Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 48
Copyright 2023
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JANUARY & FEBRUARY DINE IN
Sylo Apartments at The Farm now leasing
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
An upscale apartment complex overlooking Michigan Road is near completion in Zionsville. Sylo Apartments — the residential component of The Farm planned unit development at Sycamore Street and U.S. 421 — started its leasing process this month, with plans to complete the 400-unit complex by midsummer.
DEVELOPMENT
The residential portion of the site is being developed by Scannell Properties. The development includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment units and townhomes across three four-story buildings. Amenities include a golf simulator; saltwater pool with cabanas; pickleball court; putting green; yoga lounge with a virtual fitness studio; outdoor fire pits; grilling stations; dog park; and a pet spa. An openair community pavilion was inspired by the Pittman Farms barn that once stood on the site.
A library and work-from-home space in the development’s center includes conference and work rooms.
“The long-term vision was kind of a new destination in Zionsville,” Scannell Properties Director of Development Shawn Hitchcock said. “There’s a need for diverse housing in Zionsville as well as a need for more economic engines from a commercial tax base. So, the thesis of this site with our partnership with the town was, even though it feels like there are a lot of people here, it’s the suburbs. So to get a great grocery store and great retail that’s going to generate a commercial tax base, they still needed some more beds.”
Hitchcock said the site serves as a gateway to Zionsville. The residential portion of the development was designed to complement a commercial/retail base, currently under construction on the northeast corner of the site.
“If you look at the design of this and just the amount of attention and things that we did to make this architecturally time-
less and speak to what we think Zionsville is, but also do it in a way that is leaving a positive impact behind us,” Hitchcock said. “We’re not trying to replicate the Village or take anything from the Village. What we’re actually trying to do is bring more people to the Village. This is another reason to come to Zionsville. Another destination, another restaurant to go to, somewhere else to live. We think it’s done in as responsible and sustainable a way as we can.”
Hitchcock said the site was deliberately designed to flow with the topography — including hills over ravines and a pond.
“We believe that this product needs to look good 30 years from now and not just be your classic multi-family project that is going to be outdated,” he said. “We’re set back to complement the environment that we’re in. It’s all really about building community. We want our residents to be part of Zionsville, but we want them to be friends with each other. All of our amenities are built around that. “
Hitchcock said the site also addresses a demographic that may want to live in Zionsville — like young professionals or retirees — where homeownership isn’t necessarily an option. The development is also targeted at people who grew up in Zionsville and want to continue living in town.
“Zionsville is very intentional about growth,” he said. It’s one of the things I love about living here. We need places for people to live to experience this community. Not everybody can buy an $800,000 house. Even if you wanted to, you can’t always find one. And that’s not changing anytime soon because the neighborhoods that are being built are building $2 million houses.”
Sylo Apartments is Phase 1 of the 48-acre mixed-use development. The retail component of the site is under construction.
Occupancy for the first rental units is expected to be available by April 15.
Learn more at syloapartments.com.
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
Sylo Apartments is a 400-unit complex at The Farm in Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Pittman Properties)
LONG LIVE THE YOUNG AT HEART.
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Park board approves plans to tackle invasive species
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Department of Parks and Recreation will hit the ground running this spring with invasive species treatments at two popular green spaces.
RECREATION
The park board approved two proposals from Eco Logic LLC of Bloomington Feb. 12. The first will address invasive species in 13.25 acres at Overley-Worman Park.
“This would not address the woody invasives that are out there,” Zionsville Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Jarod Logsdon said. “That is a years and years battle that we haven’t begun just yet, but there are other nonwoody invasives out there, some of which do pose a risk to public safety and health — poison hemlock to name one — which has been seen and treated for years at the mountain bike trails.”
The contract — totaling $22,243 — includes maintenance applications in spring, summer and fall, each round lasting two to three days. Target species are poison hemlock, reed canary grass, Japanese knotweed, purple loosestrife, Canada thistle, teasel and oriental bittersweet.
“Restoration is an uphill climb, but every year we take a couple steps more toward
that goal, and this would help us maintain a significant portion of Overley-Worman Park,” Logsdon said.
The second approved proposal is a $2,852 project at the 10-acre Zion Nature Sanctuary.
“Through years and years of restorative work, we pretty much have a handle on the invasive population within Zion,” Logsdon said. “(But) work is never done because there are always threats — from every single adjacent property or a bird that flies overhead or winds or anything else.”
Logsdon said the work will focus near the outdoor classroom structure and in the wetland area. Target species are reoccurring patches of reed canary grass, cattails, Canada thistle, silver maple, willow, sycamore, box elder, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet and wintercreeper.
Early season work will be completed in May and June, with late season work completed from August through October.
The total 2025 budget for contractual ecological services is $30,000. Logsdon said although contractual services for ecological needs are built into the park department’s budget annually, that budget is reduced each year as the town builds up its in-house maintenance team.
Thirteen acres at Overley-Worman park will receive invasive species treatment in 2025. (File photo)
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Zionsville council to consider smoking ordinance amendment
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council will consider an amendment to the local smoking ordinance to allow for a cigar bar.
TOWN NEWS
The ordinance received a first reading Feb. 3.
“We currently have an ordinance that carves out specific exceptions for smoking in the Town of Zionsville,” Council President Jason Plunkett said. “This ordinance seeks to allow an exception for a private membership paid-club cigar lounge.”
Plunkett said the amendment would have specific requirements, including ventilation systems to exhaust air separately from nonsmoking areas of the club.
The amendment also would restrict the use of any other tobacco products besides cigars defined as “any roll of tobacco that has a wrapper or cover consisting only of tobacco.”
Alison Wyss, Au.D. Kira VonBlon, M.S. Doctor of Audiology Certified Audiologist
A cigar lounge would be defined as “a private membership paid to a private club that has a designated area specifically for cigars only purchased at the cigar lounge or brought on the premises by a member or the member’s guest.”
The amendment would not allow for hookah, cigarettes or vapes within the club and was developed with input from the members of the council.
“Zionsville does have one of the strongest smoking bans in the state of Indiana, and we’re proud of that,” councilor Brad Burke said. “I believe a lot of that gets preserved. The negative health effects associated with all cigarette smoking, including cigar smoking, we should be aware of that. So, I’m cautious to approve anything like this and I’ll probably be opposed to it, but I appreciate that this has been narrowly defined.”
The name of the proposed cigar bar was not disclosed. The amendment will come to the council for a final vote in March.
Community foundation announces grant recipients
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The Community Foundation of Boone County recently announced the selection of 21 nonprofit professionals as recipients of 2025 Capacity Building grants, including several from Zionsville and Whitestown.
PHILANTHROPY
Members will have the opportunity to elevate their fundraising expertise by participating in the Certificate of Fund Raising Management coursework through the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The program offers training in fundraising management to help participants learn tools and strategies to strengthen donor relationships, increase revenue and enhance their organization’s long-term sustainability.
Local members of the cohort include Lou Ann Baker, Brick Street Poetry; Erin Effner, SullivanMunce Cultural Center; Ana Disselhorst, Whitestown Parks & Recreation; Katherine Heiss, Brick Street Poetry; Bethany Hernandez, Whitestown Parks &
Twenty-one nonprofit professionals were recently awarded capacity-building grants from the Community Foundation of Boone County. (File photo)
Recreation; and Diane Schultz, The Cabin Counseling & Resource Center.
“By equipping these 21 community leaders with CFRM knowledge, we are empowering them to drive meaningful change,” Community Foundation of Boone County Director of Education & Grantmaking Ali Maxey stated. “Their expertise will strengthen local nonprofits, enhance philanthropy, and create lasting benefits for our entire community.”
Learn more about the program at communityfoundationbc.org.
COMMUNITY
ZIONSVILLE MARCH CALENDAR
YOUTH ART MONTH
SullivanMunce Cultural Center and Zionsville Community Schools will host an opening reception for Youth Art Month from 5 to 7 p.m. March 7. Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality public schools and community art programs. Robert Goodman Jewelers, Five Thirty Home and other local businesses will serve as art venues throughout the month. An art exhibition at SullivanMunce throughout the month is free to the public.
FISH FRY FRIDAYS
The Knights of Columbus at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Zionsville will host Fish Fry Fridays during the Lenten season. March 7 through April 11. Every Friday in Lent except Good Friday, meals of Alaskan pollock, fries, a decadent brownie and choice of applesauce or coleslaw will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parish hall, 1870 W. Oak St. Lemonade and coffee are included. Premium beer and wine by-theglass is available for purchase. Meals and a la carte options range from $2 to $14 and children 5 and under eat free. Learn more at zionsvillecatholic.com.
CROSS STITCH GROUP
The Hoosier Mamas is an eclectic group of cross stitchers with a variety of tastes and a vast range of skill levels. All adults who enjoy any form of needle art — such as knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and cross stitch — are welcome to stop by and join. The group meets the first and third Saturday of every month at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Meetings are March 1 and March 15.
WINTER MARKET
The Town of Whitestown will host the final winter market of the season from 9 a.m. to noon March 8 in the Whitestown Community Recreation Center at the Whitestown Municipal Complex. A variety of vendors sell local products and foods. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CELEBRATION
Habitat for Humanity of Boone County
will celebrate 40 years of building homes, communities and hope with a special celebration March 9 at the Golf Club of Indiana in Whitestown. The Blueprints & Blue Jeans event will feature a wine and bourbon pull, silent auction, appetizers, drinks, dinner and a live auction. Tickets are $125 per person and the registration deadline is March 4. The silent auction opens for preview March 1 and bidding begins March 4. Learn more at boonehabitat.org.
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.
MEET THE ANIMALS
Zionsville Nature Center hosts a twice-monthly program for an exciting chance to meet and learn about reptiles and amphibians. Participants will discover the unique traits of these fascinating creatures. The event is drop-in and free to attend. Meet the animals at 10am March 13 and 3:30 p.m. March 26 at Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N. 5th St. in Zionsville inside Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Zionsville Town Council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month and 7:30 a.m. the third Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at Zionsville Town Hall in the council chambers room, 1100 West Oak St. Meetings are open to the public. Meetings this month are March 3 and March 17. Agendas are available online at zionsville-in.gov/AgendaCenter. Meetings can be viewed online at youtube.com/ user/TownOfZionsville.
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.
Dennis Morgan Frederick, 75, of Eustis, Florida, formerly of Westerville, Ohio, and Zionsville, Indiana, passed away on January 21, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Born on February 11, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, he was the son of the late Oris Frederick and Dixie Teboe.
Dennis was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend—generous with his time, unwavering in his support of others, and always ready with a helping hand. A proud graduate of Eagle Township High School in Zionsville, Indiana, he met and married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca “Becky” Oxley. In 1967, Dennis enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving both stateside and overseas in support of the Vietnam War.
Following his service, Dennis settled in
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Daniel Green, Jr., affectionately known as “Bob,” who departed this life on February 16, 2025, after an 18-month struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born on March 30, 1942, Bob’s remarkable journey through life touched the hearts of many.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia A. Green; his daughters Kelly (Roper) Morris of La Quinta, CA, Jill S. Lyons of Indianapolis, IN, and Tracy (Chris) Andrews of Gurnee, IL; his son, Paul (Sherry) Green of Cincinnati, OH; and his ten cherished grandchildren: Courtney Green, Rachel (Brad) Weidner, Olivia Green, Meredith Green, Henry Green, Howie Green, Daniel Sowa, Austin Sowa, Lucy Andrews, and Deegan Lyons. He also leaves behind one great-grandson, Dominic Weidner.
Westerville, Ohio, where he dedicated 25 years to protecting and serving his community as a police officer. After retiring in 1997, he embraced the sunshine of central Florida, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of friends who were more like family. He found joy in golf, Harleys, Bike Week, and simply spending time with those he loved.
Dennis is survived by his son, Justin; daughter, Marney (Chris) Belli; cherished grandsons, Maxwell and Curtis; brother, Dale (Cindy); and his former wife and longtime companion, Marilyn. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Becky, who passed in 1985.
A memorial service will be held Sunday March 30th at 2:30pm at the chapel of Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Rd, Westerville, Ohio.
Mead Corporation and Gaylord Containers. He was also a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Known for his passion for his faith and family, Bob was immensely proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. He was an amazing father and a dedicated coach to his kids, always supporting them regardless of their pursuits. Bob loved running, playing golf, reading, his labrador running mates and had a particular fondness for cars, especially clean cars and Corvettes. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Bob’s life was an adventure that took him to opportunities in Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dayton, Atlanta, Georgia, and Indianapolis. His legacy of love, support, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew him.
White honored for 30 years with Zionsville PD
news@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Zionsville recently recognized Lt. Chuck White for 30 years with the Zionsville Police Department. Mayor John Stehr issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 13, 2025, Chuck White Day in Zionsville.
RECOGNITION
White began his career with Zionsville in 1995 with the Zionsville Marshal’s Office. Since then, he served under five marshals and police chiefs as a patrol officer; investigator; and the first Zionsville director of Facility Security.
“Zionsville is a different place than it was when Chuck joined ZPD three decades ago,” Stehr stated. “It’s no exaggeration to say that he has played a significant role in helping keep us safe and secure as our town has evolved.”
Throughout his career, White has earned several awards, including a Meritorious Service Award and a citation for his work in solving a bank robbery in 2013; a Chief’s
Award for Excellence in 2019.
“I am extremely proud of Lieutenant White and his thirty years of dedication and service to the people of Zionsville,” ZPD Chief Michael Spears stated. “His work and leadership have helped make and keep Zionsville one of the most desirable and safest towns in the country. He cares deeply for our community, and this care is clearly reflected in his daily service. Thank you, Chuck, for thirty outstanding years. You are sincerely appreciated.”
Bob’s education was marked by his graduation from Purcell High School in 1960, a BBA from the University of Cincinnati in 1972, and an MBA from Xavier University in 1983. His professional life was equally distinguished. Bob spent nearly 50 years as a labor negotiator, retiring from Temple Inland in 2012 after significant tenures at
Bob will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his unwavering faith, competitive spirit and the love he spread throughout his life. May he rest in peace.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Alphonsus in Zionsville. Burial was held in Batavia, Ohio.
Friends may leave a message of condolence by visiting www.arnmortuary.com
From left, Mayor John Stehr, Zionsville Police Department Lt. Chuck White and ZPD Chief Michael Spears. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Clay (half-day)
Art Camps (half-day)
Clay (half-day)
Art (full-day)
Art/Drama Combo (full-day)
Art/Clay Combo (half- and full-day options)
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers a variety of summer camps
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has a full schedule of summer drop-off camps at more than a dozen locations, including Westfield, Fishers and Fort Benjamin Harrison.
Traditional day camps focus on time-honored summer camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts and the great outdoors.
Discovery Camps focus on STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — for children ages 5 to 12 with add-on enrichment and sports clinics. Discovery Camps are hosted at Fall Creek Elementary and Sand Creek Intermediate in Fishers.
Sports clinics include traditional sports like basketball, soccer and volleyball while enrichment clinics include topics like Artrageous, Parks & Playgrounds, Lego and Mad Scientist. Parents can add a camp swimming lesson to their child’s day.
“The YMCA is a place where everyone belongs,” Director of Operations/Youth Development for YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Cara Scott said. “With a wide range of program offerings, 15 camp
locations, camps for ages 5-15 and care from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., we feel confident there’s a camp for everyone at the YMCA. “
Camps also provide access for children of all abilities.
“The YMCA is for all,” Scott said. “We are proud to work with families and create accommodation plans to help children have a successful and enjoyable experience at the YMCA. Accommodation forms are offered to families during the enrollment process.”
The newest location — the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield — adds the attraction of a brand-new 54,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. The location includes a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a fitness center; group exercise studios; a walking track; and an Olympic-sized pool.
The site’s amenities stretch beyond summer camps and into daily enrichment activities for youth and adults.
“It houses a teaching kitchen for healthy cooking classes, child care facilities, including a Play and Learn area and Kids Adventure Zone, an intergenerational room for all ages to connect
Traditional day camps are available at YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations in Westfield and Fishers. (Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis)
Registration is available for day camps and STEAM camps at the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations in Westfield and Fishers.
(Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis)
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and classrooms dedicated to collegiate learning and community education,” Scott said. “The facility is attached to the Westfield Washington Schools’ Aquatic Center, which includes a 10-lane Olympic-sized pool. This YMCA serves as a community cornerstone, fostering health, wellness and social connections among Westfield residents.”
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has a 170-year history.
“The YMCA is special because it brings people together and creates a real sense of community,” Scott said. “It’s a place where everyone — kids, families and individuals — can feel welcome, stay active, learn new things and build connections. Whether it’s through sports, classes, or community programs, the Y is all about supporting people and making a positive impact.”
Representatives said whether it’s summer camp or day-to-day activities, the Y is for all.
“A Y membership opens the door to endless ways to stay active and connected all summer long,” YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Associate VP of PR and Marketing Communications Tony Wise said. “Families can enjoy open swim at the pool, play basketball, volleyball and pickleball in the gym, or take a walk on our indoor track. Almost all of our Greater Indianapolis locations offer family-friendly events, wellness challenges and volunteer opportunities, helping people stay engaged and involved. And perhaps one of the best parts? The friendships and sense of belonging that naturally come from being part of a supportive, welcoming community. The Y is a place where you don’t just pass the time, you make meaningful memories.”
Learn more about YMCA of Greater Indianapolis summer camp options at tinyurl.com/4wp8m669. Registration links are available at tinyurl.com/8de4t9py.
JAM
Camps for Ages 6-8 / 9-11
Camp
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Camp Cathedral provides a safe and enriching environment for campers in kindergarten through 8th grade. With more than 50 different camps to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Camp Cathedral runs from June 2 to July 25.
Campers can explore their interests in theater, music, art, community service and STEM. Sports enthusiasts can improve their skills with coaching from top high school coaches. Leadership and adventure camps also are available. Before and after camp care is available. For more, visit campcathedral.com.
iCode Fishers offers engaging STEM and coding camps for kids
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iCode Fishers offers a variety of engaging STEM and coding camps for kids of all ages and skill levels. Whether it’s summer, winter, spring break or a school holiday, iCode Fishers has the perfect camp for every young explorer.
Campers can dive into exciting fields like robotics, Minecraft, Roblox, engineering, game design, drones and programming languages like Python, Lua and Java. From introductory programming with Scratch to advanced AI engineering, iCode Fishers offers a range of programs designed to inspire and empower kids with skills for the future.
Camps are available for various age groups and run throughout the year. For more, visit icodeschool. com/fishers/camps.
Camp Invention fosters creativity
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
For the last 35 years, Camp Invention has been helping children foster a spirit of creativity and problem-solving at weeklong day programs throughout the U.S.
learn about optical illusions and how special effects are used in art, movies, theater and animation. They will have an opportunity to invent moving props and build a spinning animation device.
This year, participants entering kindergarten through sixth grade will have the opportunity to explore what it takes to become an inventor through four handson modules, collectively known as Camp Invention: Discover. Locally, the program will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 to 12 at Eagle Elementary in Zionsville and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 7 to 11 at St. Louis de Montfort School in Fishers.
The modules, which are new each year, are inspired by inductees into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which partners with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to offer the program.
“Any child with an interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering, math or art is going to be best served by this,” said Corey Nielsen, marketing coordinator for the National Inventors Hall of Fame. “But every child can benefit from this, because it engenders a lot of different ways of thinking, creativity and inventiveness.”
The 2025 modules are:
• Illusion Workshop — Campers will
• Claw Arcade — Campers will construct (and fill with prizes) their own claw machine and study claws in nature.
• Penguin Launch — Campers will learn about penguin colonies with the help of a robotic research penguin. They will design launchers to propel their own magnetic, wearable, plush penguin and learn how to make instant snow.
• In Control — Campers will assemble a custom control panel with a transmitter and receiver and explore the use of artificial intelligence in everyday items. They also will learn the basics of Morse Code. For middle school students who have aged out of Camp Invention, a training program is available. High school and college students can participate as leadership interns.
The camp costs $285 at St. Louis de Montfort and $310 at Eagle Elementary. Nielsen said discounts are available at various times at invent.org/save, including the largest discount available March 20. Sibling discounts and payment plans are available.
Campers build their own claw machine at Camp Invention: Discover. (Photo courtesy of Corey Nielsen)
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Let the music play — at summer camp
Students of various musical abilities, from none to excellent, have multiple opportunities this summer to explore and expand their music experiences through summer camps designed just for them.
School of Rock, Bach to Rock and the Fishers Music and Arts Academy each offer weeklong summer camps for all ages and abilities, with different weeks providing brand-new experiences for returning campers.
School of Rock
At the School of Rock in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, camps are designed for children as young as 6 years old, said Manager Matt McFarland.
“They are basically our entire program condensed into a week,” he said. “We have kids that come in that have never touched an instrument on Monday and then by Friday, they’re performing an actual show for their parents with their bandmates.”
The program has camps for different age groups up to 18, according to the website. McFarland said they have songwriting camps, recording camps and even a Taylor Swift camp.
“Kind of a wide variety of all the genres and different styles for any student, really,” he said, adding that the camps are all focused on rock music and typical rock instruments — guitar, drums, keyboard and vocals.
McFarland said that while each camp is one week long, kids can sign up for multiple weeks.
“We’ve had kids do every single week and it’s great. Obviously, they learn a ton throughout the summer,” he said. “That’s kind of the cool thing about rock music is, because it’s such a wide genre, there’s so much in there that they can learn.”
School of Rock has camps scheduled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the summer
months. For more, visit schoolofrock.com and click on the Camps and Workshops tab.
Fishers Music and Arts Academy
The Fishers Music and Arts Academy is somewhat new to the scene, opening about a year ago in its own building —
9746 Olympia Dr. in Fishers — by founder and longtime piano teacher
Sally Eppert. Eppert said it’s been an interesting journey and she’s grateful for the help and advice she’s received through national and international music school organizations, along with the support of the community. In addition to piano lessons, the school teaches guitar, percussion, strings and voice. She said one goal is for every student to learn to read music.
Continued on Page 7
Fishers Music and Arts Academy offers lessons in piano, guitar, percussion, strings and voice. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Music and Arts Academy)
School of Rock in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville has various summer camps focused on rock music, including a Taylor Swift camp. (Photo courtesy of School of Rock)
Continued from Page 4
“But we also work with students from, right away — it doesn’t matter if they’re 4 or 5, or if they’re 45 or if they’re 85 — we want students to learn that they can make music, that they can make it up,” Eppert said. “I feel like that is such an important release in this day and age, to be able to find a place where you can let go of some of your emotions (through improvisation).”
The school will offer four weeks of summer camps this year, with each weeklong camp offering instruction in a variety of instruments from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“It’s the idea of beginners coming in and doing music, learning about the piano, but also doing voice and drums, too, because, oh my gosh, when I started, I didn’t get to touch anything but the piano and now to get to sing into a microphone when you first start — so empowering,” she said, adding that the kids will make up a song and perform it at the end of each week.
For more, visit fishersmaa.com.
Bach to Rock
Bach To Rock, with locations in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, also offers weeklong camps during the summer months and will take students as young as 3 1/2, said co-owner Jennifer Flickner.
“Three-and-a-half and potty trained,” she clarified, adding that kids up to age 17 can sign up for a half-day camp or a full-day camp, with different programs offered for different age groups and interests.
The camp for the youngest kids is designed to be fast-moving because sitting still is hard, she said, and it provides an opportunity for students to explore all kinds of instruments.
“There’s a little bit of an artsy element to it — the kids will make or decorate their shirts,” she said, which the students wear for the performance at the end of the week. “This is for all of our camps. Everybody does a performance on the last day.”
Older students don’t need experience,
Bach to Rock, with locations in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, offers summer camps for ages 3 1/2 - 17. (Photo courtesy of Bach to Rock)
either, Flickner said. They’ll be grouped with kids of similar abilities and a coach helps each group learn songs and — very important — come up with a band name.
“They could be the Marshmallow Cows,” she said. “We have very interesting names that come up. It could be Late Night Vibes, the Flaming Cheeseburgers, those are the types of things that happen over here.”
Bach to Rock also offers a Glee Camp that focuses on singing and dancing, a DJ Camp and a Recording Arts Music Production Camp, which teaches audio production using computers and recording equipment.
The recording group also helps record the rock bands’ performances, so each camper has a music track to take home.
For more, visit bachtorock.com and click on the “Camps” tab.
SUMMER CAMP
Summer art camps at SullivanMunce Cultural Center
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SullivanMunce Cultural Center invites youth and teens to explore their creativity this summer with a variety of exciting art camps. From in-depth clay camps to nature-inspired art adventures and time-traveling theatrical productions, there’s a camp for every young artist.
Campers can learn throwing and glazing techniques in Youth Clay Camp, create art with organic materials in Nature’s Palette, embark on historical adventures in Time Travelers camp, explore global art traditions in Art Around the World, bring mythical creatures to life in Mythical & Magical camp, or dive into a world of color in Color Explosion! camp.
Camps run from June 2 to Aug. 1, with both half-day and full-day options available. For more, visit sullivanmunce.org.
Watch Us Weave offers summer weaving camps and classes
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Watch Us Weave in Zionsville offers a variety of weaving camps and classes this summer for teens, pre-teens and adults.
Teens and pre-teens can participate in week-long summer camps designed to introduce the joy of weaving and inspire a lifelong hobby. Adults can sign up for custom personalized weaving classes tailored to their individual interests and skill levels.
Watch Us Weave is located at 45 South Elm Street in downtown Zionsville. For more or to register for camps, call 317-379-7569 or visit watchusfarm.com.
CAMPERS CELEBRATE WITH PIZZA + KONA ICE FOR LUNCH! BOYS + GIRLS AGES 5 - 14, ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS WELCOME!
Summer of discovery at Summer U Camps
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University High School will host Summer U camps from June 2 to Aug. 1, offering fun and engaging activities for children in pre-K through 12th grade. Campers can choose from a variety of programs, including STEM, arts, athletics and more.
Hands-on activities will spark curiosity and inspire learning on University High
School’s campus. Program options include sports, games, esports, technology, science, math, rocketry, robotics, LEGO, Minecraft, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, American Doll, worldbuilding, dinosaurs, cooking and baking, musical theater, writing, arts, nature and more. Before and after care is available.
For more, visit universityhighschool. org/summer.
RoundTripper Sports Academy announces sports classes and camps
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RoundTripper Sports Academy offers a variety of sports camps this summer for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Professional instructors provide personalized attention in small class settings, maintaining a 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
Summer camps run from June 2 to June 27, with various sports and skill development options available. Early registration is recommended as camp spaces are limited.
For more, visit roundtripper.com/classes-camps.
M14Hoops camps offer variety of specialized training
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
M14Hoops summer camps offer a bit of everything for young basketball players.
Nick Daniels is the managing partner for M14Hoops Indianapolis. M14Hoops, which has sites in Westfield and Noblesville. The summer camps will be held in June and July. The camps are designed for boys and girls in third through eighth grade.
The Noblesville M14 camp is held at the Mojo Up Sports Complex at Finch Creek, which is the training center. The Westfield M14 training center is the Pacers Athletic Center, but the camp will be held in Farmers Bank Fieldhouse in Lebanon.
Daniels, who also is managing partner of M14 in Cincinnati and Phoenix, is the head of player and staff development for M14Hoops.
FISHERS • CARMEL • AVON • GREENWOOD
Robotics Summer Camp
FOR KIDS 6 YEARS AND OLDER
“Each week, we offer a morning and afternoon option, or they can stay all day with us and they get lunch,” Daniels said. “Each camp has a different skill focus. Our No. 1 goal for camps is they learn, they get better and they have fun. We want to create a fun environment. If they want to improve their skills, this is a good way to do it.”
There are camps for ballhandling, scoring, shooting, 3-on-3, “let’s play” and shooting and defense.
“We get a lot of the kids that train with us regularly throughout the year,” Daniels said. “It’s also a great time for players to try our program who haven’t tried it. Our camps are popular for new players and current players.”
Daniels played collegiately for Purdue University Fort Wayne, which was then Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Daniels had planned to play basketball overseas but ended up working part time for M14, which was just starting in Chicago. In 2016, he came to the Indianapolis area to launch the second location.
M14 is named after founder Matt Miller, who wore No. 14 when he played. He played for four colleges, finishing his career with Bellarmine University. He then played professionally overseas.
The camps are run by full-time staff. Daniels said the camp counselors are part-time staff and college athletes.
The Noblesville site is directed by Randy Reed and the Westfield director is Eric Easter.
For more, visit noblesville.m14hoops. com and westfield.m14hoops.com.
Nick Daniels is the managing partner for M14Hoops Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Nick Daniels)
Kids Explore Robotics will host interactive summer camps for children 6 and older throughout the summer. The camps will be offered at several locations throughout the Indianapolis area, including Greenwood, Fishers, Carmel and Avon.
Each camp session will take place over five days, with time options available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The first session begins June 2 in Greenwood, and the last session begins July 21 in Avon.
Children will have the opportunity to learn about, build and code two robots, which are designed to accomplish a variety of tasks. Robots can be coded to play different drumbeats, relay traffic patterns, do pull-ups and much more. At the end of camp, kids get to keep two of the robots they worked on. Vinod Agrawal, one of the founders of Kids Explore Robotics, shared one of the benefits of their approach to teaching.
“(Children) are learning to make changes to the code and seeing the immediate impact of what the robot does,” Agrawal said. “So, they relate, ‘I can make this
change to the code to make the robot do different things.’ It inspires their curiosity, and they can be as creative as they want.”
Agrawal and his son, Aarav Agrawal, founded Kids Explore Robotics two years ago when Aarav, a then-junior in high school, expressed interest in teaching kids about robotics to inspire interest in STEM. Since then, Aarav and Vinod have designed and developed 14 different robots, 50 different activities and crafted a curriculum to educate children about the process of robotics through various classes. They personally engineered and designed wooden and 3D-printed materials that are used to build the robots.
The robots have an open-concept design to increase children’s understanding of the inner workings of motors, micro-controllers and coding.
Besides summer camps, Kids Explore Robotics offers free one-hour classes each week and several other classes and courses. Kids Explore Robotics also offers several online summer camps. The cost for the summer camp is $259 per person for the in-person summer camp and $279 per person for the online camp. For more, visit kidsexplorerobotics.com.
STEM skills are stressed at Kids Explore Robotics. (Photo courtesy of Kids Explore Robotics)
Wright’s Gymnastics to host themed summer camps
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
With several summer camps available for children, Wright’s Gymnastics, with locations in Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield, has weekly themes for all camps.
Wright’s Gymnastics Director of Marketing Lauren Lofgren said the camps, which start at the end of May and run until early August, will have several activities each week for children ages 3 through 13.
“They get to come and do all sorts of activities, crafts and games,” Lofgren said. “We also will do a different theme each week, like ‘Pirates and Pixies,’ to keep things exciting. It influences their crafts and games.”
With daily access to the gym, Lofgren said children can play throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and have opportunities to learn gymnastics skills.
“In the gym, they are playing the entire time, but there is a lesson that will go on, too,” Lofgren said. “The kids will walk away having learned something. Suppose they’re not currently enrolled in classes, or they’ve never done gymnastics or
ninja — a combination of gymnastics and parkour. In that case, they’re going to experience it and learn a bit more about getting upside down with their bodies.”
Although activities vary by location, most of Wright’s camps also will have water and outdoor activities throughout the week.
“We get the kids outside at least twice a day, weather permitting, and we have inflatable slides, scooters and basketball,” Lofgren said. “It’s a really active camp. We’re trying to keep them moving as much as possible but with a couple of opportunities for downtime as well.”
Lofgren said weekly themes keep kids engaged in a range of activities.
“The biggest thing we’re incorporating this year is trying to get a form of entertainment for each week that applies to the theme,” Lofgren said. ‘My favorite part is when they make friends through these days and want to sign up for another camp. It’s like controlled chaos because they’re running around and giggling. I look forward to it.”
Registration is open for Wright’s Gymnastics summer camps at wrightsgymnastics.com.
Kids stay active during Wright’s Gymnastics camps. (Photo courtesy of Wright’s Gymnastics)
Zionsville’s Z’Camp summer day camp registration opens March 5
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Z’Camp in Zionsville opens registration for its 2025 summer day camp program March 5. The camp serves children in preschool through 6th grade. Campers participate in a variety of activities throughout the summer, including sports, games, arts and crafts, and field trips.
Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The daily schedule includes morning meetings, organized activities, lunch, swimming, and snacks. Z’Camp offers weekly sessions from June 4 to July 25, with a special all-day field trip week from July 21 to 25.
Families receive discounts when enrolling multiple children. Campers can attend for a single week or multiple weeks. For more, visit zcamponline.com.
Z’Camp registration begins March 5. (Photo courtesy ZCS Zcamp)
Indy Stem Camps provides exciting Minecraft-themed STEM camps for children in grades 1-8. Founded by a physics teacher, Indy Stem Camps has entertained and educated more than 10,000 children with a focus on creative, cooperative gameplay in a social setting.
Campers enjoy their own computer
workstation in a secure multiplayer environment guided by knowledgeable counselors. With eight unique camp titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to advanced levels.
Camps run from June 2 to Aug. 1, for 3 hours daily over five days, with options for both creative and survival gameplay. For more, visit indystemcamps.com.
Indiana Basketball Academy summer camps tip off soon
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The Indiana Basketball Academy tips off its 29th year of summer basketball camps for boys and girls ages 5-14, starting May 27. With 18 weeks of camp available at two convenient locations in Carmel and Lebanon, IBA offers a fun and engaging environment for players of all experience levels.
Campers can expect to learn and work
Our summer programs are open to all Central Indiana students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, and offer a great introduction to the extraordinary opportunities available at Park Tudor.
From Cub Camp for 3 & 4 year-olds to options for high school students, Park Tudor summer programs offer something for everyone – arts & crafts, sports, performing arts, science, literature, chess & gaming, and more!
on drills and fundamental skills, play games, compete in contests, make new friends and hear coaches’ stories. Each camper will receive a T-shirt and collect NBA cards. Full-day campers also will enjoy pizza and Kona Ice for lunch on competition Fridays.
Camps run through Aug. 1, with options for full or half days. For more, visit playiba.com/camps.
The Point Theater to have music-filled summer camps
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The Point Theater at 1950 E. Greyhound Pass has numerous opportunities for children to gain theater experience this summer.
Set Sail with Moana — themed musical theater day camps
At this camp, designed for students ages 4 through 6 for half days or students ages 7 through 10 for full days, children will participate in acting, singing and choreography to create an end-ofweek performance for family and friends. There are three weeks and locations available for this camp. They are:
• June 9 through 13: 3600 W. 96th St., Indianapolis
• June 16 through 20: 621 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel
• June 23 through 27: 1870 W. Oak St., Zionsville Musical-in-a-Week
After a two-year hiatus, the Musicalin-a-Week, fast-paced, high-energy camp is back. This camp challenges students to rehearse and perform “Elf” in five days and is best for children ages 11 through 18.
There are two weeks available for this camp at CrossRoads Church in Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. They are June 9 through 13 and June 23 through 27.
Play-in-a-Day: A one-day theatrical adventure
Play-in-a-Day is a camp designed for children who like a challenge but prefer to skip singing and dancing. This year’s play, “How to Get Away with a Murder
The Point Theater offers a variety of music-themed camps. (Photo courtesy The Point Theater)
Mystery” by Don Zolidis, offers a fastpaced experience where students ages 11 through 18 rehearse in the morning and perform for an audience in the afternoon.
Play-in-a-Day will take place June 17 at the Marian University Theater, 3200 Cold Spring Rd., Indianapolis. Improv Camp
The Improv Camp is a half-day camp for children ages 11 through 18 that sharpens comedic timing, spontaneity and creativity through engaging improv games.
The camp is grouped by age at CrossRoads Church at Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. Time slots are:
• July 7 through 11, ages 11 through 13, 1 to 4 p.m.
• July 7 through 11, ages 14 through 18, 9 a.m. to noon
For more, visit thepointtheater.org.
Central Indiana Academy of Dance announces summer dance camps
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The Central Indiana Academy of Dance in Carmel offers a variety of summer dance camps for children aged 3 to 9.
Camps for ages 3 to 6 run from 9 a.m. to noon and feature themes like Moana and Maui’s Adventures, Frozen Summer Celebration, Moana and Maui’s Island Luau, Fairytale Princesses and Princes, and Frozen Prince &
Princess Party.
For ages 6 to 9, CIAD offers a Youth Summer Ballet Intensive from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., when dancers with at least one year of training can enjoy a variety of dance classes, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, PBT, pre-pointe and stretch and conditioning.
Camps run from June 2 to Aug. 1. For more, visit ciaodance.com.
Musicologie announces summer music camps for kids and teens
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Musicologie in Noblesville offers a summer of music fun with three exciting camps designed for ages 4 to 15. Mini Musicians Camp introduces young children ages 4 to 6 to the joy of music through rhythm games, improvisation, and creative projects. Music Explorers Camp, for ages 7 to 10, allows campers to explore music through composition, improvisation and collaborative projects, culminating in a final performance. Rock Band Boot Camp is an immersive camp for teens ages 11 to 15 that allows them to form bands, write songs and perform like rock stars.
Camps are available in June, July, and August, with both full-day and half-day options. Early-bird and multi-kid discounts are available. For more, visit go.musicologie.com/ summer-camps.html.
Musicologie offers music camps for ages 4 to 15 (Photo courtesy Musicologie
Kids’ summer camp workshops at Board & Brush
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Board & Brush Noblesville invites children 6 and older to participate in their creative Kids’ Camp Workshops this summer. Each workshop features a fun theme and allows kids to enjoy hands-on activities while creating personalized projects.
Themes include S’mores Campout, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Christmas in
July, Popcorn Bar, Beach Party and Pajama Pizza Party. Children ages 6 to 8 must be accompanied by an adult; children 9 and older can attend solo.
Workshops are held on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and include two projects, a snack and a drink. The cost is $75 per child. Pre-registration is required. For more, visit boardandbrush.com/ noblesville.
International School of Indiana offers summer camp for central Indiana students
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The International School of Indiana offers summer programming for incoming kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Campers can choose from a variety of programs, including language learning, enrichment and sports camps. Language Summer Camp, hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies,
June 2-6
June 23-27
July 7-11
July 14-18
July 21-25
July 28- Aug 1 July 7-11
Moana and Maui’s Adventures Frozen Summer Celebration
Rapunzel’s Summer Adventures FULL Moana and Maui’s Island Luau
Fairytale Princesses and Princes
Frozen Prince & Princess Party
Youth Summer Ballet Intensive
provides language immersion experiences in French, Mandarin, Spanish and Arabic. Enrichment Camps offer STEM activities, writing and arts, and cultural learning. The new Amazing Athletes Sports Camp allows campers to explore different sports themes each week. Weekly sessions run from June 16 to July 25. For more, visit isind.org/events/ summercamp.
Fortune Academy offers summer camp for students with learning differences
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Fortune Academy, a school for students with learning differences, offers a unique summer camp program combining academic remediation with traditional summer camp activities. The program runs from June 9 to 27.
Mornings focus on educational breakout sessions using the Orton-Gillingham approach, while afternoons are dedicated to hands-on activities and field trips. Before and aftercare are available.
The camp offers a variety of breakout groups focusing on different academic and therapeutic areas.
For more, visit thefortuneacademy.org/summer-camp.
Indianapolis Children’s Choir announces summer music camp
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The Indianapolis Children’s Choir announces its Summer Music Camp 2025, “Just a Dream Away,” for children entering first through eighth grade. Two sessions are available: June 2-5 and July 21-24.
Campers will enjoy a week of singing, instrument exploration, music games and crafts, culminating in a concert performance. The camp takes place at the ICC Performing Arts Center in Indianapolis. Financial assistance is available. For more, visit icchoir.com/camps.
Fishers High School senior guard saving best for last
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Fishers High School basketball player
Justin Kirby was a key contributor off the bench on the team’s 2023-24 Class 4A state championship team.
This season, the 6-foot-3 guard has taken everything up a notch in helping lead the Tigers to a 22-0 record prior to Feb. 21 action.
“Justin is, in my opinion, the most improved player in the state of Indiana,” Tigers coach Garrett Winegar said. “He has improved in virtually every area of his game — ballhandling, outside shooting, finishing through contact and decision-making. What makes Justin special is his continual improvement. He has put in the work and made significant leaps in skill every single season since entering FHS as a freshman. Along with his basketball development, Justin has grown tremendously as a young man and has become a leader in our program.”
Kirby, who will play for Miami (Ohio) University next season, is averaging 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per
JUSTIN KIRBY
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Favorite musicians: Drake and Lil Baby
Favorite movie: “Man of Steel”
game. As a junior, he averaged 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.
“Justin is a three-level scorer and his strength on the floor is his ability to get to the rim and finish in a variety of situations,” Winegar said. “He is also extremely efficient.”
Kirby shoots 70 percent overall from the field and 47 percent from 3-point range.
“Defensively, Justin impacts the game with his length, shot-blocking ability, willingness to defend and ability to defend multiple positions,” Winegar said. Kirby said shooting has been his biggest improvement.
“I used to not have a very good shot the last couple of years. I worked on it every
day but just wasn’t confident to shoot it,” he said. “Now, as a senior, I definitely have a lot of confidence. I’m shooting the ball whenever I’m open and I’m more comfortable letting it go from 3.”
Kirby started playing basketball at age 6. He quit for a short time but began playing again in third grade. He gave up football in fifth grade. He competed in 400- and 200-meter races in track and field for FHS as a freshman but found he missed too much time with his AAU basketball team.
“Basketball is an important factor for me in my life as far as where I am today and who I’ve become,” Kirby said. “What drives me is basketball has helped me during the worst times of my life and the only thing I could rely on was basketball.”
Kirby said he chose Miami over the University of Virginia and Belmont University.
“I felt it was best for my development and growth as a basketball player,” Kirby said. “Miami has a four-step program to promote and build their players to be where they are now.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Justin Kirby has made dramatic improvements during his senior season on the Fishers High School boys basketball team. (Photo courtesy of FHS athletics)
A PLAN FORE! ZIONSVILLE
Golf course season passes discontinued, capital improvements planned
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Golf Course will eliminate season passes and increase prices by $1 per 9-hole round and $3 per 18-hole round in 2025. The result, according to the course management company, will be improved offerings and opportunities for golfers, the course and the town overall.
The Town of Zionsville approved an agreement with Zionsville National LLC in 2024 for management of the 9-hole municipal golf course at 10799 E. 550 South. Zionsville National representatives Paul Kite and Pete Prust addressed the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Board Feb. 12 with a review of the course after its first year under private management.
Kite and Prust said while some people might be unhappy about the increased prices — a handful of residents approached the park board last month to complain about the increase and elimination of season passes — it’s for the greater good. Although the per-round fee increase is minimal to support operations, Kite and Prust said season passes were an issue in 2024, with the majority of the 60 to 80 no-shows per week throughout the season attributable to season pass holders.
Kite and Prust said some holders of the $450 season passes would often monopolize the course, playing more than 100 rounds throughout the season, failing to check in or reserving a tee time for four but only show up as a twosome or solo. Management said the removal of the season pass will make a more level playing field for all golfers.
“We’re trying to change the way the course is operated and make it more of a public course and less of a course where it’s used a lot by a few individuals who will tend to fill up a lot of blocks of time,” Kite said. “The bottom line is, this is going to make a course that is more available to more of the public. It’s going to be a great course. We’re trying to make it work where we can and make enough revenue that we can reinvest (in the course) as we’ve agreed to. We’re just going to continue trying to make it a good experience. I’m sorry that inconveniences a minority of the golfers out there, but that’s not our focus. Our focus is the majority of the town.”
Season passes will be replaced with 10- and 20-round discount passes of 10 percent off weekday rates.
Management said even with the increase, the course is among the most affordable 9-hole courses in central Indiana.
New rates for 2025 are as follows:
Weekdays, without cart:
9 holes – $15
9 holes senior discount — $13
18 holes — $22
18 holes senior discount — $20
Weekdays, with cart:
9 holes – $25
9 holes senior discount — $23
18 holes — $39
18 holes senior discount — $37
Zionsville Golf Course was placed under the management of Zionsville National LLC in 2024. (File photo)
Weekends and holidays, without cart
9 holes — $19
18 holes — $26
Weekends and holidays, with cart
9 holes — $29
18 holes — $43
Zionsville National representatives said revenues in 2024 totaled just below $550,000 at the 62-acre course, including $300,998 in greens fees; $174,087 in cart fees; $43,552 in food and beverage sales; and $27,821 in pro shop sales. The course had 27,547 rounds played in 2024 — a number management expects to remain steady in 2025.
Zionsville Community Schools middle school golfers and two junior teams will continue to play for free in 2025. Overall, management said the golf course will remain a true community asset.
The new rates were approved by the park board by a 6-1 vote, with member Chad Dilley opposed. Dilley said his no vote was because of his desire to keep some type of season pass available. Kite and Prust said they would revisit season passes at a future date.
ON THE COVER: The Zionsville Golf Course will increase prices by $1 per 9-hole round and $3 per 18-hole round in 2025. (File photo)
ZIONSVILLE GOLF COURSE LOOK AHEAD
Zionsville National LLC — the private management company for the Zionsville Golf Course — is planning several capital improvements for the course. The first is a plan to construct a concession stand with accessible restrooms, food, craft beer and seating on the southern hill of the course. The project is anticipated to take about two years to complete at a cost around $250,000. The park board approved a $100,000 allocation to the golf course fund in October 2024 to help pay for the project.
The new stand will address the issue of inaccessible bathrooms in the clubhouse.
“For years we’ve had problems (in the clubhouse),” Zionsville National representative Pete Prust said. “Our water is not safe to drink; the bathrooms are not ADA
(accessible); there is a line in the carpet where it backs up all the time. We need to get something. And the idea about the concession stand was, also, we’d like to involve more of the town.”
Prust said golf course management will work with the town on an easement to provide pedestrian access from the Village.
“We’ll have people come in, watch the golf and be a part of it,” he said. “The vision is to have people in the town get involved. Will it be a big revenue generator? No. But it’s a way to give back to the town and involve the town in a way that people haven’t thought of before.”
Additional updates planned for 2025 include a two-bay driving net behind the clubhouse; resealing and restriping the parking lot; fencing around fuel
tanks; removal of dead trees; and new signposts.
A new work truck was recently purchased and added to the golf course fleet.
Prust also said the clubhouse staff will be reduced from 14 in 2024 to five in 2025 as a cost-saving measure.
“We’re trying everything we can to be better and smarter at what we do,” Prust said. “We’re doing this to give back to the town to make this what it can be. Because it’s such a jewel for this town.”
The course offers five tee times per hour between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the regular season.
The golf season begins March 15, weather permitting.
Learn more at zionsville-in.gov/298/ Zionsville-Golf-Course.
currentnightandday.com
TobyMac’s ‘Life After Death’ album features deeply personal songs
By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com
TobyMac remembers going to his first official songwriting session for his most recent album, “Life After Death,” and it wasn’t the usual pleasant feeling.
“I was driving out there and I was like, ‘What am I doing? Am I going to write a song like everything’s back to normal?’” sad TobyMac, who will perform on the “Hits Deep” tour at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. “It made me sick, almost, honestly.”
Normally, the Christian music artist said writing songs with a collaborator would be exciting, something to anticipate as an artist wonders if some creative magic will happen in that writing room that day. But these weren’t normal times for TobyMac (whose given name is Toby McKeehan).
In October 2019, his son, Truett Foster McKeehan, the oldest of his five children, died from an accidental overdose. An aspiring musician, Truett, 21, had just launched his solo career. He had battled addictions in his past, but signs were pointing toward a bright future, and Truett’s father was proud of what his son had seemingly overcome and accomplished.
“You feel like you shouldn’t go back to what (you do),” TobyMac said of the first writing session. “If you go back to normal, in some way you’re dishonoring your lost loved one. But when I got there, I just started writing this song ‘Faithfully.’ It was so deeply personal to me, about God’s faithfulness at the hardest time in my life.”
It should be noted that “Faithfully” wasn’t the first song TobyMac had written about losing his son. He released the top 5 single, “21 Years,” in January 2020. “‘21 Years’ came like almost within the first month, but it was because I didn’t view that as songwriting,” TobyMac said. “I viewed that as a song to honor my
son’s life. Thank God for the 21 years I got to interact with my boy. I immediately started just turning my faith to God and trying, trying. There were times when I struggled through that, but I found God to be kind in the end and I wanted to remember all of the best things about my son in that song.”
As he moved forward with songwriting, it became clear that “Life After Death” would be about losing Truett and the path toward healing that TobyMac and his family had taken over the preceding two years.
“Life After Death” starts on a hopeful note with “Help Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight)” and “The Goodness,” songs that promise God will be “rolling up His sleeves” to help in times of trouble. And even when songs touch on “dark days” and “long nights” (as on “Show Up Choose Love,” “Faithfully” and “Rest”), he said a similar ray of hope from God’s love filters through the lyrics. Musically, the material isn’t the downer the subject matter might suggest. Several songs touch on sadness and loss. But the soulful “Help
Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight)” and the hip-hop track “Life On It” are upbeat and at times even bouncy, while “Deeper” and “Fire’s Burnin’” are chipper bits of R&Blaced pop.
“The Goodness” became a key song in helping TobyMac find his emotional footing during the writing, as it describes how God is the unshakable goodness in life.
“I didn’t think I’d ever write another song that felt like joy or was uptempo,” TobyMac said. “And when I got hit with that, there was just so much promise in it for me at that moment, that that song poured out of me.”
Honest and relatable lyrics — and lots of catchy songs that have blended hiphop, R&B, pop and rock — have been key ingredients in making TobyMac one of Christian music’s biggest stars. He began his career alongside Michael Tait and Kevin Max in the trailblazing and hugely popular Christian hip-hop group, DC Talk before he launched his solo career in 2001.
In all, TobyMac’s eight solo albums have sold more than five million copies combined and won seven Grammy Awards. So far “Life After Death” has given TobyMac three No. 1 Christian music singles in “Help Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight),” “The Goodness” and “Cornerstone” (as well the top 5 single in “Promised Land”) to go with his seven previous chart-topping songs.
Those chart-topping songs figure to be included in TobyMac’s shows on his “Hits Deep” tour. As the tour title suggests, TobyMac’s set will focus on his hit songs from throughout his career. He might also include a song or two from “Heaven On My Mind,” the new album that he’s releasing March 7.
“The beautiful part about it (‘Life After Death’) is we’ve already had three significant singles off it, so those three, I’m not forcing them into the hits category,” TobyMac said.
For more, visit ticketmaster.com
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘PRIDE AND PREJUDICE’
Carmel Community Players’ production of “Pride and Prejudice” runs from Feb. 28 to March 9 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘SHOWSTOPPERS’
The Songbook Foundation will screen “Showstoppers,” a documentary about women of television variety shows in the 1960s and ’70s, at 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Eric Baker Presents “Sounds and Stories” at 7:30 p.m. March 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE CAT IN THE HAT’
Civic Theatre’s production of “The Cat in the Hat” is set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 1 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, visit the thecenterpresents.org.
‘LITTLE WOMEN’
The Belfry Theatre and Hamilton County Theatre Guild’s production of “Little Women” runs through March 2 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. For tickets, visit thebelfrytheatre.com or call or text 317-773-1085.
DISPATCH
IWS concert set for March 1 — Indiana Wind Symphony’s “An Extraordinary Life” concert will pay tribute to the composer Joseph Bologne. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Bologne emerged from enslavement in the Caribbean to become a composer, violinist and acclaimed conductor. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
TobyMac performs at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Photo courtesy of TobyMac)
February 25, 2025
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF ZIONSVILLE PLAN COMMISSION
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Town of Zionsville Plan Commission on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 West Oak Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077 to consider the following Petition:
Petition # 2025-05-DP, filed for Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church, requests Plan Commission Approval for a: Development Plan to allow for: Development Plan approval for the proposed building addition at Advent Lutheran Church.
The property involved is commonly known as: 11250 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077 and is legally described as: Part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1 of Township 17 North, Range 2 East and part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 6, Township 17 North, Range 3 East of the Second Principal Meridian located in Boone and Hamilton County, Indiana, described as follows:
Commencing at a rebar with cap at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of said Northeast Quarter (being the Southeast corner of the plat of Long Brook per the plat thereof recorded as Plat Record 6, Page 61 in the Boone County Recorder’s office); thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 51 seconds West (being based on the Indiana State Plane Coordinate System, West Zone, NAD 1983) along the West line of said Southeast Quarter-Quarter (being the East line of said plat of Long Brook) a distance of 702.04 feet to a rebar on the West extension of the South line of Timber Ridge as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 193 in the Boone County Recorder’s office; thence North 84 degrees 22 minutes 46 seconds East along the South line of said Timber Ridge a distance of 120.00 feet to a (5/8 inch diameter rebar with yellow cap stamped “Firm 0001”, hereinafter referred to as rebar) at the Point Of Beginning; thence continuing North 84 degrees 22 minutes 46 seconds East along said South line a distance of 1260.19 feet to the centerline of U.S. Highway 421; thence South 16 degrees 15 minutes 15 seconds East along said centerline a distance of 594.43 feet; thence South 73 degrees 44 minutes 45 seconds West perpendicular to said centerline a distance of 50.00 feet to the West 50 foot right of way line of U.S. Highway 421; thence South 28 degrees 44 minutes 45 seconds West a distance of 35.36 feet; thence South 73 degrees 44 minutes 45 seconds West a distance of 424.89 feet to the South line of said Southeast Quarter-Quarter; thence South 84 degrees 30 minutes 22 seconds West along the South line of said Southeast Quarter-Quarter a distance of 711.77 feet to a rebar (being distant North 84 degrees 30 minutes 22 seconds East 360.00 feet from the Southwest corner of said Southeast Quarter-Quarter); thence North 19 degrees 23 minutes 26 seconds West a distance of 720.16 feet to the Point Of Beginning. Containing 19.370 acres, more or less.
Less and except the following described property conveyed to the State of Indiana, by virtue of a deed, recorded February 23, 2001 in Instrument No. 20010101957; a part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1, Township 17 North, Range 2 East, of the Second Principal Meridian, Boone County, Indiana, and being all that part of the owner’s land lying within the right of way lines depicted on the right of way parcel plat of parcel 35, also described as follows: Commencing at a rebar with cap at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 1 (being the Southeast corner of the plat of Long Brook per the plat thereof recorded as Plat Record 6, Page 61 in the Boone County Recorder’s office); thence North 0 degrees 36 minutes 48 seconds East 213.982 meters (702.04 feet) along the West line of said quarter-quarter section (being the East line of said plat of Long Brook) to a rebar on the West extension of the South line of Timber Ridge as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 193 in Boone County Recorder’s office; thence North 85 degrees 00 minutes 25 seconds East 36.576 meters (120.00 feet) to a 5/8” diameter rebar with yellow cap stamped “Firm 0001”, said rebar marking the Northwest corner of the owner ’s land; thence North 85 degrees 00 minutes 25 seconds East 367.718 meters (1206.42 feet) along the Northern line of the owner ’s land to the East line of said Section 1 and the Point Of Beginning of this description; thence South 00 degrees 23 minutes 49 seconds West 21.356 (70.07 feet) along said East line of said section; thence North 15 degrees 48 minutes 20 seconds West 21.646 meters (71.02 feet) to said northern line of the owner’s land; thence North 85 degrees 00 minutes 25 seconds East 6.067 meters (19.90 feet) along said northern line to the Point Of Beginning and containing 0.006 hectares (0.016 acres), more or less.
Being the same premises conveyed to Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church LC-MS Inc., an Indiana nonprofit corporation, by virtue of a deed from Bennett Family Farm, Inc., an Indiana corporation, dated August 25, 1995 and recorded September 5, 1995 in book 255, page 557, in the office of the Recorder of Boone County, Indiana.
A copy of the Petition for Plan Commission Approval, and all plans pertaining thereto are on file and may be examined prior to the Public Hearing at Town Hall, 1100 West Oak Street, Zionsville, Indiana, 46077 or at: http://www.zionsville-in.gov/231/Planning-Economic-Development. Written comments in support of or in opposition of the Petition that are filed with the Secretary of the Town of Zionsville Plan Commission prior to the Public Hearing will be considered. The Public Hearing is open to the public. Oral comments to this Petition for Plan Commission will be heard at the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.
Further, and as allowed by the laws of the State of Indiana, members of the public will be afforded the opportunity to attend the Plan Commission Public Meetings via a form(s) of electronic communication IF indicated in the Agenda (as amended from time to time) associated with the Plan Commission Meeting. Additionally, upon request, the Town of Zionsville will provide auxiliary aids and services in association with meetings and hearings occurring in-person. Please provide advance notification to Janice Stevanovic, at jstevanovic@zionsville-in.gov or 317-873-1574, to ensure the proper accommodations are made prior to the meeting.
President: Dave Franz
Secretary: Mike Dale
Publish: February 25, 2025
Heartland films get spotlight
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com.
The Heartland Film will be well-represented March 2 at the 97th Academy Awards show.
OSCARS
This year, 17 films celebrated by Heartland Film received 52 total Academy Award nominations, including 10 films from the Heartland International Film Festival, three shorts from Indy Shorts and four recipients of the Truly Moving Picture.
The HIFF Closing Night film, “Emilia Pérez” from Netflix, received the most Oscar nominations at 13, including Best Picture. The HIFF Opening Night film and Humor & Humanity Award winner, “A Real Pain” from Searchlight Pictures, received two nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay.
“We have a good track record of Opening and Closing Night films, and I think both ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘A Real Pain’ will win Oscars,” Heartland Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said. “It’s been a whirlwind year as far as a lack of a frontrunner. Based on
recent awards, I have a feeling ‘Anora’ will win Best Picture. It will ignite conversation similar to the Super Bowl halftime show (with Kendrick Lamar). It will be a generational-type thing, I know a demo older than I am are not fans of risqué content, but it’s a film that is really well done with acting and editing. We’ve had (writer-director) Sean Baker’s work in the past. It won the Palm d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.”
“Anora” is about a young sex worker from Brooklyn who meets and marries the son of a Russian oligarch.
“Emilia Pérez” was hurt when old racist tweets made by Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans performer nominated for an Oscar, were discovered.
“I think it could win the maximum of five Oscars, but I’d be safe to say it could win one or two Oscars, which isn’t uncommon for a film with that many nominations,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident.
Sorvig said Zoe Saldana could win Best Supporting Actress. He also likes Kieran Culkin’s chances to win Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.”
Sorvig
LIFESTYLE
Across
1. Calculators with beads
6. Kid around
10. Top cards at the Indianapolis Bridge Center
14. Team and town that was the inspiration for the film
“Hoosiers”
15. Ratio phrase
16. Lavish party
17. Civic Theatre play part
18. Custard dessert
19. “___, Brute?”
20. Slogan on a POW-MIA Indiana license plate
23. Spice mix for Rackz BBQ ribs
26. Lock opener
27. Bit of land in the sea
28. In mint condition
30. Southern pronoun
33. Ambulance letters
34. Narrow winning margin at Hoosier Park
35. AMC Castleton Square 14 offerings
37. Slogan on a Habitat for Humanity Indiana license plate
41. Consider
CONTRACTOR GUIDE 2025
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42. Abundant
45. Bucks on a Pacers scoreboard
48. Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church service
49. Stockholm natives
51. 1300 hours
53. Rebel Guevara
54. Nonetheless
55. Slogan on an Indiana Bicycle Coalition license plate
60. Relinquish
61. Video streaming site
62. Name before Rabbit, Pan or Piper
66. Mine finds
67. Varieties
68. Nebraska city
69. Marries
70. Miss Indiana accessory
71. Deafening Down
1. Doc bloc
2. Pen name
3. CTRL-___-DEL
4. Abel’s brother
5. Call upon
6. Short time
7. Norway’s capital
8. Indy newspaper
9. ___ Kong
10. Helps in a heist
11. Fair Oaks Farms milk producers
12. Respect
13. Turns aside
21. Montana Grill guy
Current
22. Lubricated
23. Go jogging on the Monon Trail
24. Family card game
25. Obama predecessor
29. Clairvoyant
30. “My place or ___?”
31. Like some Colts fans
32. ___ Abner
35. Lacy School of Business advanced degs.
36. Royal address
38. “I wanna try it!”
39. ___ Championship (tourney held at Crooked Stick in
You can find the latest columns from Terry Anker and the always humorous musings of Dick Wolfsie online at youarecurrent.com.
PhD, HSPP 260 South First Street Zionsville, Indiana 46077
Psychotherapy
Conversant with 12 Step recovery Practice limited to males Sunday hours only 317-403-8237
MARCH 10
Soccer is the bridge to community. Your donation of new or gently used soccer balls, gloves, hats, and scarves could help families at Exodus Refugee stay active, warm, and connected.
FIRST FIINANCIAL BANK Carmel Branch Only. 751 City Center Dr Carmel, IN 46032 317-581-5120 M-F 9:00-5:00
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
