May 14, 2024 — Noblesvile

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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XV, No. 35

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Opinions

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

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Alaina Shonkwiler won the Republican nomination in the May 7 primary for Indiana House District 29. She defeated Laura Alerding by 1,498 votes.

ELECTION

Shonkwiler will face Democrat Christopher Hartig, who was unopposed in the primary, in the Nov. 5 general election.

“I am thrilled to be your Republican nominee for House District 29,” Shonkwiler stated. “I’m running for state representative to represent the community I have called home for nearly my entire life — the community where my husband and I are raising our children. Noblesville has taken tremendous strides in just the past few years, and it’s crucial for us to have practical, commonsense leaders who listen to our neighbors and work alongside others to achieve real, meaningful results.”

Republican incumbent Chuck Goodrich did not seek reelection. He instead unsuccessfully ran for the District 5 U.S. House seat.

Incumbent Victoria Spartz secured the Republican nomination in the primary and will continue her bid for reelection to the U.S. House in Indiana’s 5th District.

Spartz received nearly 40 percent of the vote with most precincts reporting to defeat eight other candidates.

“My victory in this election is a testament to the American people and my fellow Hoosiers that money and lies do not buy elections,” Spartz stated. “I am honored to represent Indiana and ready to get back to work to get our great Republic back on track.”

Goodrich received approximately 33 percent of the vote to finish second.

In the Democratic primary, for the House 5th District, Deborah Pickett received nearly 60 percent of the vote to defeat Ryan Pfenninger.

Shonkwiler Republican nominee for District 29

youarecurrent.com/?p=242861

Shonkwiler

Del Webb 55plus community breaks ground

news@currentnoblesville.com

On May 6, Del Webb, the nation’s leading builder of active adult communities and a national brand of PulteGroup, broke ground on Finch Creek by Del Webb in the Noblesville area. The community will provide a vibrant living experience for people 55 and older, according to Del Webb.

DEVELOPMENT

According to Robert Herrington, the City of Noblesville’s communications manager, Finch Creek by Del Webb is scheduled for a grand opening in spring 2025.

“Finch Creek by Del Webb will seamlessly integrate into a master-planned development, offering residents the best of both worlds: a vibrant Del Webb community with all its signature amenities, coupled with a location close to essential shopping, health care and entertainment options,” Herrington stated.

The community will encompass 514 acres and have 675 residences. Prices will start in the mid-$300,000 range. Herrington stated it will be tailored for an active adult lifestyle, with an amenity clubhouse with “a state-of-the-art fitness center and movement studio, versatile hobby rooms, a cutting-edge sports simulation room and more.”

Scott Mairn, president of PulteGroup’s Indianapolis division, stated the firm is excited to bring its “award-winning ranch home designs” to Noblesville.

“From our homeowner-only amenities to the pocket parks and wooded landscapes, residents at Finch Creek by Del Webb will enjoy year-round living to its finest,” Mairn stated.

For more, visit bit.ly/4byd3RB.

City officials and PulteGroup executives break ground on the new Finch Creek by Del Webb community off 156th Street between Boden and Olio roads. (Photo courtesy of Robert Herrington)

Promenade Trails to hold open house

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Promenade Trails, a 55-and-better community that recently began accepting applicants, will hold an open house May 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. at 17880 Navigator Trail in Noblesville.

EVENT

The development, locally owned and operated by The Justus Co., began construction in April 2023. The new community offers several housing types, including apartments and cottages, with monthly rental fees starting at $3,160 for cottage homes and $1,514 for apartments.

According to Sarah Crist, vice president of business development at The Justus Co., the open house will allow applicants to tour model homes.

“We will keep the two-bedroom model open, and people can come and go as they please,” Crist said. “People can get a feel for what it’s like to be a resident at Promenade Trails, and we have two additional floor plans that they can tour as well.”

The 59 single-story cottage homes surround a community building of 151 apartments set to open in June 2025. The community building will have several amenities, including a fitness center with personal training available, a swimming pool with a lap lane and more.

“Applicants can move into the cottages as they become available, and we’re still taking reservations for the apartments that will open in June of 2025,” Crist said.

Promenade Trails residents will also be near several businesses that are set to open soon, including a Meijer store that will open in July.

“The Meijer will be a nice benefit to the residents,” Crist said. “Other businesses are also popping up, and we’re trying to build a community where residents have their basic needs like car repairs, gas, groceries and restaurants around them.”

For more, visit promenade-trails.com.

Rendering of Promenade Trails. (Rendering courtesy of Sarah Crist)

Noblesville Schools announces Teachers of the Year

news@currentnoblesville.com

Noblesville Schools recently named four educators as 2024 Teachers of the Year.

EDUCATION

According to Marnie Cooke, Noblesville Schools executive director of marketing and communications, the teachers were nominated by their principals and were selected by a committee of administrators.

“The four educators were selected to represent different academic levels, with two teachers chosen at the elementary level to reflect that 50 percent of Noblesville Schools’ teachers are in elementary schools,” Cooke stated. “Selection focused on master teachers who excel at putting Noblesville Schools’ mission and vision into action and whose accomplishments align well with the Indiana Department of Education’s state Teacher of the Year criteria.”

Nicole Boyle, an instructional coach at Promise Road Elementary, was named an Elementary Teacher of the Year and the overall District Teacher of the Year.

“Known as the heart of her school and a cheerleader for all, Nicole is one of the first to greet students each morning, welcoming every child by name,” Cooke stated. “As a ‘super teacher’ who coaches other educators, Nicole works tirelessly for student success and well-being. Whether she’s analyzing academic data, hosting a student lunch bunch, supporting multilingual families or guiding learning for other teachers, Nicole is a constant learner and leader among her peers.”

Cathy Wilkinson, a special education teacher at Hinkle Creek Elementary, was also named an Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“Soft-spoken, patient and kind, Cathy

successfully meets the academic and emotional needs of some of her school’s most challenging learners,” Cooke stated. “She is highly effective at developing learning plans to ensure all her students reach their greatest potential and challenges herself to learn new and different ways to best serve others. Cathy is a leader on her special education team and has been a well-respected and giving member of the Noblesville community for over 40 years.”

Alex Axsom, the choir director at Noblesville West Middle School, was named Middle School Teacher of the Year.

“Alex builds strong relationships and a love for music with his students, going above and beyond to ensure they feel valued and inspired, no matter their ability level,” Cooke stated. “His joy for singing, culture of excellence, drive to improve and high energy have taken his teaching to the next level. An admired education leader, Alex’s teaching has resulted in significant music growth and achievements for his students, school and the Noblesville community overall.”

Howard Jankowski, an English teacher at Noblesville High School, was named the High School Teacher of the Year.

“In Howard’s classes, students find they are not just challenged by academic rigor and high expectations but also supported by kind care for their overall well-being,” Cooke stated. “When he is not leading the AP and honors curriculum in the English department, coaching students on college essays or serving as the sponsor of the National Honor Society, Howard can be found growing his own learning and leading professional development for his peers.”

As the overall district honoree, Boyle will also participate in the state Teacher of the Year competition.

Be among the first to tour our model cottage, where you’ll experience the distinction of sophisticated design and discover the benefits of modern living that sets Promenade Trails apart.

• Maintenance-free community

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11:30 a.m. May 15

Boyle Axsom

Jankowski Wilkinson

Noblesville Schools to host student job fairs — Noblesville West Middle School will hold a student hiring fair this month. The fair will be from 9:30 to

and employers can register by emailing john cooper@nobl.k12.in.us.

Noblesville senior a powerful presence at the plate

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gabby Fowler has been flexing her power for the Noblesville High School softball team.

“Since arriving as a freshman, Gabby has always been a competitor and has been exceptional at this game,” Millers coach Deke Bullard said.

“She also does a ton of work outside the field. She has athletic weights through the school as well and does other training, including Raymer Strength.”

Through the first 17 games this year, the senior third baseman was hitting .519 with 10 home runs and 28 RBIs.

“I think what we are seeing is her offthe-field work all coming together this year,” Bullard said of her high batting average.

Fowler’s career batting average heading into the season was .472. She holds the school career record for home runs with 44. She had a single-season record of 15

MEET GABBY FOWLER

Favorite athlete: Anthony Rizzo

Favorite TV show: “Young Sheldon”

Favorite subject: Ceramics

Favorite vacation destination: Hawaii

last year. The state record for home runs is 50 by Bremen’s Erin Coffel (2017-19).

“My biggest improvement over the course of my career has been my mental approach to the game,” Fowler said. “Of course, the extra training and hours in the cages have helped, but I’ve seen a major difference in the player I am from a mental perspective and enjoying the game through ups and downs.”

Fowler has primarily played third base for the Millers, but also played catcher for the Indy Dreams 18-and-under travel team.

The Millers are looking to win their third sectional title in Fowler’s four years.

“Winning back-to-back sectional titles is something that has helped me become the

player I am today,” she said. “Being introduced to a tournament environment my freshman year taught me the importance of being a team player and supporting everyone, no matter what. That team was full of amazing role models that showed me how to be a leader and become what they were. Winning my sophomore year was also super special because no one expected us to win. We were the underdogs that year and were able to come together and accomplish our goals. My goal for this team is to win sectionals and make a long run in the tournament.”

Fowler’s personal goals are to break her single-season home run record and continue to be a leader for her teammates.

Fowler will play for East Carolina University next season.

“When I started the recruiting process, I knew I wanted to go south,” she said. “I looked at multiple schools in the Carolinas, and after many camps, I decided on East Carolina. The coaches and team created an amazing atmosphere that I really wanted to be a part of. When I went on my visit, I also fell in love with the beautiful campus and the culture around ECU sports.”

Noblesville third baseman Gabby Fowler is hitting .519 through the first 17 games. (Courtesy of Noblesville Sports Media)

Fowler

Data breach leads to lawsuit

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A class action complaint has been filed against Carmel-based Otolaryngology Associates after a cyberattack in February led to personal and health information of patients being stolen.

COURTS

According to the complaint, which was filed April 16 in Marion County, the data breach occurred between Feb. 17 and 21 and affected nearly 317,000 people, including current and former patients, employees and providers. OA operates 13 medical offices throughout central Indiana.

The complaint states that those impacted were not notified until more than a month and a half after the data breach and that information potentially compromised includes names, codes related to services provided, Social Security numbers, contact information and driver’s license numbers.

“Plaintiff’s and Class members’ sensitive (personal identifying information) has been released into the public domain,” the complaint states. “They have had to, and will continue to, spend time to protect them-

selves from fraud and identity theft.”

OA and its attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to a notice it sent to those affected by the data breach, OA discovered the attack “within hours after it began” and took immediate steps to try to stop it. The notice states that on Feb. 20 and 21, the attacker sent three communications claiming to have stolen data and threatened to release it publicly.

OA contacted the FBI and hired a forensic cybersecurity response firm, and an investigation concluded that the attacker did not view individual documents but ran programs to exfiltrate data from OA’s systems, the notice states.

“The hacker did not gain access to the OA medical records system,” the notice states.

“For the vast majority of individuals, the information impacted included billing records and did not include Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers.”

The complaint requests the court to require OA to notify those impacted by the breach of its full nature and extent, award damages (amount to be determined) and award attorneys’ fees.

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Mecum’s Spring Classic revs up

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic was originally born as a muscle car and Corvette auction.

EVENT

“It has a lot of that DNA that has stayed with it through the years,” said Sam Murtaugh, Mecum Auctions chief operating officer. “Corvettes and muscle cars are definitely the main theme, if there is one, but we have everything in between.”

ty is filled to the gills with cars.”

Murtaugh said there were more than 25,000 unique attendees each of the past two years. The total attendance was approximately 40,000.

The event was scheduled to start May 10 and will conclude May 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The Spring Classic is the event Mecum started with in 1988 and then moved from Illinois to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 2008.

Since then, consignments have grown to 2,600 consignments and $113 million in sales at the Spring Classic in 2023.

“We’ve now taken over the entire Fairgrounds, every building and every parking lot,” Murtaugh said. “We use the infield of the track for parking. The rest of the facili-

Murtaugh said the Spring Classic was held during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020.

“Indiana was one of the places we could conduct business in 2020, so much so that it sparked us to add a second event in October,” he said. “We’ve been coming back twice a year since 2020.”

Visit Indy Executive Vice President Chris Gahl concurred.

“Mecum continues to attract visitors from across the U.S. and the event is perfectly timed with the start of summer travel,” Gahl said. “The event is a must-attend experience for car enthusiasts, and this helps drive tourism into our city and region.”

This year’s Spring Classic will include 37 collections and an estimated 3,000 consignments. Mecum’s Indy Fall Special is set for Oct. 3-5.

For more, visit mecum.com.

Murtaugh

SERVE Noblesville launches neighborhood activation initiative TURNING ON THE CHARM

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

With 12 historic neighborhoods, downtown Noblesville has a unique character that a local organization wants to enhance and preserve.

SERVE Noblesville, a nonprofit dedicated to building a strong and resilient community, recently launched Charming Noblesville, an initiative introducing three “asset-based” programs to enhance the community.

Patrick Propst, executive director of SERVE Noblesville, said the initiative was created to revitalize Noblesville’s historic neighborhoods.

“Noblesville has the largest historic downtown of any city in Hamilton County,” Propst said. “It is a great asset we have, but if we don’t pay attention to it, we’ll lose it, and it will disappear. Nobody wants to see that happen.”

The 12 historic neighborhoods are Central Square, Plum Prairie, Old First Ward, Gentleman Farmers, Pioneer Homestead, Johnstown, Gilded Age, Midland, Federal Hill, Lincoln Park, Old Second Ward and New Frontier & Broadview Manor.

“Most people don’t even know all of them,” Propst said. “There are mainly two that people know of, Old First Ward and Old Second Ward, but there are 12. We want to bring those back to life. Let’s create signage. Let’s create the zones. Let’s decorate the crosswalks and create gateways that bring them back into recognition and make them unique. Let’s give them a sense of identity.”

Michelle Schmidt, a board member for the Noblesville Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s history, said the organization is a “long-standing supporter and collaborator with SERVE Noblesville.”

“Our partnership with SERVE Noblesville is a testament to our shared commitment to preserving and enhancing our community,” Schmidt said. “We take pride in their impactful work and eagerly anticipate their next initiative, Charming Noblesville. Together, we celebrate their dedication to enhancing our community.”

The Charming Noblesville initiative consists of three programs: Impact Noblesville, Neighborhood Activation and Neighborhood Beautification.

“The entire historic downtown area is significant and beneficial both to the businesses and the city at large,” Propst said. “The initiative is about building the network, building the connections and creating relationships so that connectivity can happen.”

Propst said the Impact Noblesville program is a “communitywide volunteer database that helps to streamline volunteer engagement and maximize impact across local nonprofits.”

“It is a website that serves as a centralized platform where individuals and organizations can connect, discover volunteer opportunities and contribute their time and skills,” Propst said. “It is about making introductions and

inviting people to form relationships in simple but meaningful ways. We have to dust off the maps, then move into neighborhoods and find team captains who live there and are willing to own that and go out and meet the neighbors and the businesses that care to be known.”

The second part of the initiative is the Neighborhood Activation program, which Propst said “empowers the 12 historic neighborhoods within downtown Noblesville.”

“We will work closely with residents and businesses within those neighborhoods to identify and address specific aspirations while providing a playbook to create a sense of community pride and ownership,” Propst said.

Propst said the activation program allows Noblesville’s “aging population” to connect with their neighbors.

“It allows the aging population to have support around them, so they don’t have to age in isolation,” Propst said. “They can find neighbors who will check on them and help them with some general maintenance that maybe they’re not able to do anymore without feeling like they have to be ashamed. Then, everyone will care for their neighbors, which we used to do, but it’s been lost slowly over time. So now, let’s build that back into the fabric of our community.”

Propst said the third program in the initiative, Neighborhood Beautification, will improve the “physical environment that complements Noblesville’s expansion and updates.”

“The Neighborhood Beautification program is a little more comprehensive,” Propst said. “It is a five- to 10-year program that we want to implement within the 6 1/2 square miles of historic Noblesville to create pocket parks along alleyways, enhance alleyways with a 3-mile mural walkway throughout the neighborhoods, implement sustainable landscaping projects and install gateways into

neighborhoods providing placemaking and connectivity.” The program started with cherry trees planted in Old Second Ward.

“We want Noblesville to be seen as a blooming city by having flowering trees throughout the entire 6 1/2 miles of the neighborhoods so that by the second week of April, Noblesville is a destination that people come to because it’s in bloom,” Propst said.

Propst said the next part of the initiative is getting neighborhoods and businesses involved and getting nonprofits signed up to help.

“Our idea is to activate three neighborhoods a year,” Propst said. “That’s what we feel is manageable for us. We’re working with Old Second Ward, and Plum Prairie has already mobilized. Really, for us, it’s just starting a conversation and giving neighborhoods a little structure and direction.”

SERVE Noblesville will hold Come Together Week from May 22 to May 29 to encourage neighbors to connect through events and activities.

“In 2023, we hosted the Longest Table during the week for local nonprofits and board of directors to share lunch and network,” Propst said. “The goal is to grow that event and extend that table every year to connect more community members.”

SERVE Noblesville will also hold Serve Week from June 26 to 29 this summer, during which many beautification and activation projects will take place.

“During Serve Week, we do a lot of clean-up and restoration of the brick sidewalks that are still in some historic neighborhoods,” Propst said. “From repairing homes and cleaning up neighborhoods to serving multiple nonprofits, this event has a significant impact on the community.”

For more, visit servenoblesville.com.

ON THE COVER: Volunteers planting trees throughout Noblesville (Photo courtesy of Patrick Propst)

From 2008 to 2021, Patrick Propst said SERVE Noblesville was exclusively led and run by volunteers. When Propst was contracted as the executive director in 2022, he said the nonprofit was able to expand and grow financially.

SERVE Noblesville has invested more than $118,000 back into the community, and for every $1 it receives through donations and individual and family gifts, $5 goes back to the community. Through its annual Serve Week event, 76 projects have been completed and 16 nonprofits have been served.

Charming Noblesville will continue to help SERVE Noblesville expand its mission, according to Propst.

Volunteers paint a mural in Noblesville during Serve Week 2023. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Propst)

No sugar-coating the peril

Commentary by Terry Anker

In the world of unhealthy choices, there are some overachievers. Starbucks offers to start our day with the 590-calorie White Hot Chocolate. Happily, according to its pitch, we will find it to be “creamier than creamy,” and standing in line to get it probably burns a few of those calories. And if an average U.S. female can consume less than 2,000 calories per day, taking down 30 percent of the gross amount for the 24 hours might not be too bad if she evens out her remaining intake with something abundant with a few more redeeming qualities. Broccoli?

ESSAY

The reigning and unchallenged champion of excess goes to the Triple Stacker King from Burger King at 1,370 calories for the sandwich. Add to it fries weighing in at 434 calories and a Coca-Cola at 507, and she’ll hit 2,311 — or 116 percent of the daily allowance. Sure, most of us don’t choke down the gut-busting combo meal daily. So, let’s go with the regular cheeseburger with me-

“Starbucks offers to start our day with the 590-calorie White Hot Chocolate.”

– TERRY ANKER

at 1,301 — or 65 percent of the day.

Hardee’s Fried Chicken 12-Piece and Biscuits should feed a family of four with its 6,490 calories, making the meal 1,735 per person if Junior eats as much as Dad. If he can’t and Dad picks up the slack, then Dad’s number will be higher. If Dad is average, he can afford to ingest 2,700 or so. He’d have room left over for a trip to Starbucks. Fast food is not the only culprit packing our waistline. Cheesecake Factory serves a single-portion pasta with a 3,209-calorie wallop. Add the truffle cake for 1,770. If we are surrounded with sugar-coated peril, how do we navigate?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.

Don’t call me ‘the fixer’

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

The Wolfsies belong to a wonderful congregation. The Heartland Universalist Unitarian Church is warm and welcoming. I wouldn’t fix a thing.

HUMOR

More to the point, I can’t fix a thing. Yet, that’s exactly what they asked me to do. Last week, there was a sign-up sheet posted for some opportunities to spiff up different aspects of the building. My wife Mary Ellen and I wanted to help, but while jotting down our names on a sign-up sheet to help in the garden, the new head of the building committee approached me looking for some additional help with some needed

“Say, Dick, can you help us replace a bro-

“Sorry, I don’t have a clue how to do

“Any experience with electricity?”

“Bulbs. I can change bulbs.”

“How about plumbing? Can you assist

“I don’t have a prayer.” I had to be careful. I used to belong to a temple back in New York. Jewish people have a blessing for everything, and I didn’t want to find out that I did have a prayer

“How about just cleaning?” he asked. My wife was on my side with this one. “He doesn’t even know how to do that at home,” she volunteered.

Mary Ellen loves to volunteer. What a

Why is repairing things so difficult for me? Growing up, everyone in my family was more adept at this kind of stuff. My father, for example, could fix anything. He’d go downstairs to his workshop with a broken vase or an electric can opener on the fritz and an hour later emerge from the basement to flaunt his success. How about some credit for me? Where would Dad have

“My mother was also skillful at repairing things. After all, she fixed dinner every night for 30 years. My brother was always in some kind of a fix.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

attained all that experience if I hadn’t busted this stuff to begin with?

My mother was also skillful at repairing things. After all, she fixed dinner every night for 30 years. My brother was always in some kind of a fix. My uncle back in New York was accused of fixing an election for a city councilman. And my sister? Well, she spent most of her free time fixing up her friends. Even our dogs were fixed. Fixing is in the Wolfsie blood. Everyone had some kind of repair skill but me. That’s a tough fix to be in.

I used to have a great handyman. He installed our ceiling fan, rescreened the porch and patched up the leak in our roof. He charged $50 an hour. “Unless you help me,” he’d say, “then it’s $65.”

Now that he’s gone, my wife’s favorite expression is, “You need to call somebody.” So, I call the plumber, the electrician, the roofer, the computer repairman. Yes, I can’t fix a darn thing, so I pay these guys at least 100 bucks an hour.

Here’s a word of warning. If you are like me and can’t fix anything, you will end up broke.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

currentnightandday.com

Feinstein pays tribute to Tony Bennett with Palladium concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation, Michael Feinstein has a great appreciation for Songbook Hall of Fame member Tony Bennett.

Feinstein became friends with the legendary vocalist, who died at age 96 in July 2023.

Feinstein, artistic director for the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel will present “Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett” at 8 p.m. May 17 at the Palladium at the Center. Feinstein, who will be joined by Carnegie Hall Big Band, shared some thoughts of the tribute and his relationship with Bennett.

How special is it to do the tribute to Tony Bennett given your close personal relationship?

I would not have been able to achieve what I do if it weren’t for the individuals who preceded me and imparted their knowledge, one of whom was Tony Bennett. I had the privilege of knowing Tony personally — I once had the opportunity to sing with him and I spent time with him socially, along with his wife, Susan. Thus, being able to express gratitude and celebrate his legacy, as well as to discover different and novel ways to interpret his music, presents a significant challenge because he’s not just an icon. He is a legend.

Continuing his music for new generations in “Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett” holds great importance to me and our audiences, an importance I know Tony shared because of his dedication to the arts and educating the youth about music. Bringing the production to Carmel is incredibly special because of everything the city, the people, our foundation and venue mean to me. Indiana is home, and to borrow from “The Wizard of Oz,” there’s no place like home. Therefore, I am doing this not only for myself but also in honor of Tony, espe-

cially because of you.

Can you describe how important Tony’s contributions are to the history of the Great American Songbook?

Tony Bennett’s work has left a significant mark on the Great American Songbook, making timeless classics shine even brighter. His songs, ranging from the iconic “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to the uplifting “The Best is Yet to Come,” show his unique ability to bring freshness and depth to well-loved tunes.

Whether he’s delivering the smooth elegance of “Fly Me to the Moon” and “The Way You Look Tonight” or the heartfelt simplicity of “Smile,” Bennett’s performances are a showcase of his emotional depth and commitment to the music. His impact on American music is undeniable, ensuring that these songs will be cherished by future generations.

Do you have personal favorites of Bennett that have particular meaning?

For the Tony tribute, I’m performing the songs associated with him, including a lot of the Cy Coleman pieces, like “The Best is Yet to Come,” which he introduced, and “I Want to Be Around,” which Tony also made famous. Of course, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” will be included, along with Gershwin songs because his first commercial

Michael Feinstein will perform a Tony Bennett tribute concert May 17 at the Palladium, (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

record featured Gershwin’s work. Then, songs associated with people he worked with, like Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, Sophie Tucker, will be part of the repertoire. So, it’s going to be an overview of his career through all of that music.

Do you share stories and anecdotes of your time with Tony?

The first time I met Tony Bennett was in 1983. I was doing a benefit with Rosemary Clooney and Tony was asked to participate. I remember talking to him on the phone first because he wanted to perform some unknown Gershwin songs that I had access to, thanks to my work with Mr. Gershwin — Ira Gershwin. Then, I met Tony in ‘83 backstage at the concert, and he was great. Being a young kid who knew his world, I knew his music and the songwriters, so it was easy for us to start talking and become friends.

Do you have other appearances planned with the tribute?

“Because of You: My tribute to Tony Bennett” will be performed nationwide and there are plans underway for the show to cross the pond to the U.K., Europe and beyond. We have a rather full calendar in the United States. The specifics will be announced at a later date.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The inaugural “Don Farrell presents” concert features Ten Branches May 16; Dueling Pianos May 17; and Zach Day May 18 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘SNOW WHITE’

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s production of “Snow White” is set for May 18-19 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.

‘FINALES & FANFARE’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Finales & Fanfare” concert is set for 6:30 p.m. May 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

DISPATCHES

The Melange Series performance set — The Melange Series at The Florence will feature vocalist Cynthia Collins, dancer Olivia Payton and visual artist Madhuchhanda Mandal in a collaborative performance at 5 and 7:30 p.m. May 18 and 3 p.m. May 19 at The Florence at The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

ICC, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir set concert — Singers from the Indianapolis Children’s Choir High School Division, along with singers from the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, and instrumentalists and percussionists have been perfecting their sound as they prepare to present the iconic Latin American Mass, “Misa Criolla.” The concert is set for 4 p.m. May 19 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. For more, visit iccchoir.org/tickets.

MUSIC

IWS founder’s final concert set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For his final concert as Indiana Wind Symphony’s music director, Charles Conrad picked his own exit number.

MUSIC

Conrad chose Ottorino Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.”

“It’s the big blowout finale,” Conrad said. “It’s the ultimate concert ender. It features the entire ensemble.”

The Indiana Wind Syphmony’s “Finales and Fanfare” is set for 6:30 p.m. May 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Jay Gephart, who will replace Conrad, will serve as a guest conductor on a piece.

“It has been a real pleasure to serve as a guest conductor for the Indiana Wind Symphony this spring, particularly as I transition into the position of music director for next season,” Gephart said. “We all owe Charlie Conrad a debt of gratitude for his vision in creating the Indiana Wind

Symphony. I am honored to follow in his footsteps.”

Conrad, 70, said he’s comfortable retiring from the symphony he founded in 1997.

“I’m sure I’ll guest conduct some places,” Conrad said. “The main thing I want to do in retirement is go hear a lot of concerts and do a lot of traveling. I want to be free to spend a week at the Metropolitan Opera (in New York), hear three or four different shows and maybe catch a Broadway show.”

Conrad also plans to travel to Europe. He said, although not an official IWS act, he is taking 40-plus IWS musicians to Italy in July to perform a concert in Carmel’s sister city of Cortona.

The Carmel concert will include a John Philip Sousa march and the “First Suite of Holts.” The concert will include a “A Summer was Just Beginning,” which is about the career and untimely death of actor James Dean, from Fairmount, who died at age 24 in an automobile accident. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Gephart Conrad

IBC presents ‘Phantom’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Ballet Conservatory Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva has put her own spin on a timeless classic.

DANCE

IBC will present “Phantom of the Opera” at 4 and 7 p.m. May 25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“When you watch a musical or movie, you can fall in love with the characters but want more than what you see that first time,” Yakovleva said. “As an artist, I tend to expand the stories of what I see. You can always create more background or imagine a different path the characters will take. As a dancer and choreographer, I also see everything in movement and want to express all these emotions and feelings in more impactful ways. ‘Phantom’ is one of those timeless stories that is so rich and layered with emotions that it begs for more — more dance, more exploration of feelings, more reactions. Not only can we bring new, exciting choreography to life, but I have intertwined the most incredible music in this production. The best way to

describe it is electrifying.”

Former IBC student Morgan Rust, who grew up in Noblesville, returns to play the role of Christine.

“IBC is the place where all of my forma tive training took place,” Rust said. “I grew up with the teachers being family to me, so having them guide me at this stage of my career is an incredible blessing. It also comes with additional layers — I want them to see that all their emotional and physical investment in me is reaping benefits.”

Carmel resident Justin Hamilton, who is a high school senior who takes online classes, plays the Phantom.

“The biggest challenge while rehearsing for the production of “Phantom of the Op era’ is not only learning all the choreogra phy, but also being able to find new ways to interpret the character and convince the audience who Phantom is and what he stands for,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton took a hiatus from ballet at age 13 in 2019 for three years. He returned to IBC in the summer of 2022. He will join the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago as a trainee after graduating.

Blueprint for Improvement: Culinary haven in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in Zionsville’s Buttonwood Farms neighborhood in 2003, this home’s owners sought to enhance both the style and functionality of their kitchen. Our team’s vision optimized both aspects, resulting in a space that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Extending new cabinetry to the ceiling increases storage space and perceived ceiling height while beadboard detailing on the new built-in and island lends them a more furniture-like quality,

• Glossy artisanal tiles, arranged in a herringbone pattern, introduce depth and elevate the room’s aesthetic appeal,

• European oak accents on the new built-in and island contribute a warm, organic element to the room’s diverse material palette,

• Deep green and terracotta tones serve as perfect accents to complement the neutral cabinets and appliances, injecting personality and a pop of pizzaz.

• A beverage fridge bookends the island, offering convenient access to both the breakfast nook and snack bar.

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.

Before After

44. Grace Church prayer ending

45. *Kind of canoe at Eiteljorg Museum

47. Choice of two

49. Fishers winter hrs.

50. Classify

51. Beat, but barely

53. Many a PU grad

54. Handy communication, initially

55. Promotes

59. Hoosier hooter

61. *Historic period

63. All for ___ (in vain)

64. *Formal dance

66. Orderly grouping

69. Fuzzy image

70. Frozen drink brand

71. Westfield HS grammar class subjects

72. Capital of Peru

73. Achy

74. Bellybutton type

75. Cable TV sports award Down

1. Some noblewomen 2. “No way!” 3. Hullabaloo 4. *Unmarried 5. Pepsi-___

Doc bloc 7. *Halloween decoration

8. Tony George’s given name

9. In ___ of (rather than)

10. Carmel HS chem class spot

Nickel-and-dime

Playground retort

Kids’ little piggies

Flat-topped hill

Salon job

Chow ___ (Chinese dish)

Indy baseball team, and a hint to the answers to

the starred clues

29. Old Italian coin

31. Ex-Pacer Skiles

32. Kind of manual

33. Barely manages 34. Fender blemish

35. Soft drink

36. Burden

37. Like a Gold Album

41. Animated figure, briefly

43. Angela Buchman weather word

46. Encourage

48. Butler frat letter

52. *Exact look-alike

54. Vice President Burr

56. Wrinkly fruits

57. Loud heartbeat

58. Wander

59. Kimono sashes

60. Home to Baylor University

62. Rajah’s wife

63. Where SPG means Simon Property Group 65. “To Kill a Mockingbird” author 67. *Compete in the Mini-Marathon 68. Singer DiFranco Answers on Page 19

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GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE

Hoosier Village RC

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday May 16, 17, & 18 9 am to 1 pm

Quality Furniture, Household items Collectible and Vintage

Don’t miss this Gigantic Sale Enter at Zionsville Rd. Gate

Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning

THE NEST MODULAR SECTIONAL