Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIII, No. 49
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Zionsville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Zionsville plans installation of Village restrooms
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Redevelopment Commission held a special meeting Feb. 18 to solve a facilities problem for downtown visitors.
TOWN NEWS
The three-member commission approved a transfer of $75,000 to contractual services within the economic development area fund to purchase a restroom trailer for the Village.
Zionsville Deputy Mayor Justin Hage said public restrooms have been the missing piece for downtown visitors and business operators.
“(Business owners) know what it’s like to have folks coming into (their establishments) and wanting to use the restroom,” he said. “It can be a little tricky. I think folks are very nice about it, but it would be very nice to be able to have a restroom solution available. This also came up when we discussed the downtown outdoor refreshment area late last year and there was some desire by members of the town council to say, ‘This is a great initiative but wouldn’t it be helpful if we had a downtown public restroom solution?’”
Hage said the town initially sought leased space inside an existing building, but ultimately it was determined that a portable option was the best fit.
“It was more advantageous and in the best interest of the town to pursue a restroom trailer solution,” he said.
Commission member Kent Esra, who owns Cobblestone Grill in downtown Zionsville, said the restroom is long overdue.
“We’ve been downtown for 25 years and it’s probably been one of the most needed items that the downtown needs,” he said. “From Day 1, since we’ve been there, without question, it’s needed for the community, and it’s needed for downtown.”
The trailer will be placed in the townowned parking lot south of the Friendly Tavern. The department of public works
will install a pad on one of the center islands to hold the trailer, which will include electricity/lighting, sinks and an ADA accessible stall.
“This is sort of a high-end trailer like you might see at a wedding or golf tournaments or other types of outdoor events,” Hage said.
The trailer will be monitored with specific hours of operation and locked outside of those hours.
Hage said the town is in the process of planning a pedestrian plaza in the Village, where permanent restrooms would be located. Upon completion of that project, the restroom trailer would be available for use for the parks department or other events.
“We will be putting some nice landscaping around it while it sits in that parking lot so that it’s not an eyesore,” he said. “I think it’ll be a great addition to the Village. One possibility, too, is that we could do a
Trail improvements — The Big-4 Rail Trial in Zionsville will get centerline striping along two areas where visibility may be compromised. The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Board recently approved a contract with Rose Paving LLC to stripe center lines on two curves in the trail near Zionsville Town Hall, to help guide trial users to stay right of center as they navigate curves. The paving will total $600 for one-time application. Maintenance of striping will be managed by the parks department.
DISPATCHES
vinyl type graphic wrap on one side. I think it should be a good thing for the farmers market, for people just everyday shopping, going to restaurants and then also for larger events like Brick Street Market, Christmas in the Village, those sorts of things.” Commission member and town councilor Evan Norris said although the price might seem high, it’s an investment in the Village.
“Seventy-five thousand dollars seems like a big number, but at the same time (the town) has been very conscientious about making sure that we find a solution that makes sense for the taxpayers and brings some of those needed services (to the Village),” he said. “I’m very happy about this.”
The trailer is expected to be installed by mid-April when the town’s downtown designated outdoor refreshment area goes into effect.
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.
The Town of Zionsville will install a restroom trailer in the Village. (File photo)
Zionsville, Whitestown leaders discuss housing
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Plans to expand housing in an ever-growing Boone County was a topic of conversation at the Boone County State of the County panel discussion with local leaders last month in Lebanon.
GROWTH
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said growth in Zionsville — including land use and transportation — is part of the focus of the comprehensive plan update now under development by the town and HWC Engineering.
we’d ideally like to have room for young couples who are just starting out and their families; for their families as they grow a little bit; and then for empty nesters to stay here and be with their children and grandchildren. We don’t have that diversity in Zionsville, and I think that’s something we need to look at and consider. That’s something important to me, because I think that’s the way forward.”
Elected officials in neighboring Whitestown said they are open to population growth.
Stehr said Zionsville now covers 67 square miles, making it the third-largest municipality by land area in Indiana. He said although land to expand housing exists, the desire of residents to grow housing options is another story.
“The question is going to be, do we have the will to bring in the housing to meet the needs of all the different folks who want to live (in Zionsville)?” Stehr said. “I think
“Whitestown is definitely open for business,” Whitestown Town Council President Dan Patterson said. “Not a week goes by that we don’t have someone come who is interested in expanding into Whitestown and hearing about what we have to offer. We have a robust housing situation in Whitestown where we can accommodate many different avenues, from people who are starting out to who are (older) and everything in between. Whitestown’s average age is around 37. We’re a younger community and
We don’t have that diversity in Zionsville, and I think that’s something we need to look at and consider. That’s something important to me, because I think that’s the way forward.”
– JOHN STEHR, ZIONSVILLE MAYOR
we have a lot of those young professionals moving into town. They have a diverse set of what kind of housing they are interested in.”
Paterson said the town works with developers to get ahead of growth with roads and infrastructure projects. In late 2024 Whitestown announced plans to spend $14 million on a wastewater treatment plant expansion project.
“In a large way, Whitestown is a canvas that we’re still painting on,” he said. “We have a lot of updates still to come. I’m excited about the challenge. No one is going to look the way they do now in 10 years.”
The public survey for Zionsville’s comprehensive plan is available at uniquelyzionsville.com.
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Memory care facility proposed
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Plan Commission will hear an updated petition this month on a proposed memory care facility in the Stonegate subdivision.
DEVELOPMENT
A proposal for the 14-bed, 7,200-squarefoot Cottages at Zionsville was introduced to the commission last month by developer Skiage Enterprises, Inc.
The half-acre site is just north of the western entrance of Stonegate Drive at Whitestown Parkway/Oak Street, next to Stonegate Orthodontics.
The single-story memory care facility would include office space; a kitchen and dining area; resident activity area; and resident services, such as a salon.
Drew Tharp with Gutwein Law, representing the petitioner, said the memory care facility is needed in Zionsville.
“We’re excited about this site. We think it has great potential and serves what will be a growing need in the coming years,” he said.
Members of the commission expressed
concern about parking. As presented, the site includes three parking spaces and one accessible parking space. Tharp said a facility of that size operates with two full-time staff members, and visits usually total only a few in any given day. Tharp also said there is an agreement with the neighboring orthodontics office to share parking as needed. Visiting hours would be set once the site is complete.
Tharp said the layout of the site limits the size and types of businesses that can utilize the space.
The petitioner is expected to return to the plan commission with an updated plan March 17. The Zionsville Plan Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at Zionsville Town Hall.
The Cottages at Zionsville is a proposed 14-bed memory care unit. (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Park proposed for Wreck’s
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Plans to convert a former junkyard into a public park are in development in Whitestown.
RECREATION
The Town of Whitestown recently revealed a draft site plan for approximately 12 of the 100-acre former Wrecks, Inc. property on Indianapolis Road, just west of I-65. Wrecks, Inc. opened in 1951 as an automotive junkyard. The site closed more than two decades ago, leaving behind only vacant land and a vintage neon sign that reads “Wrecks, Inc. — We Meet by Accident.”
The site was acquired by the town in 2019 for $6.5 million. A 15-acre portion of the site was developed into the Little League Central Region Complex headquarters, which opened in 2021.
In late 2022, the Town of Whitestown was issued a Certificate of Completion from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
A $20 million proposal introduced in 2023 to turn the site into an aquatics facility was put on hold indefinitely in 2024.
The Town of Whitestown is planning park development at the former Wrecks, Inc. junkyard on Indianapolis Road. (Image courtesy of Town of Whitestown)
The new proposal for the property includes a variety of amenities based on community feedback, including a pavilion/ plaza; basketball and pickleball courts; a playground; a splashpad; a sledding hill; walking paths; picnic shelters; and sports fields.
Construction is scheduled to begin this year, with the park expected to open by late 2025 or early 2026.
Whitestown officials said plans for the remainder of the property are still in development. Once developed, the Wreck’s property will be the town’s seventh public park.
Carmel High School wrestler pins runner-up medal at state finals
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School wrestling coach
Ed Pendoski compared senior Michael Major’s season to a snowball gaining momentum rolling downhill.
Major was getting back in shape after he injured his right shoulder in December 2023. He dislocated his shoulder and had labrum surgery.
“He was getting back in and starting to grind again. There were a bunch of speed bumps as he was going through the season,” Pendoski said. “He got it together. In December, he hit his stride and just had fun through the season. Michael did an amazing job of trusting progress, meaning there are days we have to go hard and days that are short, (so) we have to go even harder.”
Major finished with a 43-5 record, losing to Merrillville’s unbeaten Adrian Pellot in a 9-6 decision in the 165-pound championship match Feb. 22 at the IHSAA state finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Major edged Bloomington South’s Evan Roudebush 2-0 in the semifinals.
MICHAEL MAJOR
Favorite athlete: Jordan Burroughs
Favorite artist: Drake
Favorite class: Accounting
Favorite TV show: “Regular Show”
“The conversation with Michael after the championship match defined who he is,” Pendoski said. “I asked him how he feels. He said, ‘I’m happy. I wrestled hard. I didn’t win but I’m happy how the whole experience went.’ Carmel is such a competitive place. To watch a kid say that after he just lost in the finals, what a great example of wisdom. I might have learned from him after this and I’m the one (who’s)
supposed to be giving examples.”
Carmel High School senior wrestler Michael Major celebrates after his semifinal win in the 165-pound weight class.
(Photo courtesy of CHS wrestling)
Major said the season was an awesome experience.
“There were a lot of ups and a little down (results),” he said. “When I looked at my goals for this season, it was how I do it rather than a goal of, ‘I had to win this match.’ I looked at it like that and trusted the process through all the wrestling practices with my teammates and coaches. The culture in the Carmel wrestling room got me prepared for both days (of the finals). Win or lose, I just wanted to leave it all
out there and have fun. After the match, I thought of that. I did have a lot of fun and I felt like I left all I could out there.”
Major said it was hard not practicing after the injury as a junior.
“I worked on other stuff,” he said. “I was able to weightlift with other areas of my body. I just trusted things would work out. I was able to drill at 80 percent during the summer, and by the end of the summer, I was 100 percent.”
Major’s older brother, Robert, was second in the state finals at 160 pounds as a senior in 2021 and wrestles at Indiana University.
Major, who is still deciding where he wants to wrestle next season, lost in the first round at 132 pounds in the 2022 state finals. He placed fifth at 138 pounds in the state finals in 2023. He was wrestling at 150 pounds when he got injured last season. He finished his high school career with an 83-13 record.
“I felt really good and healthy at 165,” he said. “It wasn’t too little or too much.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Zionsville Parks & Rec to make equipment purchase
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Department of Parks and Recreation will purchase a piece of excavating equipment to assist with operations.
TOWN NEWS
The parks board approved the purchase of a 2024 Case backhoe from RPM Machinery of Whitestown last month for $151,467.
Zionsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jarod Logsdon said the department has grown its maintenance division the past several years, with in-house crews providing services such as pouring concrete pads and excavation work.
“It’s significantly helping us keep down our contractual services and other professional services from outside parties,” Logsdon said. “One of those things that would significantly help reduce our rental costs — as well as reduce our reliance on (Zionsville Department of Public Works) and borrowing a piece of their mission-critical equipment — would be to purchase our own backhoe.”
Logsdon said DPW has only one backhoe, which makes sharing the equipment with the parks department difficult at times. The parks department and DPW collaborated on features for the new purchase.
Logsdon said the purchase will benefit both departments.
“Our rentals in the past have been minimal. I would say it’s approximately $4,000 a year, perhaps maybe only around $2,000,” he said. “But it’s more the borrowing of the DPW resource. And should that go down while we’re borrowing it, then they’re out of luck. And that’s a mission-critical piece of equipment because they’re excavating nearly every day. They’re using that equipment much differently. We’ve grown our capacity so much that we need to have our own equipment. It benefits the resilience of both departments.”
Logsdon said the backhoe should have a lifespan of 10 years or more.
The Zionsville Department of Public Works will contribute about $5,000 toward the purchase.
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news@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Town Hall will transform into a throwback ‘90s high school gymnasium for the inaugural “Mom Prom” from 6 to 9 p.m. March 8.
Mom Prom planned EVENT
Participants can enjoy a girls night out with a nostalgic twist — including a DJ spinning ‘90s hits, a charcuterie bar and crowning of royalty.
The event includes a signature mocktail and charcuterie spread by The Savory Stagecoach; a ‘90s-themed candy bar; charm necklace making by female-owned Jewelry by J Nicole; gift bags from Ageless Aesthetics; a photo booth; giveaways; and dancing.
An after-party is planned at Zionsville Public House.
Tickets for the 21-and-older event are $45. Reserve tickets at tinyurl.com/ mvc6vkdp.
DISPATCHES
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 to 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 bythe-glass 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.
Sailing camp — Registration is open for Eagle Creek Sailing Club of Indianapolis 2025 summer youth sailing camps, with openings for the following sessions: June 9-13 for ages 8-11; June 16-20 for ages 8-11; June 23-27 for ages 12-18; and June 30July 3 for ages 12-18. Camps are $400 for members and $475 for nonmembers and sailboats are provided. Camps meet rain or shine. The camp is inclusive and provides an environment where all kids can experience sailing at their skill level. Eagle Creek Sailing Club is located at 8901 W. 46th St. in Indianapolis, on the western shore of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Learn more about camp and find registration links at ecsail.org/ juniors/lessons.
5-ALARM CELEBRATION
Zionsville Fire Department hosts annual ball
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Fire Department recently held the 25th annual ZFD Firefighter’s Ball and Awards Banquet, honoring local firefighters for their service to the Zionsville community and recognizing the sacrifices and risk-taking of first responders that ultimately lead to a safer community.
ZFD Chief James VanGorder said the members of the department represent a collection of individuals who dedicate endless hours to public safety.
“(I am) extremely grateful for the incredible team of firefighters and administrative staff we have,” he said. “I appreciate every one of you. You are the talented group that selflessly delivers live-saving services to our community every day.”
Firefighters honored include:
• Cody Richardson Memorial Firefighter of the Year — Lt. Ben Box
• Paramedic of the Year — Jeremy Anker
• EMT of the Year — Luka Skudrzik
• Rookie of the Year — Andrew Schulten
• Local 5195 Leadership Award — Capt. Robert Coonfield
Additionally, ZFD Capt. Elliot Russell was recognized for 30 years of dedicated service to the Zionsville Fire Department and the Zionsville community. VanGorder said the three-decade milestone is a testament to Russell’s unwavering commitment, bravery and selflessness.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr has proclaimed Feb. 22, 2025, as Capt. Elliot Russell Day for “committing 30 years to not just his job but his calling.”
Stehr said Zionsville is a better town because of the vigilance and dedication of its emergency responders.
“I always appreciate the chance to recognize the men and women of ZFD for their commitment to helping keep our people safe 24/7,” Stehr said. “They are a dedicated group, and the people of Zionsville are grateful to have them working for us.”
The event included a Civilian Life Saving Award, given to Zionsville resident Cash Coyner.
Coyner was recognized after his quick actions when a friend had a medical emergency. He realized what was happen-
ing with his friend was more serious than a nosebleed and quickly called for help. His efforts allowed ZFD to rapidly identify a potential life-threatening emergency and transport his friend to receive emergency surgery, saving his life.
The 2025 ZFD Firefighter’s Ball and Awards Banquet was sponsored by Ascen-
sion St. Vincent; MacQueen Fire Apparatus; Local 5195; MES; Valiant Primary Care; Pro Team Tactical; Pearson Ford; and Hurst Beans.
Nearly 200 people attended this year’s event.
Follow the ZFD on social media at facebook.com/zionsvillefiredepartment.
ON THE COVER: Zionsville Fire Department
the
At the ceremony, from left, Deputy Chief Aaron Gibbons; Fire Chief James VanGorder; Coonfield; Local 5195 District Vice President Lt. Walter Leverich; and Deputy Chief of Administration Jason Potts. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
ABOUT THE ZIONSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The 92-member Zionsville Fire Department operates under the mission “to protect the lives and property of our citizens and visitors with professional excellence through emergency response, community risk reduction and fire and lifesaving programs.”
The department provides local emergency medical services; fire prevention and suppression services; hazardous materials operations; and rescue operations. Members of the department also engage in public education efforts such as first aid classes; CPR training; safety talks; station tours; and a Citi-
zen’s Fire Academy.
Established in 1930 as an all-volunteer service, the department transitioned to a full-time career department in 2007 and services 67 square miles with apparatus from three fully staffed stations. The department also oversees the former Perry Township fire station with contracted services by the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department of Boone County. The department averages more than 2,300 calls per year. Learn more about the ZFD’s public engagement efforts at zionsville-in.gov/497/Public-Education.
Capt. Robert Coonfield was recently honored with
Local 5195 Leadership Award.
The Cody Richardson Memorial Firefighter of the Year is Lt. Ben Box, third from left. (Photos courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
The Zionsville Fire Department EMT of the Year is Luka Skudrzik, second from left
Recognized as Paramedic of the Year is Jeremy Anker, second from left.
Honored as Rookie of the Year is Andrew Schulten, second from left.
CHS junior set for five-song release party
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School junior Tege Holt’s mission came into focus when he started working with Blair Clark’s Artist Development Co.
MUSIC
“We found what my brand was and where we went from that,” Holt said. “We’ve come a long way from where I was last year playing a bunch of smaller (solo) shows. Now this year, we’re booking all band gigs.”
Holt and his band will debut five original songs on a new EP at 7 p.m. March 20 at an official release party at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The first single, “Play the Part,” will drop March 21.
“Tege has played as a solo artist and written great songs, and we were really looking to take him to the next level,” said Clark, who opened his new Artist Development Studio in Carmel last fall.
Clark has a connection with musicians from John Mellencamp’s band. They played five songs at The Vogue in July 2024 with three cover songs and two original songs by Holt.
“The band members were impressed with his maturity, his playing ability, his vocals and songwriting,” Clark said.
Clark said Holt then started writing more songs ahead of the recording session in Nashville, Tenn.
“He’s got a phenomenal gift of being able to write songs and tell stories,” Clark said.
Clark and Holt worked with producer Michael Whitaker on the project. They recorded in October 2024 at The Speakeasy Recording Studio and Velvet Cinema Studio with engineer Elliott Didur. Joining Holt were Chris Condon, lead guitar; Dan Needham, drums; James Gregory, bass; Carl Miner, acoustic guitar; and Whittaker, piano, B3 organ.
“Chris Conlon has played with Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus,” Holt said. “Carl Miner played with Luke Combs.”
Clark said it’s the second time he’s managed a country artist. Besides cre-
ative and musical ability, Clark said Holt has a lot of knowledge about technology and marketing.
“These days you have to be as much a marketer as a musician,” Clark said.
An example of that is his “Play the Part” single.
“The first song is about me moving from the country to the city and just a fun song about that,” Holt said. “It mentions jam that I used to make with my grandma. We have jam that is commercially made. If people wear my merch to the show, they will get a free jam.”
Holt has three songs out on steaming sites. He released “Irish Found” in March 2024, which led to an appearance on a South Bend TV station.
“I would guess at this time next year he will be playing in other states and
maybe other countries,” Clark said. “He’s got that kind of power and got that kind of energy.”
Holt, who turns 18 in May, plans to graduate early in December.
“I plan to go full force into music and see how far we go with it from there. The sky’s the limit,” he said.
Clark said Holt has a passion for music and writing songs.
“I wrote my first song when I was 5. It probably wasn’t a great song,” he said. “The first song I released was when I was in sixth grade and that call was ‘Reason to Believe.’”
Holt said the song is no longer on streaming sites but he has made a country version of it.
For more, visit tegeholt.com. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘PRIDE AND PREJUDICE’
Carmel Community Players’ production of “Pride and Prejudice” runs through March 9 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Johnny Folsom 4: A Tribute to Johnny Cash” is set for 7:30 p.m. March 6, followed by “Angel of Music: A Salute to the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” at 7:30 p.m. March 7-8, and a “Touch of Grass: A Bluegrass Bunch” at 1 p.m. March 9 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
THE STEPCREW
The StepCrew, featuring dance forms, is set for 8 p.m. March 7 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
STEELY DAN TRIBUTE
“Brooklyn Charmers: A Steely Dan Tribute” is set for 8 p.m. March 7 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘MIXED REP’
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will present “Mixed Rep” at 4 p.m. March 9 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, visit cidedanceorg.
DISPATCH
Japanese musical troupe to perform in Carmel — Benten-ya, the renowned chindon troupe from Nagoya, Japan, will perform at 7 p.m. March 6 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The program is presented by the Japan-America Society of Indiana, with support from the Japan Foundation and the Indiana Japan Chamber. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
From left, Blair Clark and Tege Holt in Clark’s Artist Development Studio in Carmel. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
SPRING SESSION
This spring, we are offering themed 6-week sessions for students grades 1-8. Each session will focus on developing creative skills while using songs and other materials related to the theme.
FINS & TALES
Grades 1-3 | Tuesdays
MONSTERS & OGRES & WIZARDS, OH MY!
Grades 4-5 | Thursdays
VILLAINS Grades 6-8 | Saturdays
‘Curious Incident’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Ozzy Heath seemed a natural for the role of Christopher in Civic Theatre’s production of “The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time.”
PLAY
After all, Heath had already portrayed Christopher in Lebanon High School’s production in 2023. The Civic Theatre presentation runs March 14 to March 29 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“(The high school show) was the first time I ever got to play a big part, so I kind of want to do that show again,” Heath said. Heath plays a math genius who might be on the autism spectrum, although it is not stated.
“I don’t think I could change (the portrayal) a lot even if I wanted to,” Heath said. “There are some aspects of the character that I formed two years ago that will carry over.”
and knowledgeable about the subject,” Heath said. “I love how the play doesn’t take itself like 100 percent serious all the time. That’s my favorite part about it. There are jokes sprinkled throughout that I think are very funny.”
The story begins with Christopher seeking to find who killed his neighbor’s dog. Director Jay Hemphill said the plot is about many things.
“It’s a coming-of-age story,” he said. “it’s an adventure. It’s a murder mystery. It’s a dramedy, but what it comes (down) to, it’s a story about just being different and how society deals or does not deal with that.”
Heath said he didn’t want to play a caricature of someone on the spectrum.
“You definitely want to remain sensitive
The play contains profanity, animal cruelty and adult themes. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
From left, cast members Jean Childers Arnold, Ozzy Heath and Eric Reiberg. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Blueprint for Improvement: Elevated Indianapolis kitchen makeover
Commentary by Larry Greene
The owners of this 1994 builder-grade kitchen in northside Indianapolis’ Bolander Woods neighborhood loved its natural brightness but dreamed of a more polished, contemporary look. With updates like a custom hood, expanded island and clever storage solutions, we brought their vision to life, blending modern glamor with everyday practicality.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A striking custom-designed range hood takes center stage, combining elegance and functionality to anchor the space.
• The backsplash adds character and flair, seamlessly tying in gold accents with the range hood and fixtures.
• The new sink includes smart inserts — such as a cutting board, bins, strainer and dish rack — that slide into designated slots, making meal prep and cleanup effortless.
• Custom cabinet features, like a built-in mixer lift, spice drawers and a cutlery organizer, enhance storage and efficiency.
• By reshaping the island, we added seating and expanded countertop space, creating a more practical and inviting layout for cooking and hosting.
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.
Discover the ideal solution for homeowners in and around Hamilton and Boone Counties seeking assistance with their projects. This comprehensive guide will publish on March 25 and it connects you with the perfect company to bring your visions to life. Reach all 131,191 households in Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield, and Zionsville through U.S. Mail at a single, affordable price. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your offerings to a wide audience and help homeowners bring their projects to fruition.
Across
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway track shape
5. Butler frat letter
10. WFYI documentary series
13. Unimportant legislation in the Indiana Senate?
15. Before, in verse
16. Canada Dry offerings
17. Lubricate
18. Col. Lilly
19. Showed disdain
21. Mellencamp guitar attachment
24. Thumbs-up
26. Tour of duty
27. Lowly worker
29. WTTV military drama
32. Has a burger at The Friendly Tavern
33. Skirt fold
35. Stomach woe
37. Nickname for Herb Simon, maybe?
40. Replies to an invitation, briefly
41. “You betcha!”
44. 6-Down group
47. Ollie’s sidekick
49. Animal shelter
50. “___ of a Salesman”
52. Nevertheless 54. IU profs’ aides
55. Lebanon’s locale
58. Sounds of hesitation
60. Ill. neighbor
61. Excessive
66. ___ Fridays
67. Hamilton County Auditor...and an anagram of 13- and 37-Across
68. Zionsville-to-Louisville dir.
69. Used a broom
70. Treaty Down
1. Texter’s “Wow!”
2. Seven on a grandfather clock
3. Fashion Mall store: ___ Taylor
4. Seating level
5. Pacers coach, 2007-10
6. “Mamma ___!”
7. Right-angle shapes
8. Word after Meadows, Fox and Oakmont on a Noblesville map
9. Beasts of burden
10. Eighth largest city in Illinois and Arizona
11. “Murder on the ___ Express”
12. African grasslands
14. Depend (on)
20. Everlasting
21. iPhone download
22. Pacers Hall of Famer Daniels
23. James Whitcomb Riley lines
25. Work on a bust at Herron School of Art
28. Record an audiobook
30. “That’s for sure!”
31. ___-fi
34. Atlanta-based cable channel
36. Long, long time
38. Riverview Health hookups, briefly
39. RBI or ERA at Victory Field
42. Cloak-and-dagger org.
43. Lots of mins.
44. Lets in 45. They may be human or extraterrestrial
46. Villain, informally
48. “You ___ worry”
51. Whiskers
53. Fishers Barber Shop offering
56. Chris Wright winter forecast
57. Words before and after “or not” in a Shakespeare play
59. Quick cut
Tide type
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DONATION DRIVE: SOCCER
FIRST FINANCIAL BANK CARMEL
FEBRUARY 10 THRU 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.
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