Zionsville Community Church dedicates new mural along Big-4 Rail Trail / P15
Master Naturalists complete South Village projects to come one-by-one for approval / P5
Grant funding approved for Carpenter Nature Preserve / P7
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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 24
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Puccini’s Pizza Pasta Puccini’s
Master Naturalists complete certification
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
For more than 20 years, the Zionsville Nature Center, which is inside Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, has been expanding its community programming efforts. One such effort is the Indiana Naturalist Program.
RECREATION
Parks and recreation naturalist Rachel Felling gave an update on the program to the Zionsville Board of Parks & Recreation in August.
The Indiana Master Naturalist Program is administered through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The program was started at the Nature Center in 2023, completing two sessions since then.
“We brought 30 people (per session) in all to learn about Indiana’s natural resources,” Felling said. “The program requires that everyone who goes through it has to do at least 24 hours of coursework. We broke it down into eight, three-hour sessions so it took the entire spring season. The folks in the program have to do 24 hours of community service (related to natural resources) to earn their official certification as an Indiana Master Naturalist.”
The sessions included guest speakers Mark Booth, director of Take Flight! Wildlife Education, who discussed birds of prey, and Hoosier Herpetological Society president Jim Horton, who discussed amphibians and reptiles. Staff also taught sessions on aquatic ecology and native plants.
Felling said participants assisted the parks and recreation department with weed wrangles, school field trips, animal care and plantings. Volunteers also spent time in a “bio blitz” in May at Carpenter Nature Preserve before development of the new passive preserve begins. Participants made more than 900 observations of more than 300 species of plants, animals and fungi in a little more than three hours.
“It was a chance for us to take a moment to try to catalog some of the native and nonnative species that are on that
property before construction starts,” Felling said. “We even identified what we believe is a rare and endangered plant which we’ve now got flagged and roped off and the information was sent to the IDNR.”
A second bio blitz event is planned for Sept. 21.
The Nature Center also hosted a Junior Indiana Master Naturalist program for children ages 9-12 over the summer.
Twenty kids participated in the junior program, which included 16 hours of coursework and six hours of volunteer work during a one-week summer campstyle event. The junior program is sponsored by the Zionsville Optimist Club.
“They removed Asian honeysuckle from the Zionsville nature sanctuary. Those kids cut and filled an entire truck in about an hour and a half,” Felling said. “Their other big volunteer project, and we have the
library to thank for helping with the technology for this, we split into groups and they worked with laptops (and) created a Zionsville Parks Field Guide.”
The field guide provides examples of local birds of prey, insects, snakes, turtles, fish, habitats and ecosystems. A QR code for the field guide was posted on a sign in Overley-Worman Park for visitors.
Felling said the programs will continue next year. The Nature Center is piloting the first advanced master naturalist program this fall.
The stated mission of the Zionsville Nature Center is to “encourage Zionsville and Central Indiana families to take an active role in their native environment through educational and inquiry-based programs and activities.”
Learn more at zionsville-in.gov/270/ Zionsville-Nature-Center.
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
A QR code for a field guide developed by Junior Indiana Master Naturalists was posted this summer at Overley-Worman Park.
(Photo by Marney Simon)
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
Swing dance event – St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church will host ‘Swing the Night Away’ for adults 18 to 39 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 13 at the parish hall, 1870 W. Oak St. in Zionsville. The event is open to everyone from beginners to seasoned dancers. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $25 for couples. The event includes music, dancing and dance lessons as well as a potato bar, mocktails, beer and wine. Purchase tickets at zionsvillecatholic.com/swing-dance.
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 317733-1747 to preorder a copy.
Maplelawn movie nights – Maplelawn Farmstead will host two outdoor movie nights this month at the farmstead, 9575 Whitestown Rd. in Zionsville. Featured movies are “The Birds” Sept. 14 and “Charade” Sept. 21. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Movies begin at dusk. Greeks Pizzeria, popcorn, desserts and beverages will be available for purchase. Learn more at maplelawnfarmstead.org.
Recycling event – Boone County Solid Waste Management District will host a toxdrop collection event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Zionsville Municipal Services Building, 1075 Parkway Dr. The event is open to all Boone County residents. Items accepted include antifreeze, motor oil, paint and paint thinner, lightbulbs, household cleaners, and electronics. Recycling is free except for a $20 cash per unit fee for all televisions and computer monitors. See the full list of accepted items at boonecountysolidwaste.com/tox-drop-collections.html.
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. 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. Learn more at zionsvillefarmersmarket.org.
DISPATCHES
Zionsville banking changes – The Town of Zionsville will move its bank accounts to BMO. The town sent a request for proposals to nine local banks this summer, seeking to lower costs for its banking needs. Town officials said the BMO proposal offered the best value and the online business banking portal was the most compatible with town needs. The contract is for two years. The town legal department will review the contract prior to moving those accounts from Chase to BMO, including any conflict of interest forms. The switch is anticipated to be complete by Nov. 1.
Women of Impact – Women of Impact Boone County is a women’s philanthropy group, coordinated by the Community Foundation of Boone County that provides financial support for local nonprofit organizations. Each member donates funds to support four nonprofits selected by the members throughout the year. Women of Impact will host a networking event at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Moontown Brewing Co., 345 S. Bowers St., in Whitestown. Learn more at communityfoundationbc.org/ women-of-impact.
Museum goes digital – SullivanMunce Cultural Center has launched a mobile app, Boone IN Culture for Apple and Android devices. SullivanMunce is working on a list of Boone County arts and cultural organizations, galleries, theaters, libraries, museums and more with links to their websites so visitors, tourists, and residents of Boone County can find them easily through the app. The app includes the Century Structure Walking Tour, showcasing 30 architecturally significant homes in Zionsville built a century ago, including insights into each home’s history and unique features, with photos from the SullivanMunce archives. The Boone IN Culture app is available on Google Play or at App Store. Learn more at SullivanMunce.org
Special Olympics seeks coaches — Special Olympics Indiana is seeking volunteers to join its Campaign for Coaches program and help empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to achieve success on and off the field. The program offers comprehensive training to equip volunteer coaches with the skills needed to make a lasting impact in the lives of these athletes. The nonprofit is searching for coaches to serve throughout the state. For more information or to volunteer, visit soindiana.org/ BeOurCoach.
South Village projects to come one-by-one for approval
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A town-led effort to create a planned unit development at South Village fizzled with the rejection of the PUD Aug. 5 at the request of Mayor John Stehr.
DEVELOPMENT
But failure to create the PUD doesn’t mean development cannot move forward.
their redevelopment project,” Sharp said. “I don’t expect these developers to wait for another town-led PUD effort. Instead, we will likely be dealing with these projects one-by-one as they come.”
Zionsville Redevelopment Commission Director Corrie Sharp explained the next steps to the RDC Aug. 27.
Sharp said the initial PUD, which would have set development standards for 110-acres between the brick Main Street and Old 106th Street, was a planning effort to create a regulated redevelopment vision for the South Village. She said those landowners remain in talks with various developers to sell and/or develop their properties.
“Of that final PUD area that was submitted to the council and the plan commission, 70 percent of that land had developers waiting for guidance on how to frame
Sharp said if the existing zoning code does not accommodate development proposals, those developers will either write their own PUD or seek variances through the Board of Planning and Zoning. She did not indicate if any proposed projects are imminent.
“The RDC will not take a leading role in zoning efforts taken by the development community,” she said. “When teams are ready to move forward with their projects and need to schedule a public-private partnership, we will be ready and engaged with those negotiations then.”
The South Village PUD was introduced by Stehr in March. Despite approval by the RDC, the plan was voted down after what Stehr said was a lack of consensus on how the area should be developed. By statute, the PUD as submitted cannot return to the town council for consideration for one year.
DISPATCH
Best Hooser state parks – Indiana is home to three of the Top 50 state parks in the U.S., according to travel and vacation website hometogo.com. Indiana Dunes State Park, Turkey Run State Park and Potato Creek State Park were recently listed by the website as No. 6, No. 18 and No. 34 state parks in the nation, respectively. The list was compiled using data on trail rankings, wildlife, picturesqueness, park size and popularity. The Indiana State Parks system manages 24 state parks and seven small satellite locations, eight reservoir properties, two state forest recreation areas and two off-road riding areas. The state park system includes 700 miles of trails, 17 marinas, 15 beaches, 7,701 campsites and more than 200 shelters. Learn more at in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes.
Sharp
Zionsville discusses potential community center
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Zionsville has begun discussions on the potential addition of a community center.
TOWN NEWS
Mayor John Stehr introduced the topic to the town council Aug. 19.
“We have had very early — and I want to emphasize very, very early — exploratory conversations with potential partners for a community center, including our school district, the YMCA (of Greater Indianapolis), health care providers and also our neighbors in Whitestown,” Stehr said. “But again, we are very, very early in this process. We agreed that the next step is to look at potential sites for a community center.”
Stehr reminded councilors that the information is just that — information.
“There have been no definitive actions taken on this matter,” he said.
Although the YMCA is a part of the dis-
cussions, Stehr said it is not necessarily a YMCA project. The towns of Zionsville and Whitestown will submit a list of potential places for a community center and the YMCA will help determine if those locations are suitable.
“I don’t want the town to be in a position to have to run a center like that,” Stehr said. “I view the YMCA as a partner. What I want to see eventually is maybe
The Town of Zionsville has started discussions on adding a community center. (File photo)
“It’s just exploratory to see where they are,” he said. “(Whitestown) is considering similar types of development. When you look at our 33,000 people and their 20,000 people, it certainly gives us a bigger range and gives us the opportunity (to see) if something is going to be able to be supported when you add our numbers together. Where we are right now, a community center for a population our size, that might be hard to achieve. But I think if we bring the two together that might give us other opportunities. But again, it’s all very early.”
some (sports facilities), enrichment space and eventually we can see who will partner with us, whether it’s the schools or (the YMCA) or another group. It’s just such an early stage.”
Stehr said discussions with Whitestown do not necessarily mean shared space among the two municipalities — only exploration of what each town is looking for in a community center.
Stehr said he has made it a priority to improve the relationship between Zionsville and Whitestown, which has been strained over the past 10 years because of annexation disputes that ultimately ended up before the Indiana Supreme Court.
“That kind of cooperation, I think it’s time to put aside some of the animosities we’ve had in the past and move forward in a positive way with our neighbors from Whitestown,” he said.
Stehr said the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis will lead a survey on what the next steps should be.
Stehr
Zionsville Parks and Recreation was awarded a $500,000 matching grant from the Land Water Conservation Fund for Phase 1 of Carpenter Preserve. (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Grant funding approved for Carpenter Nature Preserve
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The proposed Carpenter Preserve nature park was awarded a second grant to assist with Phase 1 construction.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Zionsville’s Board of Parks and Recreation approved an agreement to accept grant funding in August.
“The grant is the Land Water Conservation Fund Grant,” Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Jarod Logsdon said. “We have been the recipient of this grant several times throughout our history as a park system. Fortunately for us, we were awarded a half-million-dollar matching grant award for Phase 1 of carpenter Nature Preserve.”
Logsdon said the grant will provide up to $500,000 in matching funds to establish a parking lot, invasive plant removal, native plantings, a facility restroom and the nature playground.
The project was also awarded a Next Level Conservation Trust grant, a one-time
opportunity for land acquisition. The park board approved that agreement in June.
Carpenter Nature Preserve will be constructed at the now-closed Wolf Run Golf Course. Designated as a passive nature preserve, the 215-acre park just west of U.S. 421 and south of Ind. 32 is designed as a regional destination with a nature center, trails, boardwalks, a nature-inspired playground and outdoor classrooms.
A prairie pavilion, playground, amphitheater, overlook and lawn areas are the main features of Phase 1.
In addition to grant funding, the preserve is being developed with American Rescue Plan funds and money raised by the nonprofit Zionsville Parks Foundation.
The land was purchased in 2021 by Jim and Nancy Carpenter for the purpose of creating a preserve. In May of 2023, the Zionsville Town Council purchased the property for $4.52 million via a bond that provided for the purchase and the cost of engineering, surveys and construction documents for Phase 1.
Learn more at zionsville-in.gov/733/ Carpenter-Nature-Preserve.
Bixler moved to DOC custody
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The man accused of murdering his mother in her Zionsville home in April has been moved to the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections.
CRIME
Graham Bixler, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his mother, Kristin Bixler, whose body was discovered at her home on Old 106th Street April 8.
During an Aug. 19 hearing, Bixler was ordered moved from the Boone County Jail to the custody of the DOC. Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood said the hearing determined there was a safety issue housing Bixler in the county jail. The DOC will determine where he will be placed until trial.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Kristin Bixler was killed sometime between April 3 and April 7. Graham Bixler was arrested April 9 following the discovery of his mother’s body. Kristin Bixler’s cause of death was determined to be blunt-force trauma and sharp-force injuries.
According to court documents, Kristin Bixler’s mother, Susan Smith, called the Zionsville Police Department April 8 to request a welfare check, stating that she had not heard from her daughter since April 2. Smith stated Kristin Bixler had told her mother that she was fearful of her son Graham Bixler. An investigation at the property yielded the discovery of the body. An order for a competency evaluation was granted in July.
Bixler’s trial is tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 16.
DISPATCH
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
available for purchase.
Graham Bixler
Kristen Bixler
Versatile wide receiver provides boost to Shamrocks
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School wide receivers coach Matt Clark views versatility as senior Gabe Aramboles’ greatest strength.
“He has a unique blend of speed, strength and game awareness,” Clark said. “His speed allows him to outrun defenders and create separation, making him a constant threat downfield. His physical strength is equally impressive. He can power through tackles and is rarely brought down by the first defender. Additionally, Gabe excels in perimeter blocking, which plays a crucial role in the run game. What truly sets him apart is his deep understanding of the game. He reads defenses with precision, making smart route choices and finding openings that others might miss.
“Gabe consistently delivers big plays and contributes significantly to the team’s success.”
In the first two games, Aramboles
MEET GABE ARAMBOLES
Favorite subject: History
Favorite athlete: Deebo Samuel
Favorite type of music: R&B
Favorite vacation spot: Dominican Republic
had 15 receptions for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
Aramboles, who played in only 10 games last season because of an injury, caught 41 passes for 583 yards and six TDs as a sophomore. He has 117 career receptions.
“It was just the ability to be flexible,” Aramboles said of his improvement. “I moved outside and inside throughout the years. But being able to be coachable and
Westfield High School senior Gabe Aramboles has committed to play football for Ball State University. (Photo courtesy of Westfield athletics)
flexible with what I was doing for the team (was helpful). But now I am confident in my ability to read coverages and study them on film. There are a few things you can still learn from others when learning coverages and my teammates and coaches are very helpful with teaching me that.”
Clark said Aramboles has elevated his game through remarkable growth in his leadership.
“On the field, his vocal presence and strategic direction have inspired his teammates, while his commitment to personal
excellence and consistent effort have set a new standard for work ethic,” Clark said. “Off the field, he has become a mentor, taking younger players under his wing and fostering a culture of accountability and unity within the team.”
The Shamrocks opened the season with victories over Center Grove and Carmel. Aramboles said the primary team goal is to win the Class 6A state championship.
“But my personal goal is to create memories with this team,” Aramboles said.
Aramboles has verbally committed to Ball State University.
“Something just felt right about Ball State,” Aramboles said. “I have a few teammates and friends that play football on the team and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Ball State staff. Along with building a relationship with the coaching staff, they made me feel like it was home. I’m sure they’ll develop me to be a better man and player, so overall, it was just the right fit for me.”
Aramboles’ brother, Alex Aramboles, is a senior defensive end for the Shamrocks. He had four sacks Aug. 30 in the 17-13 victory over Carmel.
Aramboles
Meridian Audiology puts patients first
By Tirzah Rowland
The seasoned hearing healthcare practitioners at Meridian Audiology in Indianapolis provide personal, attentive care to patients seeking hearing, tinnitus, and auditory processing evaluations and treatment.
With a combined 30 years of experience as licensed audiologists, Alison Wyss, Au.D and Kira VonBlon, M.S., opened their private practice in July 2021.
“Ali and I are very easy to get to know and get along with, and we’re going to do whatever our patient needs to make them happy,” VonBlon said. “We want people to feel comfortable.”
While Meridian Audiology will service all major brands of hearing aids, the group offers the newest Phonak line of hearing aid products, providing patients with automatic sound adjustment, Bluetooth connectivity for up to eight devices, and a first of its kind Deepsonic AI chip technology providing enhanced speech clarity.
you’ll be able to connect to the sound system of that gate, and that will come directly into the hearing aids.” When the technology becomes available Phonak wearers will be able to use the same technology to connect their hearing aids to sound systems at theatres and other venues.
Offering chargers, accessories and phone app control capabilities, the Phonak hearing aids come in a variety of colors. In addition to hair and skin tones, patients can choose from red, green and rose gold.
“Ali and I went to the launch for the products earlier in August, and the biggest thing with the products is they’re really improving listening and understanding in noise, which is always the biggest problem for somebody with hearing loss,” VonBlon said.
The newest advancement offered by the Phonak line is Auracast compatibility.
“It’s not really out and about in our everyday settings yet, but it’s something where it’s going to be really useful,” VonBlon said. “Let’s say you’re in an airport and you’re wanting to hear the announcement at your gate,
Beyond hearing aids, Meridian Audiology offers Listening for Communication Enhancement, an independent training, to patients struggling with speech clarity and understanding speech.
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, is independent of other medical practices or hospitals to provide the most beneficial patient care and quick scheduling.
Located at 911 E. 86th St., Suite 035, business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments can be made online at meridianaudiology.com or by calling the office directly. Meridian Audiology works with patients ages 5 and up.
(Photo courtesy of Meridian Audiology.)
VonBlon Wyss
Fox Hollow memorial unveiled in Westfield
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A memorial dedicated to victims of Fox Hollow Farms was unveiled Aug. 29 at Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park in Westfield.
IN REMEMBRANCE
The memorial was made possible through a partnership between Flanner Buchanan, He Knows Your Name min-
istry and Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison’s office. Remains of Fox Hollow victims Jeffrey Jones and Allen Livingston were interred in the ossuary at the memorial during the dedication.
He Knows Your Name founder Linda Znachko said the memorial is a way to remember those killed not just as victims, but as people.
“Bringing the human element to this is what’s going to really matter and hit the heart and souls of people,” she said. “This
#1
is a brother, a cousin. Until we bring that point home, people are going to think this is a distant thing. We as a community, when we say their names, it changes everything. For me, sandblasting their names in stone feels permanent. We’ve written it forever; they had purpose in their lives, they had a story and they had futures that they never got to live… We can start by saying their names. This was a man; this was a brother.”
Herb Baumeister is suspected of killing
at least 12 men at his estate on 156th Street in the 1990s. Four of those victims have yet to be identified. More than 10,000 charred human remains are undergoing testing for DNA extraction. Jellison said the total number of victims remains unknown.
Baumeister died by suicide in 1996.
Family members with missing loved ones are urged to contact the Hamilton County Coroner’s office for DNA testing.
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Find a specialist close to home at ascension.org/StVincentHeart Your heart will thank you.
PUBLIC ART DISPLAYS
Zionsville recently welcomed members of the the Indiana Arts Commission to view some of the town’s public artworks, including the “WINGZ” sculpture, created by Zionsville artist Mark McGarvey, at the Big-4 Rail Trail trailhead at 10230 Zionsville Rd. “The Indiana Arts Commission had a statewide gathering (and) they chose the Zionsville Road trailhead as one of their destination stops, as well as the murals in the village,” Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jarod Logsdon said. “We were able to show off our murals as well as the art installation in our roundabout at the trailhead and just talk about the importance of public art throughout our park system. That was nice to show off some of our Zionsville pride.” The sculpture was installed in late 2023. Commissioned by the Zionsville Cultural District, the sculpture was inspired by the sheet metal and rivets found on trains and Zionsville Community School’s eagle mascot. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Drum circle program coming to Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library
SENIORS news@youarecurrent.com
Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville will host an innovative program aimed at enhancing the well-being and creativity of seniors, thanks to a partnership between the library and 22StarvingArtist — a Michigan-based cultural arts studio dedicated to enriching lives through the arts.
The “Rhythm of Life” program from 22StarvingArtist provides interactive drumming and drum circles that promote artistic development, social connection and personal well-being.
The six-week program is designed to foster a sense of community and self-expression among participants 60 and older. Participants develop basic drumming techniques and rhythms; explore various drumming styles and traditions from around the world; collaborate in a group setting to create music collectively; build social connections and a sense of commu-
nity through shared artistic experiences; and celebrate their accomplishments and creativity in a culminating drum circle event.
The shared musical journey allows participants to develop artistic skills and forge meaningful connections with their peers, promoting social engagement and well-being.
The program is made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission.
“We are thrilled to bring the ‘Rhythm
of Life’ program to the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library,” stated Elijah Stephen, founder of 22StarvingArtist. “This program is a wonderful opportunity for older adults to explore their creativity, connect with others, and experience the joy of making music together.”
The program is scheduled Sept. 11, Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16. All sessions begin at 2 p.m. Register at bit.ly/3SBFabe.
Sunday, October 6 12:30-4pm Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center (the Colts practice facility)
Learn more at morethanaphone.org.
Hosted by and benefiting:
MVP Sponsor:
Michigan-based 22Starving Artist is a cultural arts studio dedicated to enriching lives through the arts. (Photo courtesy of 22Starving Artist)
DESIGN AND DEVOTION
Zionsville Community Church dedicates new mural along Big-4 Rail Trail
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The vibrant pop of color along the Big-4 Rail Trail is hard to miss for those passing by Zionsville Christian Church.
The recently completed 4,339-square-foot mural on the west side of the building facing the trail was dedicated Aug. 23.
Church officials said the building’s prominence along the Big-4 Rail Trail sparked the idea to create an inspirational mural that can be enjoyed by the community. It serves as a public art installation, allowing the church to engage with the people of Zionsville.
Eli Archer, a 2023 graduate of Zionsville Community High School, was commissioned to create the mural. Archer, 19, is a sophomore at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit. His family are longtime members of ZCC.
“I grew up drawing on the cards that they put money in for offerings,” Archer said. “This opportunity fell into my lap because they had an idea for the mural and reached out to me. And how could I say no? It was a great opportunity. In a way, this is marketing to show what this congregation is about. The words I had to go off of (in the creation of the mural) are the core values of the congregation. I was inspired a lot by sayings like ‘all means all’ and ‘have questions? So do we.’ I used that as inspiration to create the images.”
Archer created more than 20 designs for the panels, spending time with church members and tweaking those drawings to fit the vision for the mural. When design work was complete, church volunteers cleaned and primed the wall, which included filling in any cracks or spaces in the masonry.
Painting the mural took about a month and a half. Archer said the lively colors are intentional.
“I figured, if it’s going to be the core values and telling people what the congregation is about, then I wanted it to be so bright that it made you look,” he said. “I’m just a sucker for bright colors myself.”
The Rev. Tyler Thompson, ZCC’s senior minister, said creating the mural has been an ongoing discussion among church leaders and members for several years.
“There’s always been a conversation about recognizing how important the trail is to the community, and that we need to focus on how we can be a good neighbor,” Thompson said. “So, we decided to depict artistically who we are as a congregation that’s both an act of public art but also an act of public witness. For 188 years, this congregation has had some very important core values, namely love being at the center. We need to lean into the power of love instead of the love of power.”
One of the panels features Thompson prominently pointing with the message “You are loved” underneath.
“My face on the wall is one of the most uncomfortable things for me,” he joked. “But I end every service on Sun-
day morning with, ‘I love you, God loves you, let’s love one another.’ And the ‘You’ stance in the mural, for folks walking on the trail who woke up not feeling loved one morning, they have a pretty aggressive reminder that everybody is worthy and should be treated with love.”
Thompson said ZCC views the building as a community asset. The mural is designed to be inspirational to everyone.
“No one has a monopoly on love,” he said. “We’re coming from this radical notion that love is unconditional and that when we say all are welcome, all means all. That’s the beauty of our growing community. It’s not directed at one religion or any religion at all.”
During the painting process, Archer said that he was approached by people who thanked him for creating the mural.
“People came up to me while I was painting, and one woman started to cry,” he said. “She told me that she was having things going on, and to see ‘You are loved’ painted on the wall really touched her. As an artist and as an individual, that’s what means the most to me.”
Church members who attended the mural dedication said they were excited to have such a vivid representation of ZCC values so prominently displayed for members of the
church and the community.
“I grew up in this church,” said Rob Berger, a lifelong congregant of ZCC. “It reflects how I feel. We’re all connected. We’re all friends.”
Berger echoed Thompson’s sentiment that the artwork could serve as an inspirational boost for passers-by.
“I think there will be that one or two who are having a bad day, and one of the pictures will speak to them,” he said.
Archer said he hopes people who pass the mural find their own meaning in it.
“I think everybody probably has a different hope for the mural,” he said. “I think the message that this has is very positive. That you are loved, you are accepted, whoever you are and however you are. I think that’s a very positive message that maybe a lot of churches have lost. I think that if anything, people could walk down and just feel a little bit of happiness for a moment.”
Learn more about the mural at zionsvillechristianchurch. org/mural.
ABOUT ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Zionsville Community Church predates the official founding of Zionsville.
The church was formed in 1836 and moved to its current site at 120 N. 9th St. in 1979.
ZCC’ senior minister, the Rev. Tyler Thompson, said one of the tenants of the church is to live out faith as a
verb rather than a noun.
The church’s core values include radical inclusivity; courageous compassion; unrelenting love; open, intelligent and curious faith; and mission first.
Services are conducted Sunday at 10 a.m.
Learn more at zionsvillechristianchurch.org.
ON THE COVER: Zionsville Christian Church mural artist Eli Archer in front of the ‘love hands’ portion of the mural. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Eli Archer signs the completed mural at Zionsville Christian Church. (Photos by Marney Simon)
ZCC senior minister Rev. Tyler Thompson is featured on one of the panels.
ATI performer well in tune with Johnny Cash musical
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Appearing in his seventh production of “Ring of Fire,” Kevin M. Lewis joked that he is starting to get it.
PERFORMANCE
Lewis is performing and directing in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” Sept. 13 to 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I play the older but wiser Johnny Cash,” Lewis said. “I act somewhat like a narrator. The way our story unfolds, Johnny comes to the end of the line, and he’s come to a heavenly portal that for him looks just like a train station. And he goes through a lot of the memories of his life and I’m the one representing that older Johnny looking back at all the things that have happened.”
Lewis, who lives in New York City, said each production is a little different but he always plays Cash at the end of the show.
Brandon Alstott, an Indianapolis resident, has played Cash in three ATI productions of “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Although he portrayed a young Cash in that show, in this production, he plays Cash from a younger age through his 40s.
“He’s one of my favorite artists of all time, so any chance I get to portray him in some form of fashion on stage, I absolutely want to,” Alstott said.
Alstott said “Cry, Cry, Cry” is one of his favorite songs because it was Cash’s first big hit.
Sarah Hund plays all of the women in Cash’s life, including first wife Vivian, his second wife, singer June Carter, and a mother figure. Hund said she wears four different wigs and outfits.
Hund appeared in a production in Utah earlier this year.
“This is a lot different from the last production I did because in that previous production there were several women, so
I just got to do a few of the things,” Hund said. “This time I get to do all of the roles. The great thing about this show is just the music. I’m happy I get to play some Johnny Cash songs, too.”
Hund, also a New York City resident, plays several instruments, including the fiddle, guitar, upright bass and ukulele.
Mike McClure, an Atlanta resident, plays the roles of several different people Cash encountered in life.
“This is a smaller production, so I get to wear a lot more hats,” he said. “I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Jordan Simmons, a Noblesville resident and 2002 Carmel High School graduate, plays several roles.
“I’m primarily the string bass player,” Simmons said. “I play pretty much all of (Cash’s) friends, including some he’s up to no good with. I’m just kind of always there.”
Simmons has never been on stage,
usually playing bass in the orchestra pit.
“I love Johnny Cash and I love singing Johnny Cash,” Simmons said. “When I found they needed a bass player who liked Johnny Cash, that gave me the courage to sing and be in front of a lot of people. I’m very excited because it’s a new experience that I haven’t previously had the opportunity to do, so hopefully (I’ll) have more to do.”
Nathan Perry, a north side Indianapolis resident, is the music director and keyboardist.
“I’m also elevated in the show with some lines as the train station master,” said Perry, who has been in several shows with ATI.
Usually in the orchestra pit or background, Perry said he has been on stage on occasion in a similar role.
The show features more than 30 of Cash’s songs.
For more, visit atistage.org.
‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet” runs through Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
VIRGINIA SWIFT
Jazz vocalist Veronica Swift will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘RING OF FIRE’
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” runs Sept. 13 to Sept. 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
STAIND & BREAKING BENJAMIN
Staind & Breaking Benjamin, with special guest Daughtry, will perform at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
SHARP DRESSED SIMPLE MAN
The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, featuring ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
’TOO MANY RULES’
Carmel comedian Dave Dugan’s tour “Too Many Rules” will debut at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel, at Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
DISPATCH
“CRYSTAL” set for Fishers Event Center — Cirque du Soleil’s “CRYSTAL,” a one-of-akind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time, comes to the new Fishers Event Center for five performances Jan. 23-26, 2025. With seven traditional circus acts all adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a brandnew creative territory – the ice – “CRYSTAL” takes audiences on a journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination. For more and for tickets, visit cirquedusoleil. com/crystal.
From left, Nathan Perry, Brandon Alstott, Sarah Hund, Matt McClure, Kent M. Lewis and Jordan Simmons appear in “Ring of Fire.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
STP in ‘Purple’ phase
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Jeff Gutt wasn’t a member when the band started, but its first two albums made a great impression on him.
CONCERT
Stone Temple Pilots will perform “Purple,” the band’s second studio album, in its entirety during its Sept. 15 visit to Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. The band +LIVE+ will open at 7 p.m.
This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the release of “Purple.” Stone Temple Pilots’ first album, “Core,” came out in September 1992.
“I fell in love with ‘Core’ when I was 16,” Gutt said. “That’s when I was putting down the guitar and singing. It had a big effect on me when it comes to that. When ‘Purple’ came out, it was different. It wasn’t like they tried to make ‘Core Part II.’ A lot of bands do that because of pressure from the (record) label to match the success they had. ‘Purple’ had different vibes on it, and I had so much respect for that.”
Gutt was hired as the lead singer in
November 2017. He previously was the lead singer for Dry Cell.
Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots’ original lead singer, was fired in 2013. Chester Bennington, of Linkin Park, joined the band for two years as lead singer before leaving to concentrate on Linkin Park. Weiland died of an alcohol and drug overdose in December 2015. Bennington took his own life in July 2017.
Gutt said after the tour, the group might look to create new songs.
“We always work on things individually, so that way when we get together, we have a plethora of things we can throw at each other,” Gutt said.
For tickets, visit livenation.com.
Small Town City returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The time seemed right for Ryan Ahlwardt and Mike Luginbill to reprise their Small Town City act.
MUSIC
The 1999 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduates are performing as Small Town City for the first time since 2021. The friends will open for Jerome Collins at 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our original music with a new audience and supporting our friend Jerome Collins as he brings his Motown revue show to Indiana,” said Ahlwardt, a Fishers resident and former member of the a cappella group Straight No Chaser.
Luginbill, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., and Collins are still members of Straight No Chaser. Ahlwardt, Luginbill and Collins were all members of Straight No Chaser when they were students at Indiana University.
Luginbill will join Ahlwardt and Friends for an Indy Nights show at 7:30 p.m. Sept.
14 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
Ahlwardt said The Tarkington set is slated for 30 minutes.
“We’ll perform several original songs along with our rendition of James Taylor’s song ‘Her Town Too,’ which has a lyric in it that inspired our songwriting duo’s name,” Ahlwardt said.
The song line is “Lord knows that this is just a small town city and everyone can see you fall.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and feinsteinhc.com.
Mike Luginbill, left, and Ryan Ahlwardt perform together as Small Town City. (Photo courtesy of Megan Mellinger)
From left, Stone Temple Pilots members Dean DeLeo, Jeff Gutt, Eric Kretz and Robert DeLeo. (Photo courtesy of PR Brown)
Forbes names Ivy Tech one of Indiana’s best employers
news@youarecurrent.com
Ivy Tech Community College is among Forbes best employers in Indiana for the third consecutive year. The college was included on the 2024 America’s Best In-State Employers list. The ranking is determined based on surveys that ask employees how likely they are to recommend their employer on a scale of zero to 10. Responses, which were received from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., were tallied and incorporated into a scoring system, along with survey data from the past three years, with the most recent surveys given greater weight.
EDUCATION
“Ivy Tech is Indiana’s workforce engine, and we could not deliver on that commitment without the dedication of our faculty and staff,” stated Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “Our people are what make us great, and it’s why we strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered and driven by a deep sense of purpose and belonging. This recognition reflects the impact of our efforts to engage our employees, invest in
their growth and enhance our policies and programs to support their success in work and life.”
Ivy Tech was rated the 52nd-best employer out of 75 that received the honor in the Hoosier state, and is one of five higher education schools in Indiana on the list.
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, with 45 campus locations, including Noblesville and Indianapolis. The college has 6,500 employees statewide. Learn more at ivytech.edu.
DISPATCHES
Best places to work – The application period is open for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Best Places to Work in Indiana competition. 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. 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.
Community grants available – Boone County Solid Waste Management District is accepting applications for $5,000 in grant funds to help facilitate the reduction and proper handling of waste. The grant funds support programs that purchase amenities made from recycled materials, such as disposal containers and water bottle
refill stations. Eligible groups for the grants include nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, civic organizations, businesses and clubs operating within Boone County. The application deadline is Sept. 30. Learn more at boonecountysolidwaste.com/grants.
Coolest things made in Indiana – Businesses and budding entrepreneurs have an opportunity to show off their wares at the Indiana Chamber’s fourth annual ‘Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana’ competition. Companies entered in the tournament face off in a single-elimination bracket format. Products entered must be made in the Hoosier state. Businesses are limited to one submitted product. Online fan voting determines the winner of each matchup. The tournament tips off in late October and concludes in November. Entry is free. Applications are accepted through Oct. 18 at indianachamber.com/coolest.
Ivy Tech Community College is included on Forbes 2024 America’s Best In-State Employers list. (File photo)
1. Plunge
5. Sicilian volcano
9. Donkey sound
13. Star of 38-Across
15. Mom’s sister
16. Separate from society
17. Loan
18. Nursery school, for short 19. Used to be 21. Lingerie item
24. Sierra ___
26. ‘50s first lady
30. Chocolate-coated treat
32. US 31, e.g.
34. IU Health surgery sites
35. Start
36. Observe
37. Indy Eleven score
38. 1955 film based on a John Steinbeck novel
41. White River slippery swimmers
43. Westfield winter hrs.
44. Volunteer’s offer
47. Roman 506
48. Palindromic girl’s name
49. Caesars or Belterra
50. Marina sight
52. Pacer McDermott
54. Noblesville HS prom rental
55. Weight-to-height ratio, briefly
57. Seniors’ org.
59. Fishers N-S road
62. Yearning for the good old days
67. “Mad Men” star Jon
68. Indiana hometown of 13-Across
69. “Butt out!,” initially 70. Guesstimate words
71. “Hey, you!” Down
1. Dance club VIPs 2. “Norma ___”
3. Texter’s “Wow!” 4. Crook, to the IMPD
5. Enter cautiously
6. Hardwood trees
7. ___ King Cole
8. Once more 9. Light wood 10. Regret
11. Raggedy doll
12. Since 1/1
14. Northview Church messages
20. “Little Women” woman
21. Consumer protection org.
22. Fish eggs
23. Heavenly
25. Robbery
27. Bright, at night
28. 401(k) alternative
29. Immigrant’s subj.
31. Prejudice
33. Itty-bitty
36. “What a shame”
37. Salon 01 supplies
39. Colts coach Marchibroda
40. Venn visual
LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’s STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 58 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around September 11, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10 will submit its Standard Contract Rider No. 58, Economic Development (“Standard Contract Rider 58”), to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Standard Contract Rider 58 updates the minimum hours use demand an Economic Development customer 20 MW or larger may be required to maintain during each month of the bill reduction period. The minimum hours use demand requirement is in accordance with the agreed upon Service Agreement. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco, or Lorraine Hitz of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494.
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department
41. Big name in ice cream
42. Actress Longoria
45. Bearded bovine
46. Tic-tac-toe loser
48. PNC Bank machine
49. Dos y dos
51. Nuclear weapon
53. It might be a mirage
56. Deets
58. Kerplunk kin
59. Duke Energy unit
60. Reclined
61. “If you ask me,” online
63. Rowing need
64. Astronaut Grissom
65. ___ and outs
66. Colts passing stat Answers on Page 22
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
DOCKET NUMBER: PZ-2024-00128 V – EVERWISE CREDIT UNION
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on 23 September 2024 at 5:15 pm ET in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr, Carmel Indiana 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Gain approval for a drive-thru location which otherwise is required to be located at the rear of the parcel.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 10920 N. Michigan Road Zionsville, IN 46077
Tax Parcel ID No.: 17-13-06-00-00-031.102
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Petitioner: Everwise Credit Union 110 South Main Street South Bend, IN 46601
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