Join us in helping people live the lives they are capable of living.
In Central Indiana, more than 257,400 households are living in, or one emergency away from, poverty.
November 19, 2024
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
Zionsville Community High School choirs plan for the Holiday Home Tour
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A treasured holiday tradition returns Dec. 7 to Zionsville.
PERFORMANCE
The 13th Annual Carol of Homes — Holiday Home Tour will showcase six local homes festively decorated for the holidays. The tour is tied together from home to home with Zionsville Community High School show choir performers singing traditional and modern holiday tunes.
ZCHS Choral and Musical Theater Director Samuel Chenoweth and Zionsville Show Choirs, Inc. Executive Director Deana Broge said this year’s performances have something for everyone — visitors, homeowners and the students themselves. The pair collectively answered questions about the holiday tradition in advance of this year’s event.
Why is this tradition so important for Zionsville?
Holiday Home Tour continues to be a great way to kick off the holiday season here in town. Between the involvement of our singers, parents, booster group and so many members of the community, it’s a massive event that is very much looked forward to year after year. It’s a great way to showcase the hard work and talents of our students as soloists while also appreciating the donors, sponsors, and many hands that make the weekend — and therefore a large portion of our year — possible.
What do the students get out of participating in this event each year?
Students are all required to prepare and audition for at least one solo or small group number, which is a great opportunity for them to hone their craft and become more confident. On the day of the event, they’re fanned out across all the homes on the tour and get to perform for different audiences throughout the day and interact with community members. It really is a highlight of the year for our students.
How long does it take to prepare for the tour?
Our first round of student auditions actually happens right after fall break in mid-October. From there, we spend a good chunk of time in November polishing things, and then the first weekend of December is the event. And of course, that doesn’t include
the countless hours our booster parents spend making everything possible.
What can people expect on the tour?
The Holiday Home Tour is a great chance to hear and see our students performing solos and in small groups that you don’t always see in our regular concerts or competition shows when we sing as a full ensemble. It’s also such a treat to explore the beautiful homes around town and enjoy the kickoff to the holiday season.
How does the tour benefit the show choirs?
This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. So much of what we are able to do for students year after year is based
on the financial support of the community, and this is an event that makes an impact in that category while also giving our students a platform to share their talents.
Why should people attend?
If you haven’t experienced Holiday Home Tour before, we hear stories every year of first-time guests that are blown away by everything the event includes. If you’ve joined us before, then you’ve seen that firsthand and we’d love to see you back on the tour again this year.
The funds raised by the Carol of Homes — Holiday Home Tour go directly to the award-winning Zionsville Show Choirs as they prepare for their competition season.
A HOLIDAY TRADITION
The Holiday Homes Tour features six festively decorated homes:
• The McClure home — 5538 S. 700 E
• The Spillman Darrow home — 6827 Windemere Dr.
• The Beckman home — 1070 Park Place
• The Benner home — 4520 Strathmore Ln.
• The Kline home — 11579 Bent Tree Ct.
• The Wilson home — 11578 Willow Bend Ct.
Tickets are $25 each. Advance tickets are available for sale at FiveThirty Home; Great Lakes Ace Hardware; Kern Bros. Shoes; Village Mattress; and through any show choir student.
Cash-only tickets are available at the featured homes on the day of the event. Children 10 and under are free.
Learn more about the tour at holidayhometour.weebly.com
3
About us
Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 34
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
Contact the editor
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact the Managing Editor Marney Simon at marney@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at currentzionsville. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Share your thoughts
Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent.com. Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the Zionsville market (12,138 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@ youarecurrent.com (subject: Zionsville advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.
Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com
Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com
Delivery questions
circulation@youarecurrent.com
Join our community facebook.com/currentinzionsville x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent
Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Zionsville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Members of Zionsville choirs participate in the 2023 Holiday Home Tour. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Show Choirs)
Zionsville to consider police merit board
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council will consider the creation of a merit board to oversee the Zionsville Police Department this month.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Zionsville Police Department Chief Michael Spears introduced the merit board ordinance to the town council Nov. 4.
A law signed in 2023 requires municipalities to adopt a merit board for police and fire departments by Jan. 1, 2025, or to specifically reject the creation of such a board.
Spears said the board would govern the selection of persons to be appointed to the police department and oversee the promotion, demotion, discipline and dismissal of members of the ZPD.
The five-member merit board would consist of two mayoral appointees; two ZPD appointees; and one member appointed by the town council.
Spears said the system has advantages for sworn members of the department. The board would provide authority to oversee and approve applicant testing, screening and hiring lists; selection of persons to be employed as probationary police officers; and promotion testing, scoring, appeals, processes and promotion lists. The merit board would also review, for hiring and promotion, the methods to recruit applicants and those interested in promotion as well as the scoring techniques and which
consultants will be used.
“This (board) will provide officers with increased due process and appeal opportunities,” Spears said. “A member who is reprimanded in writing or suspended under this may, within 48 hours after receiving notice of the reprimand or suspension, request in writing the commission review the reprimand or suspension and uphold or reverse the chief’s decision.”
Spears said police officers can have significant input on the merit board by giving those officers the power to select two of the board’s five members.
ZPD patrol officer Aaron Cook, a 14year veteran of the department, said the board has a lot of positives for local law enforcement.
“I think the greatest positive that I can see with this ordinance is the power to select two of the members of this board, which I think helps us to take more ownership of what is going on, especially since the board has a lot of power over people’s careers,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of interactions with the public over my time, and what people think we do and what we actually do sometimes is a pretty big gap. So, having a part in that process to pick some people who may be willing to learn or who are already prepared for the job will help keep things running smoothly.”
Mayor John Stehr urged the town council to approve the creation of the board. The council also will consider a measure to create a merit board for the Zionsville Fire Department.
The Town of Zionsville is expected to adopt a merit board to oversee the ZPD this month. (File photo)
Indy Fuel, Boone County students discuss mental health
news@youarecurrent.com
Members of the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County participated in an initiative with the Indy Fuel Nov. 4 to help end the stigma surrounding mental health.
WELL-BEING
The event — Hockey Talks — was held at the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County Whitestown Unit. The collaborative effort of the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County and Indy Fuel, facilitated by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, was designed to foster an open dialogue among students within Zionsville Community Schools and the Lebanon Community School Corp. Indy Fuel players, along with mental health professionals from Anthem, engaged in conversations with students to help them feel safe and understood. Players offered guidance on how to navigate mental health issues, such as balancing life, engaging in hobbies, maintaining proper sleep and nutrition and building supportive social circles.
The Hockey Talks mental health awareness initiative was inspired by the death of Vancouver Canucks player Rick Rypien,
who died by suicide in 2011. Launched in 2013, the program honors Rypien’s legacy by promoting mental health support for youth and families.
By sharing Rypien’s story, the initiative seeks to inspire open conversations and provide essential resources to those in need.
“We are dedicated to addressing the whole health needs of individuals, families and communities as we collaborate with our community partners to foster conversations about mental health,” Anthem Indiana Behavioral Health Medicaid Medical Director Dr. Kimberly Mayrose stated. “Anthem is thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside the Indy Fuel throughout the season, coordinating player visits to community-based organizations and schools across Indiana to educate and address the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.”
The event was made possible by $1 million in grant funding by Anthem’s parent foundation, the Elevance Health Foundation, to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.
Learn more about Hockey Talks at indyfuelhockey.com/hockey-talks.
Boone County students and members of Indy Fuel discuss mental health Nov. 4 in Whitestown. (Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Boone County)
Noblesville soccer player’s confidence leads to strong finish
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School defensive midfielder Sadie Black’s confidence reached a high point in her final prep season.
“I think it showed in every aspect of my game,” she said. “But more specifically, I think I improved on my corners and free kicks by trying to be more consistent with my placement to give my teammates the best opportunities to score.”
That helped the Millers capture their third consecutive IHSAA Class 3A girls soccer state championship Nov. 2 by topping Center Grove 3-1 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.
“Winning a state title your senior year is always the dream, and so I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my soccer career at Noblesville. So, this state title is definitely extra special,” Black said. “I think we are just such a close group and it shows when we step out on the field. Coach (Mike) Brady, throughout this postseason, kept saying, ‘Do us,’ which meant to play our game, come together as a team and to play for each other, which ended
SADIE BLACK
Favorite Athlete: Trinity Rodman
Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”
Favorite subject: Biology
Favorite vacation spot: Tybee Island, Ga.
Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen
up being the keys for coming away with a state title this year.”
Brady said Black’s defensive presence was a major reason why the Millers (19-02) gave up only seven goals in 21 games during the season.
“She plays a position that doesn’t get much recognition, but her play has been an
Noblesville High School senior defensive midfielder Sadie Black played a key role in the team’s success. (Photo courtesy of Sadie Black)
integral part of the team’s success,” Brady said.
Black was one of the team captains and was chosen to lead the team in their pregame cheer.
“This honor goes to the player who embodies sportsmanship, a competitive spirit and a desire and work ethic to improve each day,” Brady said. “In turn, she models these qualities to her teammates and expects the same from them. She has contributed to the positive culture of our team and serves as a role model to her teammates and youth in the community.”
Black started playing soccer at age 2 with Lil’ Kickers but started playing com-
petitively at age 9.
“I tried playing softball, but it didn’t take me very long to figure out that softball wasn’t something that I wanted to do and that soccer was what I wanted to focus on,” she said. “When I was really little, I played forward and a little bit of goalie, but when I was about 10, I switched to defense and honestly it was one of the best decisions I ever made. As much fun as it is to play forward, I love playing defense because there is no better feeling in the world than a perfect tackle or header.”
An academic all-state selection, Black will play for Eastern Illinois University next season.
“I chose Eastern Illinois because the coaches and players immediately made it feel like a family and place that I would love to spend my next four years,” she said. “The campus is absolutely gorgeous and it’s the perfect distance from home. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Eastern Illinois was the place that I wanted to call home.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Like many women, Rainey’s health routine was disrupted by the pandemic. Before she knew it, three years had passed without an annual mammogram.
After getting back on track with this key screening, she was able to catch and treat her breast cancer early. And thanks to a simple mammogram and her care team at Community Health Network, Rainey is now cancer-free. It’s simple, it’s convenient and it can save your life. Schedule your annual mammogram today at eCommunity.com/mammogram
Zionsville organizations earn community foundation grants
news@youarecurrent.com
The Community Foundation of Boone County recently announced the recipients of the final competitive grant cycle for 2024, totaling more than $225,000 for 30 Boone County-serving nonprofit organizations.
NONPROFITS
Recipients include:
• SullivanMunce Cultural Center
• Zionsville Education Foundation
• Zionsville Lions Park
• Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library
• Boys & Girls Club of Boone County
• Boone County Mentoring Partnership
• The Cabin Counseling and Resource Center
• Central Indiana Police Foundation
• Habitat for Humanity of Boone County
The grant cycle marked the most applications received to-date by CFBC for funding, with 55 applications submitted with funding requests totaling more than $485,000.
“When we saw the number of applications come through, we knew we wouldn’t be able to fill all of the requests,” CFBC CEO Julie Reagan stated. “We reached out to community partners and our fund advisors, asking them to come alongside us to help us fill as many as possible. We continue to be grateful for the many amazing funders in our community who want to help fill needs. We can only do this work because of those relationships.”
The unrestricted grants — aimed at addressing a wide range of community needs
The Community Foundation recently announced grant awards of $225,000 to 30 Boone County-serving nonprofit organizations. (File photo)
— will support critical programs in areas of education, health, wellness and community connectivity.
“It’s truly inspiring to witness the incredible work these nonprofits are doing to improve the quality of life for Boone County residents,” CFBC Director of Education & Grantmaking Ali Maxey stated. “This grant cycle reflects our mission to invest in organizations that are making an impact not only today but for future generations, and we are proud to support them as they address needs across our community.”
In 2024, CFBC awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants through various programs.
The Community Foundation of Boone County unites people, organizations and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, the foundation has granted more than $30 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County.
Learn more at communityfoundationbc. org.
SullivanMunce Cultural Center is one of 30 organizations awarded grant funding recently from the Community Foundation of Boone County. (File photo)
DISPATCHES
Winter Market — The Town of Whitestown hosts a monthly winter market at the Whitestown Community Recreation Center at the Whitestown Municipal Complex. The market is 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14; Jan. 11, 2025; Feb. 8; and March 8. A variety of vendors will sell local products and foods. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
Diaper drive — The Indiana Diaper Bank is collecting diapers, training diapers, wipes and monetary donations through the month of December in the 2024 #ShareTheLove diaper drive. The goal is to collect $30,000 — approximately 120,000 diapers — by the end of 2024. Indiana Diaper Bank distributes up to 600,000 diapers every month throughout the state to programs that support Hoosier families who struggle to afford diapers. Organizations that wish to participate can sign up at tinyurl.com/2p8wjts6. Learn more at indianadiaperbank.org.
Holiday Pickleball Festival — Grand National Racquet Center will host the Holiday Pickleball Festival Dec. 13 through Jan. 2 at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield. One of the largest indoor pickleball events in the country, the festival includes 15 courts, full food and beverage selections, unique daily events, fundraising and open play. Vendors interested in setting up a booth throughout the tournament can contact Kiersten Krupp at kiersten@grandnationalracquetcenter.com. Pricing is available for specific days or for the duration of the festival. Register to participate in the festival at grandnationalracquetcenter. com.
Donations for homeless veterans – The Gamma Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha will collect donations for the Hope for Heroes Project to benefit veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness through Dec. 8. Requested items include socks; undershirts; boxer briefs; toothpaste and toothbrushes; deodorant; shampoo; shaving supplies; travel-sized toiletries; sanitary pads and tampons; and denture care products. Donations benefit veterans receiving services from Hoosier Veterans And Families. The project has collected more than $35,000 in goods over the past 15 years. Zionsville collection sites include Great Lakes Ace Hardware, 25 Boone Village; and Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, 250 N. Fifth St.
Flush with anticipation: Restroom project pushes ahead
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville’s historic brick Main Street is one step closer to giving guests and patrons a little bit of comfort when they visit.
TOWN NEWS
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr told members of the town council Nov. 4 that negotiations are nearing completion to provide public restrooms for Village patrons just in time for the holidays.
right place.”
“We’ve made progress on a temporary solution to put restrooms in the Village,” Stehr said. “We are still in legal review. We’re considering a plan for signage. We don’t want to create visual pollution on our brick street, but we will need a few signs to direct people to that location. We will also (work) with downtown business owners so we can direct visitors to the
Stehr said in October that his administration was working on both temporary and permanent solutions for public restrooms in the Village. The town is currently in the process of selecting a firm to provide streetscape improvements and a new public plaza near the entrance to the Village, south of Hawthorne Street and north of Eagle Creek. The town will pay for that plaza with its READI 1.0 grant. Stehr said previously that a permanent restroom facility would likely be included in a public plaza design. But in the meantime, the town is working on temporary facilities. Stehr said the solution under review is to add restrooms to an existing building within one block of Main Street. The mayor also said the town may consider renting or purchasing a portable restroom trailer.
Stehr
November 19, 2024
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
November 23, 29, 30 December
FRIDAYS 5 – 9 p.m. SATURDAYS 2 – 9
Take a ride on our free fantastic shopping, delicious magic at every turn!
3rd Ave SW will be northbound traffic only during the hours that the Christkindlmarkt is open.
Monon Greenway
Carter Green Elevators
Walkways
Stairs 15 - minute loading zones
Garages include public & private parking (free)
Surface parking. Follow posted time limits. (free) Shopping/dining districts
November 23 – December 24
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
November 27, noon – 9 p.m.
December 16 & 17, 4 – 9 p.m.
December 23, noon – 9 p.m.
December 24, noon – 4 p.m.
ZIONSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION HOSTS 2024 ZEF BASH
(Right) The Zionsville Education Foundation hosted its annual fundraiser, ZEF Bash, Nov. 9 at the Golf Club of Indiana in Whitestown. ZEF uses funds raised at the annual event for teacher and classroom grants. The money helps bridge the gap between basic curricular necessities provided by state funds and the innovative ideas that educators create to encourage students to become lifelong thinkers. ZEF provides classroom grants; professional development grants; student enrichment grants; and strategic initiative grants. Fall 2024 grants totaled $42,512. Since its founding in 1995, ZEF has provided more than $1.85 million in grants — representing approximately 1,188 projects that benefit Zionsville Community Schools students. (Photos by Marney Simon)
(Left) The 2024 ZEF Bash theme was “Aloha.” In addition to dinner, entertainment and dancing, guests were able to bid on dozens of items, from trips abroad to a ride to school on a fire engine to the actual scoreboard that once hung inside the ZCHS gymnasium.
ROUND 2
Development for next phase of The Farm in Zionsville expected to move ahead
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The next phase of development at The Farm in Zionsville is preparing to move ahead.
The Zionsville Town Council approved the introduction of an ordinance authorizing bonds for Phase 2 of The Farm at Michigan Road and Sycamore Street Nov. 4. The council is expected to issue $4.5 million in bonds from TIF revenues and taxpayer payments to help fund Phase 2, with $1.3 million earmarked for Phase 2A.
Sam Pittman of Pittman Partners presented plans for Phase 2, which will be divided into subphases, to the Economic Development Commission and the Zionsville Town Council.
Phase 1 at The Farm is the construction of 400 multifamily apartment units. That phase is slated to open in 2025. Pittman said Phase 2-A will include 225,000 square feet of commercial space.
Pittman said the project is being developed under six pillars: Preserve the legacy and identity of Pittman Farms; establish a gateway to Zionsville; create connectivity and complement downtown Zionsville; set the standard for future local development; build an amenity for residents to live, work and shop; and boost economic viability.
“I think a lot of times, people have to shop in Carmel, Indianapolis and Whitestown,” Pittman said. “So, providing daily needs to residents and furthering the town’s economic goals is the ultimate goal once built.”
Phase 2 will include a variety of uses, such as office, medical office, grocery, restaurants and fitness.
“This is the type of center where you would expect to reasonably visit it three to five times per week, whether you’re getting dinner or your nails done or grabbing groceries,” Pittman said. “Phase 2-A is what we’re working on right now, it will be about 45,000 square feet of medical, fitness, financial service and retail space.”
Phase 2-A will include an interior loop road, a walking path and an intersection signal with Michigan Road. Grading and utilities for future parcels has been completed.
“We expect the phases to happen rela-
tively quickly,” Pittman said. “Once (Phase 2-A) gets built, everything should happen pretty quickly. We took great care in the design of this project to shield dumpster enclosures and back-of-house items. A lot of patio space was incorporated into this. One thing that’s unique about it is that it’s split up into six different buildings, which maximizes your end cap space to allow more of those community gathering areas.”
Pittman said the design orientates the retail buildings inward with the rear of the buildings to Michigan Road and Sycamore Streets.
“We spent a lot of time designing this. I would say we were obsessive about mate-
rials and creating green space and pedestrian connectivity,” he said. “We made a big effort to make these buildings four-sided, where materials from the storefronts carry through the backs of the buildings, and then complemented that with really dense landscaping to shield back-of-house areas like trash enclosures and electrical panels.”
Town council members asked for clarity on the design of the development.
Pittman Partners owner Steve Pittman said a typical strip mall orientation to the road was considered initially, but the design team opted to adjust the site to face the center of the property.
“If you go south on Michigan Road, it’s
DOWN ON THE FARM
The Farm is a 48-acre development at U.S. 421 and Sycamore Street. It includes a mix of retail and an apartment community.
Construction of Phase 1 began in February 2023. It includes land preparation and infrastructure for the entire development and a three-building, four-story, 400-unit apartment development.
The Zionsville Town Council approved plans for The Farm in 2013. While initial planning included construction of a Kro-
ger, those plans were scrapped when Kroger acquired another site for a local grocery store.
“We think this is one of the best retail locations in the Indianapolis (area),” Steve Pittman said of the property in 2021 during the development process.
“Regardless of the pandemic and reports on the death of retail, this is still a very viable and dynamic area where retail is going to want to locate.”
Learn more at pittmanpartners.com.
basically retail development as usual. It’s, ‘Put a big building out there then put a sea of parking,’ and we said let’s do that differently, so when you come into Zionsville it doesn’t look like a big retail development,” Pittman said. “We’re super respectful of Sycamore Street, especially. We’ll have retaining walls of 10- to 11-feet tall along Sycamore, and then on top of that there will be a fence and landscaping. So, it’s not going to feel like a big strip center as you’re coming into Zionsville.”
Councilor Craig Melton said he appreciates the heavy landscape design, compared to what is south on Michigan Road.
“A selling point for us, in doing a large apartment complex in the Town of Zionsville and setting it back was this idea that we were going to have these buildings out front that were going to keep our line of sight from seeing this behemoth of an apartment complex, which is very nicely done,” Melton said. I did a site visit and I can really appreciate the unique design this creates for Zionsville.”
The project agreement was entered into in 2022 when the initial series of bonds were issued for Phase 1. Now, as per the agreement, Pittman Partners is seeking bonds for Phase 2.
“We always contemplated that Phase 2 would proceed in this manner, and I think this is consistent with that,” said Barnes & Thornburg Partner Jerimi J. Ullom, representing Pittman Partners.
Steve Pittman said he believes people will be pleased with the final product.
“I think it’s going to be spectacular, and I think people are going to be really happy with it,” Steve Pittman said.
Pittman Partners estimates that Phase 2-A will create 42 permanent full-time jobs with an estimated annual payroll of $1.5 million.
The council is expected to consider adoption of the bond ordinance this week. The Redevelopment Commission will consider adoption of a resolution to pledge TIF and EDC bonds to the project and substantially approve the final project agreement Nov. 26.
ON THE COVER: Pittman Partners is preparing for the next phase of The Farm in Zionsville. (Image courtesy of Pittman Partners)
Phase 2 of The Farm will include retail development at Sycamore Street and Michigan Road. (Image courtesy of Pittman Partners)
currentnightandday.com
Performers relish roles in Civic Theatre’s ‘White Christmas’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kaycee Beck seemingly was born to perform in musicals.
“On one side of my family, my grandma was in New York City Ballet, and on the other side, my grandma was a music teacher and my grandpa was a recording artist in Alaska,” Beck said. “So, I grew up in a huge musical family and ‘White Christmas’ was such a meaningful and amazing movie to watch during the holiday seasons. Honestly, this is a dream role for me being Judy and it’s very surreal I’m here.”
The Zionsville resident portrays Judy Haynes in Civic Theatre’s production of “White Christmas,” set for Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The story focuses on two sisters who become connected with two performers who want to hold a surprise Army reunion to help their former general’s struggling inn in Vermont.
“I love the nostalgia and the number ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,’” Beck said. “That number is so iconic and beautiful in both the movie and the musical.”
Beck, a 2019 Zionsville Community High School graduate, was active in show choirs in high school and performed with the Singing Hoosiers at Indiana University. She was the group’s varsity choreographer for three years and choreographer captain for the entire group for one year. She now choreographs show choirs for Noblesville High School.
“I think the art of telling a story and a message to the audience is my favorite part,” Beck said. “As much as I love to do it through song and dance, I think being able to touch the hearts of your audience members and connect with them and make friendships in that way is really powerful.”
This is Beck’s second Christmas show. She was in “Elf” in 2023, playing a wait-
ress and performing in the ensemble.
Beck enjoys the song “I Love a Piano,” which is in the musical but not the 1954 movie.
“It’s a seven-minute tap dance and (Civic’s) Anne Beck is an incredible choreographer, and she has choreographed such a lighthearted tap number for the group,” Beck said.
Mackenzie Foulks portrays her sister, Betty Haynes.
“I don’t dance very much,” Foulks said. “She is more of the singing sister and Judy is the dancing one.”
Foulks, a 2016 North Central High School graduate and a north Indianapolis resident, said her favorite scene is singing “Love You Didn’t Do Right by Me” while wearing a black dress with the male dancers.
“It’s very fun to perform,” she said. “I performed on cruise ships and there are those cast as just dancers. I kind of like to sing and have dancers around me to make me look pretty, that’s what I say. But I do wish I danced a little more on the show just because the choreography is so much fun and it looks so amazing.”
Austin Stodghill, who plays Phil Davis, saw the movie for the first time a few years ago.
“My parents are deaf, so I didn’t grow up with too many musicals in my life,” Stodghill said. “So, I discovered musicals later in life. What I like most is that he dances a lot. When I watch the movie, honestly, all the dancing is the most icon-
ic part of the show to me.”
Marc Coomes, a Brownsburg resident, plays Bob Wallace.
“I originally auditioned for Phil because I love dancing, but I ended up being Bob Wallace, so it’s all good,” Coomes said. “My favorite song is ‘Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.’ It’s kind of the lullaby of the show. It is really endearing to who Bob Wallace is. It reveals his softer side, not the military background, but the connection between him and the general’s granddaughter.”
This is Coomes’ first show in 15 years. He performed in three operas at IU and performed in several shows in high school in Evansville. He took time off from performing because he and his wife have five daughters.
Director Michael Lasley said this is the first time Civic has presented “White Christmas” but plans to make it part of a rotation with “Elf” and “A Christmas Story: The Musical” for the foreseeable future.
“It’s a huge production. It’s crazy to put these big old musicals together,” Lasley said. “A lot of musicals start out on stage and become a movie, and this was the other way around. We do a lot of contemporary things, but to get back to these great American standards (is rewarding). It’s all (the original music) by Irving Berlin but with a more modern orchestration. So, it’s a little jazzier than the original, but the movie musical of the 1950s was very hipster.”
For more, visit civitheatre.org.
‘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.
‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’
Carmel Community Players presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” through Nov. 24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic and Lies” ls set for Nov. 21, followed by Dueling Pianos Nov. 22 and Murder Mystery Nov. 23 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR.
Leslie Odom Jr. will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
CANADIAN BRASS
Canadian Brass will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Dionne Warwick will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Croce to return to Palladium — Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts announced “A.J. Croce: Heart of The Eternal Tour” is set for 8 p.m. April 4, 2025, at the Palladium in Carmel. Tickets went on sale to the general public Nov. 15. Croce, a singer-songwriter, and his band have been touring with their “Croce Plays Croce” tributes to his late father, folk singer Jim Croce, who enjoyed a string of pop hits in the early 1970s before his death in a 1973 plane crash. A.J. Croce played at the Palladium earlier this year. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org
DIONNE WARWICK
From left, Austin Stodgill, Kaycee Beck, Mackenzie Foulks and Marc Coomes perform in “White Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Actresses lends authenticity
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Adrienne Reiswerg has a long history with “Fiddler on the Roof.”
PERFORMANCES
The north Indianapolis resident is appearing in “Fiddler on the Roof” in the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production, which runs through Nov. 24. This is Reiswerg’s fifth time in the musical and fourth time playing Yente, the matchmaker,
“Clearly, this show and I have some affinity for one another,” Reiswerg said.
said all four of her grandparents were immigrants.
“I knew three of them and their stories are wildly similar to what they went through in this show,” Reiswerg said. “Two of my grandparents were from Ukraine, one from Poland and one from Belarus. Their hometowns were remarkably similar to Tevye’s town, which is made up.”
Reiswerg said most believe the story is set in Ukraine in the early 1900s.
Reiswerg Cohen
“I also enjoy bringing cultural competency to the cast and the community and correcting any misconceptions. Someone asked me if we ever have juniors, and I said, ‘No, Jews never name after the living. We only name after the dead.’ The idea of cultural competency and sharing one’s traditions is a great thing. It’s a way of better understanding through the arts.”
Besides her Jewish heritage, Reiswerg
Reiswerg said her character, which she first played 25 years ago, could be anywhere from 40 to 100 years old.
“I’ve always played her as someone who has seen everything in a small town,” Reiswerg said.
Carmel High School sophomore Sadie Cohen plays Chava, one of Tevye’s daughters.
“It’s been such a fabulous experience so far,” Cohen said. “I’m a proud young Jewish woman, so having the opportunity to play a young Jewish woman is super meaningful to me.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Warwick still driven to perform
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Dionne Warwick has been performing for more than 60 years. Initially, she said she figured her career would last about five years.
CONCERT
“Now, it’s 55 years later. It’s the way God planned it, I guess,” Warwick said. “I’m walking that path as long as he wants me to walk it. I love what I do and apparently people want to see me and hear me.”
nate that I’ve been able to musically fulfill those periods of time with those people that sit in the audience. They are getting exactly what they came to get. They have different favorite songs.”
Warwick, 83, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Warwick said she always shares stories about her career with the audience.
“They want to get to know me like I want to get to know them,” Warwick said. “It’s like we’re sitting in my living room having a good old time.”
Warwick was at the Palladium for the inaugural gala in 2011 and was the gala headliner in 2019.
A 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame in 2016. She has a long friendship with Great American Songbook Foundation founder and Allied Solutions Center Artistic Director Michael Feinstein.
“He’s a talented, exceptionally knowledgeable person,” Warwick said. “I find it a joy whenever he calls and says, ‘Can you do it this year?’ And, of course, the answer is yes all the time.”
Even after six decades, Warwick enjoys performing for audiences.
“People have incredible ears, and whatever they feel suits that ear becomes very special to them,” she said. “I’m very fortu-
Many of Warwick’s greatest hits were crafted for her by the late composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David.
“It was a marriage that worked,” Warwick said. “They wrote songs with me in mind, so each one of the songs that I sing has been specifically written for me — Burt with his magnificent melodies and Hal David with the magnificent lyrics for me to sing.”
Warwick is renowned for many songs, including “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer for You,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love.”
The song “That’s What Friends Are For,” which Warwick recorded with Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder, raised awareness and major funds for AIDS research, which Warwick continues to support, among other causes such as The Starlight Foundation, children’s hospitals, world hunger, disaster relief and music education.
Warwick participated with other music stars in “We Are The World,” a charity single to raise funds for humanitarian aid for the famine in Ethiopia.
“It was a wonderful thing that we all decided we had the opportunity to be of service for and and showed up to do that,”
Warwick said.
Warwick has worked since the mid1980s to support AIDS research.
“I support anything I truly believe in and I can be of service for and to,” Warwick said. ‘There are some things that touch me and I feel I can be of some service.”
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
The Magic Returns November 23!
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt opens to the public on November 23. Join us for the Opening Ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to ring in the new season!
Plan your visit today.
Open November 23 - December 24
Regular Hours Mon. & Tues.: Closed Wed. & Thur.: 4 - 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 12 - 9 p.m. Sun.: 12 - 8 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours
Nov. 27: 12 - 9 p.m.
Dec. 16 & 17: 4 - 9 p.m.
Dec. 23: 12 - 9 p.m.
Dec. 24: 12 - 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas
Warwick
CARME L
Trampled by Turtles show set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Trampled by Turtles was created as a side project by vocalist Dave Simonett.
CONCERT
“When we started, we had one show and that was going to be it,” Simonett said. “All of us were in rock bands and we wanted to try something acoustic. In the town of Duluth (Minn.,) where we started, no one else was doing that. We thought it was something to try for a local festival there.”
Twenty-one years later, the bluegrass band is still going strong. Trampled by Turtles will open for Turnpike Troubadours at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 in the opening performance at the Fishers Event Center.
“We’re excited to see what it’s like,” Simonett said. “It’s a cool opportunity to get in front of a lot of people who haven’t seen us or heard of us before.”
Simonett said the band will perform songs from “Always Here, Always Now,” which was released in September. The album includes the same five songs performed by both Trampled by Turtles
‘Noble
and Simonett’s Americana band Dead Man Winter. Simonett and bassist Tim Saxhaup are in both bands.
“As the writing process fleshed itself out, I just thought I wanted to hear it with each band and see which one I liked better,’ Simonett said. “I settled on let’s record them with both because I kind of envisioned both groups playing each song and couldn’t pick. My experiment was to sing the same song with the same singer and see how different people would make it sound. Both were recorded fairly live in different studios.”
Country star LeAnn Rimes sings a duet with Simonett on “Out of Time” and is featured during “On My Way Back Home” on the Trampled by Turtles’ versions.
“We were discussing names and ended up having a weird third-party connection to LeAnn,” Simonett said. “I was assuming she wouldn’t have the time or interest. She was wonderful to work with and what a voice.”
Simonett said Trampled by Turtles has opened for Turnpike Troubadours several times in recent years.
“For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com,
Vision’ now streaming
By Les Morris editorial@youarecurrent.com
A full-length feature film with strong central Indiana bloodlines is sweeping up awards and hitting it big on streaming services.
FILM
“Noble Vision,” a movie based on the novel of the same name by Westfield resident Gen LaGreca, has racked up 28 wins in film festivals this year, including awards for best feature film, screenplay and acting in prestigious competitions such as the International New York Film Festival, the Queen City Film Festival, and the Silicon Beach Film Festival.
The movie was made entirely in central Indiana with a Hoosier cast and crew. It is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, Plex, Tubi, Vudu, and Hoopla, with more platforms to come.
“It’s a 19-year dream come true for me,” said LaGreca, whose novel was published in 2005.
The story is tailored for film that hits on a variety of levels – as a romance, a political thriller and a commentary on medical ethics. LaGreca wrote the screenplay two
years after the book was finished.
The film tells the story of a young neurosurgeon, Dr. David Lang (Michael Rubenstone), who develops a revolutionary procedure to repair damaged nerves. When a beautiful dancer, Nicole Hudson (Rayna Wilson), is blinded in an accident, Lang is determined to help her regain her sight, but the pair face bureaucratic and political obstacles that threaten their mission.
“Noble Vision,” a Winged Victory Foundation film, was shot at 15 different locations in three weeks during September 2023.
“We had a moderate budget but highclass talent,” LaGreca said.
Michael Rubenstone examining Rayna Wilson’s eyes in a scene from “Noble Vision.” (Photo courtesy of Gen LaGreca)
Boone EDC appoints director
news@youarecurrent.com
The Boone County Economic Development Corp. recently announced the appointment of Tracey Horth Krueger as interim director. She enters the role with more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience with a background in guiding organizations through growth and development.
LEADERSHIP
Krueger’s resume includes founding CEO of the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking and the Domestic Violence Network. She has also worked as a consultant for small to midsize nonprofits, focusing organizational restructuring, project development and executive coaching.
“We’re ushering in a transformative era at Boone EDC, confidently forging ahead with new initiatives and directions,” Boone EDC Board of Directors President Shane Conner stated. “With Tracey Krueger stepping in as our interim CEO,
we have the ideal leader to navigate this period of change. Her dedication and profound insights will be instrumental as we continue to evolve, ensuring that Boone EDC remains a dynamic and steadfast pillar of growth and prosperity for our community.”
Krueger is a member of the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township School Board.
Boone EDC representatives said that role, including a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in educational spaces aligns with Boone EDC’s goals of enhancing Boone County’s quality of life
Boone EDC’s Board of Directors has launched an executive search for a permanent CEO. The search is focused on identifying a visionary leader who will continue to build on the strong foundation and innovative spirit that has been set.
Boone EDC pursues desirable economic opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County residents. Learn more at BetterInBoone.org.
DISPATCHES
Best places to work – The application period is open for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce 20th annual Best Places to Work in Indiana competition. The awards honor top organizations in the state as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Company evaluations and the selection process are administered by Workforce Research Group. The competition includes a questionnaire and anonymous engagement and satisfaction survey. Winners will be honored April 30, 2025 at the Best Places to Work awards dinner at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. The application deadline is Nov. 22. Learn more at bestplacestoworkindiana.com.
Pacers win Changemaker award — The NBA announced that the Indiana Pacers earned the 2024 NBA Changemaker of the Year Award for the team’s partnership with Fishers-based tech startup Spokenote. The partnership, announced in January, made the Pacers the first major professional sports franchise in the United States to debut a QR-code
patch on their jerseys. Through its proprietary platform, Spokenote enables organizations to link videos, photos and other digital content to unique codes.
Coolest things made in Indiana – Voting is open for the Indiana Chamber’s fourth annual ‘Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana’ competition. Companies entered in the tournament face off in a single-elimination bracket format. The Indiana Destination Development Corporation joins the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as a program sponsor this year. The partnership will provide competitors with additional recognition through posts and videos on the IDDC’s social media and statewide platforms. The competition features 50 entrants from 90 Indiana municipalities and all products are made in the Hoosier state. The competition runs through Dec. 5. Awards for this year’s top finishers will be presented at the 2024 Best IN Manufacturing Awards Luncheon Dec. 11 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Vote at indianachamber.com/coolest-thing-made-in-indiana-tournament.
Krueger
A go-getter’s world?
Commentary by Terry Anker
ESSAY
Nineteenth-century American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once mused that, “Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing.” He makes a good point. We are far more likely to accomplish something when we set out with a clear objective and apply the effort required to take us there. Whether we imagined ourselves to be college educated or to earn enough to provide a college education for our offspring, a bit of chutzpah and more than a little labor are required to get us there.
Earlier this year, Randstad Consulting, a Dutch human resources firm operating in 39 nations with more than 6,000 employees, released its 2024 Workmonitor report. Among other things, it held that more than 40 percent of Americans would refuse a promotion if offered; more than half are happy to remain in a job with no prospects of mobility; and almost twothirds see their noncareer interests as more important than their contributions at the office.
CFO.com took the data to be a significant shift for traditional U.S. workers and as an ominous horizon for replacing retiring leadership. Moreover, many of those who do work demand limited desk time along with other concessions and accommodations. Much has been said about whether we have enough leisure. Still, are we willing to accommodate a lesser lifestyle in the trade? If we care, do we look to inheritance, handouts, AI or cheap global labor to offset our increasing lack of productivity? Regardless, who will pick up the slack? Employment for those 65 and older has risen from 11 percent in 1987 to 19 percent today, up 42 percent. With the realized promise of a technological solution still out of reach, there seems to be considerable opportunity for those of us with some motivation. Will our ambition start something?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
LIFESTYLE
1. Pleased
Across
5. “Lonely Boy” singer
9. Jefferson bills
13. Mortgage adjustment, for short
14. Artist Chagall
15. Golf Club of Indiana golf club
16. It may be greased or read
17. Mideast nation
18. Tit for tat, maybe?
19. Pro hockey team that will play in the new Fishers Event Center
22. Burden
23. Brickyard 400 pit stop
25. Reacts to glare
28. Radioactive element
31. Victory Field umps’ calls 32. Spots 34. CIA kin 35. Indoor football team that will play in the new Event Center
39. Had wings at Wolfies
40. Take a breather on the Monon Trail
41. Merriment
42. Helicopter parts
44. Civic Theatre stage decor
47. No longer working (Abbr.)
49. Boxing great
50. Pro volleyball team that will play in the new Fishers Event Center
53. Spanish house
55. Spot
56. Texter’s qualifier
59. Dryer fuzz
60. Border
61. Prophetic sign
62. Art Deco notable
63. “___ Poets Society”
64. Letters on the back of a Colts jersey Down
1. Org.
2. Meadow
3. CIO partner
4. Lessen
5. Surrounded by 6. Not any
7. Cheez Whiz maker 8. Procurer
9. Like British peers 10. Kind of wit
11. Alley ___ (basketball play) 12. Start for Caps, Cat or
20. Convent resident
Clear
Beginning
Not married
Up to now 26. Ecuador’s capital 27. Sound of a leaky radiator
29. Palladium seat finder
30. Sailor’s pal
33. New newts
36. Goofed
37. Changed the look of 38. Car starter
Fancy
Type of meat or laughter 46. Col. Lilly 48. Part of LED
“___ It Romantic?”
Overexcited
Jane Austen novel 53. Cavs, on a Pacers scoreboard
Put on WRTV
57. Tailor-made line
58. Half and half Answers on Page 23
Schuyler.Nehrig@infarmbureau.com
C&H TREE SERVICE
FIREWOOD SALE
Topping – Removal
Deadwooding – Landscaping
Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning
INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
UNLEASHED SCOOPING
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.
Contemporary Window Cleaning & More Inc.
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
With Baker Scott Beginners thru Advanced All styles
Electric-Acoustic-Bass Private Lessons
Parent-Child Lessons
I teach improvisation for all instruments. Gift Certificates Available Read my LinkedIn bio/About near Carey Road & 146th • Carmel 317-910-6990
.com
LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
• FALL CLEAN-UP
• LEAF REMOVAL
• MOWING
• FERTILIZING
• TEAR OUT/REPLACE
Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491
GARAGE–THRIFT-BOUTIQUE *Gently Used: Mens & Womens Clothes Med
XXL *Furniture, Dishes, Lace 12780 Old Meridian St. (Inside salon- Rain or Shine) No Early Birds Thursday Nov 21, 9-6 PM Friday Nov 22 9-6 PM Saturday Nov
