February 18, 2025 — Westfield

Page 1


OF LUXURY

February 18, 2025

Current in Westfield

currentinwestfield.com

About

us

Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 1

Copyright 2024

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 Managing Editor Marney Simon at marney@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You also may submit information at currentinwestfield.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 Westfield market (13,794 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@ youarecurrent.com (subject: Westfield 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/currentinwestfield x.com/youarecurrent0 instagram.com/youarecurrent

Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Westfield are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Donation benefits Open Doors pantry

news@youarecurrent.com

Representatives from The Mill tavern in Westfield and Coca-Cola Consolidated recently presented Open Doors food pantry with a $12,120 donation to assist operations.

ASSISTANCE

The donation will help fund daily and weekly needs at the pantry. Open Doors representatives said donations typically slow down after the holidays, but the need remains, especially following the pantry’s large-scale programs such as Thanksgiving and Christmas meal giveaways.

“Several areas of the pantry get low at this time of year and this donation will go a long way in providing for our clients,” Open Doors pantry coordinator Margie Smith stated.

The funds come from the annual Joey’s Stockings fundraiser at The Mill Tavern. The fundraiser began 20 years ago when owners Christopher and Kristin Weiler — operating a different business at the time — started a fundraiser to help a family member with medical bills. The fundraiser

became an annual holiday tradition, benefitting Open Doors for the past five years.

Coca-Cola Consolidated joined the fundraising efforts in 2024. Representatives from Coca-Cola Consolidated said they were looking to get more involved in the community, specifically with smaller food pantries that make a bigger impact locally. The result was a commitment from Coca-Cola Consolidated to provide matching funds during the Joey’s Stockings campaign.

The fundraiser — a $5 contribution per stocking decal sold at The Mill Tavern —

raised $3,000 in 2024, with the Weilers pitching in another $3,000 and Coca-Cola Consolidated matching the total.

In addition to the pantry, Open Doors provides bags of food for weekend meals to 175 youth from food insecure families in the Westfield community. The pantry always accepts nonperishable food donations, including juice boxes, canned pasta meals, protein bars, granola bars, mac and cheese cups, crackers and microwave popcorn. Clothing and monetary donations also are accepted.

Learn more at opendoorswestfield.org.

Westfield Washington Schools celebrate Education Foundation Day

news@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Education Foundation celebrated the inaugural Indiana Public Education Foundation Day Feb. 11.

LEARNING

Sponsored by the Indiana Association of Public Education Foundations, the initiative celebrates critical contributions that public education foundations provide in support of academic achievement and well-being for Hoosier students.

Education foundations raise funds that support local schools’ district needs that are not otherwise covered by public funding or revenue sources. Foundations across the state share a commitment to prioritizing student and staff well-being and fostering innovative opportunities to help students learn and prepare for future success.

“Our education foundations are the heart of their communities, connecting donors, volunteers and partners with schools to meet critical needs,” Westfield Education Foundation Executive Director Ashley Knott

stated. “This recognition gives us an opportunity to celebrate their tireless efforts and the profound impact they have on students statewide.”

The Westfield Education Foundation provides teacher grants, community grants and student scholarships. The foundation, in partnership with Everwise Credit Union,

also selects the quarterly recipients of the Rock Strong Award — an award given to WWS teachers, instructional assistants, instructional coaches, building secretaries, bus drivers, substitute teachers, food service staff and operations staff for their dedication to students and the community.

Learn more at wwswef.org.

“From left, The Mill Tavern owner Kristin Weiler; Open Doors pantry coordinator Margie Smith; Open Doors VP of Special Programs Carrie Larrison; Open Doors treasurer Jerry Rosenberger; Coca-Cola Consolidated community relations manager Mandi Snyder; and Open Doors VP of Operations Kurt Wanninger attend the donation ceremony at Open Doors. (Photo courtesy of Open Doors)
The Westfield Education Foundation provides a classroom grant to Kiersten Martin’s third-grade classroom at Monon Trail Elementary to purchase whiteboards in October 2024. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Education Foundation)

DISPATCHES

Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair — High school students are invited to a free college fair featuring more than 100 colleges and universities from 6 to 8 pm. March 11 at Grand Park Events Center, 1900 Grand Park Blvd., Westfield. The event is sponsored by a consortium of high schools on Indianapolis’ north side in partnership with the Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling. High school students can meet with admissions representatives, learn about majors and explore campus opportunities. Registered students will receive a barcode to share with admission representatives electronically. Register at StriveFair.com.

Westfield Fire Department appoints new public information officer — The City of Westfield Fire Department recently announced the appointment of John Mehling as its new Public Information Officer. Mehling has 36 years of experience in the fire service, including 11 years as PIO for the Fishers Fire Department. His responsibilities include providing information about the Westfield Fire Department, emergency incidents, events, activities, safety information and points of interest about the department to the community through social media, mainstream media outlets and presentations.

Chamber seeks nominations for small business of the year — Nominations are open for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce 2025 Small Business of the Year through Feb. 25. The honoree will be recognized at a luncheon March 11 at the Indiana Convention Center Center 500 Ballroom as part of Chamber Day at the Statehouse. Nominees must be Hoosier companies with 100 employees or fewer that exhibit outstanding business success; strong community engagement; demonstrated commitment to employees; and ongoing local or state chamber of commerce involvement. Submit nominations at indianachamber.com/smallbizaward. Secretary of Education Katie Jenner will be the luncheon speaker.

Westfield Winter Market adds parking options — Westfield Welcome, the organizer of the Westfield Winter Market, has added overflow parking with a shuttle service at Grand Park Lot E, across 191st from West Fork Whiskey, during event hours from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday through March 31, excluding March 1. The Westfield Winter Market takes place at West Fork Whiskey Co., 10 E. 191st St. across from Grand Park.

Race season kicks off

news@youarecurrent.com

The 11th annual Melt the Trail 5K returns to Westfield at 10:30 a.m. March 1 at Grand Junction Brewing Co.

MELT THE TRAIL

The race winds through Westfield’s award-winning trail system.

“Melt the Trail is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate health, wellness and healthy competition,” Mayor Scott Willis stated. “Whether you’re running, walking, or volun-

Melt the Trail returns to Westfield

March 1. (Photo courtesy of City of Westfield)

Westfield Fire Department makes appointments

news@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Fire Department recently announced two new appointments. Paramedic Walter Rippy

FIRST RESPONDERS

teering, Melt the Trail is a great way to connect with neighbors and explore our trails.”

After the race, participants are invited to attend the Grand Junction Brewing Co. after party, where they can purchase food, enjoy music and play arcade games. Children and leashed dogs are welcome to join.

Registration is $40 and increases to $45 after Feb. 24 and $50 on the day of the race.

Melt the Trail is hosted by Westfield Welcome and presented by The Farmers Bank. Register at meltthetrail.com.

will lead the department’s new community paramedicine program — an initiative to provide proactive, patient-centered care beyond 911 emergencies. A community paramedic is trained to bridge the gap between emergency response and ongoing healthcare needs, focusing on chronic disease management, reducing ER visits and connecting patients with resources to help improve overall community health.

to provide follow-up care for patients. Use of EPIC allows the department to address long-term needs for those calls due to mental health crises and substance use issues.

The program will use the mobile integrated health program Engaging People in Crisis — EPIC — to connect WFD with other first responders and the WFD emergency response social worker

Rippy has six years’ experience as a paramedic, 22 years as an EMT and has worked in hospital and field settings across urban and suburban environments.

The department also announced the appointment of Mark Fuller as deputy fire marshal.

Fuller’s responsibilities will include fire investigation; compliance, proper installation and maintenance of Knox Box commercial security systems; building inspections; residential smoke alarm assistance; new construction plan reviews; and youth outreach.

Fuller joined the WFD in 2008 following two years with the Greenfield Fire Department. He most recently served as the WFD fire inspector.

Rippy
Fuller

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Orr Fellowship announces 2025 fellows from Westfield

news@youarecurrent.com

Orr Fellowship, an Indiana-based early career development program, recently announced its newest cohort of fellows for 2025, including three Westfield residents.

OPPORTUNITY

Cate Jensen, a student at Indiana University Bloomington; Morgan Hagerty, a student at Ball State University; and Wabash College student Benjamin Wallace are among 74 Hoosier college seniors matched with Indiana-based partner companies. They will begin their fellowships upon graduation.

Jensen will partner with Indiana University. Hagerty has been matched with Terraboost Media. Wallace will partner with Steele.

This year’s fellows, formally selected after final interviews in Indianapolis and Evansville, will gain career development; formal leadership training; and community

building within Indiana’s thriving business ecosystem. The program’s growth ensures a pipeline of qualified talent that directly impacts Indiana’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape.

Fellows also are offered an opportunity for an expedited pathway into the Kelley Evening MBA program at the IU Kelly School of Business.

“We are thrilled to welcome this new group of talented individuals to Orr Fellowship,” Orr Fellowship President Steven Emch stated. “These Fellows demonstrate the leadership potential and innovative thinking that will drive Indiana’s business community forward. With the addition of the Evansville Region chapter, we are expanding our reach across the state and cultivating a network of leaders committed to Indiana’s growth and success.”

Founded in 2001, Orr Fellows have gained hands-on experience working full time with one of 60 partner companies.

Learn more at orrfellowship.org.

The pantry

emergency food relief

Patrons

invited to take up to six items per visit to the cabinet. Learn

at crchurch.org. (Photo

Noblesville junior guard goes on offensive this season

Noblesville High School junior guard Justin Curry II understood he had to be more aggressive offensively.

“I say my mindset has been my biggest improvement,” he said. “I began trying to dominate and attack rather than shy away.”

As of Feb. 10, the 6-foot-3 Curry averaged team-highs of 15.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Last season, opposing defenders focused on top scorer Aaron Fine, who is now a walk-on freshman at Purdue University.

“Now, this year they are all on me and they put two guys on me sometimes, which makes it tough,” said Curry, who averaged 10 ppg last season.

Yet, Curry loves the challenge.

“Especially after I score on both of them, it’s even better,” he said.

Millers coach Scott McClelland said teams focus more on Curry and junior Baron Walker, who averages 15.2 ppg.

“As the season has progressed, he

JUSTIN CURRY II

Favorite athlete: Zach LaVine

Favorite sports team: Chicago Bulls

Favorite musician: BossMan Dlow Favorite movie: “He Got Game.”

recognized he and Baron are the marked guys, whereas last year he was (the) third, fourth or fifth option,” McClelland said. “I think Justin has done a really good job of rebounding. One of our last games, he had 13 rebounds, and we’re going to need that coming into the (state tournament). The big thing for him is trying to progress in getting physical and getting to the basket.”

Justin Curry II has become more of a scoring threat for Noblesville High School this season. (Photo courtesy of Miller Sports Media)

Curry credits his rebounding success to his mindset to attack.

“Every ball that goes up, I want to grab it, no matter what happens,” he said. “I also put up a lot of shots in the gym. When I miss a shot, I see where the ball is going to go off the rim. After so many shots, I know if the ball hits a place on the rim, I know where it’s coming off. I think that helps knowing where the ball is going to be.”

Curry said he is working on improving his shooting percentage. He shoots 43 per-

cent overall from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range.

Curry said the Millers have the talent to win the sectional, which includes defending Class 4A state champion Fishers.

“We just have to have really good games, and I think we’re capable of it,” he said.

Basketball has been part of his life for as long as he can remembers. He played football and soccer but gave those sports up early.

“I loved basketball and wanted to focus on that,” he said. “I love seeing the results from the work I put in.”

His parents, Justin and Nicole Curry, played junior college basketball.

Curry has scholarship offers from Northwestern University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University, Indiana State University, the University of Toledo and Kent State University.

Curry, who plays for the Indy Heat Gym Rats travel team, said he hopes to receive more college offers before making his decision in the fall.

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

• Management of simple and complex spine problems, including revision surgery

LIFE OF LUXURY

Upscale hotel proposed for Lantern Commons in Westfield

A $50 million investment by a South Korean luxury hotel chain is the latest hospitality-based development proposed in Westfield.

The proposal for L7 Westfield by Lotte — a 228-room hotel and a 10,000-square-foot, 220-seat restaurant — was introduced to the Westfield City Council in January. A public hearing was held before the Westfield Advisory Plan Commission this month.

The developer is seeking a planned unit development amendment to accommodate a five-story luxury hotel and separate restaurant on 5.75 acres in the southwest corner of the Lantern Commons subdivision on 161st Street between U.S. 31 and Union Street.

Matt Skelton of Church Church Hittle + Antrim, representing developer Andmore Partners LLC, said the site would be home to the newest hotel from Lotte Hotels and Resorts — the largest hotel group in South Korea.

Skelton said although a 2021 update to the PUD anticipated a hotel, it did not contemplate the magnitude of a high-end, full-service establishment.

“Now that an end user has been selected, we’re able to fully design and understand and analyze how those standards apply to such a development,” he said. “The site construction — if everything goes according to plan — could begin as early as this fall. We expect the hotel and restaurant facility to take somewhere between 12 and 18 months to be fully completed.”

Skelton said the typical occupancy rate for Lotte hotels is about 70 percent.

APC member and Westfield City Councilor Victor McCarty said the initial PUD called for a strip mall-type development. McCarty said the 2021 update to the PUD and the new hotel proposal represent something that better fits into Westfield’s aesthetic.

“I just want to share my appreciation for Lotte to choose Westfield, just for them to recognize Westfield out of the many, many, many cities across the country,” he said. “It just really speaks volumes to what all we have going on here. In terms of the archi-

tecture, I appreciate the brick as well as the black siding as well, as it’s reminiscent of what’s already on the south side of 161st Street. I think it’ll complement very well.”

As the amendment proceeds through the channels for approval, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and other city leaders are planning a visit to South Korea next month to meet with representatives from Lotte.

“We are excited about the upcoming visit to South Korea, where we look forward to building relationships with their leadership to explore future partnerships,” Willis said. “This includes a meeting with the Lotte Group to discuss hotel development opportunities. Additionally, we are eager

to establish a sister city program with a like-minded community, envisioning a collaboration that fosters cultural exchange, education, economic growth, and tourism.”

Hotel amenities and other specifics would be included in the detailed development plan should the PUD amendment be approved by the full council.

Skelton said while a landscape plan is not finalized, developers are confident the landscaping will adhere to current standards without the need for a variance.

“We’re not proposing to alter any of the standards that already apply to the site,” he said. “All the landscaping and buffering standards, the parking lot landscaping

HIGH-END WESTFIELD

The proposed 228-room L7 Westfield by Lotte would be built and operated by South Korean-based Lotte Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality arm of Lotte Corp.

The L7 brand is one of five hotel designs. According to its website, L7 hotels are “lifestyle” hotels in urban areas that focus on the unique traits of their locations.

The Westfield location would be the second L7 hotel in the United States. The L7 brand has locations in Chicago, South Korea and Vietnam. Additional U.S. locations for Lotte properties include New York and Seattle.

Learn more at lottehotel.com.

standards, all those will have to be complied with. There’s not a physical plan, but we understand, and we’ve retained a landscape architect. They’ve gone through the city standards. They understand how it applies to the site and they’re confident that we’ll be able to meet those standards. I think we should be in good shape. “

The hotel as proposed also would provide connectivity to some of the city’s greatest recreation assets.

“This path (from the hotel) would lead to the Monon Trail,” McCarty said. “So, it’s just a connecting point there. Say that someone does want to come off of the Monon and cross 161st and U.S. 31 and come down here to the restaurant/hotel, they would be able to do so, the same if they’re coming down from the Natalie Wheeler Trail on Union Street.”

The site will not include one popular amenity. APC member Stephanie Carlson asked if there was an option for a rooftop bar or restaurant.

“I just always look at rooftops as potentially usable space,” she said.

But Skelton said rooftop spaces can double the cost of projects, which can make those considerations not feasible in the long run.

“That is not the current design,” he said. “The current design (includes) a covered outdoor seating area at the ground level. There is room for one large restaurant user or two smaller ones. There is plenty of outdoor seating, it’s just not rooftop seating (because) you don’t just have seating on a rooftop. There’s another floor with refrigeration areas and storage areas and areas for servers and elevators up and down. All new flooring, ductwork, the whole nine.”

There were no comments during the public hearing Feb. 3.

The APC waived the workshop meeting on the project. The proposed amendment will return to the APC in March for consideration before being advanced to the full city council.

ON THE COVER: L7 Westfield by Lotte is a proposed 228-room luxury hotel that would be built on 161st Street. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)
The L7 Westfield Lotte development would include a five-story hotel and separate restaurant. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)

Westfield Real Estate Trends

As of early 2025, Westfield’s real estate market continues to exhibit notable trends across key metrics. According to the MIBOR REALTOR® Association’s January 2025 Market Report, Westfield’s housing market is demonstrating resilience despite higher interest rates and economic uncertainties.

Although the median sales price dipped slightly from $525,000 in December 2024 to $494,543 in January 2025, a 5.8% decrease is not concerning and can be influenced by various factors. Interestingly, the median sold price per square foot increased 3.2% in the same time frame. This suggests that smaller homes at lower price points likely sold during this period, which could be a key factor in the decrease in the median sales price.

Even though new listings rose by 41%, from 73 new listings in December to 103 in January, the median days on the market decreased 23.6%, indicating that buyers are looking for homes. Homes prepared for market and strategically priced are experiencing quicker sales with fewer challenges. Inventory is still considerably lower than we would like to see. A balanced market has four to six months of inventory; anything under four months is considered a seller’s market. Westfield currently has an inventory of 1.9 months of supply, supporting a strong seller’s market. With limited inventory, you want to ensure you get sound advice for making your home stand out in this competitive market.

If you’ve considered selling but are concerned about the overall market environment, contact us to discuss your options. Westfield is a vibrant market with high demand - its schools, public amenities, location, accessibility, various housing options, and price points make it desirable. We would love to help you on your selling or buying journey.

robbin.edwards@encoresir.com

Country music star Wariner ready for Hamilton County homecoming

Steve Wariner has always wanted to play at the Palladium, which is not far from where he grew up in Noblesville.

“I’ve heard about the great acoustics and it’s a beautiful building,” Wariner said. “I know my pal Glen Campbell played there (in 2011 on his Goodbye Tour). Mac McAnally, one of my best friends, just played there. Mac and I have written many songs together.”

Wariner, a 1973 Noblesville High School graduate, will get the opportunity when he performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This will definitely be a homecoming for me,” Wariner said. “I have a sister and a brother who still live in Noblesville. I’ve heard from a bunch of classmates that said they will be there. I have so many great memories of Noblesville and Hamilton County, but most of my life I’ve been here in Tennessee.”

Wariner, 70, has written many songs for himself and others during his hit country music career. He has won four Grammy Awards and is a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He said his most cherished honor is when he won the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” in 1998.

“I’ll play a bunch of hits that my fans will be looking for, and then I’ll do a couple of songs that are songwriters’ songs that I wrote but didn’t record that were hits for other people,” Wariner said.

Some of those include “Long Neck Bottle” by Garth Brooks, “Nothin’ But the Tailights’ by Clint Black and “Where the Blacktop Ends” by Keith Urban.

“I wrote a new little song that’s very relevant to Hamilton County,” Wariner said. “It’s tongue-in-cheek and kind of funny. But I’m holding it secret, so I’m not going to talk about it much.”

Wariner said he will open the second half of the show with the Gretsch guitar that he designed.

“I play some electric and then play a homage to my two mentors Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed,” he said.

Wariner will play some of his hits, including “The Weekend,” “Heart Trouble” and “Some Fools Never Learn.”

“I do some medleys, but I don’t shortchange the songs. I do long versions,” he said.

Wariner also wrote the theme song for “Who’s the Boss?” that debuted in 1984.

“I’ll do that and talk about that being my biggest hit,” said Wariner, laughing. “People will always say, “Oh my God, I didn’t know you did it.’ I don’t always do it, but sometimes I pull it out just for fun.”

Wariner left school during his senior year to play with country star Dottie West. She offered him a job when she saw him

play in Indianapolis.

At first, he didn’t think he could leave.

“I left midway through my senior year,” Wariner said. “I was talking with the counselors, and we worked on it. I was able to take my tests early and there was a mandatory half credit I had to do on the road.”

Wariner began playing drums in a band with his father, Roy Wariner, when he was young. His father mostly played country but also played some Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins songs.

“I was infatuated and loved music,” Wariner said. “My dad knew more songs than anyone I’ve seen other than Chet Atkins. My dad was a very gifted musician. He could play fiddle, harmonica and steel guitar.”

Wariner’s oldest son, Ryan, is a guitarist in the rock band Heart. His younger son, Ross, is a music composer.

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘JERSEY BOYS’

“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘PRIDE & PREJUDICE’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Pride & Prejudice” runs through Feb. 22 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Summer Nights: The Music of Grease” is set for Feb. 20, followed by “An Evening With Matt Soverns” Feb. 21; and “Because of You: A Tribute to Tony Bennett” Feb. 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Each performance is at 7:30 p.m. For more, feinsteinshc.com.

SONGWRITERS

IN THE ROUND

Songwriters in the Round is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, the centerpresents.org.

‘LITTLE WOMEN’

The Belfry Theatre and Hamilton County Theatre Guild’s production of “Little Women” is set for Feb. 21 to March 2 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. For tickets, visit thebelfrytheatre.com or call or text 317-773-1085.

KALANI PE’A

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kalani Pe’a performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, the centerpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Neighborhood Choir Academy set — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir presents its Neighborhood Choir Academy program, 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 at the ICC Performing Arts Center, 9111 Allisonville Rd., featuring ICC choral directors, choir members and guest clinician Dr. Anthony Trecek-King. Cost is $10 per child but is free for Access Pass holders. To register, visit icchoir.org/ neighborhood-choirs.

MUSIC
Steve Wariner will perform Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wariner)

Actor embraces title role in ‘The Cat in the Hat’

Kendrell Stiff is ready to test his comedic acting skills.

PLAY

The Indianapolis resident plays the title role of “The Cat in the Hat” in Civic Theatre’s production of the show at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Two public performances are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 1. Eight

weekday student matinees run from Feb. 25 to March 6.

Stiff portrays the role previously played by Jonathan Studdard, who played the role of The Cat five times at Civic.

“I think what I like most about the role is that it’s a complete departure from any role I’ve ever done before,” Stiff said. “It’s so over-the-top ridiculous that it forces me to break out of my comfort zone, Stiff

which I am always grateful for. It gives me a way to learn and utilize new skills. And also, who doesn’t want to be a little crazy sometimes?”

The role is different from Stiff’s previous roles at Civic Theatre, where he portrayed Angel in “Rent” and Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet.”

“I don’t get to do a lot of character acting, so I’m used to making smaller, less exaggerated movements,” he said. “But with this role, I have to do the complete opposite and it’s an absolute pleasure getting to (do it).”

dianapolis. They are Nolan Daugherty, The Boy; Danny Kingston, The Fish; Karen Hurt, Thing 1; and Alex Smith, Thing 2.

The 2 p.m. March 1 performance is designated as a relaxed performance, designed to create a welcoming experience intended for patrons who have social, neurodivergent or physical challenges that can create sensory sensitivities. ASL interpreters will be at the performance and large-print programs are available upon request for the visually impaired.

Directed by Samantha Kelly

TICKETS: $18 (Fri, Sat, Sun) Thursdays $13

VENUE: The Cat in Carmel, 254 Veterans Way Carmel 46032 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays - 7:30 pm

2:30 pm

Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon returns in the role of The Girl for the third time. The other cast members are from In-

Any student or preschool group interested in purchasing tickets for any of the weekday matinee dates can email groups@ civictheatre.org. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Songbook Foundation to host ‘Showstoppers!’

editorial@youarecurrent.com

The Great American Songbook Foundation is celebrating Women’s History Month in March with a screening of a new PBS documentary that draws from its extensive Songbook Library & Archives.

DOCUMENTARY

“Showstoppers! Great Women of TV Variety” honors artists such as Carol Burnett, Cher, Ann-Margret, Diahann Carroll, Della Reese, Doris Day, Mitzi Gaynor, Lily Tomlin and other trailblazing women who changed American popular culture through the network television musical variety series and specials of the 1960s and ’70s. Hosted by three-time Grammy Award winner Debby Boone, the one-hour special features full-length song, dance and comedy performances as well as interviews with the stars and others involved.

email at tickets@thecenterpresents.org.

Following the screening, attendees can attend an in-person panel discussion with the film’s host, Debby Boone; its Emmy-winning filmmakers, René Reyes and Shane Rosamonda; and Holly Foster Wells, granddaughter of the late Peggy Lee and president of Peggy Lee Associates, who is featured in the film. Attendees also will receive pre-recorded greetings from special guests.

In conjunction with the screening, a temporary display in the adjacent Studio Theater from 1 to 5 p.m. March 2 will feature costumes worn by stars featured in the documentary, many of them Songbook Hall of Fame members. Tickets aren’t required to view the items worn by artists including Mitzi Gaynor, Ella Fitzgerald, The Lennon Sisters, Peggy Lee and Eydie Gormé.

The Songbook Foundation will screen the film at 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing in Carmel. WFYI Public Media is partnering with the Foundation on the event, which is part of the WFYI Live event series. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available at TheSongbook.org/Showstoppers or by phone at 317-843-3800. Accessible seating for groups can be reserved by phone or via

The Songbook Foundation supported the making of the documentary by providing access to its archival collections and materials of artists featured in the film, including Gaynor, Diahann Carroll, Florence Henderson and the Lennon Sisters. “The Showstoppers!” event is generously supported by the Loser family of Indianapolis with additional support from the City of Carmel. Boone

Throughout March, the costumes will be displayed in the Songbook Exhibit Gallery at the Palladium.

the novel by Jane Austen

Blueprint for Improvement: Modern Zionsville bathroom

This home in Zionsville’s Thornhill neighborhood was ready for an upgrade, starting with its hall galley bathroom. With the original layout preserved, our team reimagined the space as a monochromatic modern retreat tailored to fit the homeowner’s routine. By integrating thoughtful design elements, we transformed the bathroom into a fresh, contemporary space with improved functionality.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replacing the combined tub and shower with a spacious walk-in shower adds functionality and a sleek, modern aesthetic.

• Tonal gray penny tile accents the shower, providing contrast to the room’s clean lines and adding movement and texture.

• The new vanity maximizes storage space and style, with a glass-front cabinet that keeps the room feeling open and airy.

• Matte black hardware and fixtures add a contemporary touch, creating bold contrast against the room’s lighter tones.

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.

Dutch airline

Peak performance for the Colts

15. Doing battle

16. “Norma ___”

17. Fun fundraising event at Wolfies Grill at Geist on Feb. 22

19. List-ending abbr.

20. Meeting list

21. Natural to a region

23. Occupy by force

26. Warrior princess

27. Letters of urgency

tion that benefits from 17-Across

44. Japanese city

45. Indianapolis Opera highlight

46. “Star Wars” princess

47. Apt. units

49. IndyCar dashboard letters

50. High-strung

51. Gillette brand

54. Blood component

57. French manor

59. Dine at Peterson’s 64. Big ___ Conference

65. Sound from participants of 17-Across

68. Wagering option, briefly

69. Sign on a help desk

70. Beginning

71. Sunbeam

72. Type of simple question

73. Cheated, slangily

Down

1. One of the Three Bears

2. Excited

3. Ivy League school

4. IRS agent

5. “Rigoletto” composer

6. Long-time Channel 6 host Harlow Hickenlooper’s real name: ___ Fryar

7. A/C measure

8. Possessed

9. Fridge message holder

10. Mated, as horses

11. Krispy ___ doughnuts

12. Language of IU’s motto: Lux et Veritas (Light and Truth)

13. Muslim holy city

18. Big name in freshly baked bread

22. Case in point 24. “Ta-da!”

25. Country between France and Spain

27. In addition

28. Drinks slowly

29. Region

30. Hoarder

33. Kind of card in a phone

36. Loses traction

38. ___ Piper

39. Vapor Trails buy

40. “By Jove!”

42. Descartes conclusion

43. Talk on and on

48. Few and far between

51. Carmel Community Players performer

52. Butler frat letter

53. Sprinted past

55. Waits in the shadows

56. Stereotypical pirate’s cry

58. Where a 1978 press photo of Indianapolis City Councilman Rozelle Boyd is for sale for $19.99

60. Old Palm smartphone

61. Table scraps

Hankering

Walked heavily

___ Speedwagon

WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

Removal & Odd Jobs

Painting inside or Outdoors

Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED

Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

Removal

Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115

Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years

• SPRING CLEAN-UP

• LEAF

cleaning services. Flexible schedules, top pay, supportive team, growth opportunities. We require exceptional attention to detail and reliable transportation. Experience is a plus but not required. Send resume to info@thecleaningcrewindy.com. Questions? Call 317.748.0059.

Immediate opening for full time dental laboratory technician. Experience preferred, but not required. Candidates must have artistic ability, moderate computer skills, excellent work ethic and eager to learn. Position offers full benefit package Please forward inquiries and resume: khunterlab@gmail.com

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.