Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 47
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The views of the columnists in Current in Zionsville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Indiana nonprofit helps injured animals get back to nature
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A new nonprofit dedicated to helping Indiana’s wildlife kicked off operations in January 2025, with its own veterinarian who specializes in wild animal medicine and a team of licensed rehabilitators trained to care for the animals until they can be released back into the wild.
PROGRAM
Although ReWilding Indiana is a new organization, Dr. Angela Lennox has provided free wildlife veterinary care for decades at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, working closely with rehabilitators licensed through the state and/or federal governments.
“What my clinic has done for 30 years now, has provided the medical care,” Lennox said. “Veterinarians don’t need a license to patch them up, but then they send them on to the rehabilitators.”
The need for wildlife medical care has increased significantly since she started volunteering her expertise to the cause three decades ago. That, on top of an increase in clients at her veterinary clinic, became too much for her and her staff.
“Our solution was to create a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation that was a combination of a hospital, which is what we do, with designated wildlife rehabilitators,” she said.
Dr. Crystal Matt, who recently completed her residency with Lennox, is the staff veterinarian for the nonprofit.
“I’m going to be doing surgeries. If something has, like, a broken wing that we need to put pins in and do a complex orthopedic repair, or even a laceration repair — we get a lot of dog bite wounds or hit by cars — my job is coming up with a plan,” she said. “From there, the vet team transfers to the rehab team, and their job is the nursing care.”
The nonprofit will help any wild animal, from hawks and owls to bats, raccoons and reptiles. Lennox said she had recently helped an opossum with head trauma — probably from a car — and one of their rehabilitators was caring for a bald eagle.
Before becoming a full-time veterinarian, Lennox volunteered as a wildlife rehabilitator. She said it started when she came across a mother opossum that had been hit by a car, and her babies were scattered across the road. She stopped and gathered
them up, she said, and called a wildlife rehabilitator she knew.
“She said, ‘No, I’m overwhelmed. You’re going to be my assistant. I’m going to teach you,’” Lennox said. “She started to teach me some very basic things and then I ended up with my own license.”
She said that while many of the wild animals she cares for are not endangered, the work is still important.
“It’s just heartbreaking for members of the public to leave an animal like that, because we know they suffer like anything else does and they feel pain and they’re cold, and sometimes it’s kind of a brutal, long end,” she said. “Members of the public feel so much better to have someone take
care of these (animals), even if they’re so injured they can’t be fixed, then we can humanely euthanize them.”
Matt added that most of the wild animals she sees are injured because of direct human interaction — when they are hit by a car, for example.
”It’s really nice for me to feel like I can mitigate that just a little bit,” she said. “We can’t save them all, obviously, but to be able to make a little bit of a difference — I have hit a bird with my car in the past. It happens — but if I can do a little bit to help out these other animals, it’s really, really fulfilling for me and that’s why most of us do it.”
For more about the new ReWilding Indiana nonprofit, visit rewildingindiana.org.
KEEP WILD ANIMALS WILD
Wildlife and exotic pet veterinarian Dr. Angela Lennox said the new ReWilding Indiana nonprofit needs volunteers.
“That could be driving to pick up injured wildlife, releasing, even day-to-day nursing care,” she said, stressing that “nowhere does it ever involve petting animals. People feel like, you know, ‘I’m going to be able to pet wildlife,’ Well, no — you have to be very, very careful not getting these things to be not fearful of humans.”
Because a wild animal that is not scared of people is no longer suitable for life in the wild. The dedicated volunteers who are licensed to rehabilitate wild animals care for those animals in a way that minimizes contact.
Lennox added that sometimes well-meaning people “rescue” animals that
don’t need rescuing.
“A nest of baby bunnies does not need human help,” she said. “Mom only comes to visit them morning and night, so (people) may think they’re abandoned and need help, and they don’t. And the birds that have jumped out of the nest that are learning to fly, but they can’t quite fly away, but you can catch them? They don’t need help.”
Baby deer that appear abandoned also don’t need help — mom is browsing nearby and will come back.
ReWilding Indiana has a Frequently Asked Questions section on its website to help people with questions about when and when not to help a wild animal. For more, visit rewildingindiana.org/faqs.
From left, wildlife veterinarians Dr. Crystal Matt and Dr. Angela Lennox, and ReWilding Indiana Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Jen Hancock at a recent event introducing the nonprofit to the public.
(Photos by Leila Kheiry)
DISPATCHES
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.
Family bingo night in Zionsville — The Knights of Columbus at St. Alphonsus Liguori in Zionsville will host a family bingo night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the church, 1870 W. Oak St. The night will include food and refreshments. Raffle tickets also will be sold. Proceeds from donations and raffle sales benefit St. Alphonsus youth groups and the community of St. Anthony of Padua in Croix Fer, Haiti. Learn more at zionsvillecatholic.com.
Humane Society to host Fur Ball — The Humane Society for Boone County will host the 12th annual Fur Ball Feb. 22 at the Golf Club of Indiana, 6905 S. 525 E in Whitestown. The Mardi Gras-themed event will raise funds to help HSforBC rescue and care for homeless or surrendered dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person; $150 per couple; and $600 for a table of eight people. Purchase event tickets and view items available in the online auction at HSforBCFurBall.givesmart.com.
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.
2025 Registration Now Open!
Zionsville Little League
Zionsville Fire Department firefighter Tad Henderson, right, was sworn in as the department’s new EMS Division Chief by Mayor John Stehr Feb. 3 during the regular meeting of the Zionsville Town Council. Henderson began with the Zionsville Fire Department in 2017, following four years of
experience and 10 years of emergency medical service experience. Henderson has served ZFD as a
on duty, as training coordinator and on several committees. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
HENDERSON SWORN IN AS ZFD EMS DIVISION CHIEF
Future HOAs to pay streetlight bills in Zionsville
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council approved an amendment to the town ordinance on streetlights Feb. 3 — a plan to keep the town from being on the hook for electric bills that result from new development.
UTILITIES
Director of Public Works Lance Lantz said the amendment was staff-initiated. The town’s streetlight ordinance includes standards for location and spacing for streetlights within new subdivisions.
Developers — and eventually HOAs — have been responsible for streetlight maintenance, but the town has paid the electric bill for operational costs.
The ordinance amendment moves that responsibility to the developer/HOA.
“For several years, (the ordinance) has included provisions that could commit the town to added expenses such as paying electricity bills for interior subdivision streetlights as well as potentially bind the
town to pay for new or future replacement lighting when facilities reach the end of their useful life or become damaged, and this does include decorative lighting,” Lantz said.
Lantz said interior roads are public streets that are entirely within a subdivision, so although they are public, they are not roads generally used by motorists outside the subdivision.
Lantz said the amendment removes the financial burden and instead allows the town to consider items on a 1-by-1 basis. He said the ordinance is not retroactive, so current subdivisions and HOAs whose streetlight bills are paid for by the town will continue that service.
“No one will be impacted by this change, because this freezes things as they are today,” he said.
The amendment was recommended for approval by the plan commission and received unanimous support from the council.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan joins Zionsville’s DORA
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Zionsville’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, is not yet active. But the district has already added a new establishment to its list of designated permittees.
TOWN NEWS
On Feb. 3, the town council approved the addition of Rahal Letterman Lanigan, 10771 Creekside Way, as a DORA permittee.
A DORA is a designated area where patrons 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in a marked container from participating establishments, then carry those drinks within the district.
The DORA was approved by the town council in October and granted final approval by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission in late fall.
Zionsville’s DORA district encompasses the Village, with the north to south border from Poplar Street to south of 106th Street; and extending west to east from Second
to Elm streets, with a carve-out between Hawthorne and Sycamore streets to include SullivanMunce Cultural Center. The district also includes Creekside Corporate Park where RLL is located.
Businesses within the established DORA boundaries can be added to the list of permittees. However, any business outside the DORA would require the town to create a new DORA district. By state statute, municipalities can create up to seven DORA districts.
RLL joins 12 other permittees within the DORA, which is expected to activate this spring.
RLL Racing will be added to Zionsville’s downtown DORA district. (File photo)
Members appointed to advisory committee on disabilities
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council approved the appointment of six members to the newly formed Zionsville Advisory Committee on Disability Feb. 3.
ACCESSIBILITY
The committee was approved by ordinance in December 2024. The committee will recommend priorities and strategies to the Zionsville Town Council that address challenges facing the disability community and promote inclusion and accessibility.
“We know that about 10 percent of our population is living with a disability of some kind,” Mayor John Stehr said. “The ZACD will help give them more of a voice to ensure that Zionsville continues to be welcoming to all and truly works for everyone who chooses to live or spend time here.”
The committee consists of three mayoral appointments and three council appointments. Mayoral appointees are Tom Easterday, Paul Deinlein and Heidi Schroeder. Council appointees are Davie Ellison and Andy Slack. Councilor Sarah Esterline Sampson is the council’s third appointee and has a nonvoting advisory role.
All members will serve one-year terms.
Easterday was a strong proponent of the committee during discussion on its formation. In December, Easterday — a former Zionsville town councilor, president of ILADD, Special Olympics coach, former commissioner of the Indiana Disability Rights Commission and former chair of
the Central Indiana March of Dimes — said besides serving people with disabilities, the committee also benefits the town economically, providing an avenue to apply for additional grant funding.
“The ZACD will provide valuable input and advice to Stehr and the town council and further enhance Zionsville’s image as a friendly and welcoming community for individuals of all abilities,” he said.
The committee’s first assignment is to review the town’s services and policies, paying attention to accessibility in public spaces and community programs. The committee will provide input on the town’s ADA Transition Plan and develop comprehensive strategies for the annual Disability Awareness Month campaign.
The committee also will focus on fostering collaboration with local employers, businesses and organizations to increase employment opportunities and will work to identify resource gaps and develop solutions through partnerships with community stakeholders.
Town officials said they were pleased with public interest in the committee.
“There are some people lining up who are interested in joining, which is great that the interest is there within the town,” Councilmember Tim McElderry said. “We have taken people’s names who have written letters and have called in and we’ll be considering them for future appointments.”
The committee will meet quarterly and submit an annual report at the end of the year.
2025 SUBARU FORESTER
The newly appointed Zionsville Advisory Committee on Disability will meet quarterly at Zionsville Town Hall. (File photo)
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DUNK! returns to Boys & Girls Club of Boone County
news@youarecurrent.com
The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County will host the second DUNK! fundraising event, presented by State Bank, March 22 at the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County Whitestown Unit.
FUNDRAISER
The inaugural event in 2024 raised more than $82,000 for the club’s programs and services.
“Last year, DUNK! exceeded our expectations, bringing the community together for an amazing night of fun and philanthropy,” Boys & Girls Club of Boone County CEO Eric Richards stated. “With the continued support of our presenting sponsor, State Bank, along with our incredible partners and attendees, we are excited to make an even greater impact in 2025.”
Funds raised at the event directly support daily club operations, programming and scholarships for Boone County youth under the umbrella of the club’s mission —
“to empower and inspire young people in our community.”
The event features more than a dozen restaurant and beverage partners; basketball-themed games and activities; and a silent auction.
Individual tickets are $75. The event is for attendees 21 and older.
Tickets and information on sponsorship opportunities and culinary partnerships can be found at bgcboone.org
The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County has units in Whitestown, Zionsville and Lebanon. The organization serves over 425 youth daily.
Orr Fellowship announces 2025 fellows from Zionsville
ic and entrepreneurial landscape.
OPPORTUNITY
Orr Fellowship, an Indiana-based early career development program, recently announced its newest cohort of fellows for 2025, including three Zionsville residents.
Mikayla Owens, a student at Indiana University Bloomington; Katherine Swack, a Purdue University student; and Taylor University student Emma Gayed are among 74 Hoosier college seniors matched with Indiana-based partner companies. They will begin their fellowships upon graduation.
Owens has been partnered with Indiana University. Swack will work with Your Money Line and Gayed will team up with Cloud Accountant Staffing.
This year’s fellows 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 econom-
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 in fields like marketing, consulting, engineering and tech. Fellows are offered opportunities including working on nonprofit consulting projects and learning essential life skills, such as managing personal finances.
Learn more at orrfellowship.org.
Michael Bogers Vice President, Commercial Banking 317-261-0248
Carole Veatch Vice President, Treasury Management
Jason Millet Vice President, Private Banking
DUNK! fundraising event returns to the Boone County Boys & Girls Club Whitestown Unit
March 22. (File photo)
ROTARY CLUB OF ZIONSVILLE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
The Rotary Club of Zionsville recently welcomed two new members to the club. Tim East joined upon his retirement as Zionsville Community High School principal. Jennifer Stanfield transferred from the Crawfordsville club after her term as district governor. The Rotary Club of Zionsville is part of the Rotary International community, a global network of more than 1.2 million members who participate in initiatives that support promoting peace; fighting disease; providing clean water; supporting education; growing local economies; and protecting the environment. Members of the public who want to learn more about the club and its mission are invited to attend one of their Thursday morning meetings at ZCHS. Find local meeting schedules and more information at zionsvillerotary. com. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Zionsville)
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Noblesville junior guard goes on offensive this season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
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.
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.
DOCTRINE OF TRADITION
Salem Methodist Church combines faith and history
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A small white church appears on the horizon along a winding country road.
The setting looks like a scene from a movie, but the white building along S. 775 East/Kessel Road in Zionsville has been a house of worship for more than a century.
Salem Methodist Church was founded in 1834, 18 years before the official founding of Zionsville. Pioneers met first for services — called “classes” — in their Eagle Township homes. Clergymen, known as “Circuit Riders,” visited the classes and administered sacraments.
The first church was constructed in 1849. After extensive remodeling that involved moving a portion of the church, a new bell tower and cornerstone were dedicated in 1914.
Since then, Salem Methodist Church has remained small but mighty. As the church approaches its bicentennial celebration, it has updated its community offerings while remaining true to its foundational principles.
Church leaders completed several renovation projects as the sanctuary sat empty during the COVID-19 pandemic — a rare instance of social distancing rules and closures playing a favorable role.
“We had a list of things that needed to be done, and we never closed,” Salem Methodist Church music director Tina Hand said. “We opened up a tent across the road and had services over there and rang the bell every Sunday. And then we started with the to-do list.”
The list included insulating the church — a project that had never been done and wasn’t easy to complete. Because the church has plaster walls built over chicken wire, insulating from the inside would have been nearly impossible. Instead, the siding was peeled back and the project completed from the exterior of the church.
Church leaders also used the pandemic closures to have bats that had made their home in the walls professionally and humanely removed. Other projects included securing the stained-glass windows; installing an accessible ramp; adding new doors and lights; and completion of some light remodeling. The church also purchased a new piano and had their 60-year-
old Hammond organ serviced back to its original condition.
Hand said the congregation totals about 50 people, but everyone is welcome.
“It’s totally traditional,” she said. “I would say that we’re very — I don’t want
to use the word old-fashioned — but just traditional. I sometimes refer to us as kind of a ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ That kind of puts it a little bit in perspective.
For those who are looking for that, we try very hard to get everybody involved in
A WALK THROUGH ZIONSVILLE’S HISTORY
Besides services and missions, Salem Methodist Church is a central piece of the Town of Zionsville’s historical record.
The cemetery behind the church — open to the public — includes headstones of some of the earliest members of the community.
Although the cemetery is operated by a separate board than the church’s board of directors, the two are like separate sides of the same coin.
“We have a lot of people that come and visit looking for their ancestors,” Salem Methodist Church music director Tina Hand said. “We have several Civil War veterans in the cemetery. You’ll even see people even after church kind of go out and wander around. My mother and another lady did a map of the cemetery at one time, but a lot of those
old stones are very difficult to get the identification off.”
Missions chair Eric Hand said the cemetery is steeped in history — even things one might not consider in central Indiana.
“I found it fascinating that one of the Civil War veterans out there was a Confederate soldier from North Carolina,” he said. “All the others were Union soldiers, but the background of the Confederate soldier is, after the war he came up to visit cousins or something up here. And so while he was up here, he met a young lady and things progressed. So, he stayed.”
Salem Methodist Church cemetery is behind the church, 6701 S. 775 East, and is open to the public. Parking is available in the church parking lot.
some way.”
Hand’s husband Eric Hand is the church’s missions chair. The couple said its faith-based programs focused on community needs are the hallmark of the congregation’s mission. Outreach programs sponsored by the church partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The Caring Center food pantry to make a difference in the local community.
“I do think a small country church has a little disadvantage on the visibility scale,” Eric Hand said. “The bigger churches tend to get and do more things for kids at a younger age than what a small church can do. And part of it, I think, is just a generational age preference situation. You’re not going to get the lights or the sound effects. It’s not going to be a rock concert or like that atmosphere. You’re not going to have a big auditorium. It’s just a difference in what you’re used to or what you grew up with.”
Although it can be a challenge, the Hands said the congregation stays active in the community.
“We try to make ourselves known,” Tina Hand said. “When we were doing the remodeling, people thought maybe we were tearing down. But I would say we really try to make ourselves known in the community, that we’re still going strong.”
The couple said the true message of the church is one of welcoming and belonging for everyone. Visitors are often people who see nostalgia in the little white church in the woods — something that reminds them of their own religious upbringings.
“I find that people who come and try us out, whether it’s for a Sunday or two, or they end up staying because there’s a variety of things that they’re looking for,” Tina Hand said. “Some are looking for it in the message from the pastor. Some are looking for the music and they really want those old hymns.”
Salem Methodist Church also holds regular events such as the special dinners, Easter egg hunts, ice cream socials and an annual fall cookout. Learn more at salemchurchzionsville.org.
ON THE COVER: Salem Methodist Church in Zionsville was founded in 1834. The church as it appears today was constructed in 1914.
(Photo by Marney Simon)
(Below) Salem Methodist Church Cemetery is the final resting place for several Civil War soldiers, including Nelson S. Harmon, who died in 1906.
(Above) Salem Methodist Church serves a regular congregation of about 50 people. (Photos by Marney Simon)
Country music star Wariner ready for Hamilton County homecoming
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
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 set to play ‘The Cat’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
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.
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).”
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, 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
Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon returns in the role of The Girl for the third time. The other cast members are from Indianapolis. 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 for patrons with sensory sensitivities. ASL interpreters will be at the performance and large-print programs will be available for the visually impaired.
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.
editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Great American Songbook Foundation is celebrating Women’s History Month in March with a screening of a new
DOCUMENTARY
PBS documentary that draws from its extensive Songbook Library & Archives.
Performing Arts in Carmel.
“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 threetime 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.
The Songbook Foundation will screen the film at 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the
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.
Throughout March, the costumes will be displayed in the Songbook Exhibit Gallery at the Palladium.
Tickets aren’t required to view the items worn by artists.
Stiff
Boone
Blueprint for Improvement: Modern Zionsville bathroom
Commentary by Larry Greene
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
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.
LIFESTYLE
Across
Basic cable, basically
Nuclear weapon 11. Dutch airline 14. 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
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
62. Hankering
63. Walked heavily
66. LBJ successor
67. ___ Speedwagon Answers on Page 19
LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 50 PARALLEL OPERATION – FOR QUALIFYING FACILITY
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 27, 2025, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Standard Contract Rider No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Standard Contract Rider 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Standard Contract Rider 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2025. Standard Contract Rider 50 is available to all qualifying Duke Energy Indiana customers and is expected to be approved approximatelythirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703 Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494.
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