April 9, 2024 — Zionsville

thoughts

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By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

More than 20 years after its last update, the Town of Zionsville’s comprehensive plan is set for an overhaul, seeking to lay the foundation for success over the next decade or longer.

A comprehensive plan is a nonbinding document that municipalities use to guide decisions on growth, attracting businesses, zoning, residential developments, safety, park planning and just about anything else that may happen within its boundaries.

Zionsville Mayor John Stehr called the town’s current comprehensive plan “aggressively out of date,” noting that when the plan was created in 2003, Zionsville had not yet expanded into Perry and Union townships.

“It was a much smaller place and the issues were much different,” Stehr said. “What the new comprehensive plan will be is a roadmap for how the town is going to develop over the coming years. Land usage is going to be very important. Transportation is going to be very important. Once the comprehensive plan is done, we’ll take a look at our zoning, too, because zoning has grown to 28 different zoning classifications here, which is really pretty crazy. Fifteen would be better.”

Stehr said the first step will be to reach out to neighbors in more rural areas of town to see what they would like to see included in the plan.

“The people who live in the old Union Township and the people who live in Perry Township are really proud of their rural heritage,” Stehr said. “They are every bit as proud of that as the people are proud of the brick Main Street and the historic nature of that. Those voices need to be heard and we really need to understand what people want. They deserve to have a voice in the future of their town, and we shouldn’t be steamrolling them.”

Stehr said a steering committee will be formed to represent multiple entities, such

Zionsville’s new comprehensive plan is expected to take about 18 months to complete. (File photo) outreach and engagement as the effort ramps up.

as historic preservation, parks, schools, public safety, the library and businesses, along with residents.

“Those are the voices that we need to hear, because those are the voices that make up the town,” Stehr said. “We’re going to do robust public hearings and make sure that it’s not weighted too heavily toward one group or another and that everybody has an equal voice. That’s going to be hard, that’s going to take a lot of work.”

Stehr said when the plan is complete, residents can expect a document of about 300 pages that will serve to guide the future of Zionsville.

The town is planning public meetings targeted in different areas of town, so as to not exclude residents who live further away from Town Hall. There will also be online surveys, research and additional

“It’s going to be so important that we get this right,” Stehr said. “It’s going to be a very distinct effort to make sure those voices are heard.”

In March, town officials agreed to hire HWC Engineering to take on the task. The town will pay $300,000 for the comprehensive plan, and $150,000 for the transportation plan, which will be conducted concurrently. The funding for the comprehensive plan was appropriated in 2023. That money comes from the town’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The plan is expected to take 18 months to complete.

“We hope that the comprehensive plan really focuses us and provides that roadmap for the next generation,” Stehr said.

DISPATCHES

Historical marker dedication – A ceremony to commemorate a new historical plaque where the Zionsville Train Depot once stood on the Big-4 Rail Trail will take place at 10 a.m. April 10 at the entrance to the Nancy Burton Trailhead off Starkey Road. The Town of Zionsville Parks Department and Parks Board approved the site for the historic plaque and will install it and two benches flanking either side of the marker at the location on the trail. The public is invited to attend the event, which is sponsored by the SullivanMunce Cultural Center. For more, visit SullivanMunce.org

Book Drive – KG’s Kids, Inc. and Bank of America are teaming up to host a book drive throughout the month of April to benefit Indianapolis Public Schools and Warren Township Schools. The goal is to collect at least 3,000 new or gently used books, primarily for elementary and middle school-aged children. Books can be dropped off through April 30 at BOA branches at 10800 N. Michigan Rd. in Zionsville; 11530 Illinois St. in Carmel; 9770 E. 116th St. in Fishers; and 8551 River Rd. in Indianapolis. KG’s Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization started by Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson with a mission to emphasize education, starting with reading, to create opportunities for all students to be successful in school. Learn more at kgskids.com

Greenfest vendors wanted – The Town of Zionsville will host Greenfest from 9 a.m. until noon April 27 at Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the event connects participants with resources to become good stewards of the environment and to learn about living sustainably while having fun. The Do It Again Art Market is an indoor art and fine craft show promoting recycling, reusing, and reclaiming of pre-consumer and post-consumer goods during Zionsville Greenfest.

5K registration – The 10th Annual Megan Hammerle Memorial 5K benefitting Boone County Mentoring Partnership takes place May 11 at Lebanon High School. The event honors the life of Megan Hammerle, a 2014 graduate of Lebanon High School who loved to run. Hammerle passed away in 2015 from a rare form of meningitis. This year’s event will include the run, music, inflatables, food trucks and a merch tent. Register at boonecountymentoring.org under the 5K link.

Design plans for Carpenter Nature Preserve nearing completion

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Designs for Zionsville’s newest park are starting to take final shape.

NEW PARK

Jarod Logsdon, superintendent of Zionsville’s Department of Parks and Recreation, told members of the park board in March that plans for the Carpenter Nature Preserve are moving toward completion. The preserve is just west of U.S. 421 and south of Ind. 32.

“We are heavy into design and are finalizing the conceptual layout of the pavilion where the restroom will be,” Logsdon said. “We’ve been visiting the site as we finalize design and necessary surveys.”

The park board approved a change order for site work on Logsdon’s recommendation.

When complete, the 215-acre Carpenter Nature Preserve, formerly Wolf Run Golf Course, will include a nature center, trails, boardwalks, a nature inspired playground, outdoor classrooms, an Eagle Creek overlook and enhanced wetlands, woodlands and prairies (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)

“Once we got into the field, it was identified that we’re going to need additional topographical surveying, so this requires additional services from a surveying company beyond the scope of what was planned in the original contract agreement with (planning firm) REA,” Logsdon said. “This will provide additional topography and surveying for areas where amenities are actually going to be placed, because between the master plan and phase one there has been a little bit

of rearranging. Not too much, but it just makes for a better layout and a more user-friendly experience.”

The change order included $20,880 for additional services, funded by the Carpenter Nature Preserve bond. The bond

included planning for contingencies, and the park remains within budget.

Logsdon said the department expects to bid the project this summer.

Carpenter Nature Preserve, formerly Wolf Run Golf Course, is a 215-acre preserve designed to be a regional destination, including a nature center, trails, boardwalks, a nature-inspired playground and outdoor classrooms. The preserve will also include an overlook of Eagle Creek, as well as enhanced wetlands, woodlands and prairies.

The land was purchased in 2021 by Jim and Nancy Carpenter, who came up with the vision to preserve the area for future generations.

In May of 2023, the Zionsville Town Council purchased the property for $4.52 million via a bond for the preserve and to fund the cost of engineering, surveys and construction documents for the first phase of construction.

The first phase of the Carpenter Nature Preserve is expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.

Learn more at zionsville-in.gov/733/ Carpenter-Nature-Preserve.

ZIONSVILLE THIRD-GRADER EARNS FIRST PLACE AT ART EXHIBITION

Zionsvilles’s Youth Art Month program participated in a student art exhibition March 10 at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, featuring hundreds of pieces of art selected for the show created by Zionsville Community Schools students as well as young artists across the state. Art Education Association of Indiana President Scott Miller spoke at the show and said he always looks for something that surprises him in art. The first-place winner at the exhibition for upper elementary students (grades 3 through 5) was Layla Robbins, (pictured) a ZCS third-grader, for her piece entitled “The Sea.” Winners and their teachers received gift cards and art supplies. (Photo courtesy of Sam Robbins)

Zionsville Rugby Club’s numbers keep growing

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Rugby Club made the decision that rather than being Zionsville Community High School’s program, it would allow players from other schools to participate.

ATHLETICS

Although it can no longer use school facilities or buses, Zionsville Rugby Club President Paul McCoy said the benefits of inviting players from other schools has helped grow the program.

“We recruit from any school that doesn’t have a program,” McCoy said. “In Indiana, there are very few schools that are affiliated with the high school itself. It affords us a lot more flexibility as a team.”

fielded over 40 players and placed second in the state our first year competing.”

Although most of the players are from ZCHS, Chisholm said recruiting from other schools and programs has brought the club to the level it is today.

ZCHS senior Jack Chisholm, a team captain, agreed with that assessment.

“The year before I started playing rugby, Zionsville didn’t even have enough players to field a full starting 15s side,” said Chisholm, whose team opens the season April 10 at Brownsburg. “That year, we switched from a school team to a club team, allowing us to recruit players from other schools in and around the Boone County area. The following year, we had around 25 players rostered. I remember teammates that year wishing to have 30 players so we could play full scrimmages in practice. The program has blown up in the past two years. Last year, we had around 35 players, and this year we are expecting 45-plus and were able to register two teams.

“We have also been able to create a team for the 7s rugby season, in which we

“We have multiple players that attend Lebanon, Traders Point, Brebeuf Jesuit and Boone Prairie School,” Chisholm said. “These players have spread our team’s influence to their schools and have further increased the size of our program. We have enough Zionsville players to have a strictly Zionsville team, but the opportunities these players bring to the club outweigh the benefits of being a school team rather than club.”

Chisholm said most of the players have athletic backgrounds.

“We have large groups of former soccer or football players,” he said. “Having spring and fall seasons, most guys have loved the sport enough to transition into full-year rugby players. We still have several players that play other sports, mainly baseball, football and wrestling, and we encourage them to compete in their respective season. Though, there are many players that have no athletic experience and join the rugby family as their first sport,”

The team plays its home games and practices at Mulberry Fields.

“The Town of Zionsville has been fantastic,” said McCoy, who also credited Jarod Logsdon, Zionsville’s superintendent of parks and recreation, for his assistance.

The club also has benefited from the middle school program, which is in its third year.

For more, visit zionsvillerugby.com.

DISPATCH

Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club – The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County will host its inaugural evening fundraising event, “DUNK!” June 1 at the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County Whitestown Unit, 5964 S 700 E. in Whitestown. The 21-and-over event will feature 20 restaurant and beverage partners, more than a dozen basketball-themed activities and games, and a

silent auction, all in support of the organization’s mission to empower and inspire young people in the community. The goal for the inaugural event is to raise $75,000 to support programming and scholarships. Tickets are $100 each through May 1, and will increase to $125 after. Visit bgcboone. org under the events tab for information on tickets and sponsorship packets.

Chisholm

McCoy

“Good Samaritan” sought

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A Zionsville resident is searching for the Good Samaritan who helped her in a time of need.

COMMUNITY

Judy Sanders said she was walking in front of Elm Street Green park March 6 when she felll, badly breaking her wrist and requiring surgery. Her injuries also included a broken bone in her shoulder and a broken tooth.

“I was alone and I sat there as a few cars drove by without responding to my

waves for help,” Sanders wrote in an email.

However, a man finally approached her and helped her get to her feet. She was able to walk back to her car and phone her family for help.

“This kind man is a local hero. I failed to get his name. I want him to be recognized and acknowledged by our community. If he sees this notice, he will recognize himself,” she added.

If anyone knows the man who assisted Judy Sanders, contact Current in Zionsville managing editor Marney Simon at marney@youarecurrent.com.

DISPATCHES

Library grand opening – The Whitestown branch of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library will have its ribbon cutting and open house at 2 p.m. April 20. The celebration will include guided tours, MakerStudio technology demonstrations, authors Angie Karcher and Rob Harrell and refreshments.

Alice in Wonderland – The dancers of Village Dance Studio will perform excerpts from the classic tale, “Alice in Wonderland,”

at 6 p.m. May 11 and 2 p.m. May 12 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville Community High School, 1000 Mulberry St. in Zionsville. The one hour performance will follow Alice through the rabbit hole as she meets all her favorite friends and finds herself in a new world. The family-friendly production features local dancers. Tickets are $8 for ages 3-12 and $10 for 13 and older, and all tickets are general admission seating. Purchase tickets at villagedancestudio.com.

ZCHS STUDENTS CELEBRATE SPRING WITH TASTY TREATS

Schools)

Members of the Zionsville Community Schools PTO Student Services team helped students welcome spring by handing out cookies during lunch in March following the spring equinox. From left, PTO members Susie Meyer and Kate Landrum with students Quinn Einterz and Brady Kiefer. The cookies were donated for the special event by members of the PTO. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Community

Brebeuf Jesuit senior guard kept getting better

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School senior guard Evan Haywood’s college recruiting stock has risen throughout his high school basketball career.

“I feel like I made a big jump this summer in my mindset and my work ethic,” said Haywood, a Carmel resident. “Ever since then, I just kept it consistent with my routine and my work ethic through the season (and) that kept me in a mode of consistency. I think I also got smarter and able to read the game better. I started to really start to understand film study and understanding my opponents’ strengths and weaknesses before each game.”

Braves coach Allen Glunt said the Butler University-bound Haywood’s confidence and leadership improved as a senior. He averaged 19.8 points per game this past season after averaging 14.3 ppg as a junior.

Glunt said the Braves, who finished 18-6, increased their pace this season.

“As we created more possessions in games, he was able to capitalize on that

MEET EVAN HAYWOOD

Favorite athlete: LeBron James

Favorite subject: English

Favorite TV show: “The Office.”

Favorite musician: Drake

with his ability to score,” Glunt said. “A very underrated aspect of his game that played into this as well is his ability to rebound.”

Haywood raised his rebounding average to 6.4 per game after averaging 4.3 rpg as a junior.

“As he worked his way through our program over the years, he has just consistently improved year to year,” Glunt said. “He has always been a very talented play-

Brebeuf Jesuit senior guard Evan Haywood averaged 19.8 points this past season. (Photo courtesy of Allen Glunt)

er. As more and more opportunities have presented themselves, he has been ready every step of the way. As his role became more prominent, he started bringing more guys along with him and he played a large role in our group’s cohesion. He’s as good

of a teammate as he is a player.”

Glunt, who took the post after Haywood’s sophomore season, said Haywood played behind a talented group of seniors as a sophomore.

“During that time, though, he never wavered in his work ethic and development, so that when he got his opportunity his junior year, he was ready to hit the ground running,” Glunt said. “He went from not being able to get on the floor as a sophomore to leading us in scoring his junior year. Pretty incredible, but the more I’ve gotten to know him these past two years, (it’s) not surprising at all.”

Haywood said his biggest improvement going into his junior year was learning to move without the ball.

“Not standing still while the play is being run and always moving around to find the open spot on the court, so I could make any sort of play,” he said.

Haywood said he chose Butler because of the coaching staff and the culture.

“They are winners and they know what it takes to win,” he said. “They also really value my entire game and see me as a person that can help them win games.”

“

can save your life.”

In January of 2021, Janaé was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to a routine mammogram, Janaé’s care team at Community Health Network was able to detect her cancer early, and by May of that year, she was cancer-free.

Janaé often wonders what she might have missed had she not had her annual mammogram, including the births of her seven grandkids. It’s simple, it’s convenient and it can save your life.

Schedule your annual mammogram today at eCommunity.com/mammogram

Hosting Easter dinner No. 42

Commentary by Ward Degler

This was the 42nd year for Easter dinner. Ever since we moved to Zionsville in 1981, we have invited the entire clan to be our guests for Easter. We’ve had crowds upwards of 50 people in any given year.

PLAIN TALK

The dynamics of the day haven’t changed much in all those years. We start by frantically cleaning the house and yard of trash (inside and outside). A day or two before the event, I buy a turkey. The biggest one I can find.

Not for the first time, I had to return to the store to buy an aluminum cooking tray.

Saturday afternoon I fill the bathtub with cold water and put the frozen turkey “in the birdbath.” By morning it is defrosted.

Sunday starts at 5 a.m. Shower, shave, dress. Then, I load the grill with charcoal and set it ablaze. I lug the bird from the tub to the kitchen sink. Unwrap it from its plastic and net covering.

At some moment during these 42 years, the companies that pack turkeys split up the giblets and packed the neck in the rear cavity, and the others in the front cavity. One year, I found only the neck and assumed that was all there was. Imagine my surprise to find the packet of heart, liver and gizzard fully cooked in their paper bag

when I removed the turkey from the grill. I don’t use a meat thermometer. Most birds these days have a plug that pops out when the bird is done. And even if it didn’t have this, by the time the charcoal has burned down to mostly ash, the bird is done.

Folks start arriving at noon, and for the next hour it is a steady migration from the driveway to the house. And, of course, everybody brings food.

Son Bobby Joe and his wife Raylene took it upon themselves several years ago to manage the Easter egg hunt. No routine hunt, this, their hunt is made up of dozens of plastic eggs filled with pieces of paper, each with a number. The number corresponds to a prize, a toy — this year included water pistols, so just about everyone got sprinkled before the day was done. A nephew brought his guitar and serenaded everyone throughout the day. Late afternoon folks started packing up their dishes and heading home.

The memory will linger beyond those days. The warmth of family over the years has made a permanent mark.

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.

ZIONSVILLE LIONS CLUB WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

The Zionsville Lions Club, the largest Lions Club in Indiana, gained seven new members in March. Lions volunteers assist with caring for the 28-acre Lions Park and participate in major events, including Eggnormous Egg Hunt, the 4th of July celebration, fall festival parade and carnival, stories in the park, diabetes awareness day, summer concerts and hayrides. In addition, volunteers participate in committees and are active in an environmental group. The Lions also provide eye screenings for more than 15,000 students in Zionsville and surrounding areas. The Zionsville Lions Club has 186 members. Present to swear in new members March 12 were, from left, Zionsville Lions Club president Donna Fisher, Steve Betz, Abby Gibson, Paula Wright, Jim Longest, Jonathan Fiur, Michelle Walsh, Marcie Wright and Zionsville Lions Club membership chair Tom Robbins. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Lions Club).

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Zionsville plans to develop 160-acres for retail, residential use

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Mayor John Stehr has a vision to expand the town’s most popular asset.

Stehr announced plans to create South Village, 160 acres of mostly undeveloped land between the historic brick Main Street south to Old 106th Street, during a March 27 State of the Town meeting at Town Hall.

At an estimated cost of $250 million, South Village will be a town-led planned unit development improving on what Stehr said the town already is, rather than building something new. The PUD will consolidate three separate existing PUDs and incorporate a new mixed use development code for the areas south of the downtown.

“The task before us is not to create Zionsville 2.0, it’s about evolving into the place where our children and grandchildren will also be proud to call home,” Stehr said.

Separate from the new comprehensive plan, the South Village PUD is an investment to create retail and residential space, including restaurants, shops, single family and townhomes, senior housing and a minimum of 40 percent green space. The design will also include a plaza and trail connectivity to downtown. The plan would also realign Zionsville Road north of Eagle Creek via dual traffic circles to line up with First Street, opening up about 13 acres of property for development just south of downtown. The PUD is expected to include a tax increment financing district.

“If you are on Zionsville Road there will be a visual reminder into our storied history, a view into what makes our town unique,” Stehr said. “Also, a new civic plaza that will draw us together, celebrate holidays, special events, farmers markets, festivals, concerts and the simple joy of sharing an ice cream cone with our children and grandchildren.”

Stehr’s presentation included testimonials from business owners supporting the expansion.

“Having started my software business here in Zionsville, it’s been really interesting to look at where we might go as we grow,” said Jeff Wraley, owner of Groundworks. “The South Village project really seems like an opportunity for companies like mine to bring the right talent into Zionsville.”

Those voices included the younger generation as well.

“I’m really excited for the South Village project to hopefully bring a community location for both younger generations and older generations to meet and have a great community,” said Cooper Siegler, a Zionsville Community High School student who serves on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.

Stehr acknowledged that development is a lofty goal, one with a significant amount of planning and collaboration ahead of it. But, he said, it’s an effort that Zionsville

The South Village development will add to, not take away from, the history of Zionsville, Mayor John Stehr said. (Photos by Marney Simon)

has been working toward for the past two decades.

Stehr said the town-led PUD has broad support from the land owners and businesses within the district, and the first step in the process will focus on the realignment of Zionsville Road with First Street.

“To those of you who say that this is happening too fast, I would remind you that this area of town has been studied and considered for more than 20 years,” Stehr said. “We have active engineering work going on right now (for) nearly $2 million to look at the efficient use of traffic and traffic flow and also where utilities will run in the area, all while protecting pedestrians and enhancing businesses and life in the village.”

Stehr said the process is expected to take at least five to six years from start to completion but added the town will create the PUD in a deliberate, thoughtful and phased way that won’t negatively impact the downtown business district.

“The South Village will support the brick Main Street business district by creating a new Zionsville neighborhood

South Village is expected to develop underutilized areas from downtown to Old 106th Street.

(where) current and new neighbors can live, work, play, shop and retire,” Stehr said. “It’s about what the town is going to be in 20 or 25 years. We want to have a town that’s vibrant. Standing still is not going to get us there.”

Stehr said the plan is part of an overall vision for responsible growth in Zionsville.

“We live in a great town. I wanted this job to try to help it be just a little bit better. Better with our finances, better with managing growth, and better at communicating with one another,” Stehr said. “To help envision a Zionsville that future generations will love as much as we do now. The people who came before us left a great foundation for us to build on, and they did it brick by brick, literally. It’s not just a metaphor — they actually used bricks. And that provides a direct connection to us today. Zionsville is not and has never been a fixer upper.”

ON THE COVER: Mayor John Stehr said the new South Village development will complement Zionsville’s historic brick Main Street. (Photo by Marney Simon)

CREATING SOUTH VILLAGE

Town leaders are working on branding to make sure the South Village development is an extension of Zionsville, rather than a separate area.

Project goals include:

• Create a new development that complements the historic brick Main Street.

• Create and protect areas for development

• Ensure that designs meet the cultural and economic needs of the community

• Stabilize the unused area between Sycamore

Street and Old 106th Street

• Combine retail shopping and entertainment to create a destination

• Attract office and corporate development and corporate citizens to the community

• Create new residential development near downtown

For more, including dates for upcoming Question & Answer sessions, visit zionsville-in.gov/southvillage.

VIEWS

Stuck in the middle

Commentary by Terry Anker

Whether it is a rock or a hard place, the 1972 Stealers Wheel hit song “Stuck in the Middle with You” best expressed the feeling that we’ve all had of being trapped. Scottish songwriters and musicians Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty specifically were talking about the pinch between some long-forgotten acquaintances and too many unproductive music industry executives. “When you started off with nothing and you’re proud that you’re a self-made man, and your friends they all come crawling, slap you on the back and say, ‘Please. Please!’” What do we owe? Who do we owe? Why do we owe?

ESSAY

decidedly does not agree. What words do we use to sort the conflict? Maybe we are simply negotiating a settlement between bickering siblings — perhaps our own children or even our aunts and uncles. What do we do when we don’t have a bias toward one position but still have found ourselves with some indeterminate obligation to be involved?

Can’t take good movie directions

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

While it is lost to history if the intent was for the clowns on the left to be one group and if the jokers on the right were the other, there is no doubt that the singers felt like there was nowhere safe to turn. We’ve all found ourselves pinned down by enemy fire. Our newly minted spouse wants us to commit to her holiday tradition and the mother who raised us

Everyone wants to have their position reinforced. Everyone wants to be in the majority. Still, it is a delicate dance to agree with opposing views with equal commitment. Is it a betrayal to opt out? It is hard enough to escape those who’d simply take advantage of our good nature or success. But what of those who we genuinely care about? How do we survive being stuck in the middle?

A really groovy pratfall

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It finally happened, friends. I fell off my wobble chair in the middle of class while wearing a dress. You’re welcome.

HUMOR

Our story begins at Wilsonstock, an annual lip sync battle that celebrates the music of the 1960s while teaching U.S. history students about the counterculture movement. Kids are required to take on the role of an artist or band and perform a song in costume. In the spirit of solidarity, I, too, dress up, usually in full flower-child regalia. As a devoted and enthusiastic karaoke fan, this is one of my most favorite lessons of the year.

Rounds 1 and 2 went well: An outstanding Jefferson Airplane number and a dead-on Jerry Garcia rendition of “Truckin’” overwhelmingly made up for a rather lackluster Stones performance and the fact that I kept getting hot flashes.

I was in my element by the time fifth period rolled in, excited to hear from Credence Clearwater Revival and Marvin Gaye. I assumed my position at my desk, manning Spotify and the lyrics projector, and cued the first act, “California Dreamin.’” As I started singing along and grooving on

“The slick polyester blend of my paisley smock exaggerated the movements and the next thing I knew, I was slow-motion falling onto the floor. I could not save myself.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

my stool, trying to get the crowd engaged by waving my phone flashlight, I shifted to the right too far, then overcompensated to the left. The slick polyester blend of my paisley smock exaggerated the movements and the next thing I knew, I was slow-motion falling onto the floor. I could not save myself.

The ensuing hot flash had nothing to do with hormones. With all eyes on me, I climbed back onto my wobble chair and called for Jimi Hendrix. The show must go on. You’re welcome! Peace out.

My wife, Mary Ellen, is never late for the movies. She is convinced that there will be traffic, no place to park and the film will be sold out. None of this is ever true, but we leave early and end up sitting in an empty theater for 20 minutes, waiting for the previews.

I hate previews. I can’t give you one logical explanation as to why. I sometimes sneak into a different movie and watch another film for a few minutes while I wait for our film to begin. I even take popcorn.

Last week, my adult son Brett wanted to see the new “Ghostbusters” flick.  My wife thought it would be fun for both of us to go with Brett. Mary Ellen said we should all leave early to ensure we got good seats. I wasn’t falling for it. It was a Tuesday night and I knew the theater would be empty. This was just Mary Ellen’s ruse to see all the previews.

“I’ll meet you there,” I told her. “Keep your cellphone on and you can text me what row you are sitting in when I arrive late.”

“One ticket for ‘Ghostbusters,’ please, the 5 p.m. show,” I told the ticket seller when I arrived at exactly 5:10 p.m. I had timed this perfectly. The feature would soon be starting. I wouldn’t have to watch previews.

“There’s no ‘Ghostbusters’ at 5 p.m.,” the young man said. “How about the 5:30 movie in 3D?”

I assumed that’s where they were. I grabbed my 3D glasses and walked into the theater. It was more crowded than I thought. I didn’t see my wife or son. I sent a text to Mary Ellen.

“Where r u guys?”

“Eighth row, dead center.”

“I don’t c u.”

“Meet me at the concession stand,” Mary Ellen texted.

I waited and waited. Another text from

“This was the biggest mixup in our marriage since our wedding day in Chicago in 1980, when I was at the Ambassador East Hotel having a few drinks and everybody else was at the Ambassador West wondering where I was.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Mary Ellen. “Where are you?”

“I am at the IMAX in Noblesville. That’s where we usually go.”

“I told you United Artists on 96th Street.”

This was the biggest mix-up in our marriage since our wedding day in Chicago in 1980, when I was at the Ambassador East Hotel having a few drinks and everybody else was at the Ambassador West wondering where I was. I should have read the invitation more carefully.

The movie had already started, so I had no idea what was going on. It was a “Hobbit” movie. Usually, I lean over and ask my wife or son to explain stuff, but I couldn’t because they were in Indy and I was in Middle Earth.

At home, Mary Ellen said she was concerned I was spacier than ever. I vehemently denied that. That night when we got ready for bed, Mary Ellen told me that now was probably a good time to take off my 3D glasses.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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

Sammy Miller and The Congregation to bring joyful jazz to the Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sammy Miller’s chief objective is to present jazz in a way that will appeal to more people.

“We’re on a mission to spread joy. It doesn’t stop for anything,” Miller said. “It’s bigger than us. Whether it’s an educational thing I’m doing or performing in a concert hall, I feel more motivated than ever and the rest of the guys do, too.”

Sammy Miller and the Congregation will perform at 8 p.m. April 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I’m the drummer, I’m the bandleader, I’m the storyteller,” said Miller, a Los Angeles native who lives in New York. “We do a high-energy interactive show. It’s joyful jazz. It’s going to lift your spirit. We’re the gateway for jazz. We have a lot of access points. There is a theatrical component.”

The band started in 2014 when Miller was in his last year at The Juilliard School.

“We’re in it for life,’ Miller said of the band. “There is enough hardship in life. We want to surround it with beauty.”

The other members of the five-piece band performing at the Palladium will consist of Alphonso Horne, trumpet; Brandon Rose, bass; David Linard, piano; and Artie Black, tenor saxophone. Miller has performed with Horne and Linard, who is from Indianapolis, since he was at Juilliard.

“You might hear a Scott Joplin song like ‘The Entertainer,’” he said. “You might hear a Duke Ellington piece. You might hear an original piece. You really hear a whole canon of American music. It’s high-level entertainment.”

Although this is the band’s first time at the Palladium, it has performed in Indianapolis several times at The Jazz Kitchen.

“We mostly play concert halls, but we’ve always had a good time there,” Miller said. “We’ve heard the Palladium

is really special and a great place for musicians.”

Miller said the setlist is ever changing, also with some staples.

“We are always working on new stuff and playing new arrangements,” he said. “We’re trying to track the lineage of jazz. It’s like putting new wine in an old bottle.”

The band’s most recent digital release is “Live at Lincoln Center. It released “Little Egypt” in 2020.

Performing live is what is most important to the band.

“Live performance is what I’m interested in,” Miller said. “We have enough happening in the digital world. I’m really interested in human experiences. That’s what our core is. There have been years when we have done 250 shows.”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit sammymillercongregation. com.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘VERDI’S REQUIEM’

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents “Verdi’s Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. April 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Johnny Folsom 4” is set for April 11, followed by Ari Axelrod April 12 and “Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” April 13 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

’SYLVIA’

“Sylvia,” a play by A.R. Gurney, runs April 12 to 23 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

RAY CHEN

Violinist Ray Chen’s concert is set for 8 p.m. April 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

CSO pre-concert talk set at 6:15 p.m. — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Anderson University choirs will perform “Verdi’s Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. April 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Guests should plan to arrive by 6:15 in the Palladium main hall for a pre-concert talk hosted by CSO’s Music Director David Commanday and Cantor Melissa Cohen of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Indianapolis. Cantor Melissa Cohen and her daughter Sadie Cohen will open the pre-concert program by singing duets of vocal music composed during the Holocaust. Riverside Junior High School string students will play from 6:30 to 7:15 in the Southwest lobby of the Palladium. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org or thecenterpresents.org.

Sammy Miller and The Congregation band members, Corbin Jones, Alphonso Horne, Sammy Miller, Ben Flocks and David Linard. For the Palladium show, Brandon Rose and Artie Black will appear instead of Flocks and Jones. (Photo courtesy of Sammy Miller)

ICC to host Sing-A-Thon

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis Children’s Choir Artistic Director Joshua Pedde figures there is no place like home.

For the first time, the ICC Sing-A-Thon will be presented at the ICC Performing Arts Center at 9111 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis.

The Sing-A-Thon will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20. The public is invited to join in person or watch online at icchoir.org or on ICC’s YouTube channel.

Indianapolis. This will be the first time it’ll be in our own space.”

The goal is to raise $40,000.

“It’s so nice to be able to have our own space, not only for our typical weekly rehearsals and events, but for special things like Sing-A-Thon, too,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident. “It’s like inviting the public into our own home to get a real glimpse into what it is that we do here at the ICC. Previously, Sing-A-Thon was held at various locations throughout the city that had performance space — locations like Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel and Broadway United Methodist Church in

“In recent years, we have raised close to $30,000, and this year we are hopeful that emerging from the pandemic and hosting the event in-person will help us reach the ambitious stretch goal of $40,000,” Pedde said, “All of the funds go directly toward all of the important work that we do here at the ICC to provide choir experiences and music education for children in central Indiana.”

The singers have an incentive. If they reach $5,000, Pedde will do a duet with associate artistic director Amy Hughley. The song will be chosen by the students.

“It’s a new incentive this year, and any time singers can see ICC directors doing something funny, they are all for it,” Pedde said. “I’m pretty nervous about what song they might pick for us to sing, but it’ll be worth it no matter the seemingly embarrassing cost.”

For the performance schedule and to donate, visit p2p.onecause.com/singathon24.

Center hosts Concert Truck MUSIC

editorial@youarecurrent.com

After more than a decade of bringing some of world’s finest classical musicians and orchestras to the Palladium, the Center for the Performing Arts is taking its mission to the streets.

The Concert Truck, a mobile music venue, will deliver performances at 10 Indianapolis-area sites from April 23 to 27. In addition to private concerts for schools and other organizations, the tour will include two outdoor performances open to the general public.

“Our venues are among the finest in the region, but our commitment to accessibility calls for innovative approaches,” stated Jeffrey C. McDermott, the Center’s president and CEO. “The Concert Truck enables us to take high-quality, live classical music directly to people of all ages where they live, work and study.”

The public is invited to attend performances at 6:30 p.m. April 25, at VFW Fort Harrison Post 7119, 6525 N. Lee Road, Indianapolis; and 11 a.m. April 27 at Carmel City Center pedestrian plaza, near The Cake

Bake Shop, off Range Line Road south of City Center Drive.

Each location has parking, food and beverages available nearby. Attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs.

Other performance locations are Tindley Accelerated School, Edison School of the Arts, KIPP Indy Public Schools, Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Midwest Academy in Carmel, Outreach Inc. youth homelessness services, and Hoosier Village Retirement Community.

Launched in 2016 in Columbia, S.C., the Concert Truck is a 16-foot box truck adapted into a mobile concert stage, complete with lights, sound system and grand piano.

The Concert Truck will visit 10 sites throughout the Indianapolis area. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

Visiting the Luxor Temple

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing tour of Egypt, we visit the Luxor Temple, which is best seen at night.

TRAVEL

In the late 14th century B.C., Pharaoh Amenhotep III began building a temple on the east bank of the Nile River in Thebes (now Luxor), then the capital of Egypt. Amenhotep’s son, who renamed himself Akhenaten, rejected Egypt’s traditional gods in favor of a single god and moved the capital to Amarna. Akhenaten’s son, Tutankhamen, moved the capital back to Thebes and continued building his grandfather’s temple.

In about 1250 B.C., Pharaoh Ramses II expanded the temple, erecting two 80-foottall granite obelisks on either side of the new north entrance. Ramses also erected statues of himself in front of the temple. By 350 B.C., a 2,000-meter-long avenue flanked by 600 sphinxes connected what is now the Luxor Temple to the Karnak temple complex. After Alexander the Great took control of Egypt in 332 B.C., a chapel erected within the Luxor Temple showed

Alexander being crowned pharaoh by the god Amun. After the Romans captured Egypt, they used the Luxor Temple first as a shrine for their gods and then as a Christian church. As time passed, part of the temple was covered with dirt and a mosque was built atop the temple site.

In 1830, one of the obelisks in front of the Luxor Temple was given to France by Egypt’s Ottoman rulers. Today, the obelisk stands in Paris’ Place de la Concorde. Excavation of the buried parts of the Luxor Temple began in the late 19th century, maintaining the mosque perched on its walls. In 2021, an excavated section of the Avenue of the Sphinxes opened in front of the Luxor Temple. The Abu Haggag Mosque inside the temple is still in use, more than 3,500 years after the site was first used for worship.

The Luxor Temple at night. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO 67 CREDITS ADJUSTMENT

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or about April 22, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana will submit an update to its Standard Contract Rider No. 67, Credits Adjustment (“Standard Contract Rider 67”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day adr:ninistrative filing procedures and guidelines. Standard Contract Rider 67 provides the rate adjustment to remove the 12-month Rate Case Remand refund that will end after May 2024. Standard Contract Rider 67 is applicable to all Duke Energy Indiana retail electric customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco or Lorraine Hitz of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407

317-232-2703

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204

317-232-2494

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

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C: (317) 918-9744

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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