phantom of the Opera” was a musical he always wanted to do.

“When I heard that they would be doing it in Las Vegas, I sent Hal Prince an email,” Barrett said, “I went and sang for (composer) Andrew (Lloyd Webber). You jump through the hoops, and they offered it to me. It’s important simply because of the historical context of this monumental show and me having been a part of it in some way.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Concert features famous tenor

editorial@youarcurrent.com

Congregation Beth Shalom will host acclaimed tenor Carlos Montané in an April 23 concert. The 6:30 p.m. free performance, which is open to the public, will be at Congregation Beth Shalom, 3085 W. 116th St., Carmel.

“It is the first time that Congregation Beth Shalom has hosted a world-renowned musical event at our facility, and we hope to be able to do more in the future, as well as to be engaged with the Carmel community through other interesting events as a way of giving back to the community for all it has done and for all it means to us,” said

Karen Friedman, who is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom membership and communications committees.

Born in Cuba, Montané has studied in Cuba, Italy and the United States. Montané is a professor of music on the faculty of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, he has performed only leading roles around the world, including at the New York City Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Lyric Opera.

Montané will be joined by Shaina Sanders, soprano, and Elizaveta Agladze, mezzo soprano.

Donations will be accepted.

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

From left, Ciarán Sheehan, Franc D’Ambrosio, Brent Barrett and John Cudia perform as the Four Phantoms. (Photo courtesy of Four Phantoms).

Bryant

NIGHT

DAY

Whodunit? Find out at Mud Creek

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

committee last year. He had directed comedies and dramadies for Mud Creek, but not a murder mystery.

MYSTERY

To Mud Creek Players director Kelly Keller, the popularity and staying power of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” is no mystery.

“Agatha Christie writes interesting stories,” said Keller, a Fishers resident. “Her characters are rich with texture and content. Actors love to play characters with such range, and audience members love to watch them.”

The Mud Creek Players will present “The Mousetrap” at the Mud Creek Barn Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, from April 20 through May 6.

Christie’s murder mystery opened in London’s West End in 1952 and ran continuously until March 16, 2020, when it went on hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened in May 2021. It’s the longest-running play in the world, having been staged more than 28,000 times.

Keller submitted “The Mousetrap” for consideration by the Mud Creek Players’ drama

“I wanted to put on something audiences would enjoy, our actors would want to be in, and give me an opportunity to do something new,” Keller said.

“The Mousetrap” is set in 1950s London. A murder takes place, guests arrive at a manor, and a “whodunit” with a twist ending ensues. To give away more would spoil the mystery.

Carmel resident Jennifer Poynter plays Mrs. Boyle, described as unpleasant and negative. Poynter said it is challenging to present Mrs. Boyle as a real person but that she has had fun imagining a backstory to explain her demeanor.

Poynter said she thinks the audience will enjoy the story’s constant twists.

“There are just as many laughs as there are suspenseful moments,” Poynter said. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with the talented people to bring this story to life on stage.”

Tickets are $13 to $15. Tickets are available at mudcreekplayers.org.

CCP presents ‘True West’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Eric Bryant submitted three scripts to possibly direct for Carmel Community Players this season.

The Fishers resident was delighted when one of them, Sam Shepard’s “True West,” was selected for him to direct.

The CCP production about two brothers is set for April 21 to 30 at Ivy Tech Community College/Hamilton County in Noblesville.

“I have always loved the play, and having a younger brother (I) can relate to the sibling rivalry,” Bryant said. “The thing that intrigues me about this play in particular is the idea of two brothers, both lonely, both desperate to change their circumstances, and both dissatisfied with the choices they have made in life.”

Indianapolis resident Robert Webster Jr., who plays Austin, saw the play several years ago in downtown Indianapolis.

“I remember thinking this piece was such an amazing script for actors since the show is mainly carried by the two brothers, Aus-

tin and Lee,” Webster said. “In addition to that, the set they had built blew me away as it looked and worked exactly like a kitchen you would see in anyone’s house in (the 1970s) in America. It wasn’t until I read the script and the notes Sam Shepard had put into it that I realized how important the sounds and staging of the play are. The spiral that both brothers go down is something that I love to immerse myself in and portray on stage in a way that the audience will not only be able to see, but hopefully feel inside themselves.”

Indianapolis resident Matthew Walls, who plays Lee, views the play as a true American classic.

“It’s a play that’s important but seldom done,” Walls said. “It’s great acting across from Robert and trying to match his energy while remaining aloof. Lee has lived a life that I will never know. So, living that life on stage for an hour and a half is a challenge.”

Walls has seen John Malkovich and Gary Sinise’s performances of “True West.”  For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Keller

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends GHDT’s ‘Illumination’

a common thread of faith, hope and inspiration. Don’t miss the upcoming ‘“Director’s Choice” coming June 9-10. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

BEHIND BARS: ESPRESSO MARTINI

When you need a little extra boost, the Espresso Martini is here to save the day. A shot of espresso, Stoli vanilla, Nocello and Woodford Reserve chocolate bitters makes the perfect espresso martini. To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

Emilee Miller (Zionsville), left, with mother Jodi Miller (Zionsville). attended a special two-night only production April 7 of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s “Illumination.” The performance was a collection of dances created over several decades by GHDT Executive Artistic Director Gregory Glade Hancock. The dances shared

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Decluttering charcuterie board

Commentary by Mark LaFay

We spend a lot of time around our house thinking of ways to simplify our lives. It is easy to get overcommitted, overworked, and overwhelmed, so we make a conscious effort to simplify where and when we can.

Decluttering has become a beloved pastime for my wife. This Easter we had a very simplified weekend to cherish the time together and I had some time to declutter the garage. Naturally, I began thinking about food. Some of the best food I’ve had was very simple but high quality. When you remove distractions, there is less to hide behind.

This week, you should try to declutter your charcuterie board — one meat, one cheese, crispy crusty bread, olive oil, sea salt.

I’m not shy when it comes to making charcuterie brand suggestions. My favorite domestic producer of salami is Olympia, based in Oregon. Its salamis have rich flavor, are slightly musty, the fat is creamier, and it is very consistent from batch to batch. This week, I smashed some Olympia sopressata — cured pork salami with garlic, clove and red pepper flake. It is mild and easy to pair with over flavors. Slice thin to make it go further.

Aged parmesan is a great cheese to pair with bread, olive oil and meat. I love parmesan that is around 36 months of age. Aged parmesan has a savory and fruity flavor. The cheese has dried enough that minerals start to form, giving it pops of crunch while having a crumbly and creamy texture. It goes great with sopressata, or just on bread with some high-quality olive oil.

Now, all you need is some tasty bread and olive oil. Colavita, California Olive Ranch, and Cobram Estate are all good olive oils that you should be able to find locally at Market District, or even Angelo’s Italian Market in Fishers. I kid you not, Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a solid option as well.

Simplify your next charcuterie board. Good bread, cheese, meat and olive oil will go the distance, and it’s less shopping!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Blueprint for Improvement: Fashionable space for laundry in Westfield

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2008 in the Countryside section of Westfield, the laundry room in this home had become a disorganized drop zone. Our team got to work, implementing innovative storage solutions and classic style that took this space from cluttered to captivating.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Custom cabinetry provides ample storage space, keeping household essentials close at hand yet out of sight.

• Crown molding, an arabesque light fixture and statement backsplash tiles are perfect finishing touches, giving this otherwise utilitarian room a pop of pizzaz.

• Integrated under-cabinet lighting and shades of white accent keep this windowless room nice and bright, while dark metal tones on the hardware and light fixture provide contrast.

• Extending the cabinets to the ceiling, unique corner pullout shelving and an integrated drying rack provide smart storage solutions that help ensure every inch of space is maximized.

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.

History of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Qumran National Park, about 10 miles south of Jericho.

TRAVEL

Qumran National Park lies at the foot of a cliff in the Judean Desert, about a mile northwest of the Dead Sea. In 1946, Bedouins exploring caves in the cliff found the first of what became known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Archaeologists then explored the nearby area, discovering more than 950 complete manuscripts and fragments in 11 additional caves, with Cave 4 yielding the largest cache. The scrolls include at least portions of all the books of the Hebrew Scriptures except Esther, pushing the dates of the oldest-known copies of those books back about 1,000 years. Others contain recognized books not in the Hebrew Scriptures, including Jubilees and 1 Enoch.

After finding the scrolls, archaeologists excavated the nearby ruins of Qumran, unearthing a narrow room, ceremonial baths, pottery and inkwells. Some scholars are convinced Qumran was home to the Essenes, a strict first-century Jewish sect who wrote or copied the scrolls in their “scriptorium.” Qumran guides recite this idea, speculating that John the Baptist may have been an Essene. Others argue, with equal conviction, that Qumran was a villa, a fortress or perhaps a pottery factory having no connection with the scrolls, which they claim were hidden by people fleeing Jerusalem before its fall in A.D. 70. Others believe

Let’s try these words again

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

the scrolls were written at Qumran, but not by Essenes.

No matter who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls, their discovery has added greatly to understanding the diversity of Jewish thinking about the Messiah at the time of Jesus. Their discovery has also spurred a new interest in Essenes, known from the writings of first-century historian Josephus but previously ignored because of the biblical emphasis on the Sadducees and Pharisees.

GRAMMAR GUY

Do you ever hear yourself use a word or phrase that makes you say, “I am becoming my parents?” It happens to me all the time. The biggest example is when something surprising happens and I blurt out, “Golly!” It sounds like I’m from the black-and-white “Leave It to Beaver” days.

While “golly” is still hanging in there like a loose tooth, I’ve been collecting a list of words that no one uses anymore — but I think they should. Here are some defunct words I think we should make re-funct.

This first word is one that holds a special place in my heart, seeing as I do this action all the time. The word is “latibulate,” which means to hide in a warm corner to escape the harsh conditions of the outside world. I feel like I’ve been latibulating since March 2020.

How about “uglyography”? It’s a 19th-century word that means “poor, illegible handwriting, and bad spelling and grammar.” Doctors are notorious for illegible handwriting, but I feel sorry for

people who suffer from all the symptoms of uglyography — in a “bless your heart” kind of way.

We should definitely bring back “snollygoster,” as it has plenty of modern applications. The word means “a shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician.”

A snollygoster has an unquenchable thirst for power, but lacks the competence to fill the shoes of the office he desires Do you have a snollygoster representing your district?

The word “tarrydiddle” means “pretentious nonsense.” Have you heard a load of tarrydiddle come out of a D.C., snollygoster’s mouth? I’m sure you have. Synonyms for tarrydiddle include flim-flam, poppycock, bunk and balderdash.

Have you ever suffered from “apanthropy”? I certainly have. After all, apanthropy is the aversion to human company.

A map of Qumran in the Palestinian Territories. ((Photo by Don Knebel)

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

Qumran ruins near Jericho.

Qumran National Park.

native

49. ___, skip and jump

50. Software writers

52. Velvety fabric

54. Message Envy, for one

55. Eagles, on a Colts scoreboard

57. “Start the music!”

59. Civic Theatre offering

63. La Hacienda dips

65. Transport in a town just south of US 40?

68. Most sickly

69. Seaman’s aid

70. Lone Star state

71. Fifth, often, for a manual transmission

Down

1. Kind of ring or swing

2. A Guthrie

3. Blue man group

4. Video device, briefly

5. James Whitcomb Riley’s “sphere”

6. High-strung

7. Bagel seeds

8. Dawn deity

9. Scornful look

10. Actor Kercheval

11. Transport in a city on I-69?

12. Showroom model

13. Sgt. or cpl.

15. Not pos.

20. Warm place to chill

23. How IU fans dress, for the most part

24. New Mexico art colony

26. Texting shrug

27. Part of USMC

6 M&M Candy Colors

4 Defunct Indy Newspapers

3 Films Set in Indiana

5 Fictional Cats

2 DC Comics Superheroes

1 Site of Central Indiana’s Annual Viking Fest

67. Playground game

Answers on Page 31

Stewart's

Service

WILL MOW LAWNS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Build Decks

Painting inside or Outdoors Clean Gutters Property Clean Outs

FULLY INSURED Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135

shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.

VACATION PROPERTY RENTAL

Hondo’s Hideaway on beautiful, serene

Bald Head Island, N.C., is a new-tomarket, exquisitely decorated 3 BR/2.5 BA in prime location. Close to beach, shopping, market and dining. Owner’s suite on first floor with ensuite bath, tile shower, dual sinks and two closets. Second floor has two bedrooms with Jack-and-Jill bath, each with private sink and tile tub/shower. Two four-passenger golf carts, bicycles and kayak. Spacious screened porch. Additional queen air bed will accommodate two additional guests. Temporary club memberships to both Shoals Club and BHI Lifestyle Club. Kitchen is fully equipped with top-of-line large and small appliances as well as every culinary necessity you would need to prepare the most elaborate meal.

Additional details and photos: https://www.bhiturtletimevacations. com/vacation-rentals/rental/6988/

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net

40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

MATH TEACHER

A math teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of mathematics, including fundamental and introductory algebra skills, to Middle School and High School students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences. This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position. To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Colors: BLUE, BROWN, GREEN, ORANGE, RED, YELLOW; Cats: FELIX, GARFIELD, KRAZY KAT, SYLVESTER, TOM; Newspapers: JOURNAL, NEWS, SENTINEL, TIMES; Films: BREAKING AWAY, HOOSIERS, RUDY; Superheroes: BATMAN, SUPERMAN; Site: WHITESTOWN