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About us
Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 30
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032
317.489.4444
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Zionsville West seventh-grader earns second BMX state championship
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville West Middle School seventh-grader Aiden Tuell, 13, is a two-time champion of the Indiana State Championship USA BMX.
RACING
Aiden took the top podium spot Sept. 15 at the Imagination Glen BMX Track in Portage. It’s the second consecutive year he’s won the championship in Indiana.
The competition is part of the state series affiliated with USA BMX. The series is divided into age groups and of four divisions — novice, intermediate, cruiser and expert. Aiden took first place in the Indiana State Championship age 12/intermediate category just nine days before his 13th birthday.
Aiden, of Whitestown, became interested in BMX biking early, starting with training camps at the BMX Indy Cycloplex in Indianapolis with students from Marian University. He was introduced to the sport by his father, Brian Tuell, who rode when he was younger.
“I started when I was about 8. I did a two-month-long training course once every two weeks,” he said. “The kids from Marinan coach you around a little bit. Ever since I was really little, I just loved riding bikes, so when my dad told me about (BMX), I thought I might go try it.”
Aiden’s mother Angela Tuell said he works hard.
“He really only has five more wins before he reaches expert level,” Tuell said. “So, it’s possible next year that he could be at that level. He really goes out far beyond a lot of the competition.”
Although there are some indoor tracks in Indiana, the points-season affiliated with USA BMX runs from March through September.
As he gets older, the sport requires more physical training and changes with how he competes.
“I’ve needed to get new gear because my stuff is tiny,” Aiden said. “Next season I can clip into my bike, which are these special shoes that have a clip on the bottom of them and they clip into the pedals. So, you’re stuck to the bike.”
He said there’s a certain amount of personal pride that comes with winning.
“It’s really cool to tell everybody that I
did it and I won,” Aiden said. “Also, it’s not a team sport, it’s a single person thing. If you lose, it’s not your team losing, it’s you losing. I think that also makes me feel better when I win — it’s not the team winning, it’s me winning.”
Aiden said competition bicycles are different from the BMX freestyle bicycle that children ride around the neighborhood. His equipment is similar to what is used by BMX athletes in the Olympics, only a bit smaller, with fewer upgrades. He rides a frame made by Ssquared Bicycles.
“Freestyle is a more compact design,” he said. “The racing bikes are a little bit longer and they go faster.”
Aiden said he has a goal to make it to the Olympics one day.
“I just like to tell my friends about how fast I get going and how high I jump,” he said. “I have some pretty cool photos of me jumping. I’ll show that to them, brag a little bit.”
Learn more about BMX racing at usabmx. com.
Aiden Tuell competed at the Indiana State Championship USA BMX series Sept. 15. (Photos courtesy of Angela Tuell)
Zionsville West Middle School seventh-grader Aiden Tuell was age 12/intermediate champion at Indiana State Championship USA BMX series in September.
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PUMPKINS & HAYRIDES
Zionsville selects the 2024 Z’ Tree of the Year
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The People of Zionsville for the Aesthetics of Zionsville Committee recently announced the 2024 Z’ Tree of the Year winner.
RECOGNITION
The tree is a sycamore on Williamsburg Court in Colony Woods at the home of the Schilling family. In her submission, Emily Schilling said the tree represents Zionsville’s past as a farming community as well as the present as a thriving neighborhood filled with families sharing an appreciation for Zionsville and its charm.
“We’ve been at this house for almost nine years, and we love this tree,” Schilling said. “I grew up on a farm, so I didn’t want to live in a house where I could feel like my neighbors were in my backyard, but I also didn’t want to mow a bunch of yard. This tree is gorgeous. It’s in our backyard (and) it’s a big, giant tree on a pond.”
Schilling said when they purchased the property, the previous owner left a photo of the land as it once was — a cow pasture — with the sycamore prominently in the pasture.
“From before Colony Woods was Colony Woods, it was a cow pasture and had this gorgeous sycamore with the pond,” she said.
The recognition was presented during the Oct. 7 Zionsville Town Council meeting. The Schilling family received a gift card to Little House Garden Center and Market as part of the award. A photo of their sycamore tree is hung at Zionsville Town Hall.
PZAZ is a sanctioned committee of the Town of Zionsville. Committee member
Michal Owens said this is the third year for the award.
“We started it as a way to help our mission, which is to promote urban forestry,” she said. “But maybe more importantly than that, we were hoping it would build a sense of community. One thing we did differently this year was we chose our three favorite submissions, and we created a poll, and the community voted on it. And they chose a great one.”
Eleven trees were entered into this year’s contest.
The PZAZ committee promotes urban forestry and streetscape beautification for the Town of Zionsville and acts as an advisory committee to town departments on matters related to trees and plantings.
Learn more at zionsville-in.gov/336/PZAZ.
OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, BECKY CASH HAS FOUGHT TO: BECKY IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN THIS RACE ENDORSED BY:
Increase K-12 funding by $2.3 billion and prioritize work-based learning for students
Cut the income tax by $360 million over the next 2 years
Keep our children safer in schools
The Z’ Tree of the Year for 2024 is a sycamore on Williamsburg Court at the home of the Schilling family. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Oct.
is a third-generation firefighter. His father is Zionsville Fire Department Capt. Brian Miller. His grandfather Don Miller, who served with the ZFD as well as water operator with the Town of Zionsville, pinned him during the ceremony. ZFD Chief James VanGorder said Miller filled a vacancy that opened when a recruit did not complete the academy earlier this year. Miller completed training with the Northside Fire Academy, completing more than 60 live fire trainings and earning state certifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, hazmat awareness and vehicle operations. Miller received his EMS certification with the Lafayette Fire Department. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Purdue Club returns
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Purdue Club of Boone County is undergoing a revitalization.
PHILANTHROPY
In July, the club’s board held its first official meeting, kicking off the beginning of plans for events and social outings to grow the club, with a long-term goal to provide scholarships for Boone County students planning to attend Purdue University.
Club social media chair Grace Fletcher said the organization advances the mission of Purdue University in collaboration with the Purdue for Life Foundation with various programs to help alumni, friends and fans of Purdue stay connected, get involved and give back to their communities.
While the Purdue for Life Foundation has roughly 6,000 official members, Fletcher said anyone can be part of the community and attend events.
“We recently restarted the club and are in the process of organizing more events for Boone County residents,” she said. “Planned events include game watch parties, scholarship fundraisers, meet-and-
Members of the Purdue Club of Boone County picked up storm debris in Zionsville in late September. (Photo courtesy of Purdue Club of Boone County)
greets for current and future Purdue students, professional networking events, an annual golf outing, bourbon/wine tastings and many more.”
Fletcher said during the relaunch, the board is finalizing details for scholarships.
Applications will be available in early December and will be open to incoming and current Purdue students.
Learn more about the club at facebook. com/pu.boone.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr swore in the town’s newest firefighter, Luke Miller, during the
7 town council meeting. Miller
ZIONSVILLE’S NEWEST FIREFIGHTER SWORN IN
Zionsville seeks proposals for Village plaza
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Redevelopment Commission issued a request for proposals in September for street scape improvements and a new public plaza near the entrance to the Village, south of Hawthorne Street and north of Eagle Creek.
DEVELOPMENT
The Town of Zionsville plans to fund the project with the awarded READI 1.0 grant.
“(Mayor John Stehr) has asked for me to administer the READI grant for the town,” RDC Director Corrie Sharp told the commission last month. “I have been working with him and the other department directors of parks, planning and (department of public works) to make sure that all of our funds are allocated for the initial grant of $1.9 million and that we are getting reimbursements from the grant. Another part of the READI grant is making sure that we are obligating all of our funds by the end of the year.”
Sharp said the town is under contract with ANF Engineering and USI Consultants for road engineering for the Village and South Village. A public plaza was included as a concept for improvements in those areas.
The project will provide design and con struction to create a unique streetscape experience in an economic development area identified as part of South Village. The location was identified in the town’s mas ter plan as “Zionsville’s Gateway.”
The plaza would connect to the town’s trail system, Lion’s Park and the Village Business District.
Design team selection is expected by Oct. 25, with a formal contract expected to come to the RDC for approval by December.
SATURDAY OCT 26 2024 | 5 – 8
MIDTOWN PLAZA
CARMEL, INDIANA
Rangoli
Diyas Ladoos
Early voting available
news@currentzionville.com
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Absentee voting is available through Nov. 1 at the Boone County Courthouse, 116 W. Washington St. in Lebanon. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
ELECTION
Below is a list of the early voting dates and times for voting for Zionsville and Whitestown residents:
• Oct. 26 — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Boone County Courthouse — east doors
• Zionsville Town Hall — 1100 W. Oak St.
• Whitestown Municipal Building — 6210
Veterans Dr.
• Oct. 30, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Boone County Courthouse — east doors
• Oct. 30, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 — 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Whitestown Municipal Building — 6210
Veterans Dr.
• Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Zionsville branch — 250 N. 5th
St.
• Zionsville Town Hall — 1100 W. Oak St.
• Nov. 2 — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Boone County Courthouse — east doors
• Whitestown Municipal Building — 6210 Veterans Dr.
• Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Zionsville branch — 250 N. 5th St.
• Zionsville Town Hall — 1100 W. Oak St.
• Nov. 4 — 8 a.m to noon
• Boone County Courthouse — east doors
• Nov. 5 - General Election Day, 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
• Boone County Courthouse — rotunda
• Whitestown Municipal Building — 6210 Veterans Dr.
• Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Zionsville branch — 250 N. 5th St.
Lisa Damour for Current.pdf 1 10/11/24 4:26 PM
• Zionsville Town Hall - 1100 W. Oak St. Indiana residents are required by law to present a government-issued photo ID before casting their ballot. Residents can access their personal voter information, at IndianaVoters.com.
Kouns named 2024 Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award recipient
news@youarecurrent.com
Craig Kouns of Zionsville was recently named the 22nd recipient of the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award, presented by the Community Foundation of Boone County.
RECOGNITION
The award was established in 1993 to honor Dubay’s legacy. Dubay was a supporter of youth sports in Zionsville, an active member of multiple sports organizations including Little League and youth soccer and was instrumental in starting youth football in Zionsville.
The award is presented each fall to someone who has made an ongoing commitment to Zionsville youth sports.
Kouns chose the Zionsville Athletic Boosters Club as the recipient of a $500 grant from the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award Fund in 2025. Kouns’ name will be added to the plaque that honors the award recipients, located at Zionsville Town Hall.
Kouns has been a lifelong supporter of Zionsville youth sports, starting with his own participation in local little league, youth baseball youth football before moving on to football, baseball and track at Zionsville Community High School. He was an Indiana All-State defensive end in football in 1986 and held the ZCHS pole vaulting
record for several years.
Kouns spent more than 30 years coaching seventh grade girls basketball at ZMS and has kept the scorebook for the high school boys basketball team for three decades.
Nominations for the Lionel Dubay Youth Sport Award are reviewed by the CFBC Grants Committee, which determines the recipient, who then “pays it forward” by selecting a nonprofit that benefits youth sports to receive an unrestricted grant.
The Lionel Dubay Youth Sport Fund has contributed $8,500 over the past 22 years to Zionsville youth sports organizations. Learn more about the award and the Community Foundation of Boone County at communityfoundationbc.org.
DISPATCHES
500 Festival Miler Series dates announced — Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, through Feb. 2, 2025. The series, held at Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis, includes three races designed to help participants train for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Miler Series kicks off with a 3-Miler Feb. 8, followed by a 6-Miler March 8, and concludes with a 10-Miler April 5. For more, visit IndyMini.com/Challenges.
Fright Nights — Maplelawn Farmstead and Zionsville Parks & Recreation will host the second Maplelawn Fright Nights event 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 event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. each day.
Learn more at maplelawnfarmstead.org.
Fundraising event for local parks — Zionsville Parks Foundation will host a fundraising breakfast, Parks & Pastries, at 8 a.m. Oct. 25 at Zionsville Town Hall. Participants will learn about the foundation’s work and vision for the future of Zionsville’s parks and green spaces. Tickets to Parks & Pastries are $50 per person. Register at tinyurl.com/5646se5e.
Halloween event in Whitestown — The annual Trick or Treat Trail takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Anson Acres Park, 4671 Anson Blvd. in Whitestown. All ages are invited to dress in costume and walk the spooky trail to trick or treat with local businesses, enjoy a hayride and roast s’mores over a bonfire. Admission is free. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
Craig Kouns, Front, fourth from left, was recently presented as the 2024 Lionel Dubay Award recipient at Zionsville Town Hall. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation of Boone County)
Meridian Audiology: Here for your hearing needs
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S. after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
many patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and many patients refer friends and family to us and that is a testament to our relationships with them.”
“We want our patients to know that we are here for them, and we will not rush them out the door so we can get on to the next patient. We love to get to know our patients, and we feel we treat them like we would treat our own family,” VonBlon said. “We’ve had
Meridian Audiology provides hearing evaluations, hearing aid sales and service, tinnitus counseling and auditory processing disorder evaluation and treatment. They accept most major insurances, offer convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm MondayFriday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@ meridianaudiology.com. Website: meridianaudiology.com
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON YOU WILL BE ABLE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE WHO IS IN NEED OF HEARING AIDS TO WIN A SET OF HEARING AIDS FROM MERIDIAN AUDIOLOGY. BY WRITING A SHORT ESSAY EXPLAINING HOW HEARING AIDS COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE, YOUR NOMINEE COULD WIN A FREE SET! WATCH FOR THE QR CODE AND COMPLETE CONTEST RULES IN THE BLACK FRIDAY EDITION OF THE CURRENT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE!
Nominations will be accepted November 28, 2024 - December 24, 2024; Winner will be announced December 30, 2024 and the fitting will be early January 2025 (Advertorial)
VonBlon
Wyss
Understanding battery recycling
Commentary by Jennifer Lawrence
ENVIRONMENT
Single-use alkaline batteries such as AA, AAA, 9-volt, C and D batteries are not accepted for recycling and should be disposed of in your residential trash. But 9-volt, C and D batteries should have their positive or raised terminal covered in heavy-duty packing, duct or electrical tape before disposing of them in your residential trash. This should eliminate the concern of the batteries meeting one another or another object that could enable the battery to increase in temperature and cause a dangerous condition.
Rechargeable or special chemistry batteries such as lithium Ion/button batteries (Li-Ion), nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel zinc (Ni-Zn) and small sealed lead acid (SSLA/Pb) under 11 pounds can be recycled at the district office, Great Lakes Ace Hardware and Lowes. All battery chemistries should be clearly labeled on each individual battery.
If the rechargeable battery is self-contained, such as one that is used in a drill or power tool, no preparation is needed prior to recycling. If you plan to recycle loose rechargeable batteries, please cover the positive or raised terminal with heavy duty packing, duct or electrical tape. Do
your best to not cover the name brand or chemistry of the battery.
If you are recycling several hearing aid batteries or other button batteries, you may take a long strip of heavy-duty clear packing, place batteries individually on a tape strip and then place a second strip on the top side of the batteries ensuring the batteries stay separated. We have found this to be a fast and efficient way to prepare the batteries and still shows the chemistry on the backside of the batteries.
Any time you come across a battery that is damaged or swollen, please place in kitty litter or sand and contact the emergency authorities. A swollen battery is a very volatile situation and should be treated very seriously. A swollen battery can happen even if it is contained within a computer or phone.
The Boone County Solid Waste Management District is responsible for implementing programs and educating residents to reduce, recycle or properly dispose of their residential waste.
DISPATCHES
Grants for garden projects – The Boone County Master Gardeners have grant funding available for individuals or groups engaging in gardening projects within the county. Projects must include a gardening, horticultural, agricultural and educational component to be considered for funds. Grant recipients in 2024 included Maplelawn Farmstead and Zionsville Community High School Agriculture Club. Three grants will be awarded in 2025 not to exceed $500 each. Grant applications must be submitted or postmarked by Nov. 30. Applications are available at mastergardenersboonecounty.org/grants. Grant recipients will be announced in January 2025.
Noblesville goalkeeper develops quickly in first varsity season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School junior soccer goalkeeper Alex Eberhart made a quick transition from junior varsity to varsity.
“I think I made the most improvement in my decision making this season, which was something I really had to work at to make big decisions in split-second moments,” Eberhart said.
The Millers, who had won the past three IHSAA Class 3A boys soccer state titles, reached the sectional final Oct. 12 before losing to Carmel 1-0 to finish with an 11-2-6 record.
“Alex is the main reason we were successful this season,” NHS coach Ken Dollaske said. “He has grown so much since last year. Alex was a JV goalkeeper last year and this year he had to fill the shoes of an All-American (Cole Thompson), and he did so admirably.”
Thompson, now a freshman goalkeeper
ALEX EBERHART
Favorite athlete: Matt Turner, goalkeeper for Crystal Palace
Favorite subject: Spanish
Favorite movie: “Surf’s Up”
Favorite band: Red Hot Chili
Peppers
Favorite vacation spot: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
at Oakland University, was the 2023 Indiana Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year.
Eberhart played in every game this season, allowing only 11 goals in 18 games. The 6-foot-1 goalkeeper had eight shutouts.
“His reaction saves improved so much
Noblesville High School goalkeeper Alex Eberhart recorded eight shutouts this season. (Photo courtesy of Alex Eberhart)
from last year to this year,” Dollaske said.
“His vision and communication from the back have been huge bright spots for us this season. He made saves this year that he would not have made last year. The growth was amazing. Plus, he had never saved a (penalty kick) in his career. This year, he saved two. His senior year will be something special.”
Eberhart said he expects the team will be strong in 2025.
“Given that it was a younger team and many of our guys had never played a varsity minute until this year, I think we absolutely made strides,” he said. “To play the schedule we did and get the results we did was not an easy task at all. We consistently challenged ourselves and made big improvements throughout the year, thanks to our coaching but also the strong, growth-focused mindset of our players.”
Eberhart’s favorite high school memory was watching the Millers defeat Warsaw on penalty kicks last year in the Kokomo Regional semifinals.
“It was great to watch and be able to learn from Cole,” he said.
Eberhart has played for Indy Premier for five years.
“I started playing soccer at 5 years old and started to play goalie around age 10. I played goalie and other positions, too, until I was around 13 and that is when I started playing goalie only,” he said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.
Eberhart
SOARING EAGLES
Zionsville Community Schools leaders host state of the schools event
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
District leaders from Zionsville Community Schools hosted a state of the schools event Oct. 9 at Zionsville Town Hall, updating the public on academics, finances and safety in Zionsville schools and emphasizing the role the community plays in student success.
ZCS Superintendent Rebecca Coffman encouraged attendees to take an active role in the lives of students.
“All of the adults in our kids’ lives — parents, teachers, community members, civic leaders — we all need to be constantly learning, because the world in which our children are coming of age to become successful, productive adults changes every single day,” Coffman said. “One of the things that we really strive for with our kids every single day is be a learner. You have to be able to utilize skills, to think critically and examine what is being produced and provided for you. You have to be able to create your own content and be able to use that in an effective way to communicate what you’re learning.”
Coffman said it is the job of the district to provide students with understanding of their various options for success.
“There are thousands of opportunities, thousands of pathways that our students and their families can use to determine what is the right path and what is the right way that we are going to take advantage of those opportunities in the schools and bring about success for their students,” Coffman said.
To do that, the district has created specific daily focus points: community; belonging; safety; finance; literacy; student growth; what’s next; and students. She said the district’s statement on belonging — supporting dignity, humanity and inclusion for all — was developed by students in the high school and middle schools.
“It takes a lot to be a prepared global citizen, and that’s something we have to be intentional about with our thoughts and actions,” Coffman said.
ZCS Director of Academic Services Christine Squier said the district is focused on literacy, writing and STEM.
“We want to make sure we’re focusing on strong academics. We’ve always been a community that values academics and academic achievement,” she said. “A strong foundation in literacy can enable our students to achieve anything as they grow.”
The district held a national literacy summit for teachers and community members in June 2024.
“That was a jumping point for us to make sure that we all have a common understanding of the research behind how students learn to read, to write and how to communicate effectively so that we can build on our successes that we’ve had here,” Squier said.
Working hand-in-hand with academics is overall student growth. ZCS Assistant Superintendent Kris Devereaux said the district places thoughtful focus on future opportunities for its students with curriculum options such as dual credit classes, internships and work-based learning.
“We want every kid (to leave high school) after graduation and have multiple doors and choices,” Devereaux said. “We don’t care what the choices are that they choose for themselves. It’s whatever their passion is — whether that is college, a career, enlistment, a gap year — whatever that is, we want to make sure that we provide opportunities for our kids to have future choices.”
On the financial side, ZCS CFO Regina May said the district’s $150 million budget, which was adopted Oct. 7, represents the strong financial status of the district. May said the fiscal standing of ZCS has allowed the district to keep its AA+ long-term rating from S&P Global.
Zionsville Community Schools students decorate for Homecoming Week. (Photo courtesy of ZCS)
“People want to come and live here,” May said. “That is reflected in our property taxes and the values of everyone’s homes.”
ZCS Director of Safety Chad Smith said community relationships are key for the school district in its development of action plans to keep students safe and prevent negative outcomes. Smith said the district’s safety team dissects incidents of school violence to understand how to recognize and prevent incidents at Zionsville schools.
The district utilizes platform STOPit to host the Zionsville Community Schools Safety app.
“Our app is our direct safety line where you can leave any kind of a tip,” he said. “That tip is received within minutes, any time of the day. If you download the app, we can ask you questions back and forth, confidentiality. So, you don’t have to share your name if you don’t want. We talk about living in the lane of prevention, that’s where we want to be. The app has been our most significant tool for information sharing.”
The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.
“Our greatest commodity is our future leaders,” Smith said. “It’s not just safety. It’s protecting their highway to success.”
In terms of growth, Coffman said the district is included in discussions with elected leaders and developers in Zionsville and Whitestown regarding residential developments that increase enrollment. Coffman said capacity considerations will be addressed by the end of the decade.
Coffman said everyone in the community — including students, staff, parents,
alumni, stakeholders, businesses, organizations and elected leaders — has a role in the success of the district. And, she said, education is a “people” business.
“We serve people every single day,” she said. “It’s always going to take talented, thoughtful and intentional people to utilize those tools and make great outcomes for kids.”
Zionsville Community Schools serves 8,000 students in grades pre-K through 12. Learn more at zcs.k12.in.us.
ON THE COVER: Zionsville Community Schools Superintendent Rebecca Coffman and other district officials delivered a state of the schools address Oct. 8 at Zionsville Town Hall. (Photo courtesy of ZCS)
ASSISTING STUDENTS AND STAFF
The state of the schools event was sponsored by the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce and the Zionsville Education Foundation. ZEF provides funding in the form of grants to bridge the gap between state-provided funds and educator or student-led initiatives for learning, according to the organization.
ZEF Executive Director Lyle Browne said the grant program would not be possible without community support in the form of volunteers, service organizations, local businesses, faculty, staff and donors.
“For the past 29 years, ZEF has supported our schools by providing funds that promote academic excellence in and out of the classroom,” she said. “We have awarded more than $1.85 million in grants to our teachers, students and schools for unique learning experiences, professional development and transformational projects across the district. That’s 1,188 projects that have been brought to life by a ZEF grant.”
Learn more at zionsvilleeducationfoundation.org.
New studio helps artists achieve their dreams
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Nestled in the heart of Carmel on Medical Drive, Artist Development Studio is a new full-service, state-ofthe-art facility to help musical artists achieve their dreams.
A resource for the music and performing arts community, the studio offers private coaching lessons in a variety of musical crafts.
“The idea is to cultivate artists, to get them to be the best that they can be,” said Blair Clark, who has coached young artists for more than 25 years.
Instrumental lessons are offered in bass, drums, keyboard and guitar. Voice lessons in show choir and musical theater, as well as other skills such as audio engineering, looping and DJing, are also offered. Additionally, the studio provides rehearsal and recording space rentals. Clark, 32, of Carmel, is president of Artist Development Co., which operates as a booking agency between artists and community businesses. As an extension of ADC, he created the Artist Development Studio, designed to focus on the artists.
“What I realized is something that’s needed in the community of art is an organization that takes you from the beginning to the end,” Clark said. “Gives you goals, helps you get prepared and then sets you free to go out and get those opportunities in high school, middle school and in the professional marketplace.”
Clark saw the need for a place that appeals to younger artists as well as more advanced performers who want to improve. His solution was a space that could meet the needs of the artists at their skill level and help them grow.
“Blair is a creative force and visionary with an ability to bring together and showcase talents,” said Joseph Filipow, a local musician, DJ and entertainer who has worked with Clark for several years. Coaches work with artists to identify
long- and short-term goals.
“From the beginning to adult, sometimes the career is just, ‘I’m going to high school (and) I want to get the leads in the musicals,’ and we want to help them with those goals, as well as the ones who decide after college or after high school, ‘I want to be a professional artist,’” Clark said.
Additionally, coaches work with individuals who are interested in the nonperformance, business-side of the industry, as well as prepare artists for the professional environment.
“In the music business, you have to know a lot of different things that have nothing to do with the actual music,” Clark said.
The space has state-of-the-art equipment sourced locally through Piano Solu-
tions. It also has rehearsal rooms with 10- to 20-foot-high ceilings, double-glass doors and drapes for privacy. ADS has collaborated with local artists in the community to feature local artworks.
ADS has hired Indianapolis-based company Vertical Studios, a hands-on marketing educational program, to assist in getting the word out about the unique services ADS provides.
Lessons are offered Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Friday and Saturday options based on instructor schedules. Rehearsal space rental dates are available online.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 23, with the grand opening scheduled for Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
For more, visit artistdevstudio.com.
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for Oct. 24, followed by Dueling Pianos Oct. 25 and “The Ahlwardts Present Human Jukebox” Oct. 26 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘AUTUMN NIGHTS’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s production of “Autumn Nights” is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 25-26 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org
FLOYD NATION
Floyd Nation’s Experience Pink Floyd is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
SPACE ODDITY
Space Oddity: The Quintessential David Bowie Experience will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
VITAMIN STRING QUARTET
Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Taylor Swift, “Bridgerton” and Beyond is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE
Dana and Greg Newkirk’s Haunted Objects Live is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSIC
Blair Clark’s Artist Development Studio will have a ribbon-cutting Oct. 23. (Photo courtesy of Blair Clark)
Clark
Children’s Choir gala set
By Les Morris editorial@youarecurrent.com
FUNDRAISER
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir is reaching a fundraising crescendo with a rebranded event Nov. 8 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.
Previously called Big Fun Event, the annual fundraiser has been rechristened The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Gala. There will be more singing, more activities and two auctions. There also is an increase in expectations. Last year, $49,000 was raised. The goal this year is $65,000.
including caroling at the cocktail hour and multiple times during dinner. Bids will be taken from an auctioneer to bring the choir back for an encore in a finale called “Call for the Choir.”
Speaking of auctions, there will be a silent and live auction at the gala. The highlight of the live auction is a jersey signed by Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark and a week’s stay at a home on Lake Michigan.
“This is the first time we are officially calling this our ‘gala’ to let our supporters know to expect a very nice evening,” said Joshua Pedde, ICC’s executive artistic director and a Carmel resident. “Plus, the vintage holiday theme this year ties into our concert season as singers prepare to present ‘A Vintage Holiday’ concerts in December.”
Guests will hear choir voices of approximately 100 singers throughout the evening,
The night also will include a holiday photo booth, an audio guest book where attendees can use a rotary phone to leave a message about the ICC, and a signature mocktail, the Holiday Sparkle.
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir Gala is open to the public and will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. in Carmel. Individual tickets are $125 and include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, beer and wine and the musical programming. Tables of eight are available for $1,000. The deadline to purchase a ticket or table is Oct. 24. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more, visit iccchoir.org/gala.
Pedde
Blues guitarist books Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
British blues singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor finds herself in a prolific period.
CONCERT
“Since COVID and not being able to tour as long as we were, it feels good to be creative,” Taylor said. “It’s one of those magical things where you get a load of ideas and you never know how long that is going to last.”
Taylor, who was born and raised in England, lived several years in Detroit before moving to Nashville, Tenn.
Taylor released a single “All The Things I Said” from a yet-to-be-released album earlier this month. She previously released “Black and Gold,” which is the title track of an album due out in 2025. Her 2024 album, “Heavy Soul,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues Album chart.
Taylor will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Taylor, 39, said getting older has likely helped her improve as a songwriter.
“It’s getting more comfortable with yourself,” she said. “I always suffered from anxiety attacks and depression, and I did a lot of work on that and got myself in a lot better frame of mind. Those things combined got me into a good place where I’m thankful for what I do, and I really enjoy myself. It’s a lucky thing to be able to love what you do for a living.”
Taylor was inspired by listening to renowned blues guitarists.
“Growing up, I was obsessed with blues guitar,” said Taylor, who was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics when she was 16. “I think I would have been a different artist if I had been born a man because of all my idols on guitar. I could try to copy Albert Collins or B.B. King, but when I was teaching myself to sing, I knew I would never be able to sound like them. So, I had to find female voices to imitate and learn from them, and most of them were outside the blues, like Tina Turner and Mavis Staples.”
For more, visit joanneshawtaylor.com.
DANA & GREG NEWKIRK’S HAUNTED OBJECTS LIVE SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
VITAMIN STRING QUARTET: THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT, BRIDGERTON AND BEYOND SUN, OCT 27 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
ZAKIR HUSSAIN & RAHUL SHARMA FRI, NOV 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BONEY JAMES: SLOW BURN TOUR SAT, NOV 2 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE SAT, OCT 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM THE MAGIC OF MICHAEL GRANDINETTI–EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC SAT, NOV 2 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
GRUPO NICHE FRI, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM THE PIANO GUYS SAT, NOV 9 AT 4PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
Shaw Taylor
Excuse my grammar
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My proofreader, Heidi, quit about a year ago. Just as well. I was going to dump her, anyway. She kept correcting me. Who needs that? Then my wife, Mary Ellen, took over the job. That was an easy transition for her; she has been correcting me for 45 years. She is now my corrections officer.
HUMOR
Mary Ellen does a good job editing, but I downloaded an app called Grammarly as a backup in case Mary Ellen was out of town, or out of sorts. Grammarly is a form of AI. The program suggests different ways to improve my sentences when I write a column. I can accept its suggestion or dismiss it. Being a dismissive person by nature, I only occasionally take its advice. I also can yell at the screen without getting any backtalk, a luxury I didn’t enjoy with Heidi — or now with Mary Ellen.
Each month, I receive an analysis of my writing from the previous four weeks. My work is evaluated in several ways. For example, here’s what it told me for September.
It said I used 9,879 different words, even though my weekly column is only 500 words. I have no clue where that number came from. Then it said I didn’t use enough unique words. I wasn’t going to take that writing down (I mean, lying down), so I emailed the company.
Dear Grammar People:
The juxtaposition of ontological paradigms often precipitates a plethora of dialectical conundrums in the realm of epistemological and writing inquiry.
I sure told them. I just don’t know what I told them.
It also identified 743 errors. This is obviously another mistake — unless it had access to all my old seventh-grade book reports?
Also, I was informed that I did not use the question mark correctly. Do they think
Mary Ellen does a good job editing, but I downloaded an app called Grammarly as a backup in case Mary Ellen was out of town, or out of sorts.
– DICK WOLFSIE
I am stupid. I hope not?
The app did state that I was more productive than 78 percent of its users. How could that be? Like I said, I only write 500 words a week. What are these other people doing with this app? Name tags for their kids?
It commented that my writing was spreading joy. I knew I was spreading something, but this was a total surprise. The program also scans the internet to see if I have been plagiarized. So far, no one has been that desperate, but (true story here) about 10 years ago, I inadvertently learned that someone was stealing my column for a newspaper out in Minnesota. The only thing the reporter changed was substituting his wife’s name for Mary Ellen’s. When I called the publisher to report this, he fired the guy and told the readers it was no big deal because, “The guy wasn’t that funny, anyway.”
Finally, Grammarly informed me that, “Your area of focus for next week is clarity.” OK, how’s this? Cancel my subscription. I hope that’s clear enough.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LIFESTYLE
. “___ she blows!”
. TV sports awards
. Indiana US Senator
.
. Cincinnati
53. Troop group
IMPD rap sheet letters
. PC file suffix
. The one there
Hat worn by some Crooked Stick golfers
. Erode
. Installed, as carpet
. Former IU basketball
member who wrote “On the Rebound”
Indianapolis Opera voice
Butler frat letter
. Fallon’s predecessor
. Large inlets
. Mythical man-goat
. Art Deco name
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