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READI grant funds allocated for downtown roundabouts
news@currentzionsville.com
The Town of Zionsville will utilize $4 million of state-issued READI 2.0 grant funding to address traffic and safety challenges in South Village.
TRAFFIC
The grant will fund the construction of two new roundabouts and road connections at First and Sycamore streets and Main and Sycamore streets. The aim is to resolve traffic and safety issues and enhance pedestrian infrastructure, including a new path on Sycamore Street between First Street and Lions Park.
Construction of the project, which preserves a direct connection between Zionsville Road and Main Street, could begin as early as next year.
“Our traffic grid dates back over 150 years, designed for railroads, not modern vehicles,” Mayor John Stehr stated in a news release Nov. 26. “This funding modernizes our infrastructure, supports responsible growth in the South Village and makes Main Street businesses more accessible.”
Engineers are finalizing the project details, including utility relocations and upgraded pedestrian crossings, according to the release.
The plan was lauded by business owners in the Village and the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m for anything that enhances access to Main Street, while giving an alternative to people who want to go to other areas of town more efficiently,” Our Place Coffee owner Paul Deinlein stated. “Better traffic flow will make it easier for customers to get to my shop.”
Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike Hanlon stated that the chamber supports policies that promote regional partnerships and innovative funding strategies, such as the READI 2.0 program, to maximize resources and drive economic growth.
“Improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety and connectivity will strengthen our
Planned roundabouts will change access into downtown Zionsville, while maintaining a connection directly to the brick Main Street.
(File photo)
economy and enhance the vibrancy within our community that attracts and retains talent,” Hanlon stated. “We look forward to working with Mayor Stehr and the local business community here in Zionsville to bring this project to life.”
READI 2.0 is part of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly that allocated $500 million to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that are expected to transform Indiana communities, attract talent and improve quality of life for Hoosiers in the short and long term.
Launched in 2021, the $1.25 billion statewide program committed $45 million in matching funds to advance projects promoting walkable communities, innovation hubs and recreational districts to the central Indiana READI region.
In 2023, the Town of Zionsville allocated its $1.9 million READI 1.0 grant for the Zionsville Gateway Project — specifically for infrastructure improvement planning at Sycamore and Main streets.
That project is anticipated to include a plaza to connect to the town’s trail system, Lion’s Park and the Village business district.
DISPATCHES
Holiday volunteers sought — The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce is seeking community volunteers for the monthlong Christmas in the Village festival. Santa House helpers are needed Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22. Sign up for shifts at tinyurl. com/yuxrse8v. Learn more about Christmas in the Village events and activities at zionsvillechamber.org/ christmas-in-the-village.
Toys for Tots – AAA Hoosier Motor Club is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve Toys for Tots to help children in central Indiana by collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-14 for distribution during the holidays. Donations can be made at participating AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch locations between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 13. Locations include 8751 Wesleyan Rd. in Indianapolis/ College Park. In 2023, the Indianapolis chapter of Toys for Tots distributed 78,560 toys and supported 65,000 children.
Purdue Extension to offer workshop — Annie’s Project — an educational framework to empower women in agriculture sponsored by Purdue Extension — will host a six-week workshop for new or experienced cut flower-growers in Boone County beginning Jan. 20, 2025. The workshop will focus on nurturing business skills while participants network with other cut flower growers. Participants will engage in topics including implementation of risk management skills; development of skills in new business development; financial management; strategic marketing; competitive production practices; and liability geared toward sustainable growth. The workshop is $65 per person. Courses can be taken online, on in-person at The Farm Bureau Inc. Community Building at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds in Lebanon. Register at tinyurl.com/deb88pre.
3
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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 36
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Thanks to your generosity, last year United Way invested $59.3 million to help our neighbors.
Zionsville audit of 2021 complete
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The State Board of Accounts has completed an audit of 2021 and 2022 for the Town of Zionsville, confirming that the town was out of compliance in several areas of financial reporting.
TOWN FINANCES
Mayor John Stehr and Director of Finance and Records Cindy Poore told the town council Nov. 18 that recommendations for cleaning up the town’s books have already been implemented.
Auditors with SBOA began the process Aug. 18. The town lost its AA+ credit rating in 2022, after an audit by the state of the 2021 finances found several areas of noncompliance with state law, including:
• A lack of proper internal controls led to bank reconcilements not being completed on time or accurately
• $205,585 in disbursements were made from the Town Hall Improvement fund for a town hall renovation project without council approval
• Overdrawn cash balances in three funds
• Several claims lacked supporting documentation and proper approval
• $75,000 from the Motor Vehicle Highway fund, which are to be used primarily for road construction and maintenance, were used to pay for expenses related to a town hall renovation project
• Monthly bank statements and other data were not uploaded to the Indiana Gateway for Government Units as
required for 14 of 17 bank accounts between April and December 2021
“The results were not ideal; however, the audit process has gone very smoothly,” Stehr said. “We thought the final report would take a couple of weeks after we filed our response, but that ended up just taking a couple of days, which tells me that there were no red flags in there. The Cliffs Notes version is, our books were out of compliance with state statutes in 2021 mostly due to poorly performing software and a lack of adherence to internal controls (and) 2022 mirrored 2021. (And) 2023 was a transition year and our financial reporting improved significantly starting about midyear and through December.”
Poore said while findings were repetitive from the original audit, changes have already been made and implemented. The town rewrote its internal controls documentation in 2023 and 2024 with the assistance of accounting firm Baker-Tilly. Poore said those controls are fluid and can be altered as needed.
“We were required to write a corrective action plan, which was submitted. It was not hard to write because we already corrected everything,” she said. “We’re definitely heading in the right direction. The internal controls, the timely bank reconciliations and the monthly engagement uploads -- which is uploading the bank reconciliations and reports from the system — everything is current to date. Everything that they addressed has been corrected at this point. It’s very positive moving forward.”
Stehr said restoration of the town’s S&P 500 AA+ credit rating remains a key focus of his administration moving forward.
DISPATCHES
Santa’s workshop — The Town of Whitestown will host Santa’s Workshop at Main Street Park each Saturday leading up to the Christmas holiday. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
Scholarship applications open — The Community Foundation of Boone County recently announced applications for 2025 scholarship opportunities are available through Jan. 14, 2025. Boone County students can apply for scholarship funding to pursue postsecondary education, including
vocational training, undergraduate studies or graduate studies. Scholarships are made possible by Boone County individuals, families, civic groups and businesses who have established scholarship funds with the CFBC. Search for scholarships and apply for opportunities at communityfoundationbc. org/search-and-apply.
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.
Stehr
January 17– 19, 2025
The 2025 Festival of Ice at Carter Green features:
• Professional ice carving demonstrations in the Arts & Design District
• Fast-paced ice carve-off competition at The Ice at Carter Green
• Firehouse chili cook-off
• And more!
A special thanks to Allied Solutions for participation and sponsorship of many of our holiday events.
Century Structure homes designated in Zionsville
news@currentzionsville.com
The SullivanMunce Cultural Center has added two buildings to its list of Century Structures — designated buildings of historical significance in the downtown Village.
PRESERVATION
The two buildings — 440 Linden St. owned by Kevin Cornish, and 395 W. Walnut St. owned by Mattie Tomb — were granted the designation in November.
The Century Structure program recognizes residential and commercial structures at least 100 years old that feature historic architecture.
Built circa 1875, the Linden Street structure is a Carpenter Builder-style home. Originally a two-room home built for around $300, the home underwent extensive restoration in 2016. Preserved items found inside the structure include operational 1930s knob-and-tube wiring and a large indoor cistern beneath a floor, which was filled with corncobs.
The Linden Street structure, circa 1870, is Italianate-style structure originally built to house Christian Union Church. It later became the Missionary Baptist Church, and later served for several decades as the home of Post 202 of the Grand Army of the Republic and the American Legion Boone
395
Post 79.
The inclusion of two new structures brings the number of Century Structures to 33.
SullivanMunce also offers a Heritage Home designation for homes at least 75 years old.
Structures and accompanying research are archived in the SullivanMunce Cultural Center’s historical collections. Learn more at sullivanmunce.org/ researching-your-home.
Special Events
Dec. 11, 7:30-9 p.m., German Sing-Along & Ornament Exchange
Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m., Glühwein Gallop 5K
Dec. 15, 12-8 p.m., Military Appreciation Day
Werkstatt
Dec. 11-15, Emily Gödicke & Luise Renner, Woodworking Students from Seiffen/Erzgebirge
Kinderecke
Dec. 11, 4-9 p.m., Cookie Decorating
Dec 12, 4-9 p.m., Button Ornament Craft
Spielhaus
Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m., Singing Mrs. Clause
Dec. 14, 12-5 p.m., Roz Puppets
Dec. 15, 2-6 p.m., Santa & Mrs. Claus
Entertainment
Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m. & Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m., Mollie B & SqueezeBox with Ted Lange
Dec. 14, 7:30-9 p.m., Blackjack Davey
Dec. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Brasshaufen
November 23 - December 24
W. Walnut St. homeowner Mattie Tomb, holding plaque, receives her Century Structure designation from committee members, front from left, John Tousley, Mike Sandy and Abigail Klaehn. Back, from left, Chelsea Overbeck, Carol Mullet, SullivanMunce Cultural Center Executive Director Cynthia Young and Ralph Stacy.
Homeowner Kevin Cornish, holding plaque, received the designation of his home at 440 Linden St. as a Century Structure from committee members, from left, Ralph Stacy, Mike Sandy, Chelsea Overbeck, Carol Mullet, John Tousley, SullivanMunce Cultural Center Executive Director Cynthia Young and Abigail Klaehn. (Photo courtesy of Sullivan Munce Cultural Center)
Mural extends ‘greetings’ to Zionsville visitors
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A colorful mural entitled “Greetings from Zionsville” is the latest artistic addition to the town’s historic downtown brick street.
ART
The Zionsville Cultural District commissioned the mural at 295 S. Main St., across from The Friendly Tavern.
Completed in mid-November, the mural was designed and painted by artist Linette Pedigo of Indianapolis, who was selected through a competitive process.
The space was donated by building owner Scott Barnes. Additional funding for the commission came from grant support to the ZCD from MIBOR’S Economic and Community Development Council through its Community Impact Initiative — an effort of MIBOR Realtor Association to provide funding assistance for projects throughout central Indiana that support job attraction/retention and expansion; workforce development; placemaking; quality of life; affordable housing; tourism; and regional collaboration.
The mural was the second painted in
the Village in 2024. “Dahlias and Smiles,” painted by Indianapolis artist Megan Jefferson, was completed on the side of the “Greetings from Zionsville,” commissioned by the Zionsville Cultural District, is the latest mural in the Village. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Cripe Photography building, 45 N. Main St., in May.
The ZCD has sponsored several cultural programs and events in Zionsville.
In 2019, the ZCD started the Dahlia Project, providing dahlia tubers to residents during the Zionsville Farmers’ Market. Over the past five years, dozens of dahlia tubers have been given away, and the recipients are encouraged to bring back clippings of their flowers at the end of the market season.
In 2023, the metal sculpture “Wingz” by artist Mark McGarvey was installed at Overley-Worman Park. The Bender Building historical photo display was also installed in downtown Zionsville in 2023.
ZCD also sponsored the popular “Lincoln Mural” painted by (Ne)Koda Witsken, and funds the ongoing sidewalk poetry project. Poems for permanent display are selected by the organization and stamped into concrete around town.
The mission of the Zionsville Cultural District is “to enrich the lives of residents and visitors by promoting and celebrating our arts, history and culture.”
Learn more at zvillecd.org.
WESTFIELD, ZIONSVILLE MAYORS PARTICIPATE IN FRIENDLY WAGER
When the Westfield High School football team played Zionsville in last month’s sectional championship game, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and Zionsville Mayor John Stehr made a friendly wager about the outcome. Westfield defeated Zionsville 35-13 — eventually making its way to the state final — and Stehr made good on his part of the deal, delivering a Victory Pie from My Sugar Pie in downtown Zionsville to the winners. Despite winning the bet, Westfield followed through as well, with Willis offering up a dozen White House Donuts as a consolation prize. At the exchange at WHS, from left, Stehr, WHS offensive lineman Avery Huggins, WHS offensive lineman Issac Cole, Willis and WHS head coach Josh Miracle. (Photo courtesy of Rocks Media House)
Women in agriculture series kicks off in January 2025
FARMING
Boone County is a host site for a multistate extension workshop series for women in agriculture to offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.
“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series” takes place at 6 p.m. Jan. 21; Jan. 28; Feb. 4; and Feb. 11 at the Farm Bureau Inc. Community Building at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds in Lebanon. The series is a collaborative effort by extension programs at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Purdue University.
Topics will include motivation for succession planning; communicating with family; the financial aspects of estate and transition plans; and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place.
“Planning for what happens to your things when you’re gone can be daunting,
This holiday season, we’re excited to announce our special New Year, New Ears, New You event! In the spirit of giving, we are offering the gift of hearing to a deserving individual: a pair of premium, rechargeable hearing aids will be provided completely free, along with 3 additional visits at no charge.
Do you know someone whose life could be transformed by better hearing? Nominate them by writing a short essay (300 words or less) explaining how these hearing aids could make a difference in their life. Nominees must be 18 years or older, reside in the state of Indiana and self-nominations are not allowed.
To enter, scan the QR code with your phone and fill out the form submission or visit our website at meridianaudiology.com to submit your nomination by December 24, 2024. The recipient will be announced on December 30, 2024.
but it’s so important, especially in agriculture, so that the transition to the next generation goes smoothly,” Purdue Women in Agriculture co-chair Jenna Nees stated.
“This series will help women learn best practices and new strategies to help the transition and estate planning processes so they can take that back to their farm or ranch and help lead the way in creating or reevaluating their plans.”
Nees said the program’s structure is intended to strengthen networks of women in rural areas, which can provide opportunities for building trust and sharing information.
“Connections are so important to rural women,” she stated. “We have seen the benefits that come from knowing your peers, having a place to share difficulties and mitigate the isolation that so many of us in agriculture often feel.”
Registration is $60 before Jan. 13, 2025, and increases to $75 after. A virtual option also is available. Learn more and register at purdue.link/Legacy.
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Westfield senior linebacker’s improvement key to team’s success
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School senior linebacker
Keegan Krupp’s strengths kept growing though his high school football career.
“Keegan is a textbook example for what it looks like to buy into our program’s ‘outwork, outlove’ culture,” Shamrocks coach Josh Miracle said. “Since Keegan’s freshman year, his dedication in the weight room, on-field preparation and consistent practice habits have helped him become one of our team’s most productive players. Keegan was an excellent special teams player as a junior, but this season he took on a larger role defensively, becoming our team’s leading tackler. Keegan really improved defending the run this season and was a huge part of a defense that gave up 14 points per game.”
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Krupp led the Shamrocks (12-2) with 105 total tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery. He was named to the all-Hoosier Crossroads Conference first team. Westfield reached the Class 6A state championship game Nov.
KEEGAN KRUPP
Favorite athlete: J.J. Watt
Favorite TV show: “The Office”
Favorite vacation spot: Chicago
Favorite subject: Biology
29, losing to Brownsburg 22-17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Krupp started playing special teams his junior year but moved into a starting role in the second half of the season.
He said he made the most improvement with his overall physicality and his eye for the game.
“Everything seemed to slow down for me and I was understanding everything,”
he said. “When I was watching film, I could tell what every team was doing. My entire mentality from my junior year to senior year was to make this the best year I
have.”
Krupp moved from an outside linebacker spot to an inside spot as a senior.
“Everything has been going up — my muscles, speed and agility,” Krupp said.
Although Krupp said the team didn’t accomplish its ultimate goal of winning the state title, he is proud of what the Shamrocks accomplished.
“Going through the program is like nothing I’ve gone through,” he said. “The bonds and culture of the entire Westfield program not only shapes you as a football player but shapes you as a man.”
Krupp, who moved from Carmel to Westfield in seventh grade, played linebacker and running back until his freshman year before focusing on linebacker.
“It’s a big dream to go on and keep playing at the collegiate level,” he said.
Krupp has football offers from NCAA Division III and II schools. He also has received interest from Football Championship Subdivision programs Indiana State University and Lindenwood University.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Westfield High School senior linebacker Keegan Krupp led the team in tackles. (Photo courtesy of Keegan Krupp)
COMMUNITY OF CARING
Couple thanks Zionsville friends and neighbors for support after ALS diagnosis
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Alan and Rosanne Hester of Zionsville felt like they’d been given a second chance.
Frankfort natives and friends in their youth, they each had married, moved away, had families and eventually got divorced from their former spouses.
It was one day during services at Traders Point Christian Church that Alan tapped Rosanne on the shoulder to say hello. As it turned out, they each had settled down in Zionsville.
In July 2021, the couple was married, combining their five grown children into a blended family.
But in 2022, Alan Hester — who worked in sales at a cyber security firm and trained as an athlete — began having unusual symptoms. He was diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease — in December 2023, 18 months after his symptoms first began.
“It can be different for everybody. With ALS, there is no rhyme or reason. For me, it was shortness of breath and (cardiovascular problems), and my right arm and hand were weakening,” Alan Hester, 59, said. “With ALS, there is not a single test that you can take that shows you black and white that you’ve got it. It’s more of a process of elimination. But even then, doctors had no thought that I could have an issue. Cardio, breathing was the first issue. I worked out six out of seven days a week, so I was very tuned in, and I noticed even the most subtle changes in my endurance of cardio, so the immediate concern was my heart.”
Alan Hester said when pulmonary tests came back normal, his medical team was at a loss.
“It can be a slow-progressing disease,” he said. “It incrementally just kept getting more difficult in both of those areas to the point where one thing we did notice was the amount of oxygen in my blood — the readings were getting lower and lower.”
Alan Hester went through a plethora of tests. A nerve study to look for spinal issues resulted in surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome — which he had but was unrelated to ALS. Next, he underwent surgery to fuse three vertebrae in his neck — another
symptom that he was suffering with, but ultimately was unrelated to ALS. Within a few months, not only was there no real improvement, but his muscles were beginning to show signs of atrophy.
“Finally, the alarm bells started to go off,” he said. “It took an emergency room visit when I was struggling with breathing to finally be able to see a neurologist. They did a clinical assessment and said they think it could be ALS. So, it took about a year and a half of those symptoms slowly progressing and lots of questions and testing before we finally got to the point where we knew.”
Once testing confirmed Hester was not suffering from other neurological issues — from Parkingson’s disease to Lyme disease — the ALS diagnosis was official.
That meant the start of a new journey for the couple. One made possible thanks to assistance from the community.
Rosanne Hester said news of her husband’s diagnosis introduced them to a community ready to step up. The couple was referred to the Indiana University ALS Center at IU Health in downtown Indianapolis and were directed to caregiver and patient support groups.
“With all the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis — the panic and wondering how we are going to manage this disease because it is devastating and can take everything from you, even your speech — without us being in retirement years, we didn’t know what that would look like,” she said. “We had friends from the community, from work, from church, reach out to us. It’s been quite overwhelming.”
The Hesters said a friend assisted in applying for Social Security disability. Another provided free handyman work to help retrofit their townhouse in the Old Dominion neighborhood to be accessible for Alan. After reaching out on social media seeking a van that could accommodate Alan’s 400-pound customized power wheelchair, not only did someone offer a van for a reasonable price, but other friends raised cash to pay for it.
The couple said in the past year, Zionsville has stepped up to help. Members of the community have contributed more than $23,000 to a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical care and devices, and friends started a meal train, raising more than $650 to assist the couple
“It’s hard to do that — to swallow that pride and allow people to help you,” Rosanne Hester said. “But we could go to church (and) up to Thanksgiving at his sister’s in Kirkland. We have our very own community here in Old Dominion that has brought over food items and meals. It’s been so helpful. We’re so appreciative of every dollar that anybody has donated to us.”
The couple said the Zionsville community has helped lift their spirits during their darkest hours.
“As hard as it’s been, it’s been really heartwarming, the people who have reached out and helped us,” Rosanne Hester said.
Alan Hester said he meets people throughout Zionsville who continuously offer words of hope and encouragement.
“We’re Christians, and (our church) has
probably been the No. 1 support system for us,” he said. “None of this to me is an accident, the support that we’re getting and the tremendous amount of prayer. I can have moments, because I am human, where I can go into a dark, scary place of fear and anxiety. For people to be able to reach out with a single group message and ask for prayer and support, it’s just amazing how quickly I’ve come out of those moments and just feel this incredible sense of strength. It’s people who support us in all these practical ways — we’re just overwhelmed with goodness. We don’t hear enough kindness, but I see it all the time. That aspect of community has been a source of tremendous strength and energy.”
ON THE COVER: Alan and Rosanne Hester said the Zionsville community has been crucial in supporting the couple during Alan’s diagnosis with ALS. (Photo courtesy of Rosanne Hester)
UNDERSTANDING ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
According to the ALS Association, the disease causes the motor neurons that connect the brain and spinal cord to muscles throughout the body to degenerate. When those motor neurons die, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement. ALS patients progressively lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.
The exact cause of ALS is largely unknown, but doctors have identified factors that may contribute to risk of developing the disease, including genetics, environmental exposures and lifestyle/occupational choices. Military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS than those who did not serve, but the reason is unclear.
There is no cure for ALS. Life expectancy is typically three to five years after symptom onset.
Learn more at als.org.
Alan and Rosanne Hester with their family members. (Photo courtesy of Rosanne Hester)
CSO celebrates Viennese waltzes, polkas
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Symphony Orchestra guest conductor Vladimir Kulenovic has a special connection to Vienna holiday concerts, such as the ones the CSO will perform this month with the Indiana Ballet Conservatory.
“I grew up on the Danube River myself. It wasn’t in Vienna,” he said. “I grew up in Yugoslavia and we had a place in Belgrade, a country house on the Danube (River). It’s nice for me, particularly, because it’s like coming back home. People here in Carmel are so wonderful, it feels like home. It’s nice for me to bring a piece of my home with the Danube.”
The holiday shows will feature waltzes and polkas, including “The Blue Danube” waltz by Johann Strauss. There will be two Dec. 15 holiday concerts. They are “Family Pops: A Viennese Christmas” at 2 p.m., followed by “A Holiday in Vienna” at 7 p.m. at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Both shows are sponsored by IU Health North.
“It’s a very elegant program for the holidays,” Kulenovic said. “The beautiful thing about it is that the afternoon performance is family oriented, so it’s surrounded by activities outside of the concert in the lobby. It’s cold, so you can have some warm drinks. The Christkindlmarkt will be going on.”
The program will include dancers from the Indiana Ballet Conservatory, performing select pieces from “The Nutcracker.”
“Waltzes are nice and graceful, and polkas are fast and exciting,” Kulenovic said.
CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain said Kulenovic is an exciting conductor.
“Vladimir is an extremely expressive
conductor who brings a lot of fun and flair to the podium,” Chastain said. “We are excited to work with him twice this holiday season.”
This is Kulenovic’s third time conducting with CSO. He has conducted the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra several times, the first time in 2015.
Kulenovic, who splits his time between Chicago and San Diego, made his CSO debut in a July 4 concert and returned to join the orchestra Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 during the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”
“We’ll have performances by local musical groups in the lobby before both shows, as well as special holiday drinks for the grownups,” Chastain said. “Santa will stop by the 2 p.m. show and be available in the lobby for pictures, and Saint Nicholas will visit us at the (evening) show. Carmel Ballroom Dance Studio is sending dancers who will be accompanying the orchestra during the show and also teaching waltz lessons in the lobby before the 7 p.m. show.”
Chastain said the concerts will conclude with “Radetzky March” by Strauss.
“Hands down, my favorite part of the concert will be the sing-along, especially with the song ‘Edelweiss,’ a classic from ’The Sound of Music,’” Chastain said. “‘Edelweiss’ is such a sweet piece. I feel like Carmel has a very special personality and this song captures a feeling of love for this very special community which so many of us share.”
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Jan. 5 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Carmel High School’s Holiday Show with Select Sound is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and The Ahlwardts present Human Jukebox is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-15 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit cidedance.org.
‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’
Civic Theatre presents “White Christmas” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘WINTER FEST’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Winter Fest” Dec. 13-15 at The Florence at the Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘GREETINGS!’
Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Greetings!” runs through Dec. 15 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’
Jon McLaughlin & Friends: “Home for the Holidays” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSIC
The Indiana Ballet Conservatory will perform with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of CSO)
Vladimir Kulenovic will serve as Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s guest conductor for two Dec. 15 holiday shows. (Photo courtesy of Vladimir Kulenovic)
‘An En Pointe Christmas’ set
By Les Morris editorial@youarecurrent.com
With more than 100 dancers and 25 dance numbers, there is sure to be plenty of movement during En Pointe Indiana Ballet’s annual Christmas show.
PERFORMANCE
The movement won’t be confined to the stage, as the entire production of “An En Pointe Christmas” is relocating this season to Anderson University’s Reardon Auditorium. Previous En Pointe holiday shows were held at Noblesville High School. Reardon offers more seating with a capacity of more than 1,600; a larger stage to accommodate the big cast; and is available for a window of consecutive days in advance of the two performances Dec. 13-14.
The artistic directors for the show are Pollyana Ribeiro and Robert Moore.
Act 1 will be devoted to classics, including works by Bach, Handel and Tchaikovsky. The dancers will transition from traditional white dress in the first act to a livelier red sequin outfit for the second act, which will include contemporary, jazz
(Photo courtesy of Anne Moore)
and hip-hop numbers.
One of the performance’s highlights is the nine-minute finale, which involves every person in the cast accompanied by the celebrated sound of the Boston Pops.
“It’s a great way to end the night,” said Anne Moore, co-owner of Noblesville-based En Pointe Ballet. “It’s one of my favorites and I know a lot of people look forward to that every year.”
The show lasts approximately two hours, with a 30-minute intermission. Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets range from $10 to $25. For more, visit enpointe.yapsody.com.
CHS freshman gets key role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School freshman Haley Corsaro’s ballet goal has been to portray Clara in “The Nutcracker.”
BALLET
“I’ve been looking forward to this,” Corsaro said. “You have to make the character your own and make it unique. We watch the performances every year, so you learn from everyone else.”
danced in her first “Nutcracker” in the role of Clara.
Miriam Danek, an Indianapolis resident who is a junior at Cardinal Ritter High School, also plays Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop Fairy and Grandma Stahlbaum. Stephenson and Danek have performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy once before, but the other roles are new for them.
Corsaro portrays Clara in Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s four performances of “The Nutcracker,” set for Dec. 20-22 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.
Corsaro, 14, began training with MYB, previously known as the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy, in 2015.
Corsaro said MYB has been a big part of her life.
“It’s like my second home,” she said.
CHS junior Anya Stephenson performs in the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop Fairy and Grandma Stahlbaum. She has been with MYB since age 10, when she
“Our ‘Nutcracker’ boasts the same charming story line and many of our iconic sets and backdrops,” MYB Artistic Director Jane Weiner said.
The four men scheduled as guest artists are Gabriel Weiner, a senior at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Ballet Department; Tyler Leach, a freshman at the Butler University Jordan College of the Arts dance department; Justin Hamilton, a trainee at Joffrey Ballet Chicago; and Luke Derkson, a freshman at IU Jacobs School of Music Ballet.
Asha Backhoff of Indianapolis and Anastasia Hobbs of McCordsville share the role of the Snow Queen
For more, visit my-ballet.org.
“An En Pointe Christmas” is set for Dec. 13-14 in Anderson.
Corsaro
Blueprint for Improvement: Modern kitchen makeover in Carmel
Commentary by Larry Greene
Our Woodland Springs clients completely reinvented their kitchen — and they weren’t afraid to start from scratch! Our team reimagined the space, expanding the kitchen’s footprint and maximizing storage with custom cabinetry and clever design solutions. The result? A balance of form and function. From builder-basic to beautifully bespoke, this kitchen combines modern style and practicality in perfect harmony.
• Taking space from an underutilized dining room allowed us to reimage the layout for improved function and flow.
• Soapstone countertops offer durability and beauty, perfectly complementing the natural oak cabinetry.
• White upper cabinets and an expanded window above the sink enhance the room’s bright, airy feel.
• Handcrafted subway tiles and recycled glass pendant lights add texture and visual interest, completing the look with a touch of character.
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.
Reclaiming reasons to smile
Commentary by Terry Anker
“You know I can’t smile without you,” so crooned 81-year-old American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow (nee Barry Alan Pincus). The song, among those hits that Manilow did not pen, was first recorded by David Martin in 1975, then The Carpenters in ’76 and then by Manilow in ’77. The lyrics resonate because we humans are routinely afflicted by the sense of despair and loneliness that accompanies personal loss. If our loved one cannot be with us, do we really care to soldier on?
ESSAY
More than in the exit of our romantic partners, we lament the retirement of a great player from our favorite team; the departure of an outstanding leader in business, education or nonprofit; and the loss of a special friend in life. We indulge our pain in asking, “What’s the point of going on?” We “can’t” do this without them. It all seems too hard to bear. How could it be fun any longer? The world would seem so empty without them in it. We mourn that cold and vacant space once filled with warm and joyful. We have
“Is the question not if we are able to smile again but whether we choose to do so?”
– TERRY ANKER
a right to be angry. It won’t be the same. It won’t be what it was. Yet even as we rage against the fickle finger of fate that pointed its boney appendage at us, upending our stable and comfortable existence, those around us remain in motion. A new order has already begun to form. Our resistance to it makes it no less likely to inhabit our lives. Is the question not if we are able to smile again but whether we choose to do so? Are we capable of deciding to bring joy into our lives or are we captive to our accumulated loss and pain? Is it that we won’t smile or that we can’t?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
Gifts that never measure up
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen has returned every piece of clothing I have ever bought for her birthday, our anniversary, Mother’s Day and Christmas. I never get the right size. She has returned more blouses, jackets and robes than she has library books. And she’s a big reader.
HUMOR
Next year, we are going to Iceland for vacation, and I thought a great gift idea would be a pair of snow pants to keep her toasty on some of our daily hikes. Looking back, I don’t think I have ever bought her pants as a gift.
In the past, I’ve gone into her closet to look for sizes on other items. For shirts, the sizes ranged from petite to large. This freaked me out because it reminded me of “The X Files” episode where this guy’s wife turned out to be an alien and could change into three different women. I love my wife, but one is enough.
Another tactic I used was going to a store like L.S. Ayres (remember it?) and observing a woman about Mary Ellen’s size, then asking this stranger what size she was wearing. I used “observing,” but the security guard called it ogling and harassment. So much for that technique.
On the internet, I discovered several clothing sites with virtual dressing rooms where I can pick the items I’m interested in. Then, the computer applies that selection to a woman who looks about Mary Ellen’s size. This would be very helpful if my wife were 2 inches tall.
Back to snow pants. I logged on to a clothing size calculator, which asked me many questions I had no idea how to answer. The weirdest was bust size. I don’t think Mary Ellen hikes up her pants that much. Another site wanted to know my wife’s hip/waist ratio. Mary Ellen won’t give me the password to her computer. Do you think she’ll tell me her hip/waist ratio?
“I snuck into her closet one day while she was out shopping and, armed with a tape measure, I started determining the required information.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
Of course, the most common question asked for pants is the inseam. I would have thought that after almost 45 years, I would know the length of my wife’s inseam. Not a clue.
So, I snuck into her closet one day while she was out shopping and, armed with a tape measure, I started determining the required information. Suddenly, Mary Ellen walked in while I had several pairs of her pants spread out on the bed.
“What on earth are you doing?”
“I can’t tell you, Mary Ellen. It’s a surprise.”
“I’m surprised already. It looks like you are measuring my inseams.”
I told her I wanted to get her something for Christmas that she would not have to return.”
“OK, Dick. How about a gift certificate to my favorite clothing store? And I am going make this even easier for you.”
“How will you possibly make a gift certificate purchase even easier?”
“I’ll tell you how big I want it.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LIFESTYLE
33. MCL’s Blue Plate Special (on Monday)
37. Like Indy 500 cars
38. Dictionary abbr.
39. Small island
43. MCL’s Noon Special (on Saturday)
48. Soap bubbles
51. Greyhound, e.g.
52. Colts stats
53. Actress Lupino
54. Indianapolis Opera solo
57. GOP center
59. MCL’s Blue Plate Special (on Thursday)
64. Yemeni port
65. Pack down
66. Online show offering showbiz gossip
68. One of 52
69. Troop group
70. Underwater hazard
71. Indiana tax IDs
72. Nordstrom department
73. Lone Ranger’s sidekick Down
1. ___ Jones Expressway
2. Hoofbeat sound
3. Chewy candy
4. Chicago airport
5. Maroon or ruby
Relinquish
Doing perfectly
Valerie Harper title role
Siren luring sailors to shipwreck
Like most Pacers
Ring of color
More cunning
Broadsided, informally
Boone Village Barber Shop powder
Cincinnati team
32. Fan noise
Engrave 35. Butler profs’ aides 36. WIBC news legend Heckman
40. Ind. National Guard rank
41. Was ahead
42. Ascension St. Vincent Hospital triage sites, briefly
44. Be all ears
45. Printing mistake
46. Timely benefit
47. Least attractive
48. Spring bloomers
49. IU athletics shoe sponsor
50. Matt the Miller’s, e.g.
55. Foolish
56. Online moderator, for short
58. “Tiny Bubbles” singer
60. Concludes 61. Chooses
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Guitar
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