Ushering in a new era.
For more than a decade, the Center has been a cornerstone for creativity in our community. Welcome to the center for art and culture in Central Indiana. Welcome to the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
TheCenterPresents.org
October 29, 2024
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
Zionsville Town Council approves creation of Village DORA
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council approved the creation of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area — also known as a DORA — Oct. 21, but not without some opposition and a list of concerns and questions asked and answered in the weeks prior to approval.
MAIN STREET
The DORA was introduced in September. A DORA is a designated area where patrons 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in a marked container from participating establishments, then carry those drinks within the district. Municipalities in Indiana are permitted to create up to seven DORA districts.
Zionsville’s first DORA will encompass the Village, with the north-to-south border from Poplar Street to south of 106th Street; and extending west-to-east from Second to Elm streets, with a carve out between Hawthorne and Sycamore streets to include SullivanMunce Cultural Center. The district also will include Creekside Corporate Park. Designated permittees include North High Brewing; Greek’s Pizzeria; Hopwood Cellars; Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine; Rush on Main; Cobblestone; Café Patachou; Zionsville Pizzeria; The Friendly Tavern; The Scoop; Auberge; and Rosie’s Place. Zionsville Parks & Recreation Superintendent Jarod Logsdon said Graham Rahal Performance intends to be included, but had not completed their application by Oct. 21.
Marcus White, owner of The Public House in Zionsville, objected to the creation of the DORA. White told the council earlier in October that creating an outdoor area where alcohol is allowed could affect the insurance rates for businesses.
“I don’t doubt that there are multiple business owners, shop owners who think this might increase traffic,” White said during discussion of the ordinance Oct. 7. “But if you look at the preponderance of liquor license holders, (we are) the ones who bear the cost. We’re the ones who bear the management burden. We’re the ones who bear the majority of the liability.”
But other business owners approached the council Oct. 21 to express their support for the district.
“I believe the DORA is a great tool in the toolbox for (economic development),”
Cobblestone owner Kent Esra said. “It’s not really a driver, but it is certainly something that the Town of Zionsville can use in a positive sense.”
Angie McCloskey, owner of Zionsville Olive Oil, said the town is unlikely to transform into a place where heavy drinking on the street becomes the norm. She said the DORA would help retailers participate in more downtown events.
“For my business, this could save me time and money on event permits for serving adult beverages for events like Ladies Nights or bar crawls,” she said. “If the restaurants could handle the beverages, I can focus on my business.”
Deputy Mayor Justin Hage said the town reached out to several communities in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, where active DORAs are in place, and were told there have been
no reports of increased insurance liability for businesses within the DORA boundary.
Town leaders said there are plans to add public restrooms to an available building within the Village, with the potential for the town to purchase a portable bathroom trailer similar to one used by the City of Indianapolis at SPARK: on the Circle.
The council approved the DORA by a 6-1 vote, with Councilor Craig Melton voting no. Melton, a member of the Zionsville Pathways Committee, said his objection was based on wanting to keep the town’s pathways and trails alcohol-free.
The town will now submit an application to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, which issues the final approval.
If approved by the ATC, the DORA is expected to go into effect in spring 2025.
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The Cobblestone is one of 12 Village businesses included in Zionsville’s DORA ordinance. (File photo)
Zionsville’s historic brick Main Street will become the town’s first Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Boone County supports hurricane relief efforts
ASSISTANCE
Discover Boone County is collecting items for people affected by Hurricane Helene in the Town of Boone, N.C. The Boone Hearts Boone initiative provides assistance to the town after its tourism industry — including attractions and autumn events — was affected by the hurricane in September.
“We want to help our partners in tourism,” Discover Boone County Executive Director Allyson Gutwein stated. “The gravity of the situation they are facing is dire. Their community is much like ours, comprised of charming shops and businesses run by hardworking individuals. We know that if this devastation had hit our area, we would need help.”
The Boone Hearts Boone campaign will collect essential winter items for those affected by the hurricane through Nov 10.
“We are collecting hats, gloves, scarves, socks — in sizes from infant to adult 5X —
to ensure everyone has the warmth they need for the harsh winter months,” Gutwein stated.
Collection points include Zionsville Town Hall; Roasted In the Village in Zionsville; STAR Financial Bank in Zionsville; Frances + Parke in Zionsville; Great Lakes Ace Hardware in Zionsville; Holiday Inn Express in Whitestown; Home 2 Suites in Whitestown; Hampton Inn Indianapolis in Whitestown; Whitestown Municipal Complex; and Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library branches in Whitestown and Zionsville.
Items will be shipped to North Carolina Nov. 15. All items need to be new or laundered and ready-to-wear if used.
The campaign is organized by Discover Boone County with assistance from the Town of Whitestown, the Town of Zionsville, Zionsville Parks and Recreation, Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Tourism Association, Boone County Chamber of Commerce, and Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library - Whitestown Branch.
Learn more at discoverboonecounty.com.
Boone REMC members volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
Boone REMC was one of 28 electric cooperatives in Indiana to participate in Electric Cooperative Community Day Oct. 11.
Employees of electric cooperatives throughout Indiana participate in volunteer and service projects each year during October, which is National Cooperative Month. Ten Boone REMC employees volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Boone County at the Grace Fields development in Whitestown.
“We’re proud to support organizations like Habitat whose mission, like ours, is to improve quality of life,” Boone REMC Communications Director Mandy Saucerman stated. “Community Day provides us with the opportunity to work in tandem with other cooperatives throughout the state to make a positive impact and tell our cooperative story.”
Volunteers installed drywall, hurricane ties and did caulking on one of the first
homes in the Grace Fields neighborhood. Grace Fields is Habitat for Humanity of Boone County’s first neighborhood. When complete, it will have 24 homes.
“Boone County is facing a housing crisis,” Habitat for Humanity of Boone County Executive Director Liz Qua stated. “Grace Fields is our solution to this problem, and we are so appreciative to all our partners in this project.”
Learn more about Grace Fields at boonehabitat.org/grace-fields.
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
Employees of Boone REMC volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Whitestown Oct. 11. (Photo courtesy of Boone REMC)
ZEF Bash returns in November
news@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Education Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, ZEF Bash, returns from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Cardinal Room at the Golf Club of Indiana, 6905 S. 525 E., in Whitestown.
FUNDRAISER
The event raises money for ZEF’s mission to serve Zionsville Community Schools by providing funds to promote academic excellence, including grants awarded across the ZCS district. Since 1995, ZEF has awarded $1.85 million in grants to ZCS teachers and students. Those funds represent 1,188 ZEF-funded projects.
“We simply could not have the impact we do without the generosity of so many,” ZEF Board President Kim Lewis stated.
“From individuals to family foundations, from local merchants to large corporations, our community comes together at ZEF Bash to support our teachers, students and schools.”
The event’s corporate sponsors are Barnes & Thornburg and Skillman Corp.
“They are joined by more than 30 corporate and small business sponsors and a
The ZEF Board of Directors oversees the strategic direction and financial well-being of the organization. (Photo courtesy of ZEF)
25-person volunteer planning committee to make this event a success,” ZEF Bash coChair Andrea Fonseca stated.
The 2024 ZEF Bash is a luau-inspired celebration. The evening will be headlined by the band Living Proof, featuring Zionsville Middle School band teacher Josh Weirich.
The night also will include the annual unveiling of the ZEF hat in the Cap Off the Night event. ZEF caps are sold annually to
community members to show their Zionsville Eagle spirit.
Tickets are $125 per person and include a buffet dinner, open bar and soft drinks, a silent auction filled with unique items and a gift-card pull spotlighting local merchants. Tickets are available at ZionsvilleEducationFoundation.org.
ZEF Bash silent auction items also can be purchased online through Nov. 5.
The Rotary Club of Zionsville recently inducted four new members. Attending the ceremony are, from left, new members Larry Beard and Matt Chamberlin, Rotary District Governor Santos Salinas, new member Brock Yoder, club president Dawn Jones and new member Bob Haymond. Founded in 1986, the Rotary Club of Zionsville strives to carry out Rotary International’s mission of “Service above Self” in and around the local community. Learn more about the club at zionsvillerotary.com. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Rotary Club)
Kiddie Academy of Holliday Farms - Zionsville 3650 Marketplace Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077 463-252-9252 kiddieacademy.com/academies/holliday-farms-zionsville/
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ZCHS athlete excels in juggling three sports, academics
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School senior Caroline Sampson likes her role as an athlete for all seasons.
“For me, it actually hasn’t been too horribly hard to juggle three sports because I have been playing multiple sports my entire life,” said Sampson, who plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse for the Eagles. “I thrive when I constantly have something to do. I think that playing three sports has helped me prevent injury because I am constantly cross training and training different muscles in each. I would say the hardest part is the first couple of weeks of each season where I kind of have to shake the rust off from not playing that sport in a couple of weeks and get in the right mindset for the sport I am about to be playing.”
Sampson, the seventh of 10 siblings, has had strong athletic role models. Five of her six older siblings played three sports at ZCHS. However, they didn’t play any of the sports Sampson plays. Courtney, Cally and Cassidy competed in swimming, cross country and track. Alex participated in swim-
CAROLINE SAMPSON
Favorite athlete: Tyrese Haliburton
Favorite subject: Anatomy
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
Favorite musicians: Drake and SZA
ming, track and football. Jack competed in cross country, track and diving.
The 6-foot Sampson played forward for the soccer team, which finished its season in the sectional. She is a power forward on the basketball team and a defender in lacrosse.
“An additional challenge for this year of athletics, however, is that I have three new
head coaches for each sport,” Sampson said. “So far, the transition with these new coaches has been very smooth and exciting, and I think they each continue to help me and my teams represent our school well.”
Eagles girls soccer coach Rob Klatte enjoyed working with Sampson.
“Caroline is a very strong and competitive athlete. She works hard, is mobile off the ball and is a good target player who can hold play up in moments of transition,”
Klatte said. “But even more so, she has proven to be a wonderful teammate and leader for our soccer program. She is attentive and does the small things consistently well, trains with a smile on her face, pushes and encourages others while still striving to be her best. Driven on the field and in the classroom, Caroline epitomizes the term student-athlete.”
Sampson said she has received some interest from colleges to play either lacrosse or basketball at the next level.
“So, I am keeping my options pretty open towards my future,” she said. “I have been pretty consistent in narrowing down my choices in that I want to stay closer to home, just because my family is so important to me.”
Sampson has a 5.0 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale. She plans to major in pre-med in college.
Sampson started playing soccer first when she was young, then basketball and began lacrosse as a freshman in high school.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Zionsville Community High School senior Caroline Sampson is a three-sport athlete. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Sampson)
ZIONSVILLE NOVEMBER CALENDAR
4-H PROJECT FAIR
Purdue Extension/Boone County will host the 4-H project fair, Dive into 4-H, from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon. Visitors will be introduced to more than 60 exciting projects available to Boone County youth, including photography, tractor operation, gardening, shooting sports and more projects rooted in arts, science, technology, farming and the outdoors. 4-H is open to youth from third through 12th grade. Mini 4-H is open to youth in kindergarten through second grade. Learn more at extension.purdue. edu/boone
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Zionsville Town Council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month and 7:30 a.m. the third Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at Zionsville Town Hall in the council chambers room, 1100 West Oak St. Meetings are open to the public. November’s meetings take place Nov. 4 and Nov. 18. Agendas are available online at zionsville-in.gov/AgendaCenter. Meetings can be viewed online at youtube. com/user/TownOfZionsville.
WOMEN OF IMPACT
Women of Impact Boone County is a women’s philanthropy group, coordinated by the Community Foundation of Boone County that provides financial support for local nonprofit organizations while creating a sense of community. Each member donates funds to support four nonprofits selected by the members throughout the year as well as a donation to the Women’s Fund endowment at the Community Foundation of Boone County. Women of Impact will host a networking event at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Dull’s Tree Farm, 1765 W Blubaugh Ave. in Thorntown. Learn more at communityfoundationbc.org/ women-of-impact.
TURKEY BINGO
The Knights of Columbus at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Zionsville will host an evening of bingo for all ages at the Parish Hall Nov. 15. The event offers an opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy a night of friendly competition. Participants will have the chance to win a variety of prizes, including frozen turkeys, in time for the holiday season. Food service starts at 6:30 p.m., with bingo beginning at 7 p.m. Proceeds from benefit Gibault Children’s Services.
FALL FEST PARADE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Zionsville Lions Club recently announced the winning entries from the 71st Annual Fall Festival Parade, which took place during the festival along the historic brick Main Street in the village. Judges were Zionsville Lions president Mike Zeller and Lions members Ralph Stacy and Caroline Brown Robbins and nonmember Jan LaBolt Stacy. The theme was “At the Movies.” The winner of the Zionsville Lions President Choice Award was Zionsville Moms Group. (Photos courtesy of Zionsville Lions Club)
The Parade Chairman’s Choice was awarded to Zionsville Youth Dance Team Elite.
Honorable mention went to the Zionsville Lions Float, pulled by Zionsville Lions Club President Mike Zeller.
GO LIKE A PRO
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Indy Drivers pickleball team competes in national championships
An Indiana-based professional pickleball team was one of a dozen to compete Oct. 17-21 at the National Pickleball League Championship Weekend in Cincinnati.
The Indy Drivers clinched the championship in 2023 during the NPL’s inaugural championship event. Although the defending champs didn’t make it a repeat in 2024, players said the league — the first professional level pickleball league for players 50 and older — is the real star of the show.
Rick Witsken, 52, of Zionsville is one of the co-founders of the league, which was established in 2022 for older athletes to participate, connect and pursue their passion while elevating the sport. Since its inception, the NPL has grown to an organized league of members from all backgrounds — from surgeons to Heisman Trophy winners — and has even attracted celebrity owners. Actor Vince Vaughn purchased the Coachella Valley Scorpions in July 2024.
“The growth has been absolutely insane,” Witsken said of pickleball. “I coach middle school tennis and we’ve now added club pickleball to the Zionsville middle school teams that I coach. I’ve seen an incredible number of adults (start playing) and COVID-19 obviously had a lot to do with the growth of the sport. Players evolved through backyard, parking lot, cul-du-sac and driveway pickleball. It’s such an easy entry point for the game and the socialization for people is incredible. It’s just off the charts with relationships evolving. It was just the right place at the right time for what people needed during the pandemic.”
Witsken said the game is attractive to Gen Xers and baby boomers who spent time in basements and garages playing pingpong in the 1980s. He said the sport maintains its popularity thanks to its accessibility.
“I think this combination of pingpong and tennis is very attractive,” Witsken said. “It’s such a sociable, personable, close-proximity game that can span generations. Fifty- and 60- and 70-year-olds can be easily as good as 17- and 18-year-olds. That’s a beautiful thing when you talk
about family and whether it’s the holidays or just a summer outing. All the nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles and grandparents, they all can play the same sport. There are very few sports that you can say that about.”
The Indy Drivers feature other local players, including Heather Iffert of Carmel; Matt Troyer of Fishers; and Ken Julian of Westfield.
Iffert, 59, was a part of three Brebeuf Jesuit state championships in girls’ tennis as a player in the 1980s. She also won five titles in her 16 years as a coach for North
Central from 1992 to 2007. She coached several singles and doubles state titles for Panther tennis players.
Iffert was drafted to the Indy Drivers and said teamwork is key to success in the league.
“We don’t practice together,” she said. “When you play, you go in and have a team practice on Friday (of the tournament). It’s the only time you practice as a team. Then we play two matches on Saturday and two on Sunday. Finding the right combination can be tough, but it’s amazing you can make it work.”
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
The Indy Drivers compete in the National Pickleball League, a professional nationwide team competition for pickleball players over the age of 50.
The National Pickleball League was founded in 2022 by Rick Witsken, Beth Bellamy and Michael Chen, and is the first professional pickleball league for older athletes.
The Indy Drivers is comprised of 15 players, seven women and eight men. The team was chosen after two NPL Combine events in March, where prospect players showcased their skills alongside hundreds of other pickleball professionals.
Teams compete in five competition event weekends — one per month — from May to September. The regular season culminates in October with the NPL Championship, where teams
An associate pro at the Indianapolis Racquet Club, Iffert coaches tennis, ranging from beginners to advanced players.
“Tennis will always be my first love, but the great thing about pickleball is you can have success right off the bat,” she said. “It’s amazing the competition and the level of play from top to bottom in pickleball. There are very small margins of difference. It’s a great game.”
Witsken began playing pickleball competitively in 2014. Although he has been an athlete his entire life — he was a twotime high school state tennis champion in Indiana and a distinguished two-time All-American at the University of Alabama, where he was ranked No. 1 in doubles — he said pickleball is for everyone, even at a higher level.
“There are a number of amateur-level players who are older than 45 years old who are thirsting to get to the level of pro,” Witsken said. “If you work hard, you train, you’re a good athlete and you work on your fitness, nutrition and your skills, you absolutely could be drafted into the National Pickleball League.”
Follow the Indy Drivers pickleball team at instagram.com/indydriverspickleball.
Current Publishing freelance writer Ken Severson contributed to this report.
ON THE COVER: The Indy Drivers
compete for the prestigious title and a chance to claim a share of the $150,000 prize money.
Events are held indoors at locations across the U.S., including Chicago, Houston, Kansas City, Columbus, Ohio, and Cincinnati. In their first season in 2023, the Indy Drivers won the NPL Championship. The 2024 champion was the Boca Raton Picklers. All tournaments are open to the public and free to attend. Fans also can stream matches on YouTube.
The NPL is made up of 12 teams: Indianapolis; Austin, Texas; Boca Raton, Fla; Naples, Fla.; Denver; Oklahoma City; Houston; Seattle; Kansas City; Columbus, Ohio; Coachella Valley (Indian Wells), Calif; and Princeton, N.J.
Learn more at nplpickleball.com.
is one of 12 professional teams in the National Pickleball League. (Photo Courtesy of Indy Drivers)
Rick Witsken of Zionsville is one of the cofounders of the National Pickleball League. (Photo Courtesy of Indy Drivers)
Matt Troyer of Fishers is one of four Indianapolis-area members of the Indy Drivers professional pickleball team.
Ken Julian of Westfield is a member of the Indy Drivers.
Heather Iffert of Carmel is a first-year member of the Indy Drivers.
Saxophonist James keeps honing craft as success grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Saxophonist-composer Boney James has a definite reason for the name of his latest album.
“Slow Burn,” his 19th album, was released Oct. 18. Two of his most successful albums were his previous two — “Solid” in 2020 and “Detour” in 2022.
“Things have been trending upwards,” James said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m calling my new record ‘Slow Burn,’ because even though it’s my 19th record, I feel I’m just hitting my stride. I feel like I’m getting better every day. I’m still dedicated to being a better musician, a better saxophone player, a better songwriter and producer. I’m really in love with the new music I’m making and thankfully the fans are still there as well and growing.”
James will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This will be James’ fourth Palladium visit, having previously performed there in 2016, 2018 and 2023.
“It’s one of our favorite places to play. It’s a beautiful building,” James said. “The last time we played the Palladium, it was completely sold out, even those seats behind the stage. It was one of the greatest shows we ever had. The band and I still talk about it. Hopefully, we can recreate that experience.”
James, 63, said he plans to perform four songs from “Slow Burn.”
“It’s always a challenging thing to drop things from the show that we’ve been playing and people are enjoying,” James said. “This is my 19th record now, so it’s getting more and more challenging to squeeze in new material. There are songs from my earlier records that people would be disappointed if we didn’t play. That stuff never gets old to me.”
James loves to see the audience’s reaction to all his music.
“That’s what made me want to become
a musician in the first place is that feeling of being on stage and the communal spirit you get with the band,” he said.
“It’s something I find I can’t experience anywhere else. I only discovered I enjoyed writing songs and making records.
The joy and passion I have for playing live has not diminished at all over the years.”
James, a four-time Grammy Award nominee, also plays Keyboards on the album.
“Sometimes, I’ll replace myself on the record who is a better keyboardist than I am, which is just about everybody,” he said.
James started out playing the clarinet but switched to saxophone when his teacher recommended he give it a try.
“I didn’t want to change. (The saxophone had) a much heavier case that I was going to have to carry to school,” James said. “As soon as I picked it up, I just loved it. When I was a kid in the ‘70s, there was an awful lot of sax on pop radio. There were a lot of sax solos you could hear, and bands with horn sections. That was something that I could all of a
sudden participate in and I just got excited by it. For me, it’s still my favorite thing to do is to play that saxophone.”
James said he loved rhythm and blues music, so he would hear sax on a Marvin Gaye song. He said Earth, Wind & Fire was a horn-driven band, along with Tower of Power.
“I heard Grover Washington Jr. in about 1975 when I had been playing for three or four years,” James said. “He was the first solo artist who was playing saxophone as the lead instrument with the funky R&B groove behind him. That is still sort of the tradition I am carrying on today.”
James said he still practices the saxophone every day.
“I feel like I’m making progress and more connected to the horn,” he said. “I’m more expressive and have ideas of things to do. The songs on this record are really special. I’m crazy in love with the record. I try not to let anyone hear anything until I realize it’s possibly the best it can be. It’s ready to be born.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org and boneyjames.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
“Dinner with Divas,” a drag performance, is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
The Live at the Center series features Chad Mills Band at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for the free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
‘SHE LOVES ME’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “She Loves Me” from Nov. 1-17 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
ZAKIR HUSSAIN AND RAHUL SHARMA
The duo of Zakir Hussain and Rahul Sharma will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
CSO fundraising brunch set — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra League’s Musical Morning brunch is set for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Woodland Country Club in Carmel. There will be a short concert by Melanie Mashner, CSO principal harpist, and Layne Anspach, horn and visiting lecturer in chamber music at Indiana University. A panel discussion, “Harmony in Action,” will feature Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Carmel City Councilmember Shannon Minnaar and CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain. The fundraiser will support the CSO’s music programs for families and young artists. For information and special requests, call 317-800-8322.
Saxophonist Boney James will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Boney James)
NIGHT & DAY
‘Looney’ version of ‘Barber’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gabriel Preisser will make his first appearance with the Indianapolis Opera, but he is no stranger to “The Barber of Seville.”
INDY OPERA
Preisser, a baritone based in Orlando, Fla., said he has appeared in the classic opera five or six times, each time in the lead role of Figaro.
The Indianapolis Opera’s production of “The Barber of Seville” runs Nov. 15-17 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s one of the greatest roles in the repertoire and has one of the most iconic arias, thanks to Bugs Bunny,” Preisser said.
Figaro gets to break the fourth wall and kind of be the instigator and the puppet master in many ways and gets to have fun on the stage.”
Preisser said the first time he played Firgaro was in 2010.
The Looney Tunes cartoon features the music from the classic opera in an episode called “Rabbit of Seville.”
“It’s fun music, the slapstick element of the comedy, the beautiful (Gioachino) Rossini music,” Preisser said. “It’s a pleasure to get to do it. It’s one of my favorite roles.
“You try to keep him youthful. They’re all young characters,” Preisser said.
Director Jessica Burton said she embraces the Looney Tunes spirit of the production.
“People will get that reminiscence of childhood of the first time seeing opera on the tiny little TV screen,” she said.
Preisser said he has seen productions that feed off that wackiness.
“I saw one production where they replicated the Bugs Bunny set from that script,” he said. “All the productions I’ve been in are more on the traditional side. But there is nothing wrong with either one. Anything we can do to make opera more accessible or relevant, I’m all for it.”
For more, visit indyopera.org.
‘La Cocina’ wins grand prize
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Heartland International Film Festival grand prize winners had different routes to the major cash prizes.
HEARTLAND
“La Cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, re ceived the $20,000 Narrative Feature Grand Prize, and “Porcelain War,” directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, earned the $20,000 Documentary Feature Grand Prize at the 11-day festival, which concluded Oct. 20.
it has been selected to play at.”
Sorvig said it was surprising an independent documentary, “Champions of the Golden Valley,” won the Overall Audience Choice Award, beating out every other film in voting, including major Oscar contenders and dramas.
“Of the big Oscar contenders, ‘September 5’ won the Narrative Special Presentation Audience Choice Award, which is the first festival award for the film that premiered at Venice and then played Telluride,” Sorvig said. “Richard D. Propes Social Impact Documentary Winner
November 15, 16 & 17, 2024 | The Tarkington Theater
To Purchase Tickets: Call 317.843.3800, Visit indyopera.org, or Scan the code
PREMIERE SEASON SPONSOR
“There’s a wide range of movies, styles and topics every year and the burden is really with our juries when it comes to the Grand Prizes,” said Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “‘La Cocina’ premiered in Berlin and we were the first major festival award that it has won, whereas our documentary winner ‘Porcelain War,’ about artists in Ukraine, has taken the festival circuit by storm since premiering at Sundance and continues to win awards at nearly every festival
‘Zurawski v Texas,’ featuring Hoosier natives Amanda and Joshua Zurawski, who attended their first screening, also won our Documentary Audience Choice Award.”
Actor Craig T. Nelson attended the Awards Presentation to accept the Pioneering Spirit Award: Lifetime Achievement Award. Nelson stars in “Green and Gold,” which had its World Premiere at Heartland and won the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award.
Sorvig said the world premiere of Noblesville filmmaker Rocky Walls’ “Dirty Laundry” was sold out and electric.
Preisser
Burton
Sorvig
Blueprint for Improvement: Bright and beautiful Zionsville kitchen
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built in 1998, this kitchen in Zionsville’s Austin Oakes neighborhood needed a refresh. Through modern aesthetics and efficient functionality, the outcome is an inviting and practical space that radiates brightness and beauty, significantly elevating the homeowners’ everyday living experience.
THE BLUEPRINT
• White perimeter cabinetry offers timeless style, complemented by warm wood tones on the island and bar for a touch of organic warmth.
• The reimagined appliance layout enables the inclusion of a statement double range with custom hood, establishing a functional focal point.
• Smart storage solutions, including a knife block drawer, tiered utility drawers, utensil pull-outs and roll-out shelves keep essentials close at hand while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.
• The integrated quartz counter and backsplash provide the sophisticated appeal of natural stone without the upkeep.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
After
Before
Speak for yourself?
Commentary by Terry Anker
Alexander Meigs Haig Jr. was noted for his long and illustrious military career, including the distinction of becoming the youngest fourstar general in the history of the United States Army, followed by terms as secretary of state and as chief of staff under two U.S. presidents. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross, a Purple Heart and other commendations for merit in American conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. In the late 1970s, he served as NATO’s supreme allied commander.
ESSAY
Despite his many accolades, Haig is often remembered for a statement made in the aftermath of the near assassination of President Ronald Reagan. As Reagan was undergoing emergency surgery at George Washington University Hospital, Haig announced, “I am in control here, in the White House.” The U.S. Constitution outlines that, in the event of incapacitation or death of the president, the vice president becomes “acting” in that role, followed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, the
president pro tempore of the Senate and then the secretary of state (Haig’s job at the time).
Eventually, Reagan recovered, and Haig attempted to explain that he was only endeavoring to show that the government was secure and not to initiate a coup d’etat. But the damage was done, and the late-night comedians had a field day. Haig did not have the authority to speak for Reagan or the U.S. government. His intentions, good or bad, did not matter.
Many fall into the trap. We assume that we know what to say and presume that we are the ones to say it. What makes us think that we have the authority to speak for others? And who believes that they have it for us? Do they take our voice from us against our will or do we blithely relinquish it?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
OBITUARY
Charles “Chuck” Hughes Webster, Jr., 76, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on October 1, 2024, after a diagnosis of glioblastoma. Known for his care and concern for others, deep love for his students, and even deeper love for his family, Chuck left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Chuck was born on June 16, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Hughes Webster, Sr. and Bette Williams Webster, both of whom preceded him in death. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Oakland University in Linguistics, a field that sparked his lifelong love of language, Shakespeare, and the art of telling a good story. Chuck was a remarkable writer and an avid reader of many texts, including what some might consider exceptionally boring books. He was also known for carrying a New York Times with him wherever he went, even to prom.
School, he continued to teach classes on literature and to mentor students—the role he cherished most.
Chuck was a man of many loves—long walks with his beloved dog Lizzy, weekend getaways to West Baden, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. His heart also belonged to the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan, where Chuck spent his summers reading on the beach, visiting the old growth cedars on South Manitou Island, and reconnecting over wonderful meals with friends, family, and former students. The truest true blue Trailblazer, Chuck could always be found supporting University students at performances, academic competitions, and athletic events. There is already a plaque in place marking his favorite cheering spot in the University High School gym.
Chuck’s career as an educator began in 1979 at The Roeper School in Michigan, where he served for 19 years as a teacher, Upper School Director, and ultimately the Head of School. In 1998, he made the bold decision to leave Roeper and start a new high school in the middle of a cornfield in Carmel, Indiana. He became the Founding Head of School for University High School of Indiana where he served until his retirement in June 2020. Chuck’s vision of a high school that takes students seriously— not for what they will become but for who they are now—shaped everything about University. He saw schools as places where we learn to be more human, and he treated the cultivation of those spaces as his life’s work. Throughout his time as a school leader, Chuck’s passion for teaching never wavered; even while serving as Head of
But perhaps Chuck’s greatest joy was found in his family. Chuck is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy Ronayne Webster, his daughter and son-in-law, Rachael and Hung Trieu, his son and daughterin-law, Cullen and Kristen Webster, his grandchildren, Avery Jeanette Trieu, Taylor Hopkins Trieu, Benjamin Jenkins Webster, and his devoted Executive Assistant and friend of 13 years, Jennifer Thompson.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16 at University High School of Indiana at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Chuck Fund at University High School in support of the school’s continued mission to expand the hearts and minds of students. Visit universityhighschool.org/thechuckfund to donate.
33. RV park chain
34. Hot and humid
36. Slangy refusal
37. Paquin and Pavlova
40. Arsenal inventory
42. Autumn occurrence, and an apt title for this puzzle
45. On a cruise
46. Challenged
48. IND safety org.
49. The “P” of USPS
52. DVD forerunner
53. Jazz Kitchen genre
55. Inane
58. Fishers YMCA workout site
60. Mystical glow
61. Burn a bit
64. PC alternative
67. Replies to an evite
71. Cherished starting position at the Indy 500 72. Fuzzy fruit
73. Wicker material
74. Years and years
75. 20-20 or 50-50
76. Some tomatoes at the Zionsville Farmers’ Market Down
1. CD precursors
2. Tennis do-over
3. Toothpaste tube inits.
Unknowing
WNAP classic tune
Knucklehead
Hamilton Town Center map phrase: You ___ Here
Spasm
Job safety org.
Kind of eclipse
Indianapolis Bridge Center card
Camera type, for short
___ Paulo, Brazil
27. Historic London prison
28. Certain Scot 30. Frighten
31. Astronomical distances
32. “___ will be done...”
35. Actress West
38. CTRL-___-DEL
39. Unkempt
41. Indiana Fertility Institute lab eggs
43. Monument Circle musical grp.
44. Loch ___ monster
45. Handicapper’s hangout, briefly
47. IU Health personnel
50. Advil rival
51. Baton Rouge school (Abbr.)
54. Fairy tale monsters
56. Victory Field fielding statistic
57. Rodeo rope
59. Sen. Braun
61. Tax pro 62. Boone County Fair critter
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LANDSCAPE SERVICES
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Save your back and your time! Family/locally owned dog waste scooping service with 16 years of experience. Prices start at $16/week for one visit for up to two dogs. More frequency also available. Email: UnleashedScooping@gmail.com. Phone 317.764.4777.
GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL Professional & Economical
Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.
Guitar Lessons
LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
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*Gently Used: Mens & Womens Clothes Med – XXL
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*Furniture, Dishes, Lace 12780 Old Meridian St. (Inside salon- Rain or Shine) No Early Birds
Thursday Nov 7, Friday Nov 8 Saturday Nov 9th 9-6 PM
Carmel Office
Hiring full time
Maintenance Tech
HOA MGMT office – work would be performed on locations around Indy area. Company vehicle provided, Gas card included. $20-$24 with benefits. Please send resume to: dennell.pluymert@associa.us
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Pants: BELL BOTTOMS, CAPRI, CARGO, CHINOS, JEANS, STIRRUP; Roll: CALIFORNIA, DRUM, EGG, HONOR, TOOTSIE; Birds: CARDINAL, DOVE, ROBIN, SPARROW; Cheeses: BRIE, CHEDDAR, SWISS; Colleges: BUTLER, MARIAN; Site: JASPER
