Westfield educator teaches students the vastness of agriculture / P13
March 18, 2025 Current in Westfield
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Westfield to conduct forensic audit after discovery of payroll deduction errors
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield will conduct a comprehensive payroll audit to discover if city employees have been shortchanged in their investment or other contributions over the past 17 years.
GOVERNMENT
Westfield City Council President Patrick Tamm asked for clarification on claims approved by the council March 10, including payroll. Tamm said a member of the fire department was seeking information on his deductions, which prompted further investigation.
“We had a recent issue with a firefighter that the deductions, I believe, were made correctly. But then the actual payment was never inserted into his account,” Tamm said.
Tamm said Westfield Clerk-Treasurer Marla Ailor took corrective action on the immediate issue. But a deeper dive revealed issues of the employee’s contributions being made but not deposited date back to 2009.
“How do we calculate that many years’ loss of contributions for that gentleman’s retirement?” Tamm said. “I don’t believe this is going to be an isolated incident because (the clerk-treasurer’s office) recently had to let somebody go that, frankly, was probably responsible for this exact situation. I want to make sure that the record is stated that we have to do
a comprehensive payroll audit, because we have a lot of liability and a lot of exposure. But again, let me reassure everyone, this did not happen under (Ailor’s) watch, whatsoever.”
Neither Tamm or Ailor commented further on the employee in question.
Mayor Scott Willis said the city is planning an audit at least as far back as 2008, when Westfield became a city.
“We’re going to do an audit, a very forensic audit,” he said. “It will be somewhat random in nature. We’re not going to go line by line through employment, but we’re going to be looking for errors.”
Willis said he and Ailor have concerns over how deep the issues may run.
“I think it’s in our best interest, in the
DISPATCHES
Chamber luncheon celebrates Women’s History Month — The Westfield Chamber of Commerce invites business leaders, community members and guests to the March luncheon at 11 a.m. March 27 at The Club at Chatham Hills. Featured speakers will include a panel of women who serve as leaders in Westfield. Tickets are $40 for chamber partners. Register at westfieldchamberindy.com under the events tab.
Westfield seeks new trash pickup contract — The City of Westfield has issued a request for proposals for garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup. Westfield’s contract with Waste Management expires in December 2025. The board of public works and safety adopted the proposed
RFP last month. The RFP will go live in April, with proposals due June 2. Services from the new provider are expected to begin Jan. 1, 2026.
Bank of America Westfield hosts food drive — Bank of America recently opened two new locations in central Indiana, including 14933 Thatcher Ln. in Westfield. To celebrate the opening, Bank of America is partnering with Gleaners Food Bank to collect nonperishable food items at all 21 financial centers, supporting Gleaners’ network partners — including Merciful HELP Center in Carmel — to help address food insecurity. The new BoA location includes the latest in technology, private offices to assist clients one on one and onsite finan-
best interest of our employees to go back and look at that,” he said. “If we find errors, then we’re going to go line by line through every employee since 2008 to verify that they’ve been paid correctly. (There is) a lost opportunity of what that money could have done in their pension in the market over the last 16 years (and) I don’t think the employee has been made completely right. I know if it was my money and you’re taking 16 years of what we’ve seen in the stock market and you’re not allowing that to draw interest, I’m not going to be real happy about that. So, I’d like to have a broader conversation once we understand what we’re dealing with.”
A date for when that audit would begin was not disclosed.
cial specialists. The new location is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Webinars to focus on children’s health — The Hamilton County Health Department will host a series of free webinars focused on children’s health to provide information and resources to parents and caregivers in the community. The webinars will cover a range of topics relating to children’s well-being. Each session will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. and include how to tell if your teen is vaping, March 19; CPR instruction for children, June 4; internet safety, June 18; and back to school immunizations, Aug. 20. Register at tinyurl.com/ childrens-health-webinars.
The City of Westfield will conduct a forensic audit of payroll dating back to 2008.
(File photo)
Westfield plans pavement striping projects
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Department of Public Works will tackle road maintenance issues this year, including adding or repainting striping on certain city streets.
ROADS
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety approved an agreement last month between Indiana Sign & Barricade, Inc. and the City of Westfield for the 2025 pavement striping project. Striping will take place at various locations throughout the city through mid-September.
The board approved the contract amount of $275,187. City engineer Michael Pearce said the city increased the budget in 2025 by more than $100,000 to address more roads.
Mayor Scott Willis, who is on the board of public works and safety, said the striping program is critical, especially for areas where the current road markings do not necessarily make sense.
“I drive to Grand Park almost on a daily basis,” Willis said. “On 191st Street heading west from Grassy Branch, when you approach that roundabout by IMMI (we) have that striped off as a one-lane merge into the roundabout. I’m not really sure why we do that, but I’d love to see why we only allow one lane coming in when it’s a two-lane roundabout. (I’d like to) get those restriction stripes removed to allow traffic to flow through that area a little bit better.”
Pearce said the entire roundabout will be resurfaced this year with new striping put in place.
The board also approved a measure giving signing authority to Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail with regard to concrete street patching in the Westfield Farms and Bridlewood subdivisions. A contractor for patch work has not been chosen.
Tax prep assistance — AARP Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparation and electronic filing to low- and moderate-income taxpayers of all ages at the Westfield Washington Public Library in Westfield on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through April 10. AARP membership is not required for assistance. Appointments are required. Schedule an appointment by calling 317-896-9391.
Plans advance for Westfield Fire Station 85
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety recently approved the selection of BW Construction of Indianapolis to partner with the city on a build, operate, transfer agreement for the second of two planned fire stations.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The selection committee, including members of the administration and the fire department, weighed proposals from five firms — BW Construction; Garmong Construction; Hagerman Group; Meyer Najem; and Skender Construction.
According to board documents, BW Construction was awarded the contract “based on their extensive experience with the BOT process, past projects procured under this state law and the positive experience of other municipalities with BW Construction.”
A preconstruction fee of $29,760 was approved with the agreement, which will be paid when the guaranteed maximum price for the project is determined. The GMP is the maximum sum the city is responsible for paying for the completion of the project, subject to any change orders.
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety approved a BOT agreement with BW Construction for construction of WFD Station 85. (File photo)
The GMP for Station 85 is anticipated to be approximately $10 million.
Station 85 will be a one-story, 16,000-square-foot building expected to house up to 10 fire personnel near Ind. 32 and Centennial Road/W. 31st Street.
The board contracted with Bravia Services of Indianapolis to assist the selection committee to choose a firm for BOT agreement for Westfield Fire Department Station 85. Bravia assisted the committee with the review and scoring of voluminous responses to requests for proposals for Station 85 and Station 84.
Library foundation hosts book writing contest
AUTHOR CALL news@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Library Foundation is seeking local authors for a children’s book-writing contest in celebration of Library Appreciation Week in April. Writers are invited to explore what an evening at Westfield Washington Library might look like under the theme “A Night at the New Library!” Entries will be accepted from three age categories — youth/ age 6-12; teens/age 13-17; and adults/18 and older
this contest will inspire young writers and seasoned adults alike to contribute their unique voices.”
Cash prizes of $100 for youth, $250 for teens and $250 for adults will be awarded. Winning stories will be published and featured as part of a special display at the library.
Entries should be no longer than 30 pages. Submit entries at the library front desk or by email to edowney@wwpl.lib.in.us.
“We’re eager to see the creative ideas that our residents bring to the table,” Executive Director of the Westfield Library Foundation Erin Downey stated. “We hope
The submission deadline is midnight April 1 and winners will be announced May 1. Winners also will have the option to illustrate their books themselves or collaborate with a student illustrator.
Learn more at westfieldlibraryfoundation.com.
Downey
Dr. Gregory Poulter, OrthoIndy Spine Surgeon
Smith makes mark at Purdue
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Purdue University junior guard Braden Smith has been considerably more than a passing success.
BASKETBALL
Prior to Purdue’s Big Ten tournament opener March 13, Smith was second on the team with a 16.3 points per game scoring average while shooting nearly 40 percent from 3-point range.
But the 2022 Indiana Mr. Basketball from Westfield High School has always been –and still is — a pass-first point guard.
Smith surpassed Bruce Parkinson’s (1973-77) school record for career assists with his 691st assist Feb. 28 against UCLA. He had 717 assists as of March 12 and was averaging 8.8 assists per game.
“It’s obviously an honor,” Smith said. “But at the end of the day, I’m surrounded by great players, and it makes my job so much easier. I just thank them and all the people I played with because I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Boilermakers coach Matt Painter said Parkinson was a great Purdue player and the record stood for 48 years.
college point guard. This season, Smith became the second Big Ten player to have at least 450 points, 250 assists, 125 rebounds and 60 steals in a season. He is in good company as the other player was Magic Johnson for Michigan State University in 1979. He was averaging 4.7 rebounds per game prior to March 13.
“He’s been great. In my opinion, he’s the best player in this league,” Painter said.
The coaches and media both agreed, voting Smith as Big Ten Player of the Year.
“For a guy who had one high-major offer, he’s damn good,” Painter said. “I think he’ll play 10 years in the NBA. I think he’s fabulous. He affects winning.”
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“For someone to do it in their junior year is pretty cool,” Painter said. “He’s got a knack. He works hard. A lot of time, people want to give you credit. No, he walked in here passing. He’s got a feel. He’s got a read. He comes from a basketball family.”
Surprisingly, Painter said he could not get Smith into two different camps for the best college point guards last summer
“I’m saying, ‘Hey, man, I’m not saying he’s one of the top 15 point guards in the country. I’m saying he’s the best point guard in the country,’” Painter said. “It makes no sense, but you have non-basketball people making basketball decisions.”
Smith was recently named one of five finalists for the Bob Cousy Award for best
Purdue won the Big Ten regular season title Smith’s first two seasons. This year, with the loss of Zach Edey, the two-time National College Player of the Year, Smith has had to do more offensively. He seldom leaves the floor, averaging 36.6 minutes per game, nearly six more minutes than any other player. He has started all 105 games in his career.
Smith only had mid-major offers when Painter offered him a scholarship.
Painter has encouraged Smith to shoot more when open.
“It’s just reading what the defense gives,” said Smith, who scored a career-high 34 points against the University of Toledo earlier this season. “Every team plays defense differently.”
OBITUARY
Sarah “Jane” Brigham, 97, of Westfield, passed away February 25, 2025. She was born in Indianapolis on February 13, 1928, to Watson and Marie (Muller) Brigham.
Jane lived her entire life in Westfield where she taught in the Westfield School System for many years before retiring.
As a season ticket holder and supporter of the Indianapolis Colts, Jane enjoyed attending the games. Jane also loved her pets, especially Marley, Shadow, and Boo,
who were loyal companions.
Jane is survived by several cousins. A private Committal Service will take place at a later date.
In memory of Jane, contributions can be made to the Humane Society for Hamilton County, 10501 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038.
Arrangements entrusted to Bussell Family Funerals.
Pictured:
Braden Smith became Purdue University’s all-time assists leader last month. (Photo courtesy of Purdue athletics)
Utility reimbursement next step for Monon tunnel project
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Westfield’s Board of Public Works and Safety recently approved a $1.1 million utility reimbursement agreement, the latest step in the process to build a tunnel taking the Monon Trail under 161st Street.
TRAILS
Westfield Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail said the reimbursement was necessary to allow Citizens Energy Group to relocate a 20-inch water main on the south side of 161st Street.
“With the tunnel being proposed, that water main is in conflict with the tunnel project. We anticipated this,” Nail said. “Citizens is relocating that water main to a 24-inch main and boring underneath our tunnel so it will be out of conflict for construction. Because this water main is in an easement that is owned by Citizens Energy Group, it is a reimbursable cost to the city. We were fully aware of this
before the project and have budgeted accordingly for this reimbursement.”
Nail called the payment “significantly less” than what was budgeted.
The tunnel will replace the at-grade crossing of the trail on 161st Street. The current crossing utilizes a high-intensity activated crosswalk, or HAWK, beacon signal, where pedestrians can push a button to signal a red light. However, city officials said pedestrians cross without using the signal.
Preparations for the tunnel date back to 2012, when the roundabout interchange at 161st Street and U.S. 31 was completed. At that time, the pilings and roof of an underpass at the trail were added so the street wouldn’t have to be closed when a tunnel project began. The city started the design project in 2020 but the effort was shelved in 2021. Planning picked back up in 2024.
The total project cost is estimated at $8.8 million.
A life saver.
Colonoscopies don’t just detect cancer – they can prevent it.
Townhome community coming to Westfield
news@youarecurrent.com
Epcon Communities will begin sales this month for lots in The Courtyards of TowneRun subdivision on Towne Road just north of 146th Street.
NEW HOMES
The Courtyards of TowneRun will offer two home designs ranging from 1,350 to 2,850 square feet. Prices for the 40 home sites start in the low $400,000s, with planned amenities of community space, a pocket park and pedestrian access to new retail shops and Lifetime Fitness. The sites offer low-maintenance living, first-floor owner’s suites and private courtyards.
“Our townhome products are unique with main level living and private courtyards offering private outdoor space,” Epcon Communities in Indianapolis Regional Sales Manager Kara Shipman stated. “The
Epcon Homes will begin sales this month at Courtyards of TowneRun subdivision at the southwest corner of Towne Road and 151st Street. (Photo courtesy of Epcon Homes)
Courtyards of TowneRun offers an elevated lifestyle because of the location. We envision homeowners taking golf carts and living an active lifestyle with a lot of time outdoors, in the nearby retail area and with family, friends and neighbors.”
Construction of the first homes should be complete by summer. Learn more at epconindianapolis.com.
OBITUARY
Raymond Ross Marconi was born in Gary, Indiana, August 21, 1938. He was the 3rd son of John Adamo Marconi and Anna Eugenia Nepsha (both deceased). He passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at home in Carmel, Indiana. Ray had been in hospice at home for 10 weeks and his heart finally gave out. A big heart that always has been understanding, kind, and generous to all he met.
When he was in Hobart, IN elementary school, he was young enough to participate in the very first year of Little League in Hobart, Indiana. When he was 12, he entered the Soap Box Derby and came in 2nd in the world. He won a new car. He was also elected the 8th grade president.
In high school, he participated in Football and Boxing. He won the CYO Golden Gloves in Chicago. Boxing would stay with him for the rest of his life. He was a boxing inspector for the state of Indiana, manager, mentor, coach for pros & amateurs (Golden Gloves). Also taught an executive boxing class for 3 years in Indianapolis, IN.
Golf was his favorite his whole life.
He was in the Marines for 2 years. Also participated on the USMC Boxing Team during that time. When he returned to Hobart, Indiana, he married Judy Kay Mohrs (deceased). They are both survived by 3 sons, Michael Marconi (Greta), Jo-
seph Marconi (Tina), and Daniel Marconi (Cyndi), 4 grandchildren & 3 step-grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren & 6 step great-grandchildren. Ray is survived by his sister, Ruth Bell Marconi, her family, and his brothers, Robert Marconi & Richard Marconi (both brothers deceased) and their extended families.
Ray is also survived by his 2nd wife of 30 years, Vickki Marconi, and his 2 step-children he helped to raise, Jaclyn John Hanson (David) & Nicholas R. John (Megan). He also has 4 step-grandchildren. What a wonderful influence he was on all he met. He was loved and adored to the end. He will be sorely missed by all.
Ray wanted a Celebration of Life Party. It will be held on Sunday March 23, 2025, between 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at: “502 East Event Center” at 502 E Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 ph: 317-843-1234
No flowers please... if you choose to make a donation in Ray’s name, please email “Tunnel to Towers Foundation”. T2t.com
All but 1% of donations goes to homes and services for military, police, and fireman families.
Dress is casual as Ray has requested. If you have a funny story about Ray, please bring it to share with the group. I hope to see everyone there to celebrate his life.
Hamilton County Tourism names new CEO, president
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Tourism Board of Directors has appointed Karen Radcliff as its new president and chief executive officer.
EMPLOYMENT
Gabby Blauert, communications manager for Hamilton County Tourism, said Radcliff will replace David West, who decided to step away from his role to prioritize his family and other professional aspirations.
promoting and growing our community’s assets in a strategic way. The board is confident she will lead this organization forward, working diligently alongside the dynamic team she has helped to build.”
Over the past 30 years, Radcliff has served in various roles within Hamilton County Tourism, most recently leading the organization as its vice president and chief strategy officer.
“Karen’s vast knowledge of the tourism industry, her dedication to Hamilton County and (her) proven leadership make her the perfect candidate to fill this role,” Scott Spillman, Hamilton County Tourism board chair, stated. “Over the past 30 years, Karen has shown a great commitment to
Radcliff began her tenure at Hamilton County Tourism in 1995 as a communications specialist. Her accomplishments include leading the organization through a 10-year strategic planning process and developing the partnerships and research that led to building the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.
Most recently, Radcliff oversaw the creation of the county’s tourism capital fund, which Blauert said will influence new tourism development for the county.
“It’s been incredible to witness the evolution of Hamilton County throughout the years and I am honored for the opportunity to lead Hamilton County Tourism during this stage of our destination’s growth and development,” Radcliff stated.
Boost Your Home’s Value with Stunning Curb Appeal
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. The moment potential buyers look at your property—online or in person—they start forming opinions. And where do they look first? The exterior.
A well-maintained yard and an inviting façade signal to buyers that the home has been cared for, setting a positive tone before entering. Conversely, neglecting curb appeal can raise red flags, making buyers wonder what other maintenance issues might be lurking.
Investing in landscaping, fresh paint, or small exterior upgrades can do more than just impress— it can lead to a higher selling price, fewer days on the market, and even multiple offers. So, if you want to maximize your home’s value and attract serious buyers, start where they do: at the curb.
Quick Tips for Landscaping:
• Maintain Lawn Care
• Refresh Mulching & Flower Beds
• Tree & Shrub Trimming
• Weed & Debris Removal
Quick Tips for Exterior Maintenance:
• Refresh Paint & Siding
• Complete Wood & Structural Repairs
• Clean Windows
• Power Washing Siding & Walkways BEFORE PROPOSED LANDSCAPE RENDERING
Radcliff
Ale Emporium sweeps wings, pizza, bar food categories
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Ale Emporium, with multiple locations in central Indiana, won three categories in the 2025 Current Best Of Suburban North Indy contest — best bar food, best chicken wings and best pizza.
Co-owner Tony Kwiatkowski said the business is honored to be recognized.
“Winning best wings and best pizza, and then winning best bar is a true compliment based on how many really nice and great bars there are in Hamilton County,” he said, noting that the business offers a sports-bar atmosphere with live music in addition to its signature menu. “The combination of our menu, our service and then the sports environment — and then on top of that, you do live music on the weekends — there’s a lot going on there that makes us pretty popular.”
Ale Emporium’s original bar opened in 1982 in the Castleton area, 8617 Allisonville Rd. Kwiatkowski said they expanded first to Fishers in 2018, 11501 Geist Pavilion Dr., and in 2019 opened a Greenwood location, 997 E. County Line Rd. B. They plan to open a fourth location in Avon this summer.
“(We’ve) been around a long time but our growth has really just come in the last seven years or so,” Kwiatkowski said. “We’re kind of famous for our wings and our wing sauces — our famous sauce is called Hermanaki.”
Hermanaki sauce, which is teriyaki-inspired, is one of the “Herman” series
developed by Herman Perryman, who joined the team in the late 1980s.
“Those main sauces are our most popular sauces,” Kwiatkowski said. “There are multiple contests throughout the year that we get submitted for best wings — a lot of it’s based on the Hermanaki sauce, which we win a lot of awards for, but … all those Herman sauces kind of put us on the map as far as wings.”
He said they refer to their pizza as “honest,” because they don’t skimp on the toppings.
Kwiatkowski said part of the Ale Emporium’s appeal is that it’s a local, family-owned business — started by Marc Luros and now co-owned by Luros’ son-in-law, Scott Baun and Kwiatkowski. While the Castleton business is 21-andover, the Fishers and Greenwood locations are family friendly.
Kwiatkowski added that the business helps raise funds for many area nonprofits, especially youth sports programs, and customers appreciate their community support.
For more, visit aleemporium.securetree.com.
Ale Emporium in Fishers is one of three locations owned by the Indianapolis-based business. (Photo courtesy of Ale Emporium)
Sara H., patient
Service makes the difference for Khamis Fine Jewelers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Mary Khamis-Rowe, it’s the service that has kept her business going strong for three decades.
Khamis Fine Jewelers, which was named Best Jewelery Store in the 2025 Current Best Of Suburban North Indy contest, is celebrating its 30th year in business, having opened in November 1995.
Khamis-Rowe said two jewelers do the repairs and custom pieces. Khamis-Rowe performs appraisals. She is a certified gemologist and a certified appraiser of personal property.
Khamis-Rowe
“We were really excited to get the (award) and we appreciate all our customers voting for us,” Khamis-Rowe said of her store at 9763 Fall Creek Rd. in Indianapolis. “We enjoy helping people enjoy important milestones in their life by helping them pick the right piece of jewelry. We’ve become part of the neighborhood and the Indianapolis area — Carmel, Fishers and the surrounding area. We try to give the best service that we can.”
Khamis-Rowe said custom jewelry is an important part of the business.
“It’s a family piece that was handed down to you, which happens a lot these days, and it’s just not your style but you want to do something with the stones,” she said. “We can create a new piece where the customer would wear it and enjoy it.”
“I not only have training in the gemology aspect of it but also on the appraising aspect of it,” Khamis-Rowe said. “There are only two or three of us in the state that have that designation. I do a lot of appraisals for attorneys, for banks, for the FBI and for insurance.”
The service the store provides allows Khamis-Rowe to have more of a personal relationship with her customers.
“I get invited to weddings,” she said. “A lot of customers have become friends of mine. I’ve got customers texting me at 10 o’clock at night. Pretty much any jewelry store can sell anything or make anything, but it’s the service you give the customer that is going to bring them back to the store. That’s what I always tell my employees. We just need the best service and that’s what we strive for.”
Khamis-Rowe, a Geist-area resident, has been in the jewelry business for 47 years.
Khamis Fine Jewelers has four employeea. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.
For more, visit khamisjewelers.com.
Khamis Fine Jewelers received Best Jewelers in the 2025 Current Best Of Suburban North Indy contest. (Photo courtesy of Mary Khamis-Rowe)
Rejoicing Vine celebrates wine, sustainability
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A family-owned north Indianapolis business that specializes in sparkling wines won top honors for Best Winery in the Current Best Of North Indy 2025 competition, only two years after opening.
Rejoicing Vine owners Brent and Frances Kumfer met in Connecticut. As they got to know each other, they toured local wineries in that state and talked about opening their own winery someday. After relocating to Carmel — and when their kids were old enough to be in school — they looked into how they could make that dream come true.
Brent Kumfer had left his corporate job to stay home with the kids. His former career focused on launching products, so he had a business background that complimented his more earthy interests of wine making and gardening. They said it took two years of searching before they found the right location at 8440 W. 82nd St., just south of Zionsville.
“It used to be one of the biggest orchid farms between the coasts, but it had closed down about a decade before we ended up coming here,” Frances Kumfer said. “Everything was overgrown — like, we had our son out in the field and the grasses were higher than his head.”
She said their Realtor was more than a little surprised when they decided to buy the spot, but it had everything they wanted — a building, a greenhouse and plenty of space. It just needed work — about two years’ worth of work, to be precise. They did a lot of the interior demolition themselves and cleared the field for grapes.
“It’s just a really kind of serene property,” Frances Kumfer said of the site, which is close to Eagle Creek Park. “It feels like you’re out in rural Indiana, but really, you’re only 20 minutes from downtown. It’s right off of 465 and 65, so it’s easy access to get to. We kind of really lucked out in finding this property.”
Brent Kumfer, who is at the winery pretty much every day, said customers seem to appreciate the hands-on, personal nature of the business.
“Customers have direct access to the
Award-Winning Catering!
owner, to the winemaker, and I think they find that exciting and love to learn about the stories,” he said, adding that they like to stress the importance of sustainability. “I felt like this was a calling from God to help the community. I kind of call wine our Trojan horse. So, we get people in the door and we talk about sustainability, we talk about our faith and things that people normally wouldn’t just openly discuss.”
To promote sustainability, they keg many of their wines rather than bottling them, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint. They also donate to local charities that help people get better access to fresh produce and they promote other small businesses through partnerships with local florists, cheesemongers, coffee roasters and bakers, among others. They also use a regenerative farming technique, which promotes natural diversity to improve the health of their crops — which leads to better tasting wine.
Grapes that do best in Indiana’s climate work well for sparkling wine, which is why Rejoicing Vine primarily offers the bubbly stuff. Unlike most wineries that have many still wines and just one or two sparkling varieties, Rejoicing Vine has about seven bubbly selections, with just one nonsparkling wine on the menu. For more, visit rejoicingvine.com.
Zing! Cafe is a Gold Winner in Catering and a top coffee shop nominee! As a locally owned, woman-run cafe, we serve quick, casual breakfast and lunch, plus expertly crafted coffee. Stop by for a fresh brew or a delicious meal and see why we're an awardwinning favorite! Visit
I’m honored to be chosen the Gold Winner in Travel Services for Suburban North Indy! I truly cherish helping families create Magical Vacation Memories. If you’re planning a Disney Vacation, I’d love to assist — let’s make your dream trip a reality! Danielle Ott danielle@hihovacations.com 317-750-0450 /totheparksandbeyond www.hihovacations.com Thank you for your votes!
As we mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of IU Health North Hospital, we celebrate the team members, providers and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to serving others. From broken bones to broken hearts, from miracles born to miracles made through innovation and medical advancement, we’re proud to care for our neighbors and call Hamilton County home. We look forward to continuing to serve with skill and
Frances and Brent Kumfer of Carmel are the owners and operators of Rejoicing Vine in northwest Indianapolis. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
8
March 18, 2025
Food quality, customer service top priorities at Joe’s Butcher Shop
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
It’s been nearly 20 years since Joe and Kathy Lazzara launched Joe’s Butcher Shop at 111 W. Main St. Since then, it’s become a destination for both hungry diners in search of a fresh sandwich and those seeking premier ingredients to cook at home.
Joe Lazzara answered the following questions from Current about the business and its long-term success in the Arts & Design District. Learn more at JoesButcherShop.com.
Why did you decide to open Joe’s Butcher Shop?
I traveled quite a bit with my previous career and made a hobby out of visiting James Beard-nominated restaurants. I learned that what made many of the restaurants and chefs great was sourcing clean, sustainably raised, fresh proteins. We felt there was a gap in the Carmel market for a butcher shop and fish market that provided higher quality proteins
for the home chef.
How would you describe the shop to someone who hasn’t been before?
A local butcher shop and fish market committed to customer service that serves the finest, most sustainable proteins they can source. We sell products from over 20 truly local providers and serve up what many believe are the best tasting sandwiches in central Indiana.
The staff is friendly and the butchers knowledgeable. Both care about serving your needs and keeping your business. What makes the shop unique?
The first is the quality of the beef and the expert way it’s cut for the customers’ needs. When it comes to fresh fish, it would be difficult to find somewhere that cares more about marine stewardship while providing a superior product. Our deli and sandwich area has a full kitchen where we craft our sides and sandwiches from over 140 unique fromscratch recipes.
What is your favorite item and why?
Wow, I have so many favorites! I can start with our incredible fresh reserve Salmon and move through our beef case from our vacio/flap steak to our reserve filet mignon. On the grocery side, it’s got to be Heidi Ho’s Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. They are wickedly sinful. Sandwich-wise, it’s tough to beat our Evan’s IPA Braised Beef Sandwich, incredible. We dry-age our own beef and pork, and lately I’ve become obsessed with our double thick cut 14-day dry aged pork chop. It eats more like a great beef steak
than a pork chop. It’s just outstanding. What do you enjoy about operating in downtown Carmel?
We took a risk establishing a store downtown when the Art & Design District was in its infancy. Downtown Carmel has become a hub of great events and a true community place to gather. We’ve had a front seat to what might be the most beautiful, successful growth experience of any city in the U.S. over the last 20 years. What’s not to enjoy?
What do you most want people to know about the shop?
That we are committed and focused on serving our customers to provide the best quality proteins and experience possible. That we love serving our community not just through our work, in and outside of Joe’s, but in how we take care of our 18 full-time and 32 part-time employees.
Anything else you want to share?
How honestly humble and amazed we are every day that our customers and community have made the choice for nearly 20 years to support our employees and what we do.
Joe’s Butcher Shop sells products from more than 20 local providers. (Photo courtesy of Joe’s Butcher Shop)
BAKERY
Taylors Bakery
taylorsbakery.bakesmart.com 317-596-2253
Le Petit Gateau lpgbakery.com 317-408-5500
BAR
Ale Emporium aleemporium.securetree.com
317-288-7394
3UP
3uprooftop.com
317-740-0930
BBQ
Big Hoffas Smokehouse bighoffas.com 317-867-0077
City Barbeque citybbq.com 317-660-8369
BREAKFAST
Rosies Place rosiesplace.net 317-688-7350
Cafe Patachou cafepatachou.com 317-569-0965
BREWERY
Sun King sunkingbrewing.com 317-843-6250
Bier Brewery bierbrewery.com 317-444-8500
BURGER
Gold
BRU Burger Bar bruburgerbar.com 317-975-0033
Roots Burger Bar rootsburgerbar.com 463-273-2004
CATERING
Zing Cafe zingcafecarmel.com 463-248-6340
City Barbeque citybbq.com 317-660-8369
GOLD AND SILVER WINNERS
CHICKEN WINGS
Ale Emporium aleemporium.securetree.com 317-288-7394
The Friendly Tavern friendlytavernzionsville.com 317-873-5772
CHINESE FOOD
China Wok 161chinawok.com 317-896-8786
Kings Garden carmelkingsgarden.com 317-573-9999
COFFEE SHOP
RIVET Coffee Bar and Roastery rivetcoffee.com 317-763-0007
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers thecakebakeshop.com 317-257-2253
Graeters Ice Cream graeters.com 317-810-1673
DISTILLERY West Fork Whiskey Co. westforkwhiskey.com 317-763-5400
Four Finger Distillery North fourfingerdistillery.com 317-804-5675
DONUTS
Titus Bakery and Deli titusbakery.com 317-763-1700
Pana Donut
Coffee & Boba Tea panadonut.com 317-757-3933
FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Anthonys Chophouse anthonyschophouse.com
317-740-0900
Harry & Izzys harryandizzys.com
317-915-8045
GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
ATHENS ON 86th athenson86th.com
317-879-8644
Canal Bistro canal-bistro.com
317-254-8700
The Great Greek Mediterranean thegreatgreekgrill.com/ carmel-in-medical-dr 463-273-1311
HAPPY HOUR
Gold 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo 1933lounge.com
317-758-1933
Kona Grill konagrill.com 317-566-1400
INDIAN RESTAURANT
Amber Indian Restaurant indianindy.com/amber-carmel 317-580-0828
The Monks monkscarmel.com
317-564-8266
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
The Italian House italianhousedining.com
317-804-5619
Capri Italian Restaurant capriindianapolis.com
317-259-4122
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Nori Japanese Steakhouse noriwestfield.com
317-763-9903
Sakura indysakuraexpress.com
317-259-4171
COME BY OUR SHOWROOM
Restore Your Core Physical Therapy aims to individualize care
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
In Current’s inaugural Best Of Suburban North Indy contest, which recognizes businesses that make local communities thrive, Restore Your Core Physical Therapy won the top honor for physical therapy provider. Restore Your Core Physical Therapy, which has locations in Carmel, Zionsville and Greenwood, offers pelvic floor physical therapy, such as birth preparation, dry needling and cupping, among other services.
ligaments and joints to improve musculoskeletal function and reduce pain, sets it apart from other physical therapy facilities in the area.
“We employ many different treatment techniques and provide individualized exercise programs,” Robinson said. “A lot of the times when you go to physical therapy, they give you exercises to do, and then you come back and do those same exercises. We don’t do that. We check the exercises, but then we give clients new ones. So, everything is very individualized.”
Dr. Amy Robinson, a physical therapist who opened Restore Your Core Physical Therapy in 2016, said it is an out-of-network practice, which means it provides services outside of a health insurance plan’s network.
“I chose to be an out-of-network practice because we get to spend more time with our clients 1-on-1,” Robison said. “We can work our clients through an entire plan of care versus in the insurance-based world, where you can only get patients good enough, and then they make you cut them free. In our business, we see patients until they are better and build some resiliency within their system so (that) their symptoms don’t return.”
Robinson said the practice’s manual therapy, a hands-on treatment that involves manipulation of muscles, tendons,
Robinson said Restore Your Core Physical Therapy staff are specialized in pelvic floor therapy.
“We look at the pelvic floor in a very functional manner,” Robinson said. “When you go to physical therapy school, you’re lucky to get an hour lecture in the field of public health, and you have to go back after physical therapy school to get that education. At our clinic, two of us have nearly 30 years of practice, and we don’t just look at our patients lying on a table. That’s not functional.”
Robinson said the goal is to show patients that Restore Your Core Physical Therapy cares about them as individuals.
“My business has personally grown more from word-of-mouth referrals and less from marketing,” Robinson said. “It feels good that our patients see that we are different from other similar places.”
For more, visit restoreyourcorept.com.
Robinson
LATE NIGHT EATS
The Mill Tavern barwestfield.com 317-399-6972
Melt N Dip meltndip.com 317-827-2120
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant lahaciendaindianapolis.com 317-577-2689
Los Agaves losagavesgrill.com 317-804-9240
PIZZA
Ale Emporium aleemporium.securetree.com 317-288-7394
Bazbeaux Pizza bazbeaux.com 317-848-4488
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Monterey Cuisine montereycuisine.com 317-853-2280
noah grants grill house & oyster bar noahgrants.com 317-732-2233
The Shooting Academy, formerly Tim’s Shooting Academy, is more than just a shooting range and licensed firearms dealer.
Located just south of Grand Park in Westfield, The Shooting Academy is a destination for those who shoot and those who are looking to learn.
With the recent rebrand to The Shooting Academy comes a larger selection of firearms and accessories and expanded training course offerings. The indoor range includes 15 total lanes — five dedicated for rifles and 10 for handguns.
In addition to shooting practice, The Shooting Academy offers a number of training courses, including one-on-one training with certified instructors. One of the more popular classes is a ladies-only basic pistol training course.
The main focus at The Shooting Academy is safety — providing proper training on weapons so patrons learn not just how to shoot, but how to be comfortable around their weapons.
Typical customers bring their own guns to the range and purchase ammunition and a target on-site, or they can rent a gun for use within the facility. People who want to purchase or are considering purchasing a weapon can rent one of 50plus guns to try it out on the range and see what feels most comfortable.
The Shooting Academy is open to the public and offers a variety of memberships, ranging from $29 to $65 per
The Shooting Academy has 15 total lanes, with five dedicated for rifles and 10 for handguns. (Photo courtesy of The Shooting Academy)
month. Lanes can be rented for 30- or 60-minute sessions.
The number one benefit of The Shooting Academy over other shooting ranges — the Westfield location is indoors. That means people can participate in practice or training year-round.
The Shooting Academy is at 17777 Commerce Dr. in Westfield. The range is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The range is closed on Mondays.
The business also considers itself an entertainment destination. Families, including children 12 and older who are accompanied by an adult, are welcome on the range to practice.
While the facility is undergoing rebranding to The Shooting Academy, information is available on the website under its former name, timsshootingacademy.com.
March 18, 2025
Best of Suburban North Indy youarecurrent.com/BestOf2025
GOLD AND SILVER WINNERS
Winners were picked by readers at youarecurrent.com from Jan. 29-Feb. 11 with
GYM/FITNESS CENTER
Roundtripper
Sports Academy roundtripper.com
317-896-2900 studio fitnez studiofitnez.com 317-225-1301
We’re beyond grateful to be voted #1 Yoga/Pilates Studio in Suburban North Indy! Your support means everything, and we’re honored to share our space with you.
At Fire & Flow Yoga, every breath, every movement, and every shared moment weaves us together. Here, you’re not just practicing — you’re part of something bigger.
As a thank you, text, email, or call us — tell us you saw this ad, and you AND a friend get one free class! See you on the mat, where we rise together!
- Greg & Cindi Odle
March 18, 2025
Current Best of Suburban North Indy youarecurrent.com/BestOf2025
Be Well Family Care offers unique patient experience
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
your vote!
Moms at Sea Travel is honored to be acknowledged as a family cruise resource by our Indianapolis area customers. We thank you for your support and look forward to helping you plan a lifetime of vacations.
Be Well Family Care, a medical clinic at 12430 N Clark St. in Carmel, won top honors for Best Doctor in Current’s inaugural Best Of North Indy 2025 competition.
The facility offers primary care services, such as physicals and pap smears, and introduces patients to community partners such as restaurants, chefs, health coaches and martial arts instructors as resources for healthy lifestyle changes.
The clinic opened in 2017, and Dr. Swathi Rao is owner and medical director. She said her dream was to create a practice dedicated to partnering with patients on their medical journeys.
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WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S CENTRAL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
“Oftentimes, you’ll go to family practices when you’re sick or once a year for a physical, but we are striving to find risk factors and treat them before disease happens,” Rao said. “We have much longer office visits with our patients and spend a lot of time getting to know them when they’re healthy, so they don’t get sick.”
The practice’s motto is to “Eat, sleep, move and cook well to be well.” The facility has a kitchen and offers cooking classes, yoga, discussions and a variety of events.
“We do group visits where we cook with our patients and have move-well visits with them,” Rao said. “We bring in local community partners that offer different ways to exercise, eat healthy and de-stress, and we do those classes
with our patients during the day or in the evening as group visits. For our patients, we bill those to insurance, but we invite nonpatients to come and join us in those classes as well.”
Rao said making the relationship between staff at Be Well Family Care into a partnership sets them apart from other area facilities.
“I think a lot of doctors are very authoritative, and we really try to meet patients where they are,” Rao said. “I feel like I only have a limited amount of time with patients to tell them how to improve their life and if I can use that time to help them understand what they need to change in their life, whether it be sleeping, stressing, eating or moving, then that impacts what we’re doing here. It motivates them to make changes, and they understand why they need to make those changes.”
For more, visit bewellfamilycare.com.
The teaching kitchen at Be Well Family Care. (Photo courtesy of Be Well Family Care)
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Old Town
Design Group
oldtowndesigngroup.com 317-816-3151
Wedgewood Building Company wedgewoodbc.com 317-669-6300
The Dink House thedinkhouse.com 317-564-0303 The Picklr thepicklr.com 317-936-3465
SHOOTING RANGE
The Shooting Academy formerly Tims ShootingAcademy timsshootingacademy.com 317-399-7918
Atlanta Conservation Club atlantaconservationclub.com SPA Woodhouse Spa carmel.woodhousespas.com 317-706-1300
Carmel Salt Caves carmelsaltcaves.com 317-533-1485
Noblesville junior forward’s improvement leads to honors
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School girls basketball coach Donna Buckley is convinced junior forward CC Quigley deserves all the honors she’s received.
“She had a great year for us,” Buckley said.
“She worked hard to be a really good post option as well as a player who could step out and shoot the 3-pointer. She really improved her shooting range from last season. Her efforts have been rewarded with postseason awards. She was named to the All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference’s first team and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association
Large School All-State honorable mention.”
Quigley, whose name is Caroline Cynthia Quigley but has been called CC since she was a baby, averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Millers (19-5). She shot 55 percent from the field. She averaged 9.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg as a sophomore.
After not taking a 3-pointer as a sopho-
CC QUIGLEY
Favorite TV show: “Gossip Girl.”
Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica
Favorite athlete: Aja Wilson
Favorite subject: Photography
Favorite musician: Taylor Swift
more, she made 6 of 21 for 29 percent last season.
“I think I improved by creating a post presence for my team and also expanded my range by shooting more 3s,” Quigley said.
The 6-foot-2 forward plays for the Indiana Basketball Club on the 17U 3SSB team.
“My goals for the offseason are to drive to the basket more and work on creating my own shot,” she said.
The Millers will return three starters from this year’s team, which lost to Class
4A No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern in the sectional final.
“I am optimistic for my team next year with us each stepping into new roles,” Quigley said. “I am excited to play with this group and am looking forward to next season.”
Buckley said Quigley is working on being a more vocal leader.
“I’m sure she will be a more vocal leader as a senior,” Buckley said.
Quigley started playing basketball in sixth grade.
“I played travel soccer for five years and also ran track in eighth grade,” she said. However, she found her passion for basketball.
“I love the competitiveness and intensity of the sport and being able to play and work together with my teammates and friends,” she said.
Quigley has NCAA Division I scholarship offers from Kent State University, University of Buffalo, Wright State University and Central Michigan University.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
at Northwestern in Chicago, IL. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek completed spine surgery fellowship at the world-renowned Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
• Treatment of back and neck pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and work-related injuries
• Management of simple and complex spine problems, including revision surgery
• Cutting edge, minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and less post-operative pain
Noblesville High School junior forward CC Quigley was named to the All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference’s first team. (Photo courtesy of Miller Athletics)
Quigley
2025 SUBARU FORESTER
FARM-TO-TABLE
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Agriculture is everywhere.
Westfield educator teaches students the vastness of agriculture
That’s the message Westfield High School educator Chris Kaufman instills in students in his agriculture science classes each day. Kaufman is a finalist for the 2025 Golden Owl Award — an honor that recognizes outstanding agricultural educators in the Hoosier state.
Kaufman helped launch the district’s agriculture program in 2022 with a single class and 21 students. Since then, the program has grown to 12 available courses at the high school and an agriculture exploration program at Westfield Middle School. The students study diverse agricultural pathways, including animal science, plant science and natural resources.
“When you think of agriculture science, obviously most people think of farming,” Kaufman said. “But everything that goes into the farm and everything that comes out of the farm is part of agriculture. That includes anything dealing with plants; anything dealing with animals; anything dealing with food; and anything dealing with our natural resources. Those are all part of the agriculture umbrella.”
Kaufman has taught agricultural education for 24 years. He said teaching agriculture in urban settings starts young. In Westfield, that means introducing principles of agriculture to middle school students.
Kaufman said the Midwest — and Indiana particularly — is ground zero for agricultural sciences. His classes are the first step for students who want to explore those careers.
“These are all businesses that are doing biotechnology, doing advanced plant and animal things that we don’t typically put in that umbrella of agriculture,” he said. “So, I’m teaching my students to go out there and try to get those jobs. The jobs where they need a plant scientist or they need an animal scientist, but it doesn’t involve them producing animals or plants for our food.”
Kaufman said most farming in Indiana is generational. But the industries that serve as connectors to get goods from farms to the rest of the country also are
agriculture jobs.
“What we try to explain to students is that we need people to help the farmers,” he said. “You’ve got to create the seed; you’ve got to raise the animals; you’ve got to help understand animal genetics. And then everything that the farmers produce has to be processed for human consumption. You have somebody who’s sorting the
oranges. You have somebody who works (for a company that makes) potato chips who understands how that process works. All of these jobs after the farm are what we try to introduce our kids to.”
While all farming is agriculture, not all agriculture is farming. Kaufmann said he teaches students to see agriculture everywhere, from farm fields on the outskirts of
AGRICULTURE IS EVERYWHERE
Westfield High School agriculture
science educator Chris Kaufman is the staff advisor to Westfield’s chapter of the FFA — now 76 members strong.
Originally known as Future Farmers of America — and where the club gets its three-letter moniker — the FFA expanded in 1988 to encompass the diverse goals of its student members to include production farming, education, medicine, science, business and other careers in the agriculture industry.
FFA students participate in state and national competitions. Westfield members have earned several accolades, including state champions and 10th place nationally in agricultural sales; state champions and 11th place nationally in agricultural marketing; and various first-place wins in the FFA National Agriscience Fair.
Kaufman said the students are taught to see how agriculture touches their daily lives.
“Even though we’re in Westfield and people think we don’t have a lot of
agriculture here, we do have a lot of agriculture here. We just don’t have a lot of farming,” he said. “That’s what we try to do with our kids is really just open their eyes to the vastness of agriculture. Even most adults don’t know. I tell my students early in the semester that this is the most relevant class you’re probably going to take in high school. We have to eat every day. We do live with animals every day and we do live with plants every day. We do have to breathe and understand. And most importantly, we have to be educated consumers. I think there are a lot of things out there that people pay money for that they don’t necessarily understand what they’re buying — things like organic foods or pasture raised chickens versus cage chickens. Helping kids understand those concepts is really what we’re doing so that they’re better consumers down the road.”
Follow the Westfield FFA at facebook. com/groups/775638193653493.
Westfield to the grass fields at Grand Park and everywhere in between.
“Agriculture is a very wide variety,” he said. “I could teach a class on biotechnology and then I could also teach a class on running a greenhouse. I could have a class about animal science, or I could have a class about welding. It’s so vast.”
This spring, students are learning animal science — which includes external and internal anatomy and how to care for animals. The students do research on whatever animals interest them. Students also learn principles of agriculture.
“We try to give them little samplings of each of the different fields so then they can know what pathway they’re going to take,” he said. “That’s the foundational class and then they get to choose (if they want to move to) animals or plants or technology. As we continue to grow, our plan is to add a horticulture greenhouse to the facility and then a landscaping turf science class. We’re going to be teaching turf science right here so that we can be raising grass for athletic purposes.”
Kaufman is one of eight finalists for the Golden Owl Award, which is presented by Farm Credit Mid-America and Nationwide to recognize the contributions of Indiana’s leading agricultural teachers. The winner will be announced at the Indiana FFA Convention at Purdue University June 18.
ON THE COVER: Westfield FFA students earned first place with their marketing plan at the 2024 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.
From left, Chris Kaufman, Ben Wiggins, Ella Carlson and Ava Lee. (Photo courtesy of Chris Kaufman)
Enjoying the afternoon bowling with the Westfield FFA are, from left, Indiana FFA Vice President
Stephanie Berenda, Abby Wiggins, Mckynzye White, Vivian McKinney, Claire Conwell, Ava Carlson, Jude Kaufman, Myles Braasch, Eli Worth, Braxton Stalbaum, Ian McKinnon, Ashley Hoyt, Sydney Strahlem and Chris Kaufman. (Photo courtesy of Chris Kaufman)
Drummer Palmer brings music of ELP to the Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Emerson, Lake & Palmer is considered a pioneer of progressive rock.
The English supergroup formed in 1970 with keyboardist Keith Emerson, guitarist-vocalist Greg Lake and drummer Carl Palmer.
Emerson and Lake died in 2016, but Palmer is making sure the music lives on with the “An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer” tour, which stops at 8 p.m. March 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Palmer, who turns 75 March 20, plays drums with actual footage of his late bandmates on screens.
“It’s all in perfect sync. It’s something we’ve been working on for a long time,” he said. “We’ve played some classic songs like ‘Lucky Man,’ ‘From the Beginning,’ Welcome Back My Friends’ and ‘Paper Blood.’ It’s a great thrill playing with Keith and Greg again.”
The footage is from a DVD recording of a 1992 concert at Royal Albert Hall in London.
“We just removed the drums,” Palmer said. “The audio tracks were recorded separately, completely separately to the visuals, which meant I could edit all the visuals to get me out of the frame. Then I could replace the drums, which means, technically, (the concert) is being mixed live in every hall.”
Simon Fitzpatrick on bass and Chapman Stick and Paul Bielatowicz on guitar provide live support.
“It’s quite an immersive experience,” Palmer said. “It’s very new and no one else is really doing it in this capacity. I’m playing about six pieces with Keith and Greg. That part runs about 50 minutes. Simon plays ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ It’s quite an interesting show.”
Palmer plays “Tarkus” with Fitzpatrick and Bielatowicz. There are guitar and
Chapman Stick solos. There are three screens.
“We can take one of the screens and we can show some vintage footage of that time period,” Palmer said.
Palmer said one of the more time-consuming parts was removing himself from all the footage on the DVD. It took eight to 10 weeks of editing, two to four days each week.
“The first three weeks were a little difficult because seeing these guys on my computer was a little strange,” Palmer said. “It was emotional. But I didn’t want to use a hologram. I wanted to use these guys at their best and this is Keith Emerson and Greg Lake at their best. I think it’s the way they would have wanted it, which is even more important.”
Palmer said he ran the whole project by the families of Emerson and Lake to get their blessing, which he received.
“They love it,” Palmer said of the concerts, which began in late 2022.
“It’s got a quality to it. It’s genuine. It’s real. We’re getting a cross demographic. We’re getting some people in their late 20s. (Maybe) grandfather was a fan to start off with. I’m really enjoying it and
it’s great having Simon and Paul out there and playing the rest of the catalog with them.”
Palmer said he found a couple of other pieces he could add to the show but wants to check with the families first.
“We’re improving it all the time. It’s an ongoing project,” he said.
Palmer said he uses AI to clean up some of the graininess on the footage and get it in sync.
“Technology has been on my side,” Palmer said. “This is laying down a blueprint. I’m sure there will be other people if they are fortunate enough to have the material, the videos, the audio lines, other people might follow this way.”
Palmer was a member of Atomic Rooster and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown before ELP formed. He later became a founding member of Asia in 1981. ELP reunited in 1991 and recorded two more albums and toured between 1992 and 1998. The group’s final performance was in 2010 to mark its 40th anniversary.
For more, visit carlpalmer.com. For tickets, visit elptickets.com and thecenterpresents.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
CIVIC THEATRE
Civic Theatre presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” through March 29 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre. org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“I Want My 80s: A Totally Tubular Party” is set for March 20, followed by “Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt and Friends” March 21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘BOOKSTORE’
The Cat presents “Bookstore” from March 21 to 30 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
TEGE HOLT
Carmel High School junior Tege Holt will hold an official album release party and performance at 7 p.m. March 20 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
GRUPO NICHE
Grupo Niche, a Colombian salsa orchestra, will perform at 8 p.m. March 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
INDY OPERA
Indianapolis Opera’s 50th Anniversary gala concert is set for 7:30 p.m. March 22 at Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit indyopera.org.
DISPATCH
Marx to headline Center Celebration gala — Singer-songwriter Richard Marx will deliver a solo performance as headliner for the Sept. 20 Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller, the annual gala fundraiser for Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org
Drummer Carl Palmer will perform An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer concert March 21 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Carl Palmer)
Singer true to the blues
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
ZZ Ward was born into the blues.
“My dad did a deep dive into the blues with his garage cover band, discovering Muddy Waters, Big Mama Thornton and Son House,” she said. “I was daddy’s girl and impressionable. He and my mom would listen to blues records around the house and it’s what I grew up with. My dad would always encourage me to sing in front of people.”
CONCERT
By age 12, she was performing on stage with him.
Ward, 38, will perform as part of her “Dirty Sun” tour at 8 p.m. March 25 at The Tobias Theater inside Newfields in Indianapolis.
Her fourth album, “Liberation,” was due to be released March 14 by her label Dirty Shine and Sun Records. “Liberation” is a mix of covers and original songs. Dirty Shine has become a name for her fan base.
“It’s something that means being your
ZZ Ward will perform March 25 at The Tobias Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of Charlie Ward)
authentic self, even if you don’t quite fit in,” Ward said. “Even if it’s dirty or rough around the edge, it means shining and being yourself.”
Ward, whose first name is Zsuzsanna, was familiar with Sun Records’ history.
“I knew a lot of the artists on Sun Records — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Howlin’ Wolf and the legacy of Sun Records,” she said. “I made the album independently before a call from Sun Records was interested. It made perfect sense for the place I am in my music career.”
For more, visit tobiastheater.com.
‘Bagrock’ lands in Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It’s billed as bagpipes with an attitude. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are bringing their unique brand of “bagrock” to The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for a concert at 7 p.m. March 23.
PERFORMANCE
The band mixes bagpipes with the covers of popular songs from all genres.
The band is known for performing reimagined classics like “Amazing Grace” and “The Hills of Argyll” or rocked-up anthems such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and AC/ DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
Willie Armstrong co-founded the Scotland band in 2002. The group’s popularity took off after winning the BBC talent show, “When Will I be Famous?” in 2007.
The nine-piece group features bagpipes, guitars, keyboards and drums. It recently released its ninth album, “Back to Roots,” which gives a nod to its original bagpipe roots with an added rock element. Armstrong said the group performs more than 200 shows annually.
Willie Armstrong is a cofounder of Red Hot Chilli Pipers. (Photo courtesy of Kerr Armstrong)
“We remain on tour constantly in America in this time period,” Armstrong said. “Nowadays, you can’t rely on your royalties and making money from your recorded albums because of the Spotify influence.
Armstrong said the group invites feedback from the audience on what songs they enjoyed the most.
“The show is always evolving and making sure the audience is getting looked after (is important) because they’re the ones that spent the money on the tickets and spent the time to travel to see the band,” he said.
For more, visit rhcp.scot. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
March 18, 2025
Blueprint for Improvement: Zionsville master bath transformation
Commentary by Larry Greene
Built on 3 acres in Hunt Country Preserve, this home by Brad Bowman of Homes by Design needed a primary bathroom update to match its grandeur. Through a thoughtful renovation blending modern elegance with timeless charm, the result is a stunning space that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. The transformation has created a luxurious and inviting retreat, providing the homeowners with a serene sanctuary that elevates their daily experience.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The once dark and dated bathroom now boasts a sophisticated, airy design.
• Rich wood cabinetry was swapped for light oak, enhancing the soft, metallic plaster walls and adding depth as they shift in color with the light.
• The addition of gold accents, sleek mirrors and elegant lighting brings warmth and luxury.
• A refined quartzite backsplash and spacious double vanity create a spa-like retreat.
• Every detail was thoughtfully curated, turning this space into a timeless sanctuary.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
FOOD & DRINKS
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Space reservations due: Ad content due: Advertorial content due: April 11, 2025 April 14, 2025 April 14, 2025
Across
Prejudice 5. Butler frat letter 10. Ind., for one 14. Civil rights org. 15. Sophia of “Two Women” 16. Geist Reservoir marker
17. Hoosier Park jockey’s control
18. In debt
19. Ready, willing and ___
20. Two-time Masters champ
23. Celtics, on a Pacers scoreboard
24. Sales pitch
25. Caribbean island
27. Indiana State Fair woolly beast
31. Slowly, in music 34. Letters before QIA+ 37. Poses 39. Sow’s sound
40. ___ de cologne
41. “It’d be my pleasure”
43. Old AT&T rival
44. Set securely
46. Mideast title
47. ZCHS transcript stats
48. Nonconformists
50. The “)” in :-)
52. Similar
54. Tarkington play place
58. Caribou’s kin
60. Name on frozen ground
beef patties at Meijer
64. Meaningless
66. Sierra ___
67. Deserve
68. Pressing need
69. Danish currency
70. PNC Bank machines
71. Fishers HS mid-term exam, e.g.
72. Guitar attachment
1. Zingers
2. Freeze over
73. “___ we forget” Down
3. Suspect’s defense
4. Snowbird’s destination
5. Road sign
6. Big Ten university
7. Pluck
8. High-IQ set
9. Kind of wool
10. Pacers’ first org.
11. Seafood chain inspired by a Hanks film
12. Tie type
13. Shapiro’s loaves
21. 100 percent
22. Gentle push
26. Noblesville’s Silver Dollar, e.g.
28. Syst. with hand gestures
29. 1,760 yards
30. Physics units
32. Ancient Peruvian
33. Big name in elevators
34. Creepy look
35. Colts event
36. New burrito place on East 82nd Street
38. Do laps at the Carmel Waterpark
41. Go off script
42. X-ray alternative
45. White River snaky fish
47. “You can’t be serious!”
49. Moves stealthily
51. Baton Rouge sch.
53. “Your Movie Sucks” author
55. Precious stone
56. Lysol target
57. ___ & Young (accounting firm)
58. Give off
59. Traditional tales
61. Uncultured one
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