Zionsville Optimist Club celebrates more than 40 years of hope and vision / P13
The sky’s the limit for Hoosier Village residents / P2 Traffic analysis begins for 421 Forward project / P5 Olympic medal winner honored in Zionsville / P7
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2024 Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 22
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Puccini’s Pizza Pasta Puccini’s
West Clay
The sky’s the limit for Hoosier Village residents
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurent.com
If there is one rule for thrill seekers, it’s that there is no age limit.
Twelve residents of Zi-
SKYDIVING
onsville’s Hoosier Village retirement community proved that, when they took to the skies — then promptly fell back to earth — during a skydiving outing at Frankfort Municipal Airport Aug. 12.
The group participated in tandem jumps with instructors from Skydive Indianapolis.
“We have an adventurous population,” said Luke Haskough, life enrichment manager at Hoosier Village. “A few said they’d go if I arranged a trip. We’ve done gliding every year for the past five years, but this is the first time we’ve gone skydiving.”
Rose Conrad has called Zionsville home for 30 years. She moved to Hoosier Village two years ago and said events like skydiving are simply ways to keep adventure alive while also coming home to a comfortable environment for seniors.
“I thought it was a pretty cool idea,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to skydive. I’ve always loved a little adventure in my life. I like ziplining, I like roller coasters. For my 65th birthday I went to Universal in Florida and had to ride that big steel coaster one more time.”
The residents who took the leap ranged in age from 70 to 89. Bill Latimer was the oldest of the group. The outing was his first time skydiving.
“Why did I lose my freaking mind?” Latimer joked. “But, I couldn’t resist it, I just had to do it. I’m excited to be exhilarated with the jump. I was in the service and we had parachute trials jumping, but it was on a string. When you’re close to the surface, it looks scary. But when you’re up in the sky and you look down, it’s just unreal; stepping out into something unreal.”
The outing included an instructional video before the participants were outfitted in proper gear. Tandem skydiving involves exiting a plane at 13,000 feet and
free falling at 120 mph before the instructor pulls the chute. Instructors at Skydive Indianapolis are USPA-certified and take responsibility for pulling, steering and landing softly and safely while the tandem partners enjoy the ride.
For the seniors who took part, the jump was a once-in-a-lifetime event that they
simply couldn’t pass up.
“If I don’t do it now when I have this opportunity, I probably never will. So, here I am!” Conrad said. “I want to see the earth from up there unrestricted. Not inside a plane looking out a little window. I just want to see the earth and feel free and fly. That’s what I want.”
at 131st & Towne Rd
A group of 12 seniors from Hoosier Village went skydiving in Frankfort Aug. 12. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Rose Conrad lands after skydiving.
Hoosier Village resident Rose Conrad skydives with Skydive Indianapolis. (Photos courtesy of Skydive Indianapolis)
Vinnie Boyd of Hoosier Village skydives with Skydive Indianapolis.
Hoosier Village
Known for its upscale, maintenance-free living, Hoosier Village is now thrilled to announce a new opportunity for highend living: Magnolia Trace Townhomes These stunning homes are the latest addition to our beautiful 300-acre community Boasting ample living space, two or three bedrooms, private elevators, oversized two-car garages, and luxury finishes, attention to detail and impeccable service define Magnolia Trace Townhomes at Hoosier Village
As a non-profit life plan community, Hoosier Village provides a rewarding lifestyle with a range of amenities and services for those 62+ In addition to our independent living options, we also offer a full range of supportive care services, restaurants, pickleball courts, indoor pool, park, and more Regardless of your needs, we have the perfect option for your next chapter!
Traffic analysis begins for 421 Forward project
news@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Department of Transportation’s proposed 421 Forward project has moved to the traffic analysis phase, a critical stage that will help inform the future design, according to INDOT officials.
ROADWORK
The project includes U.S. 421 in Zionsville between Greenfield/Templin Road and County Road 300 S. Before design and construction, the traffic analysis will determine what improvements should be made along the corridor to address driver and pedestrian needs. INDOT has partnered with the engineering firm American Structurepoint to provide design and analysis for the project.
“The 421 Forward project is an investment in the Zionsville community, which is significantly growing,” INDOT West Central spokesperson Blake Dollier stated. “This analysis will help drive our design and include improvements necessary to enhance driver and pedestrian mobility in the area.”
To complete the traffic study, the design team is assessing road performance by
The 421 Forward project aims to improve U.S. 421 in Zionsville between Greenfield/Templin Road and County Road 300 S. (Image courtesy of of INDOT)
evaluating current and anticipated traffic. The analysis takes into consideration future growth of traffic related to population growth and planned developments in the surrounding area. Work will also include analyses of accident data and environmental elements.
The design team will examine how in-
tersections perform during typical peak morning and evening commute times using software to determine the level of service, delay and queuing that drivers experience on a regular basis. The information helps the team forecast how additional traffic would impact intersections. That information is used to recommend what types of road improvements can create a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians. Road improvements could ultimately include an additional travel lane, turn lanes, traffic
signals and/or roundabouts.
American Structurepoint will conduct the analysis over the next year. Once complete, the project moves to the design phase, which is anticipated to last through 2026. A draft environmental document is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Funding has not yet been allocated for the project. Funding and a construction schedule will be made once the project study is complete.
Learn more at 421Forward.com.
ARE YOU COMING TO HOME-A-RAMA?
BAGI IS PROUD TO PRESENT SEVERAL SPECIAL EVENTS
Realtor Day
September 13th | 10am-2pm
Calling all Realtors! Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at each show home on the 2024 Centier Bank Home-A-Rama. Tickets will be discounted and limited to Realtors only.
Ticket Cost: $10
September 19th | 4pm-6pm
This is a fan-favorite event with a twist! Join us as we tour each of the five custom homes of this year’s HomeA-Rama, enjoy some wine and hors d’oeuvres and hear directly from the interior designers of each showcase home to learn about the latest trends, inspiration behind their show home, and more.
Ticket Cost: $55 (includes food and drink)
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
THREE WEEKENDS
THURSDAY - SUNDAY
SEPT. 12–15, SEPT. 19 – 22 & SEPT. 26 – 29
HOMETOWN HEROES
September 26th | All Day
Join us at this year’s Home-A-Rama for a special celebratory event honoring our hometown heroes. To show our appreciation, veterans, first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and teachers can enjoy 20% off the general admission ticket price. These unsung heroes are the heart of our community, and we thank you!
Ticket Cost: $20
Use code “Early Bird” to take advantage of early bird pricing to save $5 on your ticket through the start of the show!*
Early bird pricing ends 9/11 at 11:59 pm.
Olympic medal winner honored
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr issued a proclamation Aug. 19, honoring Olympian and local resident Matt Anderson.
ACHIEVEMENT
Anderson is a member of the U.S. men’s national volleyball team that earned its third bronze medal in Olympic history with a 3-0 victory over reigning world champion Italy in Paris Aug. 9. An outside hitter, the victory is the second time Anderson has brought hardware home from the Olympics.
“Matt Anderson represented our town, state and country with remarkable talent, determination and perseverance, exemplifying the highest standards of athletic excellence in the 2024 Olympic games,” Stehr said. “(His) outstanding performance in men’s volleyball contributed to his team’s success in earning the bronze medal.”
The proclamation declared Aug. 19 “Matt Anderson Day” in Zionsville.
“Matt Anderson is inspiring to young athletes and residents in Zionsville and embodies the values of hard work, resilience and integrity,” Stehr said in the proclamation. “(He) will inspire future generations to strive for their personal best both on the volleyball court and in their lives.”
Besides being a member of this year’s men’s national team, Anderson was a 2004 high school state champion in New York, an NCAA champion at Penn State University
and an NCAA All-American and is a fourtime Olympian.
“We are just really pleased that he lives in our town and that he’s representing us as well as he does,” Stehr said.
Anderson and his wife Jackie live in Zionsville with their two children.
Audit begins at Town Hall
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
An audit of Zionsville’s past finances is underway.
TOWN NEWS
“Part of our journey in getting our financial house in order includes the State Board of Accounts audit for previous years, in this case 2022 and 2023,” Mayor John Stehr said. “This process is underway.
of noncompliance with state law, including a lack of proper internal controls and disbursements made without approval of the town council.
Those irregularities were blamed on software issues.
SBOA auditors began (Aug. 12) and the process will now include entrance interviews with relevant parties.”
Stehr said previously he wants to reclaim the AA+ credit rating that the town lost in 2022, after an audit by the state of the 2021 calendar year found several areas
“Due to poor performance of our software and other operational issues, we expect the audits will show some imbalances for 2022 and for part of 2023 before we changed our software provider,” he said.
Elected and appointed city officials will be interviewed during the process. Stehr said it can takes to months to complete.
View Zionsville’s financial policies at zionsville-in.gov/760/ Financial-Policies-Overview.
Mayor John Stehr declared Aug. 19 as “Matt Anderson Day” in Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville) Stehr
ZIONSVILLE SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
FARMERS MARKET
The Zionsville farmers market takes place in the Village from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. every Saturday through Sept. 28, except for Sept. 7. In its 27th season, the market features 41 vendors selling produce, bread, homemade items, meat, juices, coffee, plants, floral arrangements, honey, popcorn, baked goods, dog treats and more. Events also feature live entertainment. Learn more at zionsvillefarmersmarket.org.
MOVIE NIGHT IN WHITESTOWN
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch a movie in the outfield at the Little League Central Region Complex, 7185 S. Indianapolis Rd. in Whitestown beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 6. The evening begins with Kicking for a Cause, a friendly kickball game between the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department and Whitestown Fire Department to raise funds for Witham Health Services Center of Hope Project — a safe haven for victims of violence. Indianapolis Indians’ mascot Rowdie will make an appearance. The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library bookmobile will be on site with a special craft activity. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
HOPS AND HOUNDS
Bring your four-legged friends out for a night of socialization from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Panther Park in Whitestown. Beverages, food trucks, local business, pet-centric vendors and the Humane Society for Boone County will be on-site. The event is free to attend with food and refreshments available for purchase. All dogs are required to be on leash for the entirety of the event unless they are in the agility course section. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community/ parks and recreation tab.
BOOK SIGNING
Nicholas Meyer, award-winning author, screenwriter and director, will be at Black Dog Books, 115 S. Main St. in Zionsville at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 to sign copies of his latest book, ‘Sherlock Holmes And The Telegram From Hell.’ Meyer is known for his bestselling novel ‘The Seven Percent Solution’ and for directing two “Star Trek” franchise movies. The event is presented by Black Dog Books and the Indiana Sherlock Holmes Society. Call 317-733-1747 to preorder a copy.
Community foundation awarded $1.5M matching grant
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Community Foundation of Boone County is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to raise $825,000 by the end of 2025. The effort is part of a matching grant program from the Lilly Endowment, totaling $1.5 million — funds the foundation will use to enhance its community grantmaking initiatives by addressing local unmet needs, identifying their root causes and building up the operational endowment for lasting philanthropic impact.
PHILANTHROPY
“We’re doing a lot of fundraising initiatives right now. A lot of the people that are helping us drive it are our historical supporters who live in Zionsville,” Community Foundation of Boone County CEO Julie Reagan said. “That money is what we use to award grants to the community.”
The grant triples donations made to any current or new unrestricted community impact fund, by matching $2 from the Lilly Endowment for every $1 gifted up to $675,000. Funds will allow the community
foundation to give back locally as needs arise, promote leadership training and development and act as a support system for all of Boone County. The remaining $150,000 in fundraising is a $1-to-$1 match for funds donated to operational funds.
Reagan said the organization has shifted over the past few years to an increased focus on quality of life.
“We recently awarded a grant to Zions-
ville Parks Foundation so they can give away free trees and do an educational component on why this is important,” she said. “It’s more than just providing for basic needs. There are those basic needs (such as) adult education. If people can go back to school and get their education, that can break generational cycles and that continues to help. But arts and culture are also a huge component of people want-
ing to spend money where they live. So, we can boost that.”
Reagan also said the community foundation can connect those who wish to donate to the right nonprofits.
“It’s neat to be able to support a lot of different areas,” she said. “I think that’s the difference. When people want to support something in Boone County, if they want to support one specific organization, then our job is to connect them with that organization. But if they want to help (a specific type of programming) within Boone County, then that’s where we can use our relationships to those funds where they are most needed.”
Lilly Endowment has awarded matching fund grants totaling $133.8 million to community foundations serving all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Eligible community foundations submitted proposals for the current grant cycle requesting grants ranging from $100,000 to $15 million based on the population of the counties they serve.
The foundation’s goal is to raise $825,000 by Dec. 31, 2025.
Donations can be made in person or at boonecounty.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list.
Community Foundation of Boone County was awarded a $1.5 million matching grant from the Lilly Endowment. (File photo)
The Zionsville Lions Club welcomed four new members during its August meeting. ZLC President Mike Zeller, left, welcomes Elia Makinson, Lauren McNamara, Mia Wilhite and Jon Gilman with ZLC membership chair Tom Robbins. The Zionsville Lions Club is the largest Lions Club in Indiana. 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. Learn more at zionsvillelions.com. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Lions Club).
Grant applications open for sustainable projects
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Boone County Solid Waste Management District recently kicked off its grant program focused on the reduction and proper handling of waste. The district is accepting applications for grants totaling up to $5,000 to support programs that highlight sustainability, recycling and anything that promotes green living.
GOING GREEN
takeout containers.
Boone County Solid Waste Management District Executive Director Jennifer Lawrence said all nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, civic organizations, clubs and businesses operating within Boone County are eligible to apply for the community grant program.
The district has a proposed budget to award $32,000 in community grants in 2025.
Past grants have focused on green projects in Zionsville and Whitestown.
“We have had several community grants that have included flag disposal bins at the fire stations (to) amenities made from recycled materials at the Boys & Girls Clubs,” Lawrence said.
Past grant funds were used to support initial studies that brought the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to Zionsville; paid for pet waste stations and other amenities made from recycled materials for the Humane Society of Boone County; paid for recycling bins for the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Maplelawn Farmstead, Zionsville Lions Club Park and several Zionsville schools; and supported a case study for local restaurants to utilize compostable
Grants assisted Earth Mama Compost, an Indiana-based compost pickup service, begin a residential subscription-based curbside composting program; created recyclable amenities like garbage bins along local trails; and paid for a pet waste station and water bottle refill station for the farmers market in the Village.
“The district’s community grants were established to set up infrastructure throughout the county to provide better disposal and recycling opportunities,” Lawrence said. “The grant also enables amenities to be purchased made from recycled content effectively closing the loop on the circular economy. The grant request is a simple process that includes a twopage application in addition to a quote for requested items.”
Since 2011, the district has supported 53 local organizations with more than $250,000 in grants.
This is the district’s only grant cycle for the calendar year. Recipients will be awarded funds in 2025.
The application deadline is Sept. 30. Learn more at boonecountysolidwaste. com/grants.
Grant funds from Boone County Solid Waste Management District helped purchase recycling containers at Lions Park. (Photo by Marney Simon)
ON A POSITIVE NOTE
Zionsville Optimist Club celebrates more than 40 years of hope and vision
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Optimism can be contagious.
Established in 1981, the Zionsville Optimist Club’s Friends of Youth organization echoes the mission of Optimist International to bring out the best in youth and communities by providing hope and a positive vision.
Zionsville’s chapter was established a little more than 40 years ago, but the international organization started with a convention in Louisville in 1919.
“I am sure many don’t know at that convention (that) the first official charter of the international organization was awarded to a club in downtown Indianapolis, which had been founded in 1916,” said Tim Ottinger, a 13-year member and former president of ZOC. “Being a 100 percent volunteer organization, virtually every dollar raised goes toward helping youth in our community.”
Since its inception, the club has provided more than $400,000 to Zionsville and Boone County youth. The bulk of those funds are raised during the annual Hit the Bricks 5K Race and 3K Fun Run & Walk.
“The ZOC has been greatly blessed with both business and individual supporters who have learned what we do under the radar,” ZOC President Cara Fausset said. “Hit the Bricks is now in its 42nd year and always held on a Saturday near the first of October and 100 percent of what is raised here stays in Zionsville or Boone County.”
Hit the Bricks was created by ZOC charter members Jim Haines and Ross Hubbard
“With the growing popularity of running in the ‘80s, Mr. Hubbard approached me about creating a charity running event and the rest is history,” Haines said. “Our very first run was in 1983. It was a 10K (6.2 miles) with the start/ finish at Zionsville High School and our one and only name sponsor was Mayflower Moving and Storage. It was a great success and repeated the following year. By the third year, due to so many questions regarding the metric 10K, we changed to 5 miles to end the confusion. That lasted 30 years until 2013, when Hit the Bricks reverted back to a 5K. We’ve always included some part of Zionsville’s historic cobblestone Main Street for the course and adopted the name ‘Hit the Bricks’ after about the fifth year or so.”
Hit the Bricks is believed to be the longest ongoing running event in Boone County and one of the longest in Indiana thanks to ZOC members, volunteers and generous sponsors, Ottinger said.
Hit the Bricks generates annual proceeds of $30,000.
“We just cannot thank our Hit the Bricks sponsors enough who give generously each year to our cause,” said Ian Stewart, co-chair of the 2024 Hit the Bricks. “They are one faction of several that make this community what it is.”
The growth of the Hit the Bricks fundraising effort has allowed ZOC to support additional entities such as the Zionsville Department of Parks & Recreation, the Junior Natu-
ralist Program, Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center, Indy 11 Kicks for Kids, ZCS Do Days, the Lebanon Children’s Home, Shalom House, Zionsville Food Pantry, ZCHS Show Choir, Boone County Senior Salute and Eagle Scout projects
Club members said they were drawn to ZOC to give back to the community and serve and guide local youth.
“Our little club does so much to help out youth in the community,” said member Christy Gregory. “I love the Optimist Creed and the mission of the organization to serve youth, and because it was a very warm and welcoming
place
community. Our members are very driven to serve and generous with their time and resources.”
In September, ZOC members will be present at the farmers market in the Village each Saturday with information about the club and Hit the Bricks.
Monthly meetings are open to all and are generally held at the Cobblestone the first Wednesday of each month.
The 2024 Hit the Bricks begins at 8 a.m. Sept. 28. The start/finish line is Zionsville Town Hall. Registration is $30 before Sept. 22, $35 after Sept. 22 and $40 the day of the event.
Register at tuxbro.com under the calendar tab.
The Zionsville Optimist Club’s year-round activities include monthly dinner meetings, except for July and December.
Each meeting includes a speaker on youth issues, whether from long-time ZOC beneficiaries or someone representing new needs in the community.
The group takes a break in summer. December includes a “holiday wrap” occasion where members wrap presents for youth and families in need. Those gifts are given to Zionsville schools for anonymous distribution.
Another ZOC program is the annual Oratorical Contest each spring. The scholarship contest starts at the local level, then moves to the Indiana North District Contest. Two club level winners receive $100 and Indiana North District Winners receive $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships. District winners move on to the regional competition with a chance for a $5,000 scholarship. Those winners go on to compete at the World Championship with prizes from $5,000 to $15,000.
ZOC funds go to beneficiaries including a scholarship fund for a ZCHS graduate, After Prom, Boys & Girls Club of Boone County, Lions Park, local athletic programs including Zionsville Little League, ZCS football and soccer, the third grade history program at SullivanMunce and Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library.
Where to apply those funds are decided by the ZOC Giving Group committee that discusses beneficiaries and needs and evaluates any new requests.
ZOC also hosts a Junior Optimist Club at Zionsville Community High School. JOC is a service club with the goals of community service and leadership development. The JOC offers adaptive swim lessons in partnership with the ZCS Aquatic Center and other service work including volunteering at the Zionsville Food Pantry and helping the ZOC with programming.
Learn more about Zionsville Optimist Club at zionsvilleoptimist.org or on social media at facebook.com/ zionsvilleoptimist.
ON THE COVER: Zionsville Optimist Club members volunteer at the Zionsville Food Pantry. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Optimist Club)
OPTIMISM YEAR-ROUND
Runners take part in the 2023 Hit the Bricks event. (Photos courtesy of Zionsville Optimist Club)
From left, 2024 Oratorical Co-Chair Janet Ostendorf, ZOC VP Jaime Reagan-Hensley, ZOC President Cara Fausset, Oratorical Cochair Christy Gregory and the top two 2024 winners Madison Schmidt and Luke Kouns. Both went on to the Regional Contest where Schmidt won first
and a $1,500 scholarship.
Carmel resident singing the blues on album
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Christopher Wyze has played in several blues cover bands but never expected to write his own songs.
A longtime Carmel resident whose actual last name is Wirthwein, Wyze didn’t think his German name would work well on a blues record. In July, the song “Back to Clarksdale” reached No. 1 on the RMR, or Roots Music Report, song chart. The album, Christopher Wyze & The Tellers’ “Stuck In The Mud,” reached No. 2 on the RMR blues chart based on worldwide radio play.
Wyze co-wrote all the songs, is the lead vocalist and plays harmonica. The Tellers’ name comes from songs as a form of storytelling.
“These aren’t pop songs,” Wyze said. “This is about people with real stuff going on in their lives. They’re not doing very well.”
Wyze, 67, wrote eight songs with Ralph Carter, a Los Angeles producer, who he met in Mississippi.
“Having written 42,000-word books, this is like 200 words,” Wyze said. “I almost can’t believe people get paid to do this. It’s very short form, but it’s fun.” Carter was a bandmate and musical tour director for Eddie Money.
“Ralph was in that big rock ‘n’ roll world and I met him at (a) blues camp in Mississippi,” Wyze said. “I started to learn the harmonica. Ralph said you have to start writing songs. I said, ‘Yeah, right. I don’t write.’ I hadn’t written any songs.”
Approximately three years ago, Wyze saw a Wall Street Journal article about a new recording studio in Muscle Shoals, Ala. He sent it to Carter, half-jokingly writing that it would be a good place to record the album. But Carter said Wyze needed to write the songs and they would do the album together.
Six months later, Wyze had written the songs and he and Carter had turned them into music.
“Carter had auditioned and hired the studio musicians,” Wyze said. “We packed up and went to Muscle Shoals, where all
the great musicians in the world recorded and we recorded the record.”
That was in May 2022. Wyze spent the next year trying to find a record label, which some music people told him would be too difficult. Wyze joined the Nashville Songwriters Association. After a critique of his songs, Wyze was given a mentor. He got positive feedback from the mentor, Jim Reilley, a producer, who had been with a band called The New Dylans.
“He said, ‘This is good stuff. I would buy it,’” Wyze said.
Reilley tried to encourage Wyze to publish them himself, but Wyze knew the value of having a publisher or label behind him. Wyze said he has written five books and each has a publisher. Two of the books were written with golf designers Pete and Alice Dye.
“I know how to sell and market ideas,” Wyze said. “I sold publishers on publishing my books.”
Reilley introduced him to John Phillips of Select-O-Hits, which was started by Phillips’ father and his uncle Sam Phillips, who founded Sun Records.
Wyze was signed by Big Radio, a divi-
sion of Select-O-Hits, in December 2023. Wyze said his publicist, Betsy Brown, is one of the best in the blues music industry.
“She represented some tremendous artists,” Wyze said. “She took me on because she knew Ralph Carter and he’s the real deal.”
In March, Wyze traveled to Clarksdale, Miss., and recorded three more songs and a video.
One of the band members is Wyze’s friend, Westfield resident and bass player Gerry Murphy, who co-wrote two songs, including “Back to Clarksdale.” One of the musicians on the album was Eric Deaton, a guitarist who also plays with the Black Keys.
“He’s a monster talent,” Wyze said of Deaton.
Wyze said some of his favorite blues artists are Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells and Jimmy Reed.
Wyze owned and operated his own advertising company called 5MetaCom. He sold the company but still consults for it.
Murphy said he isn’t surprised Wyze was able to secure a label.
“Chris is a smart, hardworking businessman,” Murphy said. “(I’m) impressed by the stamina to perform in such a competitive profession like the music production business, for sure. We have been involved in several locally successful efforts since our meeting in 2006. In that time, we’ve been bandmates, we’ve been friends, we’ve become writing partners and now business partners. Being able to help drive (Wyze’s) original music of the Americana, blues and roots genre is just huge.”
Wyze and Murphy play together in the band Factory Authorized Technicians, but they haven’t played recently.
“I spend 40 to 50 hours a week on this project,” Wyze said.
Wyze’s goal is to have a band play the songs on the festival circuit in Europe in 2025.
“We’ll probably do a show in Memphis or Clarksdale this fall,” he said.
For more, visit christopherwyzeandthetellers.com
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs from Aug. 29 to Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield and Baby Grand Entertainment is set for Aug. 30, followed by Eric Baker & Friends presents: Southern California in the ’70s Aug. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner is set for Aug. 30, followed by The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute Aug. 31 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
‘WE ARE FAMILY? THE STAGE PLAY’
Shandrea Funnye presents “We are Family? The Stage Play” Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
SAMMY HAGAR
Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy will appear at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
ROB ZOMBIE
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper: Freaks on Parade concert is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
PITBULL: PARTY AFTER DARK TOUR
Pitbull and special guest T-Pain will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Fork + Ale holds holds weekly concert series — Fork + Ale, 350 Veterans Way, Suite 150, Carmel will hold a concert series from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Nov. 6. The series, which started Aug. 21, continues Aug. 28 with Sam King.
MUSIC
Christopher Wyze on the railroad track in Clarksdale, Miss., in March. (Photos courtesy of Christopher Wyze)
Fishers Blues Fest headliners follow fathers’ footsteps
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Bernard Allison was always taught not to copy other performers’ styles.
MUSIC
“Every song I do is my own spin,” Allison said. “My dad always said if you are going to do somebody’s music, you have to do it how you do it, not how it’s been done before. I’ve stuck to that strategy.”
Allison’s love for blues, however, did come from his late father, Chicago blues legend Luther Allison, who died at 58 in 1997.
Allison is the Sept. 1 headliner at the two-day 12th annual Fishers Blues Fest at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Shemekia Copeland, whose late father also was a blues performer, is the Aug. 31 headliner for the free festival. The hours are 4 to 10 p.m. each day.
Allison, 58, performed on one of his father’s live albums at age 13 and later toured as a member of his father’s band.
“This whole year is based on ‘Luther’s Blues’ and my previously recorded songs with my father,” Allison said. “Our set is combined with my last albums, pretty much all original songs. I do one cover, but pretty much Allison material.”
“Luther’s Blues,” which has 20 songs, was released earlier this year.
Allison was his father’s band leader for nearly three years.
“I just pick and choose which (songs) suit me,” he said. “I look for certain songs that I felt were overlooked as opposed to ones that everyone knows. We’re excited to have a blues party and meet some old fans and some new fans.”
Bernard Allison will perform Sept. 1 at Fishers Blues Fest. (Photo courtesy of Bernard Allison)
This is the 30th anniversary of Ruf Records, the label for Allison and his father.
Like Allison, Copeland’s devotion to blues came from her father.
“My father was a great blues musician named Johnny Copeland, so I grew up with it,” she said.
Copeland, who lives in California, grew up in New York City and then spent 20 years in Chicago. Her songs often address social issues.
“I feel if you are going to make music, you should make good music that is good for the heart,” she said.
Copeland has enjoyed a variety of music since she was a child.
“Blues, gospel, soul, just American-roots music,” she said.
Copeland is releasing a new album, “Blame It On Eve,” Aug. 30. She will play some of that new music at the Blues Fest.
Copeland has five Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Blues Album. She has been named Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year seven times.
Two songs she said she always must perform for her fans are “Ghetto Child” and “It’s 2 A.M.”
For more, visit npdamp.com.
FREE EVENT GAME NIGHT
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
Options Westfield will present a free game night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at 17721 Gunther Blvd. in Westfield with Wii Sports, Just Dance and refreshments for middle and high schoolers. Attendees can learn more about Options Schools. RSVP at facebook.com/ events/1241259203532830.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
CONCERT — Concerts in the Centerpiece will be 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, 2000 W. 116th St. The night will feature musical entertainment from the terraced seating of The Centerpiece. Bring lawn chairs or spread a blanket in Coxhall Gardens’ amphitheater.
Opera in the Park returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Lyndsay Moy, Indianapolis Opera’s Opera in the Park is always special and this one has special significance.
CONCERT
Moy, director of education and community engagement for Indianapolis Opera, will be joined by Ganson Salmon as feature performers in Opera in the Park in a 7 p.m. free concert Sept. 7 at Garfield Park in Indianapolis.
“Since this is our 50th anniversary season, we really wanted to highlight Hoosier talent, so (general director) David (Starkey) graciously asked me to sing because I was raised in Indianapolis,” Moy said.
After earning a master’s degree at Cleveland Institute of Music, she returned for her residency at Indianapolis Opera in 2015.
“I’ve been here with the company ever since,” she said. “That’s just been a big joy for me.
Moy, a Brownsburg resident and Pike High School graduate, will perform the Italian version of “Gabriel’s Oboe/Nella Fantasia” with oboe player Pam Ajango. She also sings “Alto’s Lament.”
“It features a lot of musical theater and a lot of comedy, which is my bread and butter,” Moy said.
There will be some pieces from “Barber of Seville,” which Indy Opera will perform in November.
Salmon is appearing in Opera in the Park for the first time since 2021.
Salmon will sing “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot” and a piece from “Rigoletto.”
A Heritage Christian School graduate, Salmon grew up in the Lawrence area and returned during the COVID-19 pandemic when theaters were closed in New York City.
“Being an Indy-bred tenor, it feels only right that I get the honor of playing a part in this 50th anniversary season,” said Salmon, who lives in Whitestown.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
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carmelartsfestival.org
Space Culinary Classes
Moy Salmon
Creekside charm at Starkey
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Get up close to one of the area’s most prominent natural resources with a walk through Starkey Nature Park in Zionsville. The 80-acre, heavily wooded park is next to Eagle Creek, where seven connecting natural surface trails and two staircases provide a combined total of just more than 3 miles within the park.
Trails are moderately rugged and can only be accessed by two staircases at the trailhead at 667 Sugarbrush Dr., or by the ramp connection from the Big-4 Rail Trail.
Although trails are well marked, they are not recommended for anyone who is not steady on their feet. The trail surface is uneven with trip hazards such as roots, rocks and some overgrowth. As the trail is creekside, portions can often be covered with water.
Starkey Nature Park’s signature photo op is the arched stone bridge over Eagle Creek. Built in 1919, the bridge was part of the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, which operated from 1852 until 1962 and was later turned into the Big-
TAKE A HIKE!
4 Rail Trail.
Starkey Nature Park is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Parking is available at the trailhead on Sugarbrush Drive. Hikers can also park at Town Hall and travel 1 mile south on the rail trail to the access ramp; at the Zionsville Road trailhead and travel 1 mile north on the rail trail to the ramp; or at Overly-Worman Park to connect to the Big-4 Rail Trail opposite of Starkey Nature Park.
Bicycles are not allowed on the trails at Starkey Nature Park.
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Barriers to care are not always obvious. Thanks in part to community partners and donors, these barriers are being overcome. Learn more or join the movement at EskenaziHealthFoundation.org.
Sunday, October 6
12:30-4pm Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (the Colts practice facility)
Join us for an upgraded watch party experience of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars away game! Enjoy tailgate food, an open bar, bounce houses for kids and more, all while supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Learn more at morethanaphone.org.
inside the Indianapolis Colts practice facility!
and Play on the field while the DJ spins!
the game from 2 large screen TVs!
Hosted by and benefiting:
MVP Sponsor:
Trails at Starkey Nature Park are well marked. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Come see what we have to offer! Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in selecting the right flooring to ensure your satisfaction for years to come.
Applications accepted for Best Places to Work in Indiana
news@youarecurrent.com
The application period is open for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Best Places to Work in Indiana competition.
WORKFORCE
improve the lives of not just their employees, but those of their families as well, truly inspiring.”
The competition includes a questionnaire and anonymous engagement and satisfaction survey. Applicants receive a report analyzing strengths and opportunities for improvement in their workplace culture.
The theme for 2025 is “Unveiling Excellence.” The awards honor top organizations in the state as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Company evaluations and the selection process are administered by Workforce Research Group.
“The Best Places to Work in Indiana program is an ideal way to showcase the many great companies we have here in the Hoosier state and what they do to make the lives of their workers and communities in which they live and work that much better,” Indiana Chamber President/ CEO Vanessa Green Sinders stated. “I find the creative and innovative ways these companies draw and retain talent and
Winners are chosen in four groups: small companies of between 15 and 74 employees; medium companies of between 75 and 249 employees; large companies of 250 to 999 employees; and major companies with 1,000 or more employees. All employees must be based in the United States.
Winners will be honored April 30, 2025, at the Best Places to Work awards dinner at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.
The application deadline is Nov. 22. Learn more at bestplacestoworkindiana. com.
Fowl poultry puns
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen and I went to the Indiana State Fair recently and she spent a lot of time in the poultry barn looking at baby chicks saying, “How cute,” while I was out on the midway looking at you-know-what on a stick, saying, “How delicious.”
HUMOR
The next day while at Menards, I saw two magazines, one called Chickens and the other Poultry World, both dedicated to the proper care and breeding of our feathery friends. In the intro to one of the publications, the editor is seen holding a handsome springer spaniel. I guess this guy has learned that you attract more chicks holding a dog than a rooster.
One of the covers has the teaser “12 Tips to Successful Brooding,” which was once on the front page of my grandmother’s edition of Jewish Homemaker. Also on the cover is the question, “Too Old to Lay?” My wife told me not to make a joke about that. Once inside the magazines, let the pun begin. There are only so many chicken plays-on-words you can come up with to headline your stories:
EGGCITING RECIPES
How eggsasperating. And during Easter we see this pun in every newspaper a hundred times. Enough, already. It’s eggscruciating.
ONLINE EGGSTRAS and EGGSCLUSIVES
This section directs you to websites with a dozen more dreadful puns. Want to save money? Try a half dozen.
A CHICKEN IN EVERY SHOT
Don’t have an adorable cat for Facebook? Here’s some advice on how to capture your capon on camera.
CHICKEN SCRATCH
An article featuring gifts and gadgets for chicken lovers with the subtitle, “Everything Our Readers Are Crowing About.” Here, you can buy an app that figures how many eggs you can expect
“One of the covers has the teaser ‘12 Tips to Successful Brooding,’ which was once on the front page of my grandmother’s edition of Jewish Homemaker.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
from your flock annually. Yes, it’s called a cluck-u-lator.
GET THE SHELL OUT OF HERE
How to ensure a durable product from each breed. This pun is also used in Turtle Monthly … in every issue.
COOPED UP
Step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken pen. You will see this pun again, every time a magazine does a story about chicken pens.
FOWL LANGUAGE
A glossary of important terminology for bird lovers. I wonder if they thought they were the first to come up with that title? Both publications address readers’ questions in a feature called “Q and A” in one magazine and “Chicken Chat” in the other. A better title would be, “Can We Squawk?” Jeesh, now I’m making stupid puns
Q: I raise quail. Recently, I found one with half of its head missing. What should I do?
A: It’s too late.
Q: I am considering hatching chickens myself. Any suggestions?
A: If you are successful, call this newspaper for an interview.
I know this was a dreadful column, but in the words of the great Steve Martin “Well, eggscuse me.”
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Brotherhood Designs utilizes their Retired Fire Hose Waste Reduction Program to create Patriotic art as well as to supply zoos and animal sanctuaries with material they upcycle for rehabilitation and enhancement of their habitat.
on the number of letters
full line of products can be found
sure to check out the stories of how two local Hamilton County firefighters are making
painted version Rustic, non-painted version
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.
him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LIFESTYLE
1. Witches’ group
Recipe amt. 10. Part of MSG
Butler frat letter 15. “___ Abby”
16. Castleton Square Mall store sign
17. In first place in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference
18. I-65 big rig
19. Hawaiian island 20. Track meet starter’s
Gillette razor
City known for its zoo
Clumps of dirt
Absurd
Voyage preceder?
40. Ye ___ Shoppe
41. Area pizza place
42. Rainbow guy: ___ Biv
43. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel
44. “Now you ___, now you don’t”
45. Delaware’s capital
46. Fear
48. Petroleum plant
50. Blunders
52. Spy org.
53. Area pizza place
57. Make equal
62. Fishers N-S road
63. French cheese
65. Muscat native
66. IndyGo map dot
67. Neckwear at 19-Across
68. Vision-correcting surgery
69. Many millennia
70. Gov. Holcomb
71. Playing marble Down
1. Henhouse
2. ___ Severin Hotel
3. Pet docs
4. Showbiz award “grand slam”
5. Area pizza place
6. Colts stats
7. Broken Barrel bar order
8. Pago Pago’s place
9. Unsullied
10. Dough
11. October birthstone
12. Fruity soda brand
13. Burden
21. “To Kill a Mockingbird” author
23. Art Deco designer 25. Nimble
27. Current reporter’s coup
28. Muslim deity
29. Signal, in a way
30. JFK’s predecessor
31. WFMS studio sign
33. Over
34. More demure
35. Furious
38. Ancient Mexican
41. Not too bad
42. Indy Councilor Gibson
44. Foal’s father
45. Area pizza place
47. Gets into some Jazz Kitchen music
49. “Fee, ___, foe, fum”
51. More certain
53. Big name in speakers
54. Indianapolis Opera voice
55. Utah national park
56. 13, in old Rome
58. Online publication, briefly
59. Space inits. 60. Army outfit
Locally
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