June 11, 2024 — Zionsville

A COMMUNITY DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE

Nestled inside tree-lined natural areas, each of Wild Air’s six neighborhoods features a distinct identity and lifestyle, with all neighborhoods connected through a network of wooded walking trails.

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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 11

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30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032

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Opinions

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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

THANKS D D

Zionsville Plan Commission to consider South Village PUD this month

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The South Village planned unit development is expected to go to the Zionsville Plan Commission this month for consideration.

DEVELOPMENT

Introduced by Mayor John Stehr in March, the $250 million PUD is an effort to revitalize the underdeveloped area between the historic brick street downtown and Old 106th Street. The PUD includes 500,000 square feet of commercial space, residential options including single family homes, townhomes, and senior living, road realignment and 40 percent protected greenspace.

The proposal went before the Plan Commission May 20 for a public hearing.

“The overall goal here is to help raise this area to its best and highest use by creating opportunities for development that includes mixed-use areas, commercial areas and the opportunity for some residential growth,” Stehr said. “We believe the increase in economic activity is vital to the long-term fiscal health of the town and in particular the brick street business district.”

Jeff Jacob, an attorney and partner with Hackman Hulett who is working with the town on the PUD, said the PUD has been in draft form for several months, open to changes and updates.

“This is a big rezoning in an area that has gone undeveloped for many years,” Jacob said. “This vision is long overdue for this area.”

Jacob said the PUD is a different type of rezoning process because it is a town-led development plan versus a developer-led plan. That means there are no binding renderings or written commitments; the document instead includes permitted uses within zones and a guiding of the town’s vision though development, design, requirements and limitations.

Permitted uses within the draft include

art galleries, banks, day care, catering, food stand/farmers market, restaurants, bars, event space, hotels, retail space less than 5,000 square feet and professional office space. Permitted residential uses include single-family, multifamily and row house options.

However, an area of contention is a proposed parking structure. During a public hearing before the plan commission, residents expressed concerns about the potential of a parking garage so close to downtown.

“I don’t know why we need a five-story parking garage at the end of our little brick road,” 20-year resident Scott Gerald said. “I believe if you want something like that, please move it out into the more industrial area.”

In May, a petition was started on change. org asking the town to halt the planning process, arguing against high-density and other housing options as well as the

parking structure. The petition, which has gained more than 325 signatures so far, also argues that the PUD should not be developed until the town’s comprehensive plan is complete. Residents also urged further consideration on how the development will affect schools, emergency services and roads.

Downtown business owners spoke in favor of the PUD during the public hearing.

Cobblestone owner Ken Ezra said the South Village development is one of the most important issues facing Zionsville today. Our Place Coffee owner Paul Deinlein said the PUD will allow the town to have more control over development that will complement local standards that will tie in to the historic brick Main Street.

Stehr held 10 informal meetings with the public regarding South Village in April and May.

The Zionsville Plan Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. June 17 at Town Hall.

The South Village PUD aims to revitalize the area between Main Street and Old 106th Street. (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Golf Outing – After a combined 46 years of service in Zionsville Community Schools, Jenni East, seventh-grade math teacher at Zionsville Middle School, and her husband Tim East, principal of Zionsville Community High School, will retire at the end of this school year. As their way of sharing their appreciation for the important role ZCS and the Zionsville community has played in their lives, the couple is hosting the Easts Give Back Golf Outing to raise funds for the academics, performing arts and athletic programs at ZCS. The outing is June 12 at the Golf Club of Indiana. To register a team or to become a sponsor, visit zchseagles. ludus.com/200451911.

Summer Reading Program – Embark on an exciting adventure this summer with the Summer Reading Program at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Patrons of all ages can sign up to record reading time. To complete the program, and be entered into the grand prize drawing, participants must complete 15 hours of reading — just 15 minutes a day for 60 days. Three grand prize winners will be chosen this year. Prizes are an eBike donated by eBoom, a kayak donated by an anonymous library patron and a Coleman Evanston screened tent donated by the Zionsville Rotary Club. The program runs through July 31, and registration is available at any time. Sign up at hmmpl.org under the Summer Reading tab.

John Lennon exhibit – CV Art & Frame in Zionsville will host a special exhibition of the art of the late legendary Beatles singer-songwriter-guitarist John Lennon now through July 6 at the gallery at 110 S. Main St. Admission is complimentary and open to the public. For more, visit cvartandframe.com/event/ give-peace-a-chance-the-art-of-john-lennon.

Bottled water collection – The Knights of Columbus at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in Zionsville is conducting a bottled water drive June 15-17 as part of a partnership with the United Services Organizations. The initiative will provide much-needed hydration and support to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Cases of water can be dropped off at the marked trailer at the church parking lot, 1870 W, Oak St. Monetary donations can also be made online at uso.org/donate/ Indiana. Money raised will purchase additional water and support USO programs. For more, visit zionsvillecatholic.com/ events/k-of-c-bottled-water-drive-for-uso

Walk-In-Closets

Reach -In- Closets

Zionsville, Whitestown close to court agreement

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The Town of Zionsville could begin taking court cases from Whitestown by July.

TOWN NEWS

In May, Zionsville Mayor John Stehr told members of the town council that the neighboring towns were in negotiations for Zionsville to handle Whitestown’s local cases at Zionsville Town Court — the limited jurisdiction court that handles local ordinance violations and infractions.

Stehr gave an update on the proposal before the Town Council June 3

“We have an agreement in principle to the arrangement. Attorneys from both sides have now signed off,” Stehr said. “The agreement is now on (Town) Judge (Samantha) Spencer’s desk for her approval. After that, both town councils will have to agree. By the way the calendar falls over the next several weeks, we expect Whitestown to vote on it first, and if they approve it, we will bring it to (Zionsville Town Council) on July 1.”

Stehr said Whitestown no longer operates its own local court system. That means those minor infractions, such as moving violations or local ordinance violations, need to be prosecuted through Boone County Court. Prosecuting those violations locally would save Whitestown on court costs.

Stehr said in May that Zionsville is not looking to make a profit on Whitestown’s cases but would need to cover costs.

Town Court sessions are held every third Thursday of each month. Learn more about Town Court at zionsville-in.gov under the “government” tab.

DISPATCH

Barns and Brews – Maplelawn Farmstead will host “Barns and Brews” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 13, June 20 and June 27 at the historic farmstead located at 9575 Whitestown Rd. in Zionsville. Visit maplelawnfarmstead.org for program and registration information.

Students ‘Strong in Every Way’

SCHOOL NEWS news@youarecurrent.com

Twenty Zionsville Community High School seniors were honored by the Rotary Club of Zionsville in May for demonstrating the personal assets of the “ZCS Strong in Every Way Ideals” and embodying the “Rotary FourWay Test Tenets.”

The Strong in Every Way Ideals are compassion, confidence, ethics, wellness and determination. The Rotary Four-Way Test Tenets are: Is it the truth?; is it fair to all concerned?; will it build goodwill and better friendships?; and will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Students were nominated for the award by ZCHS teachers, and a committee determined the final winners. Each student also had the opportunity to honor an adult in the community as their most influential

mentor.

Recognized seniors and their mentors are Peter Yoon, mentor Stephanie Dudley; Sebastian Ramirez, mentor Allison Tripolitis; Navya Ayitha, mentor Katie Willour; Zoe Steinberg, mentor Mica Wilson; McKenna Meyer, mentor Kristin Lancaster; Ivey Lancaster, mentor Deborah Scott; Brenna Lett, mentor Sarah Kiel; Ellie Snyder, mentor Isaac Spillman; Molly Simmons, mentor Jenni East; Danna Irizarry-Rodriguez, mentor Kristin Lancaster; Zhiqing Chen, mentor Lisa Geimer; Marissa Roundtree, mentor Faye Snodgress; Luke Reasoner, mentor J.R. Howell; Cole Briney, mentor Mica Wilson; Darren Washington, mentor Brandon Mooradian; John Gunderman, mentor Kristin Lancaster; Spencer Krone, mentor Sarah Essick; Mara Lusk, mentor Jenna Engelhardt; Hannah McKenna, mentor Lindsay Alessandrini; and Madison Schmidt, mentor Ann Bender.

DISPATCH

ZCHS runner wins individual title — Zionsville Community High School junior Omema Anyanwu captured the 400 meters in 56.18 seconds in the IHSAA girls track and field state finals May 31 in Bloomington.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024

Jonathan Akinwande

Tahlia Alkobi

Alexandra Altenburg

Owen Ascioti

Lucille Baker

David Beaty

Leyton Bennett

William Besinger

Jackson Bledsoe

Lindsey Blocksom

Diego Bonilla

Kendall Booth

John Michael Brenner

Keira Bright

Maximilien Brown

James Caldwell

Daniel Cardwell

Alex Ciano

Liam Commons

Emily Comparini

Marie Coutant

Khari Dennis

Nettle Dill

Aiden Dorant

Davi Dutra

Avah Eckels

Addison Emkes

Elijah Facey

Alexandria Feeney

Aaron Fischer

Scarlett Fisher

Sophie Francis

Manasa Gannamaneni

Benjamin Gleason

Bryce Gray

Mark Hamby

Anna Hargrove

Ezra Holladay

Montgomery Holland

Lillian Hovda

Oliver Jackson

Lauren Janeira

Ion Jones

Zane Kampmeier

Regan Kary

Claire Kilgore

Lukas Kraft

Neiman Kumler

Emma Laborsky

Jiyou Lee

Cooper Lushell

Christopher Millen

Lindsey Millen

Elliot Muehlhausen

Maxine Mulligan

Owen Murray

Jasper Owens

Samriddhi Patankar

Sophie Peters

Catherine Pless

Kaitlyn Polston

Rishab Prakash

Joanie Pyatt

Hamza Raddad

Reid Rademacher

Joseph Rozembajgier

Robert Russell

Katherine Sampson

Owen Schellhase

Isabella Searcy

Jayden Seaton

Brian Shaw

Gabriela Sotelo

Isabelle Towns

David Walz

Kara Wang

Riley Waybright

Alonzo Weems

Maxwell Westerkamm

Evan Williams

Dawson Wingren

Steven Zhang

ZCHS STUDENTS ‘CHILL OUT’ BEFORE FINAL EXAMS

Zionsville Community High School students in the Bring Change to Mind Club sponsored a Chill Out Before Finals event the week of May 20 during all lunch periods.

Club members gave out free popsicles and tools to help students manage stress during finals week and provided games for students to enjoy on the cafeteria patio. Club members participating in the event are, from left, Katelyn Gregoline, Margaret Nunayon and Annalise Kelley. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Community Schools)

YO U’ R E I N VITE D !

The Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield Lions Clubs are seeking volunteers to assist with Lions 2024 fall student vision screening program. Over 15,000 students in some 70 schools will receive a free eye screening and we need your help!

LEARN MORE: ZIONSVILLELIONS.COM/VISION

TRAINING PROVIDED: ZIONSVILLE LIONS CLUBHOUSE 115 S. ELM ST., ZIONSVILLE, IN. 46077

MONDAY, JULY 15TH, 7:00-8:30 PM

CONTACT: DAN DUMBAULD, ddumbauld@outlook.com

Zionsville Garden Tour returns June 22

HORTICULTURE

Zionsville’s Garden Tour, sponsored by SullivanMunce Cultural Center, returns from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. June 22 featuring seven local gardens.

The home of Garden Tour chair Mark Zalonis and his wife Sally are among the featured gardens.

Zalonis spent more than 50 years working in horticulture. The couple moved to Zionsville in 1997 when Zalonis began his career with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, now Newfields. He served as Ruth Lilly deputy director for Environmental and Historic Preservation. As such, he was in charge of the gardens, the grounds, Oldfields and Fairbanks Art and Nature Park. He also oversaw the Miller house and gardens in Columbus, Indiana.

“In 1997, it looked nothing like it does today,” Zalonis said of his property at Third and Cedar streets that the couple refers to as “Village Corner Delight.”

The Zalonises have planted around the house and garage and have added incubating pots on the back porch. Thanks to the generosity of a neighbor, they can grow vegetables in the yard next door.

The couple grows several plants that are native to other places around the world, including a Persian ironwood tree, Japanese forest grass, Canadian ginger ground cover, Hungarian bears breeches and Koren goats beard.

“The Siberia iris is special,” Zalonis said of one of his plants, which was originally planted by his father and later moved and split, part of it to the Zalonis’ garden and another part to his sister’s home.

“He supported me in thinking I could actually make a living in horticulture,” he said of his father.

by John Pataky and Victoria Savidge

• “Work in Progress” 685 Terrace Dr. owned by Donna and Mark Jones

• “The Walnut Hills House and Gardens” 545 W. Poplar St. owned by Mark and Andra Walters

Additional gardens on the this year’s tour include:

• “Ashley’s Native Haven,” 4240 Strathmore Ln. owned by Ashley and Bill Edwards

• “The Highwood Heritage Garden” 305 S. 9th St. owned by Amie Droese’s garden

• “The Second Generation English Cottage Garden” at Brown’s Antiques, 315 N. 5th St.

• “London Garden” 295 S. 9th St. owned

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. Tickets are available at SullivanMunce Cultural Center, online at sullivanmunce.org or by calling 317-873-4900.

Contributed potted plants will also be available for purchase.

All proceeds go to support the programs provided at the SullivanMunce Cultural Center, including art, history, family genealogy research and the Century Structure Program.

The home of Mark and Sally Zalonis is featured on this year’s Garden Tour. (Photos courtesy of SullivanMunce Cultural Center)

Scarlet beebalm plants are featured prominently in one of the participating gardens from a previous Garden Tour.

Seven students from the Zionsville Community High School Business Professionals Association Club attended the National Leadership Conference in Chicago May 10-14 to compete in eight events. The ZCHS Virtual Financial Portfolio Management team won second place in the national competition for the second consecutive year. Team members are, from left, Prab Jayachandran, Charlie Sondik and Kaden Oberlander. Sondik and Oberlander were also members of last year’s team. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Community Schools)

COMMUNITY

Soaring Eagles induction ceremony planned

news@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Alumni Association is planning the seventh Soaring Eagle Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 27 at Zionsville Community High School’s STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. The event will be followed by an all-class reunion in the Cardinal Room at the Golf Club of Indiana.

REUNION

“So many Zionsville alumni and friends look forward to our All Class Reunion and Soaring Eagle Hall of Fame ceremony held every three years,” ZAA President Tim Ottinger stated. “The SEHOF was established in July 2005 to honor ZCHS alumni, faculty and staff of Zionsville who have made exceptional achievements in their field or unique contributions to Zionsville schools, their community and society.”

Zionsville resident and ZCHS alum Ralph Stacy has served as chair of the program since its inception in 2005. Over the past 19 years, the awards have recognized 40 individuals.

“Each one of our Inductees have done a world of good and our nomination process really starts 12 months prior to the event,” Stacy stated. “In addition, we will always give special recognition to our local vet-

Flower Market

erans and all teachers, staff and resource officers who work hard every day for our youth.”

The event begins at the high school at 2 p.m., with the class reunion following at 6 p.m.

“As in 2021, we are thrilled to be back at the beautiful Cardinal Room with accommodations both in the large ballroom and veranda where guests will be treated to live music from Retro on the Rocks as well as the fun of seeing so many friends from our formative years,” co-chair and 1972 ZCHS graduate Dr. Jim Haines stated. “As always, there will be food, beverages, alumni memorabilia and a custom car exhibit. We expect upwards of 500 attendees.”

Admission to the Soaring Eagle Induction Ceremony is free and open to the public. Advance $30 tickets for the reunion are available at 2024ZionsvilleAllClassReunion.eventbrite.com or at Zionsville Eyecare, 1120 West Oak St. Tickets are $40 at the door. Zionsville Alumni Association members are admitted free.

For more, email at zionsvillealumni@gmail.com or visit online at zionsvillealumni.org or facebook.com/ zionsvillealumniassociation.

Presenters and recipients at the last Soaring Eagle Hall of Fame awards in 2023 are front, from left, Kim Leonard, Jill Jones accepting on behalf of her late brother Steve Jones, Dana Wood Bacon, Lori Hypes Overdorf and Alan Winters. Back, from left, Mick Pyle and Mark Wilkins. Not pictured are honorees Leigh Ann Akard, Ann Roberta Cripe, Ron and Jo Beth Hough, Pete Paddock and Alfred Rosenstihl. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Alumni Association)

Mr. Mike at the library – Children’s favorite Mr. Mike has new hours at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Beginning this month, Mr. Mike will be manning the model train at the library 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. To participate as a “Junior Train Engineer” young library patrons are invited to come by for a visit. Learn more at hmmpl.org.

DCS recognized – The Indiana Department of Child Services received national recognition in May for its Indiana Family Preservation Services program, which provides in-home support to strengthen families and improve outcomes while reducing the number of children entering the foster care system. The program, which launched in

June 2020, has been designated a promising practice by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare. The program was also highlighted as an example of how new approaches to child welfare practice can enhance child and family well-being in an April report by the Christensen Institute. The program is designed to keep children in their home when it is safe to do so, and provides other support and financial assistance to families. Since its inception, Indiana Family Preservation Services has served more than 27,000 children and 14,000 families.

Flag disposal – American flags require proper disposal. With Flag Day and Independence Day right around the corner, Boone County Solid Waste Management reminded residents that American flags that are tattered and worn

should be disposed of following federal guidelines, which include burning and proper handling of the ashes. Collection bins for flags in need of retirement can be found throughout Boone County, including Zionsville American Legion Post 79, 9950 E 600 S, as well as the Boone County Veterans Affairs Office and the Boone County Courthouse in Lebanon.

100 Hours Outside – Zionsville Parks & Rec are challenging residents to log 100 hours outside this summer through Aug. 31. Submit hours and be entered into monthly drawings.Residents can log their recreation time for any outdoor activity. Registration is free for Zionsville residents and $3 for nonresidents. For more, visit zionsvillein.myrec.com.

Dad, don’t forget to take a timeout for yourself

Talk about health screenings with a doctor or care team who listens

Health screenings are important for all of us. Taking care of yourself means being proactive about your health. Talk with your doctor or care team about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history. They may help detect complex issues early, when they are most treatable.

If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams that are right for you.

Boone County seniors earn scholarship dollars

news@youarecurrent.com

Students from Zionsville Community High School, Traders Point Christian High School in Whitestown, Western Boone Junior/Senior High School and Lebanon High School submitted applications this spring for scholarship opportunities from Witham Health Services Volunteer Organization.

EDUCATION

Of those submitted, three students were chosen in May to receive $1,000 each in scholarship funds. The award was offered to all Boone County high school seniors pursuing continuing education or a degree program in a health-related field.

“We are thankful to be able to provide these scholarships each year, to recognize each student’s hard work and scholastic achievements and support them on their educational journey,” stated Amy Mitchell, director of the Witham Volunteer Organization. “The Witham Volunteer Organization partners with various community

organizations throughout the year to fundraise for the scholarship program and those dollars are given right back to the students of our community. It really is a win-win. We are grateful to be able to offer this program and support the students in this way.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are Martha Sheets, Ella Shepherd and Rebekah Letsinger.

Sheets, who graduates this year from Lebanon High School, will study nursing at IU Bloomington. Shepherd, also of Lebanon High School, will attend Purdue University this fall to study speech, language and hearing sciences. Letsinnger, from WEBO, plans to attend medical school for physician assistant at DePauw University. Scholarship applications and additional information about applying are available at each high school’s guidance office. For more on volunteer opportunities with Witham Health, contact Amy Mitchell, director of Volunteer Services at 765-4858175 or amitchell@witham.org.

Riley expands at IU Health North

news@currentinfishers.com

Riley Children’s Health has expanded its pediatric emergency care options with the addition of dedicated space at Indiana University Health North Hospital in Carmel.

HOSPITALS

The addition creates eight pediatric patient rooms and support services within the emergency department, where services for children are provided by Riley Children’s emergency medicine doctors, nurses and child life specialists. Pediatric care is available for children from infants to the age of 18.

“The expansion of our 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Medicine program into its own eight-bed department is paramount to the care of pediatric patients in Carmel and the surrounding communities,” stated Dr. Dan Slubowski, medical director of IU Health North’s Emergency Department. “This individualized pediatric care space allows our health care providers to see the growing number of pediatric patients seeking emergency care.”

A ribbon cutting was held May 2.

Eight pediatric emergency care rooms have been added to Indiana University Health North Hospital in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of IU Health North Hospital)

Riley emergency medicine doctors and nurses staff the IU Health North Hospital Emergency department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to emergency medicine, Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North offers outpatient, inpatient and pediatric surgery services. Learn more at rileychildrens.org/practice-location/emergency-medicine-rileychildrens-health-at-iu-health-north.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Pharmaceutical collections – Residential septic systems and wastewater treatment plants are not designed to break down the chemicals that make up medications. Therefore, unused medications that are flushed down the toilet can contaminate the creeks, rivers, lakes, wells and groundwater. Boone County residents can dispose of their unused or expired medications at special dropboxes. Locations include Zionsville Police Department, 1075 Parkway Dr. in Zionsville and Whitestown Police Department, 6210 Veterans Dr. in Whitestown. Acceptable items include prescription medications (including controlled and non-controlled pills, liquids and patches), OTC medications, vitamins, supplements and pet medications. Prohibited items include institutional, industrial or business waste, sharps, bloody or infections waste and thermometers. Learn more at boonecountysolidwaste.com/special-collections.

Brooke’s Place seeks volunteers –Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People is looking for volunteers to serve as support group facilitators for its westside, eastside and northside program nights. Volunteers provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, ages 3-29, and their caregivers, to grieve. Facilitators engage groups through conversation as well as age-appropriate therapeutic activities such as crafts and games. Facilitators serve families twice a month on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. To learn more about becoming a facilitator or to apply, contact chelsea@brookesplace.org or visit brookesplace.org/grief-support-volunteer.

Good Night Forest exhibit – The Indiana State Museum’s newest exhibit, Good Night Forest is open through Oct. 31. The playful experience was created especially for little ones, with beautiful artwork and engaging activities designed to help children build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity as they discover nature and learn about animals that emerge after dark. According to the museum, Good Night Forest will help children build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity as they discover nature and learn about the animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down. Good Night Forest is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $20 for adults, $14 for youth ages 3-17 and $18 for seniors. The museum is located at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.

CLASSICAL LEARNING

Advent Lutheran Church in Zionsville expands elementary school program

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

What began as a plan to expand a preschool program into elementary school options has grown exponentially for Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zionsville.

Now, with its second year in the books, the elementary school is planning for additional growth at 11250 N. Michigan Rd., on the border of Zionsville and Carmel.

Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church opened its elementary school in 2022 with a combined first- and second-grade classroom. Prior to that, the church hosted preschool and kindergarten classes for more than two decades.

“Starting a private school on the Carmel-Zionsville border is a bit of an undertaking, because people tend to move up here for the high-quality public schools,” school board chair Keith Mundrick said. “But we think we offer a product that exceeds those and is Christ-centered and offers classical education, which is not something you can get in Zionsville or Carmel public schools. It’s really an in-demand educational model that kind of goes back to the basics.”

Mundrick said classical education is a model of teaching that emphasizes critical thinking, logic, reason, the study of classic literature, history, and philosophy and the development of moral character within its curriculum.

The expansion into elementary school in 2022-23 included only five students in a combined first-and second-grade classroom. But interest in the school led to an increase in the last academic year, with 15 students in the 2023-24 from first through sixth grade. Enrollment for 2024-25 is at 30 students.

“We’re seeing huge demand,” Mundrick said. “We’re in the middle of a capital campaign to expand our school facility.”

The expansion will add 30,000 square feet on 20 acres east of the church and school. Pastor Marcus Mackay said the intention has always been to build a school to complement the church.

“We had a feasibility study, a committee that met and got the school started, they raised a lot of that initial money,” Mackay said. “Now, we only have one classroom left that is empty. So, as we continue to grow, we’re going to be out of space within two years. Thus, the capital campaign.”

The expansion is expected to cost $7 million. So far, the capital campaign has raised $3 million. Church leaders said they are debt-free and want to limit the amount of debt they incur during expansion.

Lutheran school is the second-largest private, parochial system in the United States behind Catholic Schools. Mackay said Advent Lutheran is the first Lutheran church to open a school program on the northside of Indianapolis.

“We recognized a void in this area, and obviously a lot of Lutherans and other Christians who desire not just an excellent education, but also one that is Christian,” Mackay said. “The classical side is just a bonus. When we look at what our curriculum is going to look like, methodology for teaching, really what we’re doing is returning back to how Lutheran education really started.”

Parents said the curriculum means exposure for their children to classical literature such as “The Hobbit” and “Treasure Island,” which influences the children’s imaginations and their ability to narrate and follow the con-

tours of a story.

“The teachers are careful with the details of a classical education with teaching penmanship, spelling and phonics but also give the kids plenty of space to explore nature and build friendships with time outside,” said Jill Duck, whose daughter recently finished first grade. “My daughter grew leaps and bounds in the ability to recite and memorize. She also took huge steps forward in mathematics.”

Kelly Porter, whose son will enter third grade in the fall, echoed those sentiments.

“Advent has given our son — and our family — a balance and a peace we didn’t have in previous schools,” Porter said. “Instead of centering technology, Advent centers Christian teaching, being outdoors, building community and reading great stories, all things that have built up our son’s character and his love of learning.”

Mackay said the plan is to build and open the additional space by fall 2026. The school also plans to stay small — capping each classroom at 10 students.

Advent Lutheran School ended the 2023-24 school year with three classrooms: a combined first and second grade; a combined third and fourth grade; and a combined fifth and sixth grade. The school also continues to operate its popular preschool program.

“The need is there,” Mackay said.

Church officials said the long-term goal is to eventually have a high school on-site. But for now, plans for expansion include a gymnasium and around 12 classrooms to serve first through sixth grade.

The school hopes to break ground on that addition in 2025.

For more on the church’s expansion plans and the capital campaign, visit adventlutheran.org/expansion.

ON THE COVER: Advent Lutheran Church has grown its elementary school options since its first expansion in 2022. The church is engaged in a capital campaign to build a 30,000-square-foot school addition.

CLASSICAL EDUCATION AT ADVENT LUTHERAN

Advent Lutheran Church has roughly 300 households in the congregation and has seen a 15 percent increase of congregants over the past several years. But Pastor Marcus Mackay said the available education at Advent Lutheran is not limited to members of the congregation, or even to Lutherans.

“We place a really strong emphasis on the role of the parents and the family,” Mackay said. “We don’t see what we’re doing here as trying to usurp or tell the parents the what, the why and the how, but rather to work with them and facilitate that.”

The school program is open to anyone seeking a classical education. Mackay said the only caveat for those who are not Lutheran or even Christian is to know that religion is part of the program.

Advent Lutheran School is accredited as a Lutheran School and a Classical School through the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education and the Lutheran Education Association, both recognized by the Indiana State Board of Education.

For admission and registration information, visit adventlutheran.org/advent-school.

(Photo by Marney Simon)

Advent Lutheran School in Zionsville is accepting admissions applications for the 2024-2025 school year. (Photos by Marney Simon)

Advent Lutheran School offers a classical Lutheran education.

Farrell to add Buffett to list of tribute shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It all started with Don Farrell paying tribute to the songs of Frank Sinatra in April 2021.

CONCERTS

That success had him follow up with Barry Manilow in 2022 and tributes to Tony Bennett and Neil Diamond in 2023.

Farrell, a co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana who left the company in 2023, will celebrate Jimmy Buffett with “Bubbles Up!” performances at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael June 21 and July 18 with Terry Woods, Steve Greenberg and Jim Lamson. A third “Bubbles Up!” is set for Aug. 17 with the lineup not yet set.

“We’re just going to tell the stories and celebrate Jimmy Buffett, who we lost last year,” Farrell said. “I love Jimmy Buffett. As I started delving more into his life, I looked at his journey and what he took to become this kind of a latter-day folk hero. And all the entrepreneurial businesses he started after the big hit, ‘Margaritaville’ and the stories that go behind it. We’re going to try to conjure up that world of sun, saltwater and nonstop parties.”

Farrell, who runs Crossroads Entertainment LLC, said the setlist will include escapist songs, such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Farrell said they will share the stories on how Buffett came up with his songs. Farrell describes it as a “docu-cabaret.”

“It’s all the great songs you expect,” he said. “We try to create whatever world and environment in Feinstein’s for the artists we’re celebrating. Sometimes, even aficionados walk away saying, ‘I didn’t know that.’”

The shows are launched at Feinstein’s and then occasionally Farrell and Woods take the show on the road to other sites and Georgia, where Farrell grew up.

On the third Thursday of each month, Feinstein’s has a “Don Farrell Presents” show.

“It can be bands I’m presenting or our new shows,” Farrell said.

It started in April with the music of

“Grease.”

“I had four other performers join me on stage and tell the backstory about the musical ‘Grease,’” Farrell said. “We created an environment where people were showing up in poodle skirts and leather jackets. We had a dance contest. It was a big party.”

In May, Farrell had the area band Ten Branches perform a concert. “A Thank You for the Music, a tribute to ABBA,” is set for June 20. Logan Hill, Maya Mays, Danny Kingston and Antony Winfrey will join Farrell.

Farrell will perform his Neil Diamond show July 20 with “Sweet Caroline: The Life & Music of Neil Diamond.”

Farrell will present “Simply the Best — A Celebration of Tina Turner,” Aug. 22 with Tiffany Gilliam performing Turner’s songs.

“I’m trying to find other artists who deserve a shot at the Feinstein’s stage,” Farrell said.

Farrell also will present Summer Music with Woods Band July 29 at Sugar Creek Winery in Carmel.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com and crossroads-ent.com/team.html.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

JAMES TAYLOR

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter will perform at 8 p.m. June 11 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Noblesville students Eleanor Wilson and Tyler Cowan presents “Your Heart is Home” June 13, and Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield June 15 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DIERKS BENTLEY

Dierks Bentley’s concert is set for 7 p.m. June 14 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

DISPATCH

Songbook Academy features area participants — From hundreds of applicants nationwide, 40 high school students from 14 states have been selected to participate in this year’s Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive program that immerses young performers in America’s musical heritage and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars and other entertainment professionals and music educators. Among the 11 Indiana finalists are Carmel residents Sadie Cohen, Emmaline Colvin and Isaiah Henderson; Zionsville residents Izzy Casciani and Phoebe Sidebottom; Westfield residents Keegan Connor and Journee Woodley; and Noblesville resident Addie McMillan. Now in its 15th year, the Songbook Academy is the flagship education initiative of the Great American Songbook Foundation and its founder, performer and preservationist Michael Feinstein. Songbook Academy 2024 will take place July 13-20 at the Foundation’s headquarters at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Don Farrell, left, with Terry Woods from “All The Way: A Frank Sinatra Tribute.” (Photo courtesy of Don Farrell)

Red Barn to present world premiere in season opener

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Luke McLaughlin has known Michael Clossin for a large part of his life.

COMEDY

“In fact, it was his rendition of ‘Leader of the Pack’ at Frankfort High School that made me fall in love with theater as an elementary student,” McLaughlin said. “Michael wears many hats for the Red Barn. He serves on the board of directors and coordinates all the musicians for our ‘Music on the Lawn’ pre-show programming. The Red Barn would not be what it is today without him. He was with the Barn when it first started and continues to play a major role in bringing our seasons to life.”

It’s fitting that McLaughlin will direct the world premiere of Clossin’s “Keep the Change” June 12-16 and June 19-23 at Red Barn Summer Theatre. Michael Taylor is the Red Barn’s artistic director and McLaughlin is its associate artistic director.

Clossin said he is “apprehensively eager” to see the premiere.

“Michael and Luke are working with a talented group of young actors, so I’m pretty eager to see it come to life,” Clossin said. “The apprehension comes in from hoping I did my job well enough.”

Clossin said Taylor organized a table read with some Red Barn actors who encouraged him to keep working on it. Clossin said Jennie Otterman directed a staged reading at Basile Westfield Play-

“‘Keep the Change’ is my first opportunity to direct a world premiere, and though it is completely different from anything I’ve ever done theatrically, it is exciting to put my stamp on this script and fun collection of characters.”

– LUKE MCLAUGHLIN

house in October 2023 with actors from the Noblesville area that was very helpful.

McLaughlin

“‘Keep the Change’ is my first opportunity to direct a world premiere, and though it is completely different from anything I’ve ever done theatrically, it is exciting to put my stamp on this script and fun collection of characters,” McLaughlin said. “As a lifelong Clinton County resident, it’s also exciting to direct an original script from a fellow community member.”

McLaughlin read for Shake, “a lovable” handyman, at the first reading of “Keep the Change” more than a year ago when Clossin was still in the early stages of character development.

“Though the play has changed greatly since that first read, his attention to detail and focus on creating interesting, unique characters remains at the core of his writing,” McLaughlin said.

The cast has eight performers, including Westfield resident Lisa Warner Lowe.

For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

Clossin

NIGHT & DAY

CSO opens summer series

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

SAT, JUL 20 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

AVERAGE WHITE BAND:

A FUNK FINALE SAT, AUG 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JEROME COLLINS: REWIND–

A JOURNEY TO MOTOWN & BEYOND FRI, SEPT 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

VERONICA SWIFT

SAT, SEPT 14 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

CENTER CELEBRATION 2024

FEATURING CHRIS BOTTI

SAT, SEPT 21 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

NICK CARTER: WHO I AM TOUR

THURS, SEPT 26 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

LEONID & FRIENDS: THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO AND MORE FRI, SEPT 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAMIEN ESCOBAR:

VICTORY LAP TOUR SAT, SEPT 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BEN FOLDS: PAPER AIRPLANE REQUEST TOUR

THURS, OCT 10 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

#IMOMSOHARD: LADIES’ NIGHT!

FRI, OCT 11 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

SAT, OCT 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SUN, OCT 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

SAT, OCT 19 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE

SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA

FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRUPO NICHE

FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE PIANO GUYS

SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BUCKETS N BOARDS SUN, NOV 17 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE STEPCREW FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR. FRI, NOV 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

CANADIAN BRASS SAT, NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DIONNE WARWICK

SUN, NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES:

WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN THURS, DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW FRI, DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS SAT, DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024 FRI, DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SAT, DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

MAC MCANALLY FRI, JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE

SAT, JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX FRI, JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

HEART OF AFGHANISTAN

FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SAT, JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUN, JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

THE KINGS OF QUEEN SAT, FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRI, FEB 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968 JOHNNY CASH CONCERT

SAT, FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRI, FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SAT, FEB 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT

ENSEMBLE FRI, FEB 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRI, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL:

A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRI, MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUN, MAR 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES SUN, MAR 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM

LANG LANG FRI, MAR 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT, APR 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS WEDS, APR 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT, APR 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN, APR 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THURS, APR 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRI, APR 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

BLACK VIOLIN SAT, APR 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUES, APR 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES THURS, MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA SAT, MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

iLUMINATE SUN, MAY 11 AT 4PM | THE PALLADIUM

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain is getting her wish.

SCHEDULE

“Ever since I’ve been with CSO, I’ve heard people talk about how popular The Beatles concert was at Coxhall Gardens, how much people loved it and how beautiful it was to be in that space and hear the symphony live,” she said. “It’s been a personal goal of mine to have a summer concert series, and to do it at Coxhall Gardens is just tremendous.”

The CSO is partnering with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation to present three concerts at Coxhall Gardens’ Centerpiece Amphitheater in Carmel.

and full of so many creative ideas.”

Soprano Asako Tamura, who is from Japan, has worked with Smirnoff in the past.

“One of the numbers she is performing is Samuel Barber’s ‘Knoxville Summer of 1915,’” Chastain said. “They’ve performed that together in the past.

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will open with its Summer Solstice concert at 8:30 p.m. June 21. Principal Guest Conductor Joel Smirnoff will conduct summer favorites.

“We’ve brought Joel on board as our artistic adviser,” Chastain said. “He’s tremendous

Former CSO concerto competition winner Cooper Olsen, from Bloomington, will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” The concert will end with special guest Blair Clark performing Stevie Wonder’s “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” arranged by Smirnoff.

The pre-concert starts at 5 p.m. with performances by Central Indiana Academy of Dance, Dhol Indian Drumming, Indiana Ballet Conservatory and Kathak (North Indian Classical) Dance Academy.

The CSO will return to Coxhall Gardens at 8 p.m. July 3 with Serpentine Fire, an Earth Wind & Fire tribute band.

The final CSO concert at Coxhall Gardens will feature Motown and disco music at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

For more, carmelsymphony.org.

CCP season features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players will present some familiar plays along with some new titles.

SCHEDULE

“This upcoming season is a mix of classics and newer pieces, an ebb and flow of ‘sit back and relax’ and ‘sit up and listen,’” CCP Artistic Director Hannah Janowicz said.

“We anticipate a lot of laughs and a lot of gasps.”

“Ruthless! The Musical” is a dark comedy about a sociopathic child actor. It runs April 4-13 at The Switch Theatre in Fishers. “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing,” a modern-day fairytale about triplets, is the season’s Rising Star Production and is set for June 13-22 at The Cat.

Janowicz

“Steel Magnolias,” which opens the season Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 3 at The Cat in Carmel, was staged by CCP in 1999 and 2013.

“So, I look forward to hearing the story with a new vision and generation of performers,” Janowicz said.

“Clue,” a funny murder-mystery inspired by the board game, is set for Nov. 15-24 at The Cat.

“Pride and Prejudice,” based on the classic Jane Austen novel, opens the 2025 portion of the season Feb. 28 and runs through March 9 at The Cat.

The premise of “American Son,” which centers around a missing Black teenager who might have been picked up by the police in Miami, closes the season Aug. 8-17 at The Switch Theatre. His parents, an estranged interracial couple, anxiously await news.

“I’m especially eager for our season closer, ‘American Son,’” Janowicz said. “It premiered on Broadway less than 10 years ago, has a powerfully relevant script and will definitely be a strong acting challenge for its small cast. It’s always fun to explore different time periods and eras in history, but ‘American Son’ draws us right back to the present day and demonstrates the importance of education through storytelling.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

NICK CARTER

LESLIE ODOM JR.

MARTY STUART

LANG LANG

Chastain

Smirnoff

Registration underway for 500 Festival fitness challenges

By Adanna Mbanu news@youarecurrent.com

Although the Month of May is over, the spirit of racing continues as registration is underway for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge.

HEALTH

Presented by the 500 Festival, both events are virtual fitness challenges. Participants are tasked to complete 500 miles of physical activity through the 500 Mile Challenge or 250 miles through the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge. Both challenges are fundraisers for the 500 Festival and the Festival Foundation. All proceeds benefit the 500 Festival’s community initiatives such as free education, health and leadership development programs, all of which annually impact more than 100,000 youth and their families.

The registration fee for each challenge is $65.

“A lot of the things registration fees go toward from the challenge is our education program, which takes place for fourth-grade students, and that takes place during the spring semester of the school year,” 500 Festival Vice President Lisa Labas said. “The other thing that funding goes toward is our Kids Fit program, so that’s a program that also takes place within the school system and allows individuals to participate more in that healthy lifestyle space.

June 30 is the registration deadline, but participants can begin logging miles June 14. The completion date for both challenges is Oct. 31. Fitness activities include running, walking, swimming, cycling and fitness classes, among others.

“It’s a great way to keep individuals engaged to love racing, love the Indy 500 and love the things that the 500 Festival puts on” Labas said. “And it’s just a great way to stay involved and stay active and healthy.”

To register, visit IndyMini.com/500miles.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH THAT WORKS FOR YOU

The National Bank of Indianapolis has the financial strength to help your business grow. Our strong capital base, ample liquidity and local decision making means we’re ready to lend the money your business needs. Trust our experienced bankers to find the solution that works for you Contact our Commercial Banking Team to learn more.

Whitestown restaurant receives Boone County award

Patterson agreed.

A popular eatery in the heart of Whitestown will get a makeover courtesy of a $136,000 grant from Boone County.

GRANTS

L.A. Cafe, celebrating its 22nd year at 4 S. Main St. in Whitestown, was awarded a Boone County 180 Makeover grant in May, part of the broader 180 Alliance for READI 1.0 funding. The funds, which were allocated to the Town of Whitestown for distribution to L.A. Cafe, will facilitate interior improvements at the restaurant.

L.A. Cafe owner Jessica Averitt said the grant provides more than just money.

“Receiving this grant to renovate L.A. Cafe is not just a boost to our business, but an investment in Whitestown,” Averitt stated. “It is about investing in our future and ensuring we continue to thrive, providing even better services and experiences for our customers.”

Whitestown Town Council president Dan

“It’s a testament to our commitment to growth, ensuring Whitestown remains an exceptional place to live, work and dine,” Patterson stated.

The Boone County Economic Development Corporation is spearheading the 180 Makeover program within Boone County. The makeover project at L.A. Cafe is set to begin in the mid-second quarter of 2024, with an anticipated completion date in late 2024 or early 2025.

The $500 million READI fund was passed by the Indiana General Assembly during the 2021 legislative session and was divided among 17 regions in Indiana. The funds are used for improvements that encourage regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in the Hoosier State.

The investment is anticipated to yield an additional $9.86 billion public, private and nonprofit dollars invested in enhancing Indiana’s quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity.

Fondly recalling a league of our own

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

A small, framed photo in my office corner is more than 60 years old. It’s a picture of my All-Star Little League team from New Rochelle, N.Y., back in 1959 — all of us posed in our individual team uniforms and bound for the state championships in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Two more victories there, and we’d be headed to Williamsport, Penn., for the Little League World Championships.

HUMOR

I wrote about this years ago, but doing a replay seems appropriate. Despite my love for baseball, I had not attended a major league game in many years. The other day, with my friend Joe, I went to Cincinnati to see the Reds play the Cardinals at the Great American Ball Park. Sitting there, sipping a beer, smelling the field, hearing the crack of the bat and watching players round the bases brought back memories of 1959.

We were a motley crew: Jews, Hispanics, Italians, Blacks and Ryan, our Irish second baseman. We were all animals: Cubs, Panthers, Colts and Tigers — our team names from regular-season play. Money was tight, so the city couldn’t dress us in spiffy new

uniforms for the All-Star games. We couldn’t afford hotels, so the league arranged for us to stay in the homes of local residents. In the first game, I was thrown out at third base. I looked up to question the umpire’s call and it was the guy whose house I was staying in.

Our team was small in stature but big in talent. Our shortstop, Larry Seidman, absorbed every grounder and flicked it sidearm to first base. Pete Wagner threw a curveball that mystified every batter. Dickie Lipson majored in home runs. And then there was Dave Enoch, our other pitcher. He struck out the hitter or struck him … on the arm … on the back … on the head. He was so wild that when the other team had runners on base, we sometimes put one of our outfielders behind the catcher.

In the first game, the score was tied in the ninth. The coach told us all to bunt, so we laid down the perfect dribbler four times in a row. It worked. We won by one run. The other team called us wimps, but the Daily News called us winners. In the final game, we lost badly. I made an incredible catch in center field, so we only lost by 10 runs.

Look at the picture on my Facebook page. See the faces of 14 boys who never consid-

“Money was tight, so the city couldn’t dress us in spiffy new uniforms for the All-Star games. We couldn’t afford hotels, so the league arranged for us to stay in the homes of local residents.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

ered race, religion or family heritage as an issue. We were a team. And a good one. As a result of those experiences, my guess is that most of these young men grew up free of prejudice — the kind that may someday destroy our country. That photo makes me feel better about who we can be. And it makes me love baseball that much more.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@ youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

VIEWS

Just because they can?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Through a spokesman, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently issued an ominous warning to we U.S. citizens. It seems that the tenacious Ukrainians have made use of some American-made weapons that we shared in humiliating their would-be occupiers and spurring an exasperated Putin to threaten the United States with “fatal consequences” and global conflict for not standing on the sidelines as Russia expands its boundaries as and when it sees fit. Threatening planet-wide thermonuclear war may seem a bit excessive. But who is going to stop him?

ESSAY

Closer to home, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recently reversed direction on his once-effusive support for the local professional soccer team Indy Eleven to instead pursue a more grandiose script with “undisclosed” partners for a “confidential” plan. The flip-flop is supported by a few, elicits incredulousness from many and confounds almost everyone. The move by the local politician and attorney to become a real estate mogul may seem a bit of an

unexpected left turn. But who is going to stop him?

Others cheat on, or beat on, their spouses, because “what are they going to do about it?” The same is true for taking up multiple parking spaces, dishonesty in a business deal or kicking a dog. Justifications might include that they”deserved” it; the car was new; it is “only” business; or the canine was in our way. They all conceal the ugly truth of our motivation. Most of us act — occasionally, anyway — not from the pious nature of our moral character but from impulse. We bully and threaten just because we can. Do we enjoy the rush we get from the exercise of power, imagined or otherwise, more than we care about the dissolving social and institutional restraints on our desires? If we cannot stop bullying, all of us lose.

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Bold basement in Carmel

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2016 in the Village of West Clay, this home’s finished basement provided ample space but lacked intention. Our team got to work, transforming the layout to include distinctive spaces and purpose.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Wall-to-wall carpeting was replaced with luxury vinyl plank flooring, providing the look of natural wood with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• Poplar cabinetry stained a deep indigo, paired with glossy porcelain tiles in the same shade, makes a bold and stylish statement.

• With a dishwasher, beverage fridge and microwave, the new wet bar provides everything needed for effortless entertaining.

• Indigo wood paneling not only helps to protect the wall from errant darts, but also makes a style statement that hits the bullseye.

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.

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS!

pitching stats

38. State agency in charge of highways, airports and railroads, briefly

39. “___, Brute?”

40. French water

41. Pun reaction, perhaps

42. Wicker material

43. Lose weight

45. Daniels School of Business deg.

46. Mapmaker ___ McNally

47. Maine’s capital

51. Churchill Downs event

54. Corroded

56. “___ the season...”

57. ISO woodwind

58. Ice cream treat at Indy

60. Tra-___ 61. Frequently 62. Apt anagram of “evil”

Third largest city in

64. Unemotional 65. Rapper-turned-actor Down

1. Prepare to “Wander Indiana” 2. Butler frat letter 3. Northside reservoir

Indiana tax ID 5. Shallow water hazards 6. Big name in insurance

Mirror image? 8. Generational development studied by Darwin

Sleep acronym

Forgo

Coca-___

Scent

28. Tom Wood car style

29. Civic Theatre play opener

30. Learning method

31. Guided trip

32. Honey bunch

33. Spoken

34. Hawaiian island

35. Winter road blocker

38. Crooked Stick golf club

39. Jacob’s twin

41. Aussie’s greeting

42. IU Health delivery doc

44. Comic British character who rarely speaks

45. “___ on the Bounty”

47. Colorado ski resort

48. Showing no emotion

49. Owner’s document

50. Thing of value

51. Barbie or Ken

52. Where a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaugh-

shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

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, good-natured 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

Single

Single

The community features a variety of amenities that allow residents to enjoy the finer things without leaving Wild Air. At Marysville Crossing, signature dining, shopping and recreational activities abound. The Community Clubhouse will give access to pickleball, a pool and a venue for community get-togethers.

Plus, the winding wooded trails throughout are perfect for a jog or bike ride. And, tucked away in the dedicated woodlands, Archer Dog Park promises to be every canine companion’s favorite new place.

FEATURED BUILDERS