Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 26
Copyright 2023
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Zionsville physician goes back to her roots
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Dr. Mary Jean Vorwald was excited to practice medicine closer to home when she moved to a new provider, CenterWell Senior Primary Care in Indianapolis’ College Park, just south of Zionsville.
WELLNESS
But what she looks forward to most is the change in how she delivers healing services to patients.
Vorwald worked in Zionsville from 1992 to 2014, first at a practice she owned, then later for a large health care system.
After 2014, she worked with Everside Health in direct patient care. Direct care is a model where patients and doctors have control over the service of medicine, rather than insurance providers. Vorwald said it is referred to as a “value-based” model of care.
“Providers are paid for and supported to provide quality of care, not quantity of care,” Vorwald said. “We’re allowed to spend more time with the patients. The way I like to describe it to people is getting back to the way primary care used to be, where primary care took care of the bulk of your needs.”
Vorwald said the model, which she uses with her new employer, is a bit of a return to old-fashioned medicine.
“I grew up with a family doctor who took care of everything, from a broken leg to all sorts of things,” she said. “The current system, with the hospitals sort of running things, it’s more about getting 30 people in a day because that’s the only way they’re going to reimburse their primary care people.”
At CenterWell, Vorwald provides direct patient care for seniors 65 and older. CenterWell works with patients on Medicare and Medicaid to help bring health care services to underserved communities.
“It’s primary care that’s built more
around seniors,” Vorwald said. “We’re going to focus on chronic conditions and spend more time with them so they can ask more questions, understand their medications and feel like they can spend more time discussing those things. But also, we’re looking for preventative measures that are specifically for seniors. We’re looking at immunizations, how long they are on certain medications. Then we’ve also built into the model support from a social worker, a pharmacist, a care navigator and a mental health specialist. So, we’ve got a whole team to support the social and mental well-being of seniors specifically.”
Vorwald said CenterWell can help make connections for seniors who have difficulty navigating day-to-day challenges like transportation and food insecurity, while also providing outreach and education in a community center-type environment for when those seniors aren’t with the doctor.
CenterWell facilities come with a community room that hosts events throughout the week, including bingo, chair yoga, crafting educational and enrichment activities and support for seniors and their caregivers.
“You don’t even have to be a patient here,” Vorwald said. “The idea is to give seniors a place to go and socialize and
maybe learn a new skill or craft. Some of it is exercise, some is just fun stuff. It’s just connecting with the community.”
Vorwald said care for seniors can often be fragmented, with patients seeing several doctors for multiple needs or ailments.
“We’ve gone too far away from having that medical home that a lot of people used to refer to, where the primary care physician can review (their overall health),” she said. “That’s one of our priorities, the idea being that if you allow primary care to do that, you’re actually going to save money downstream, because you’re going to have less hospitalizations, less ER visits, you may be able to trim out some specialists. I have patients who go and see a specialist every year and they don’t know why.”
Vorwald said with a general lack of primary care available, CenterWell is trying to build around what seniors need.
“Those of us who have been in primary care for as long as I have, we’re realizing the current system isn’t working,” she said. “We need to get away from that productivity mill that is the way that primary care is currently reimbursed, because it’s not working.”
Learn more about CenterWell services at centerwellprimarycare.com.
CenterWell College Park is at 2902 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Vorwald
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Zionsville Town Council approves new fees for services
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Zionsville has adjusted its fee schedule for emergency fees payable to the police and fire departments.
GOVERNMENT
The changes were introduced in August and passed by the town council Sept. 3. The fees are specifically for those who use the services, not a fee passed on to all constituents.
Zionsville Fire Department Chief James VanGorder said the most substantive changes were to emergency service fees, particularly ambulance services.
“These fees have not been considered for increase for seven years,” VanGorder said. “While on paper they appear to be substantial increases, again, they have not gone up for seven years. We shared with council members a spreadsheet showing local areas, and all of these changes bring us from the bottom to (right around the) midpoint of all the fees that are being charged by ambulance service providers within the central Indiana area.”
Increases include costs for basic life support, or BLS, and advanced life support, or ALS.
New fees include:
• BLS emergency/resident — $810
• BLS emergency/nonresident — $1,200
• ALS emergency/resident — $1,005
• ALS emergency/nonresident — $1,400
• ALS2 emergency/resident — $1,250
• ALS2 emergency/nonresident — $1,650
• No transport/resident — $400
• No transport/nonresident — $400
• mileage/resident — $18/loaded mile
• mileage/nonresident — $18/loaded mile
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, an annual 3
percent cost-of-living adjustment will be added to the fire department’s rates and charges. The increase will be added automatically, unless an amendment is made by the council. Council members said in the future they want to review the fee schedule annually, rather than waiting several years resulting in large increases.
“The fire department does not charge unless we administer (assistance) at a house or we transport a patient to a hospital,” VanGorder said.
The fire department also will offer CPR classes at varying levels, an explorer program and first aid training kits.
The fee schedule also includes police fees, including a $50 two-year golf cart registration fee and $12 for accident reports.
Fees also were set for meeting room use; sprinkler and fire alarm inspections; planning and building department permits and fees; and public works engineering inspection fees.
The council approved the new fees unanimously.
View the full fee schedule at tinyurl. com/ycxtvd5e.
When you hear the word neurosurgery, you might think of complicated procedures in the brain. But did you know that many neurosurgical procedures actually involve the spine?
If you’re living with pain, you might not know that neurosurgery is an option to help you live a more comfortable life. At Community Health Network, you can find relief from back, neck, arm and sciatica pain through minimally invasive neurosurgical solutions. Plus, Community makes it simple to find neurosurgical solutions — no physician referral required.
Learn more about how neurosurgery can help with your pain at eCommunity.com/neuro
The Zionsville Town Council approved a new fee schedule for the police and fire department, public works and planning and building services. (File photo)
Community foundation, chamber to focus on leadership
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The Community Foundation of Boone County and the Boone County Chamber of Commerce recently announced the launch of LEAD06 — an initiative to elevate community leadership through development programs.
INITIATIVE
LEAD06 is a platform for a wide range of opportunities, including leadership training, professional development workshops and networking events. Programs are designed to empower community-focused servant leaders, nurture emerging talent and support seasoned professionals.
“LEAD06 represents a powerful union of our resources and expertise to drive leadership excellence in Boone County,” CFBC CEO Julie Reagan stated. “Our goal is to support the growth of a diverse group of community-oriented leaders who can drive meaningful change and contribute to Boone County’s continued success.”
The shared expertise of CFBD and the Boone County Chamber will develop programs that align with needs in Boone County, creating a diverse pipeline of informed and collaborative local leaders, according to the organizations.
“At the Boone County Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply committed to fos-
County and the Boone County Chamber of Commerce will begin an initiative to empower local leaders. (File photo)
tering the growth of the next generation of leaders within our community,” Boone County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sean Reaves stated. “Through our strong partnership with the Community Foundation of Boone County, we are able to empower these emerging leaders, ensuring that Boone County continues to thrive and evolve for years to come.”
The goal of LEAD06, according to the organizations, is to grow young leaders in Boone County by empowering individuals to participate in meaningful change and contribute to the region’s growth and success.
Learn more at communityfoundationbc. org/lead-06.
DISPATCHES
Golf tournament – Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit organization that cares for children awaiting foster placement, will host a golf tournament for the Boone County location Sept. 26 at the Golf Club of Indiana, 6905 S. 525 E. in Whitestown. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Isaiah 117 House is a nonprofit organization that provides physical and emotional support for children awaiting foster care placement. Isaiah 117 House provides for the needs of those children in the critical moments between removal and placement. The golf tournament is $150 for individuals and $600 per foursome. Register at tinyurl.com/t2pkvxkt.
Kolache contest winner – Gabriel Beck of Zionsville was recently named the Gold Medal Winner in Kolache Factory’s sixth annual Create a New Kolache contest. Beck won for his entry, “Eggs Benedict.” He was one of 1,100 fans who submitted recipe
ideas in the Kolache Olympics this summer. His creation is a kolache filled with scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, hollandaise sauce and fresh chives. Winners were voted through an online contest. Headquartered in Texas, Kolache Factory has been making fresh baked kolaches for more than 40 years and has 60 stores nationwide, including Indianapolis and Carmel.
Art exhibition – The Indiana Artists abstract juried exhibition is open at SullivanMunce Cultural Center, 225 W. Hawthorne St. in Zionsville. The exhibition features the works of 30 Hoosier artists. SullivanMunce Cultural Center is a local resource for art, history and genealogy with an art center, history museum, a genealogy library and also serves as the Town of Zionsville’s Welcome Center. The exhibition is free and open to the public and runs until Nov. 2. Learn more at sullivanmunce.org.
The Community Foundation of Boone
Gravy Chase run returns for Thanksgiving
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The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County will host Gravy Chase in Zionsville, to benefit the club, its initiatives and the children it serves.
FUN RUN
The race is at 8:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day — Nov. 28 — on Main Street. This is the eighth year for the event in the Village. The course will allow participants to travel through historic downtown Zionsville in a 2.2-mile walk or 4-mile run.
“We are anticipating over 4,000 participants to join us for this family tradition,” stated Eric Richards, Boys & Girls Club of Boone County CEO. “Gravy Chase is a can’t miss event in our county. The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County serves more than 3,300 youth annually and Gravy Chase provides the funds necessary to do our work.”
Proceeds from Gravy Chase support and serve the youth of the community. The goal is to raise $180,000 to support programming and scholarships for club members.
Registration fees are $30 per individual
The eighth annual Gravy Chase to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County is Thanksgiving Day. (File photo)
and $110 per family of four until Sep. 30. Registration fees will increase to $35 per individual and $130 per family of four in October.
During November, registration will be $40 per individual or $150 for a family of four.
Day-of-race registration is $45.
Registration includes a long-sleeved T-shirt, guaranteed to those registered by Nov. 1
Gracy Chase is sponsored by STAR Financial Bank, Eli Lilly and Co., State Bank, Ernst & Young, McCrea Property Group and Fluor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available at bgcboone.org.
Register for the event at runsignup.com/ gravychase.
The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County has units in Lebanon, Whitestown and Zionsville. The organization serves more than 400 kids daily and 3,300 total members between the ages of 5 to 18 with summer camps, sports leagues and community programs.
Candace Ulmer and Mamata Patel manned the table for the Zionsville Cultural District during the Dahlia Showcase at the farmers market in Zionsville Sept. 14. Flower lovers who had received a free dahlia tuber earlier in the season from the ZCD were invited to bring their dahlia blooms to the showcase. The Zionsville Cultural District’s mission is to market initiatives that benefit the community. The district promotes Zionsville’s art and culture history and its community assets to enhance tourism and stimulate economic development. Volunteers and board members also coordinate experiences within the community to improve and enrich experiences for residents, local businesses and visitors, such as the dahlia tuber giveaway. Learn more about ZCD at zvillecd.org. (Photo courtesy of Donna Monday)
CELEBRATE WITH US
ZPD officer graduates from FBI academy
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Zionsville Police Department Lt. Bryan Sauer is a graduate of the 291st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The 10-week academy is internationally known for academic excellence.
Students participate in advanced communication, leadership and fitness training.
Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. The facility in Quantico is where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.
“I am extremely proud of Lt. Sauer and his successful completion of the prestigious FBI National Academy,” stated ZPD Chief Michael Spears, a graduate of the 168th academy.
Sauer graduated Sept. 12. His national academy class included men and women from 47 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.
He is among 55,440 graduates who have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935 and is the fifth member of the ZPD to graduate.
DISPATCH
Young chefs sought – The World Food Championships Junior Competition will return for its second year from 11:30 a.m.to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. This year’s theme is “Healthy Fresh” and student chefs aged 12-17 will create their best pork dishes using products provided by Indiana Pork. The competition inspires the next generation of chefs by providing them with valuable experience. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three competitors. Parents or instructors of young aspiring chefs can complete the online application at tinyurl. com/5n6bwj6a. Learn more at WorldFoodChampionships.com.
Sauer
40 years of supporting students
By Jennifer A. Haire news@youarecurrent.com
Assistance League of Indianapolis is inviting the public to a special behind-thescenes event featuring its Operation School Bell program on Oct. 1.
NONPROFIT
From 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Oct. 1, program supporters and community members can enjoy light snacks and a tour of the Northbrook facility, which houses the program, at 1433 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis. Tours will be at 3:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. OSB chair Candi Harcourt and other volunteers will be on hand to walk attendees through how a bag of clothing is packed and answer questions.
Operation School Bell provides new clothes to students in need in kindergarten through fifth grade. It was the first program launched by ALI, which draws a large percentage of its membership from Carmel, and it is estimated to have saved families more than $3 million since 1984.
Each student is provided with a winter coat, a hat and a set of gloves, six pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear, either two
pants or one pants and a skort or jumper, two shirts and a toothbrush.
OSB provides clothing to students in Indianapolis Public Schools and Lawrence, Pike, Warren, Washington and Wayne township schools.
ALI operates completely with volunteers, with about 180 working with the program. Anyone interested in learning more about the program and how to get involved is encouraged to attend. There is no cost and registration is not required.
For more about Operation School Bell and the Assistance League of Indianapolis, visit alindy.org.
From left, ALI volunteers Laura Ellis, Kathy Drewes and Harriet Majors work in the Operation School Bell program. (Photo courtesy of ALI)
Noblesville girls soccer player embraces team captain role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School senior girls soccer player Atley Pittman has truly embodied the role of a leader.
“Atley has developed over the years from a very good piece to a very good puzzle to a team captain and, as she always has, she continues to put team first, which she understands is important to maintaining a winning culture,” Millers coach Mike Brady said. “Atley values wearing Noblesville on the front of her jersey and the community should be proud of how she has represented her school over the years. A lot of athletes want to talk the talk without walking the walk. Not Atley. She shows up every day determined to not only raise the bar for herself, but for the entire team.”
Pittman, a midfielder, has been a key contributor on the Millers’ past two Class 3A state championship teams.
“It has been beyond amazing to be a part of a program that has had such success,” Pittman said. “The best part is getting to play with such talented players throughout
MEET ATLEY PITTMAN
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Athlete: Mallory Swanson
Favorite TV Show: “Gossip Girl”
Favorite Musician: Taylor Swift
my four years. Many of them I have played with since I was 4 years old. These past years have given me a lifetime of cherished memories.”
Pittman had eight goals and seven assists last season. She has one goal and three assists this season for the Millers, who were 7-0-2 as of Sept. 17.
“We are always working and trying to be a better version of who we are,” Pittman
said. “We have a great foundation, but there is always room for improvement. I look forward to each and every game to see where we stand.”
Pittman has developed her soccer IQ through the years.
“I feel I have made improvements in understanding the game from different coaches’ styles as well as adapting my role on the field based on who I have the opportunity to play with,” she said.
Pittman was recruited by Indiana University and accepted a scholarship, but a recent lawsuit settlement by the NCAA has changed her plans.
“The NCAA lawsuit and roster cap has since changed all of my plans,” she said. “I am currently exploring my options and trying to find the best fit for me.”
The lawsuit settlement against the NCAA over name, image and likeness will cap soccer roster sizes at Power 4 programs. They are expected to be capped at between 24 and 28.
Pittman began playing soccer at age 4 at Noblesville United Soccer Club.
“I played tennis in middle school and basketball from third to eighth grade,” Pittman said. “I also did triathlons as a kid.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
Atley Pittman is an overall leader for the Noblesville High School girls soccer team. (Photo courtesy of Julie Montgomery)
Dental Scholarships available “Puppies and Ponies” to benefit ICAN
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Dr. Danielle Godley and Godley Family Orthodontics of Zionsville have partnered with the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation to provide orthodontic treatment scholarships to children and teens who would not be able to afford braces otherwise.
ORAL HEALTH
Smile for a Lifetime is a national nonprofit that helps make orthodontic care accessible to children in low-income families and those in special circumstances, such as foster care.
The organization focuses on giving back to the community through scholarships and grants for orthodontic treatment
Accepted applicants pay a total of $500 for care, with the scholarship covering the remaining costs. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the cost of braces varies but on average is between $3,000 and $7,000. Applicants must be between the ages of 8 and 18 and not currently wear braces; must have good dental hygiene practices; must be enrolled in school with a C
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FUNDRAISER
average or higher; must have a social impediment or moderate/severe need for braces; and must have a family income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Applicants are welcome from all Indianapolis metropolitan communities.
To apply for an orthodontic scholarship or learn more about Smile For A Lifetime,visit smileforalifetime.org/ apply-for-braces. Scholarships are limited and handled through the National Smile for a Lifetime Foundation.
For more on Godley Family Orthodontics, visit godleyfamilyortho.com.
Indiana Canine Assistant Network’s fourth annual polo charity match, Puppies and Ponies at Sunset, begins at 5 p.m. Sept. 27 at Hickory Hall Polo Club, 7551 E. 100 N. in Whitestown. Proceeds from the polo match benefit ICAN — an accredited service dog organization that pairs children and adults with disabilities with a service dog. Proceeds also benefit Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center.
The family-friendly event gives Hoosiers a front-row seat to enjoy a polo match, socialize with one another and learn about ICAN’s service dogs in training. Service dog training for one dog costs approximately $30,000. Training is a twoyear program, much of which is led by incarcerated individuals at the Indiana Women’s Prison, Pendleton Correctional Facility and Correctional Industrial Facility.
ICAN’s training program provides dogs
with service animal capabilities while giving inmates valuable skills for when they return to the community.
ICAN relies on private donations, charitable foundations and fundraising efforts such as Puppies and Ponies to cover training expenses.
Admission to Puppies and Ponies is $50 per car. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the match begins at 6 p.m.
Learn more at icandog.org.
Dr. Danielle Godley (center) with the staff of Godley Family Orthodontics of Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Godley Family Orthodontics)
Indiana Canine Assistant Network hosts the fourth annual Puppie and Ponies polo match Sept. 27 in Whitestown. (Photo courtesy of ICAN)
FRIGHT NIGHTS RETURN TO MAPLELAWN FARMSTEAD
Maplelawn Farmstead and Zionsville Parks & Recreation will host the second Maplelawn Fright Nights Oct. 24 through Oct. 26 at the farmstead, 9575 Whitestown Rd., in Zionsville, next to Mulberry Fields. The Halloween-themed event is geared toward middle and high school students and includes a haunted house and other age-appropriate activities. The first event in 2023 sold more than 900 tickets. Proceeds benefit Maplelawn Farmstead. The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. each day. For more, visit maplelawnfarmstead.org. (Photo by
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.
Marney Simon)
(Photo courtesy of Meridian Audiology.)
VonBlon
Wyss
(Advertorial)
PAGE TURNER
Indy
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Book Project provides thousands of free books for children
Reading is a lifelong skill that never dulls. But to develop that skill, children need books.
Founded in 2018, Indy Book Project has given away more than 241,000 books to Hoosier children. Based in Zionsville, the nonprofit volunteer organization collects books for children ages 0-18 and distributes those items around the Indianapolis metropolitan area, ensuring kids get a chance to lose themselves in a good book.
“We have an incredibly supportive community,” Executive Director Amy Freytag said. “We collect gently used and new books from the community and then we sort them, we clean them, we sticker them and we redistribute them through community centers, other nonprofits, food pantries, pediatricians’ offices, schools and Little Free Libraries.”
The organization operates with a simple premise: children need books.
“As hard as it is to believe, there are children who are growing up in homes and they don’t have any books,” Freytag said. “These areas with little print in their homes are called book deserts. Research has shown that having a home library increases the chance of academic success and vocabulary development and even job attainment. It’s critical, having books at home. And it starts young.”
A former teacher, Freytag said the organization prioritizes providing books not only to children but to their parents to read to them while they are still in the toddler years.
“It’s an important component to developing those lifelong literacy skills,” she said. “Just having 20 books in a house makes an incredible difference. So, that is our goal, making sure these kids have books in their homes.”
Freytag said people might not realize exactly how many homes lack children’s books.
“We have a local pediatrician who we have given books to for quite a while, and she said you might be surprised by how many families come in and don’t have books at home,” she said. “There definitely is a need.”
Organizations that Indy Book Project partners with generally serve a population where at least 50 percent of the children involved are Medicaid-eligible, are on free or reduced lunch or come from low-income families. But it’s not a requirement.
“We give to everybody, because everybody benefits from books at home,” Freytag said. “We serve the entire greater Indianapolis area, and we’ve been contacted by places elsewhere in Indiana for books. If we have the books, we give them. Our mission is to ensure all kids have access to books in their house. So, our focus is really on book ownership and getting books into places where kids will have them in their homes. Also big for us is choice in books — allowing kids to choose which books they select to take
home and making sure we have a diverse selection so all kids can find a book that they can see themselves in.”
In addition to distributing books to organizations and individuals, Indy Book Project participates at special events where books are distributed, including farmers markets, back-to-school events and Stories in the Park in Zionsville.
“There’s nothing like being at these events and seeing these kids pick out books,” Freytag said. “There’s just nothing like seeing the joy in their eyes and on their faces when they are able to select their book and take it for
So far in 2024, Indy Book Project has distributed more than 50,000 books — the majority of which were gently used books donated by the community. Organizations and individuals who wish to request books can fill out a request form at indybookproject.org.
ONE BOOK AT A TIME
Indy Book Project was founded in 2018 by Gina Sprenger, who had moved to the area from North Carolina. Sprenger was an active volunteer with the Durham, N.C., nonprofit Book Harvest, but couldn’t find a similar organization in the Indianapolis area.
As someone passionate about book access, Sprenger reached out to the community to see if others were interested.
“She modeled it very similarly to how Book Harvest runs their organization,” Indy Book Project Executive Director Amy Freytag said. “She ran it out of her garage.”
Sprenger moved back to North Carolina in 2022, but the organization had grown enough to carry on, renting out office space in Zionsville and appointing Freytag, who was already an active volunteer, volunteer coordinator and board member, as executive director. Freytag works part time and is the organization’s only paid employee — all other members are 100 percent volunteer.
“We have an incredible base of very dedicated and loyal volunteers,” she said.
Volunteers with Indy Book Project come into the office whenever donated books need to be cleaned, sorted and organized for giveaways — sometimes as often
as three times a week. Freytag said some volunteers work as book stewards for Little Free Libraries around the Indianapolis area, picking up books from the office in Zionsville and ensuring that little libraries in the region remain full.
The organization accepts donations of new and gently used books in both English and Spanish for children aged 0-18. Indy Book Project does not accept books for adults, books with high religious content, coloring books, reference books like dictionaries or thesauruses, activity books or books with extensive wear and tear.
“For kids where this may be the only book they have, we want it to be a book that they’re really going to cherish,” Freytag said. “We want to promote reading for pleasure and really hook kids on the enjoyment of reading, not as something that they have to do because they’ve been told to.”
A book drop for donations is at the Indy Book Project office, 1539 W. Oak St. in Zionsville. Donation bins are also available at Curious Squirrel Bookshop and 4Kids Books and Toys in Zionsville.
To donate funds or books, host a book drive or volunteer, visit indybookproject.org/get-involved.
ON THE COVER: Indy Book Project Executive Director Amy Freytag distributes books during Stories in the Park in June in Zionsville. (Photo by Marney Simon)
AIM of New Hope of Indiana volunteers help sort books for Indy Book Project. (Photos courtesy of Indy Book Project)
Volunteers with Indy Book Project distribute books at the Zionsville farmers market.
Acting friends slip back into ‘Kinky Boots’ roles
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jacob Butler and Jonathan Studdard are running it back one more time. Butler and Studdard are returning to the same roles in the cast of “Kinky Boots” for a different theater group.
The two will perform in Civic Theatre’s Oct. 4-19 production at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The friends were in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s presentation in 2022.
Butler, a Lawrence resident, plays Charlie Price, who has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Lola, a drag queen, played by Fishers resident Studdard, tries to help him.
“I love doing this role,” Butler said. “It’s a lot of fun for me. It’s the Cyndi Lauper music and the right vocals and getting to do those. There’s a lot of meat to dig into in the show.”
Butler said it’s a timely show during a heated political season.
“Getting to share the message of getting to know your neighbor, getting to know the people around you and not judging them before you know them is a great message to share right now,” he said. “This show is a little out of left field for the normal shows in town.”
Butler said he thinks the Beef & Boards audiences didn’t initially know what to expect.
“But once they came and saw us, they were rocking out in their seats,” Butler said. “They were smiling all the time like they were engaged in (the message) we were trying to share.”
Butler said he originally thought he was going to be too busy to do the show, but Studdard convinced him otherwise.
Butler and Studdard were previously in Civic’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Studdard made his first Beef & Boards appearance in “Kinky Boots.”
“So, I felt very pressured because I
wanted to do well,” Studdard said. “Their runs are typically a lot longer than our runs, so we did 52 shows in comparison to the eight we do here. The rehearsal period is shorter, two weeks instead of seven weeks, so that made me a bit nervous.”
be his final show for the foreseeable future.
Studdard, 29, said there are a lot of things that can happen in a person’s life in two years and he hopes to bring those personal experiences to his acting.
“I’m really excited to have fun,” Studdard said. “Civic has always been home to me, so I’m really excited to take a dip in Lola’s waters again and close out my theater performance journey with ‘Kinky Boots’ because I got a new job I really love, but this takes me away from performing.”
Studdard, who is director of operations for the Indiana State Museum and historical sites, said “Kinky Boots” will
Caroline Sanchez, a Carmel resident, said she always wanted to perform in “Kinky Boots.”
“I hadn’t seen the show, but I really liked the songs,” said Sanchez, who plays the role of Trish. “I hadn’t done a musical in a very long time, so I just was really excited to get to sing and dance again.”
Sanchez said her biggest challenge is the singing and dancing parts.
“I’m a big Shakespeare and straight play actor,” Sanchez said.
Carmel resident Tommy McConnell, 11, plays the role of young Charlie. A Clay Middle School sixth-grader, he has performed previously in Junior Civic shows.
“I like performing with the adults,” he said. “The show really sends a good message of accepting others for who they are and celebrating our differences.”
For more, visit civictheatre.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.
‘9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL’
The Belfry Theatre presents “9 to 5 The Musical’ through Sept. 29 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Freeform Concert Series presents “Hello World with John Boyle and Cam Melton” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25; “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26; and “Dueling Pianos presented by Brittany Brumfield and Baby Grand Entertainment” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
SUPER DIAMOND
Super Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute act, will join Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
‘RING OF FIRE’
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Ring of Fire” runs through Sept. 29 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
‘WHO I AM’
Nick Carter will perform in his “Who I Am” tour at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
LEONID & FRIENDS
“Leonid & Friends: The Music of Chicago & More” is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘VICTORY LAP’ TOUR
Damien Escobar’s “Victory Lap” tour is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSIC
From left, Jacob Butler, Jonathan Studdard and Kelsey McDaniel appear in Civic Theatre’s “Kinky Boots.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Sanchez
McConnell
Pulling a ‘Ripcord’ for laughs
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
When Miki Mathioudakis read the script for “Ripcord,” she immediately knew she wanted to be a part of the show.
COMEDY
“I had read the play and I thought, ‘Oh, yeah, I want to play Marilyn,’” Mathioudakis said. “Then I went to see the play (in Cincinnati in 2019) and said, ‘Oh, no, I want to play Abby’ because Abby is a real curmudgeon, and she has this wonderful scene with her estranged son.”
Mathioudakis and fellow Indianapolis resident Tina Nehrling have the leading roles in Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Ripcord” Oct. 3-13 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
The comedy centers on two women who engage in one-upmanship in a senior living center.
“They’re trying to prank each other to get the other one kicked out,” said the play’s director Andrea Odle, a Noblesville resident.
Nehrling, who plays Marilyn, is making her debut with Main Street Productions.
Nehrling said the show is mixed with anger and tenderness.
“It’s my favorite kind of play because it’s funny. When you laugh, it opens up the tender place inside of you, so deeper truths can touch you.”
– MIKI MATHIOUDAKIS
strong -- not “drippy oatmeal parts,” which are often available for older actresses.
“It’s like they’re in a battle and we find out their backstory later and why they’re the way they are,” Nehrling said.
Nehrling said she was not familiar with the show until she read the script. Nehrling and Mathioudakis formerly lived near each other and are longtime friends.
“Oftentimes, we’d be in competition for a role rather than playing together’” said Mathioudakis, who made her first appearance at Basile Westfield Playhouse in April.
Nehrling said the leading roles are
“There are several women of a certain age who wanted to audition for this,” Mathioudakis said. “I think we both showed up on the first night and I think that was smart.”
Odle described the play as a comedy with heart. She said one of her directing mentors sent her the show, calling it “fantastic.”
“The challenging part is we move to different locations within the story,” Odle said. “We’re in a haunted house, then they jump out of an airplane and then we’re in a park, so that’s a bit of a challenge on how we show the audience we’re gone. It’s set pieces and (the) audience’s imagination.”
Mathioudakis said she previously did readings of the play for Indy Actors Playground and Carmel Community Players and audiences loved it.
“It’s my favorite kind of play because it’s funny,” Mathioudakis said. “When you laugh, it opens up the tender place inside of you, so deeper truths can touch you.”
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FREE EVENT OKTOBERFEST
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:
The Cornerstone Lutheran Church Oktoberfest from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at 4850 E. Main St. in Carmel is a family-friendly event with food, music and activities for children. Free events include Polka music and dancing, yard games, a costume contest and bingo. For more, visit cornerstonelutheran. church/oktoberfest.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
BIKE WITH A COP — The community is invited to a free bike ride alongside local police officers through Dillon Park in Noblesville, 6001 Edenshall Lane Sept. 28. Registration is required at secure.rec1.com/ IN/city-of-noblesville-in/catalog.
Mathioudakis
Nehrling
CSO to rotate guest conductors
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
After Janna Hymes left as music director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra just before the 2023-24 season in October, the company named David Commanday as the guest conductor for the season-opening concert.
MUSIC
open the classical season with a tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Palladium. Damien Geter will serve as the conductor and soloists from Indianapolis Opera will be featured.
He served two more stints as guest conductor before being named music director in December 2023. CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain said negotiations were unsuccessful in bringing Commanday back for the 2024-25 season.
“It’s not that we wouldn’t ever work with him in the future, it’s just that this season didn’t work out,” Chastain said. “One of the things the board talked about when we went through the change last year is we did want to take the time to look through a variety of options for conductors. We still haven’t made a decision when we will launch a conductor search but we knew this coming season we wanted to bring in a few different conductors, so we can see what their styles are like and just expose the orchestra to a few different options.”
CSO will join Super Diamond, a tribute act devoted to Neil Diamond, in a season-opening concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. CSO will then
“We’re very excited about the lineup we have,” Chastain said.
“We have conductors who have experience all over the world com ing to work with us.”
Chastain said the programming is diverse as well.
“We want the programs to really touch the souls of our audience and be that transformative musical and artistic experience we know that great art can provide,” Chastain said. “Art is a won derful way for uniting people in the community and bringing people together.”
The “America the Beautiful” concert set for Nov. 16 will feature Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 From the New World.”
The “Family Pops: A Viennese Holiday” concert featuring romantic waltzes with sing-alongs is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 15, with a “Holiday in Vienna” set for 7 p.m.
Fly Dance Company’s “Breakin’ Classical: A Fusion of Dance and Symphony” is set for Jan. 25, 2025, with breakdancing accompanying the orchestra.
The “Moonlights and Lanterns” concert Feb. 8 will feature the music of Chinese festivals of the Lunar New Year. Other concerts include “Carmel Artist Showcase,” Feb. 23; “Appalachian Spring,” March. 16 and “Easter Parade,” April 19.
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
Heartland announces lineup
FILM editorial@youarecurrent.com
Heartland Film has announced the lineup for the 33rd Heartland International Film Festival Powered by the Indiana Economic Development Corp., taking place Oct. 10-20 in Indianapolis.
The 11-day festival, which was named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2023, will showcase more than 110 feature films, including 28 world/North American/U.S. premieres, 73 regional premieres, 20 special presentations from major distributors and 10 Indiana Spotlight films. Opening night showcases “A Real Pain” from Searchlight Pictures. Directed, written by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, the
film follows mismatched cousins David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) as they reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. Centerpiece Screening, set for Oct. 16, features “Small Things Like These” from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, starring Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.
This year’s theme is “Expand Your Universe.” Attendees are encouraged to explore the 110-plus films with screenings at Emagine Noblesville, Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant, Landmark Glendale 12, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. All film selections will have in-person screenings, and many also will be available to view virtually. Individual tickets and Fest Passes are available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org.
Chastain
Pearson Automotive Tennis Club in Zionsville honored
news@youarecurrent.com
Pearson Automotive Tennis Club in Zionsville is the recipient of the United States Tennis Association, Inc. Outstanding Facility Award for 2024.
ATHLETICS
PATC is one of 41 winners in the USTA’s annual awards program that recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the nation. The evaluation also considers factors like teaching professional certifications, Safe Play compliance and the quality of tennis programming. Awards were granted to facilities based on size, type of facility (private, public or at an education institution) and program offerings.
PATC’s facility features LED lighting for its recently resurfaced 8 Har-Tru Cushion courts. Programming is led by USTA High Performance and USPTA Certified tennis professionals.
PATC treasurer and founding board member Dave Hunt accepted the award at the U.S. Open in August in New York City.
“Being recognized by the USTA as an outstanding facility is truly an honor,” PATC
President and Board Chair Brent Claymon stated. “It is attributable to our dedicated and talented staff, the tireless effort of our volunteer board, our passionate membership, and the greater Indianapolis community that has embraced our mission to grow the game of tennis.”
USTA officials said award recipients inspire communities to embrace the game.
“Outstanding tennis facilities like the
Pearson Automotive Tennis Club help us to grow the game at the grassroots level, and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,”
USTA managing director Theodore Loehrke stated.
Pearson Automotive Tennis Club is a nonprofit organization. Opened in 2017, the club promotes the social and health benefits of tennis while improving athletic literacy.
PATC works with youth, schools, colleges, the USTA and other nonprofit organizations to help individuals achieve their goals. The club supports local schools and colleges and hosts national events such as the Rajeev Ram Foundation Indy Challenger tournament.
An all-weather sign from the USTA will be mounted at the facility this fall.
Learn more at pearsontennis.com.
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.
from
large screen
Hosted by and benefiting: MVP Sponsor:
Pearson Automotive Tennis Club board member Dave Hunt, left, receives the outstanding facility recognition from USTA Director of Tennis Venue Services, Parks and Community Tennis Associations Todd Carlson.
PATC’s facility features LED lighting and recently resurfaced 8 Har-Tru Cushion courts. (Photos courtesy of Pearson Automotive Tennis Club)
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
HUMOR
The cold truth about lost hearing aids
My wife Mary Ellen convinced me to get hearing aids about three years ago. However, I frequently forgot to wear them. I had to keep asking, “What?” After a while, it annoyed my friends and family, so I added a little variety, like, “Say what?” and “Excuse me?” When I returned to New York for a visit, I asked, “Are you talking to me?” Mary Ellen kept telling me I wasn’t hearing well. I’m not sure if she was correct. I think the proper grammar is, “You are not hearing good,” but I need to check that with my editor, who is my wife, so now the case is closed.
This kind of problem is usually more apparent with glasses. I didn’t need my spouse to point out vision issues. I got a lot of practical feedback walking into a glass door or putting on two different-colored socks — or a sneaker and a loafer.
When Mary Ellen realized I was having
Does
Editor,
vision issues, she first said I wasn’t good looking and then said I didn’t look well. I didn’t care about the grammar. I didn’t like the sound of either one.
Hearing aids are relatively easy to use. You put them in your ears, both of them; then you put both of the hearing aids into both of your ears. Then, you take them out of both of your ears at night. I’m glad I read the directions. I am quite good at inserting them, although sometimes I would put them in the wrong ears, making it hard to understand people on my right. Sorry, I don’t mean that politically, I fell asleep the other night in my La-ZBoy while listening to music in the family room, so I neglected to remove the devices from my ears. I thrash around when I doze, so when I woke up, they had fallen out, lost somewhere in my chair, I assumed. The search began. First, I felt around the insides of the cushion. I found two pencils, three dimes and my Costco card. I also found a cluster of dog hair, which is pretty troubling
READERS’ VIEWS
Zionsville
really need a DORA?
There is an irony to the consideration of a (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) for the downtown Zionsville district.
An extremely contentious meeting was held at the plan commission at which a majority of citizens spoke out strongly against the South Village PUD. Despite opposition, the plan commission approved the PUD with one dissenting vote. As most now know, citing lack of consensus, Mayor (John) Stehr withdrew the PUD before the full town council was scheduled to vote on it.
As I move through Zionsville and see all the signs urging residents to preserve
SCAN
their town, I must wonder whether those who vociferously opposed the PUD will come out in equal force against the DORA?
With so many restaurants vending alcohol within their confines, do we really need a walking drinking zone to further our enjoyment? It seems obvious that greater public consumption of alcohol will lead to poor outcomes.
So, to those so dedicated to the preservation of our town’s charm: Will your voices be heard before revelers and drinkers hit the revered cobblestones?
Paul White, Zionsville
because we haven’t had a dog for 10 years. My wife is usually quite helpful in situations like this. The last time I thought I had misplaced my glasses, she pointed out I was still wearing them, so her question, “Did you check your ears?” seemed quite reasonable.
No, they weren’t in my ears, lost in the cushion or on the floor. Because I take prescription sleep meds, I wondered if I could have unknowingly wandered about the house in my sleep, a possible side effect
of this drug. I checked the bathroom, the laundry room and the second bedroom. I finally found them in a very unlikely place. They seemed to work fine … after I defrosted them.
DREAM HOME
Fischer Homes is proudly building in communities throughout Indianapolis including Fishers, Westfield, McCordsville, Zionsville, Avon and more! 13
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
1. Gov. Holcomb
5. Poet’s Muse 10. Wallop 14. Kind of light
15. Kind of jar
16. Musical sound
17. Pana Donuts choice
20. Swerved wildly
21. Bad-mouth
22. IU Health IV units
25. Famed movie studio
26. “Blue ___ Shoes”
28. Get ready, briefly
30. Like Fright Manor
34. Be nosy
35. Juliet’s love
37. Map within an Indiana map
39. Pana Donuts choice
44. One of Santa’s reindeer
45. Fast food chain known for roast beef
47. Butler frat letter
49. Turkish bigwig
52. Defense acronym
53. Julia of “Julie & Julia”
55. UIndy URL ending
57. Attach a button
58. Anger
59. Get a table for one, say
64. Pana Donuts choice
69. “___ It Romantic?”
70. Hog the mirror
71. Lilly lab vessel
72. Civic Theatre headliner
73. Former anchor store at Castleton Square Mall
74. Goes off course Down
1. Colts lineman
2. ___ Speedwagon
3. Debtor’s letters
4. “Mad Money” network
5. Come up
6. “To the end of the block! C’mon!”
7. Tennis great Arthur
8. Bullwinkle, e.g.
9. A single time 10. Cardinals cap letters 11. Construction site machine 12. Messy 13. Gaggle members 18. Felon’s flight
Some ER cases
EMT skill
23. Gator’s kin
24. I-65 big rig
27. Rising trend
29. Writing tool
31. Mob scenes
32. Brown County lodging
33. PC key
36. Lennon’s lady
38. Indianapolis Indians pitching stat
40. Mellencamp guitar attachment
41. ___ culpa
42. IU’s Kelley School graduate degs.
43. Computer memory unit
46. Indiana State Fair barn
47. Put into words 48. Reddish brown
Aide
51. Fancies up 53. Well-mannered
54. NJ neighbor
56. Half of bi-
60. Swiss peaks
61. Weight allowance
62. On a voyage
63. A deadly sin
65. “___ be an honor”
66. Napleton car brand
67. Indiana House work?
68. Chicago trains Answers on Page 22
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