Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 11
Copyright 2023
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Community remembers former HSE student-athlete Mason Alexander
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Hundreds of family, friends and community members gathered March 25 at the Fishers Event Center for a celebration of life for 18-year-old Mason Alexander, who died March 1 in a car accident on Florida Road in Fishers.
MEMORIAL
Alexander was remembered by various speakers for his joy, his faith and his dedication to his family and to football. The former Hamilton Southeastern High School student graduated ahead of schedule in December 2024 and enrolled in January at the University of Pittsburgh, joining the Pitt football team.
Karen Bush, HSE counselor, read letters of condolence from various churches and organizations, along with a message from the school.
“The only reason that we feel such profound loss is because we had such a profound blessing,” she said. “At HSE, how sad we are, but how lucky we were, how fortunate we still are, to have known Mason Alexander. We have all the stories, the experiences, the laughter, the TikToks, the dancing and the fun — the memories that we share will last a lifetime. Let us find peace in the past to carry in our hearts as we go forward.”
Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. of New Direction Church noted that Alexander had a strong faith.
“Today, while our hearts are heavy, we still rejoice because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” he said. ‘To his mother, Kelly, I want you to know that we’re praying for you during
this time, and you raised a son who has a legacy that will live on. He was able to do in death what he could not do in life — that’s bring all of us together today … to not only recognize how short life is, but also how important it is for us to value the love of one another.”
Family members also spoke, recalling Alexander’s love of football from a young age and his big, cheerful personality. A close friend read an essay that Alexander had shared with her. It described his faith in God and the effect his father’s death had on him when he was only 8 years old.
His former HSE coach, Jim Self, said he never finished a conversation with Alexander without him saying “I love you” — including in a recent text exchange. Self said many people have asked him whether he planned to retire Alexander’s No. 15 jersey, but he had another plan in mind.
DISPATCHES
Lawrence schools girls on All-Star team — The senior Indiana Girls All-Stars will include Laila Abdurraqib and Jaylah Lampley from 2024 Class 4A state champion Lawrence Central and Ky Hunt from 2025 4A state champion Lawrence North. Lampley, who is headed to Mississippi State University, averaged 21.2 points per game and University of New Mexico-bound Abdurraqib averaged 14.2 ppg last season. Hunt, who will play for Illinois State University, averaged 12.6 ppg last season. Those senior All-Stars will play three games in June,
one exhibition game against the Indiana Junior All-Stars as well as home-and-home contests against the Kentucky All-Stars.
Barn Bash supports Ben’s Ranch — Ben’s Ranch Foundation, a local nonprofit serving teens struggling with mental health challenges, will have its annual fundraising event from 5 to 9 p.m. April 12 at Conner Prairie. The popular event features a square dance led by a professional caller, dinner, outdoor games and a silent auction. Proceeds fund programs for teens
“I think we should give that jersey to the young man that most represents what Mason was all about — that you have to earn No. 15 moving forward,” he said. “His smile, his proud work ethic and his confidence — that’s who I’d like to wear (it) in the future.”
Alexander’s coach at Pitt, Pat Narduzzi, also spoke, noting that members of the football team traveled with him to attend the celebration of life.
Narduzzi recalled what he referred to as “Mason moments” — times when Alexander really showed who he was. One of those moments was a discussion about Alexander’s “why” — what inspired him to succeed — and he told his coach that his family was his inspiration.
“Mason is no longer with us on Earth, but without a doubt, Mason is with us every single day,” Narduzzi said.
struggling with mental or emotional health challenges. For more and to register and sponsor, visit bensranch.org/events.
Fuel set sellout record — The Indy Fuel hockey team hosted the Bloomington Bison at the Fishers Event Center March 22, the Fuel’s 13th sold-out home game of the season — a record for the franchise. After scoring three goals in the first period, Indy took home the 5-2 win in front of 6,507 fans. More home games are scheduled in April. For more, visit indyfuelhockey.com.
Quanii Hopson reads a poem during a celebration of life for Mason Alexander March 25 at the Fishers Event Center. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
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Postal Service supporters demonstrate in Fishers
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
U.S. Postal Service workers in Fishers joined others nationwide for a March 23 demonstration protesting proposed cuts and calls to privatize the federal mail service.
DEMONSTRATION
About 60 people gathered at 11 a.m. outside the downtown Fishers Post Office on 116th Street to carry signs and chant “U.S. mail not for sale” as a cold rain steadily increased. Vehicles passing by on the busy street honked to show support for demonstrators.
Jody Prince is a postal carrier in Carmel and said he was there that day to protest any plans to privatize the post office.
“We’ve been doing this since Alexander Hamilton set us up,” he said. “We don’t need to be restarting.”
The U.S. Post Office was established by Congress in 1792, with the new agency placed under then-Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Benjamin Franklin was the nation’s first postmaster general, appointed in 1775.
Prince said privatizing the post office would negatively affect customer service, particularly for rural routes.
“We know our customers daily. We work with them. They know who we are,” he said. “Every day, we walk in, we can see someone smiling. If you privatize it, you become less as a group. you’re not going to have the same pay. You’re going to have less people wanting to show up, and … you
lose out on the team, and that’s important to me.”
Crystal Crowdus of Indianapolis was driving by and stopped to express her support for the demonstrators. She said her father, Donald Crowdus, and her uncle both worked at the U.S. Post Office. She said her father told her that after World War II, many Black soldiers returning from the front had a difficult time finding jobs.
“The only place that would hire them was the post office,” she said. “I support the post office. Always have, always will.”
Crowdus previously worked as a nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs — another federal agency facing cuts. She said she understands wanting the government to be more efficient.
“But you need to be analytical and methodical,” she said. “Instead of doing a hatchet job, look at the processes and see where (there’s) redundancy — don’t just go hack willy nilly.”
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced earlier this month that the U.S. Postal Service would cut 10,000 jobs while working with the Department of Government Efficiency, a new agency created by President Donald Trump’s administration. DOGE has been making cuts throughout the federal government, firing thousands of workers in various agencies. Some of those workers have been hired back.
DeJoy recently resigned his position with the Postal Service.
Trump also has suggested privatizing the Postal Service, an idea that also was floated during his first term.
U.S. Postal Service workers and supporters demonstrate outside the Fishers post office March 23. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
DISPATCHES
Fishers Rotary plans trivia night — Fishers Rotary Club will host a Wacky Trivia Night, with doors opening at 6 p.m. April 24 at Daniel’s Vineyard, 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville. Family friendly comedian Craig Tornquist will emcee the event, with proceeds benefiting Rotary programs in the community. For more and to register, visit eventcreate.com/e/rotarytrivia.
Hospice Caregiver of the Year — Fishers resident Kathy Molloy of Paradigm Health Hospice recently was named one of two Flanner Buchanan 2024 Hospice Caregivers of the Year. She was among three award recipients during a March 12 event. Award recipients were selected based on nominations submitted by colleagues.
Easter egg hunt — The Kiwanis Club of Fishers Egg Hunt is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. April 19 at Holland Park, 1 Park Dr., Fishers. More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden for children to find, from toddlers up to 12 years old.
Coroner’s office program planned —The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is participating in the My Heart Your Heart pacemaker donation program, an initiative dedicated to providing lifesaving cardiac devices to underserved populations worldwide. The program collects, sterilizes and reuses pacemakers to help patients in need across the globe.
Mudsock Youth Athletics plans KICK Challenge – Mudsock Youth Athletics has announced the return of the KICK Corporate Challenge, set for Sept. 19 at Billericay Park in Fishers. Registration is open for area businesses to compete in a day of kickball, camaraderie and community impact. Proceeds help fund youth program scholarships for Fishers families in need, coach training and background checks, and field maintenance, benefiting more than 11,000 young athletes in the community. To register, visit myathletics.com/kick.
American Legion elections — The Fishers American Legion Post 470 officer elections will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 12 at the post, 9091 126th St. All post members in good standing are eligible to run for open officer positions. Letters of intent are due to the post adjutant by April 21. Open positions are: Post commander, 1st vice commander, 2nd vice commander, finance officer, sergeant at arms, service officer, post chaplain and post historian.
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Royals’ Miss Basketball set to lead Indiana All-Stars
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Maya Makalusky had no idea she was about to receive a welcome surprise.
ACHIEVEMENT
The Hamilton Southeastern High School senior had been told the Indiana Miss Basketball announcement was coming out later that day — March 19 — when she was directed to go to the school’s gym to see a banner recognizing her as the 2024-25 Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year for girls basketball.
That’s when she was informed she was the Indiana Miss Basketball winner as well.
“Miss Basketball is something I’ve been dreaming about after watching all these great athletes come from the state of Indiana and all these girls I’ve looked up to, so to go into the gym and to see my family and really everyone who has supported me throughout my life, I was very surprised,” she said.
As Miss Basketball, Makalusky will wear the No. 1 jersey for the Indiana Girls All-Stars against the Kentucky All-Stars in the annual boys/girls doubleheaders against Kentucky,
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Seniors meet up every Thursday at 11 AM for Game Days, where you can enjoy fun and friendly competition. On the second Friday of each month, get moving with Fitness Days, featuring Chair-Based Aerobics led by Kandyce Dorsey of KYT Fitness.
set for June 6 in Lexington, Ky., and June 7 in Indianapolis. The senior girls will prepare with a June 4 game against the Junior All-Stars.
The Indiana University-bound Makalusky said she followed the Indiana All-Stars while growing up.
“Having an older sister, I watched her go through it,” Makalusky said. “That was so cool watching her live out her dreams being an Indiana All-Star with me being in the crowd.”
Makalusky’s sister, Riley, was a 2023 Indiana All-Star from Hamilton Southeastern.
Makalusky averaged 22.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season. The 6-foot4 wing shot 40.1 percent from 3-point range and 80.3 percent on free throws.
The Royals finished 27-1, losing to Warsaw 67-61 in the Class 4A semistate championship.
“I told the girls we have nothing to hang our heads about this season,” Makalusky said. “This season was not a failure. We obviously didn’t get as far as we wanted. We were one game away, which hurts a lot but there were so many wins that we did have with our team and the sisterhood. I think
Maya Makalusky will wear the No. 1 jersey to lead the Indiana Girls All-Stars. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Basketball Coaches Association)
we did a great job as a team representing our school and what HSE basketball should look like for these little girls that should be coming up in school.”
Hamilton Southeastern coach Brian Satterfield said Makalusky, who averaged 26.1 ppg as a junior, could have scored more this season but made sacrifices to help the team.
Makalusky said the team knew what to expect from defenses, such as face-guarding to deny her the ball.
“The best way to get relief from that is to trust my teammates and let them hit shots and knock them down,” she said. “I am so blessed to have teammates capable of mak-
Celebrate spring with us at the Annual Spring Fling! Enjoy age-specific Easter egg hunts, crafts, games, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to ensure a fun experience for all!
ing those shots. We were a very deep team and I think teams were surprised by that throughout the year.”
Makalusky said she has worked hard to become an all-around basketball player.
“That’s not only on the offensive side but on the defensive side, getting as many deflections and rebounds as I can,” she said. “If there is a (loose) ball, I’m going to dive on the floor for it. At that point, that (defensive) side of the court is all effort, so anything I can do out of my own will, I’m going to do.”
Makalusky is Hamilton Southeastern’s second Miss Basketball winner. Sydney Parrish earned the title in 2020. Makalusky surpassed Parrish as the Royals’ career points leader with 1,933. Makalusky’s mother, Jenn Sliwa Makalusky, played basketball at Villanova University
In voting conducted by media members and girls varsity coaches, Makalusky finished with 131 votes. Jaylah Lampley of Lawrence Central was runner-up with 80 votes, followed by Noblesville’s Meredith Tippner with 41 votes.
“I want to make sure I prepare myself best for Indiana All-Stars, and right after that I’ll be headed to IU,” Makalusky said.
Help clean up parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces as we work together to keep Lawrence beautiful. Volunteers will be provided with a light breakfast and lunch as a thank-you for their efforts.
Get an inside look at Lawrence’s progress and future! Mayor Deb Whitfield will highlight the City’s accomplishments over the past year and share her vision for the road ahead.
Prioritize your health at the Lawrence Health and Wellness Fair! Explore a variety of resources, services, and information to support a healthier lifestyle. Connect with local health professionals and take steps toward your well-being.
Choose to Move race supports people with Parkinson’s
By Les Morris news@currentinfishers.com
The Indiana Parkinson Foundation is back with its largest fundraiser of the year — the 13th annual Choose to Move Race to Beat Parkinson’s Disease, which will be held in Fishers on April 26.
FUNDRAISER
More than 1,000 people participated in 2024, raising $80,000 for the Hamilton County-based nonprofit. This year, the goal for the event — which will be at Witten Park at 13256 Saxony Blvd. in Fishers — is to attract 1,200 participants and raise $125,000.
The program starts at 9 a.m., with the race kicking off at 9:15 a.m. The 5K course is open to runners and walkers and is dog friendly. It is a timed event and there will be prizes for the winners. Additionally, there will be a 1-mile loop for walkers. There is also a virtual option to participate. A live DJ will make sure everyone is moving and 29 sponsors, including in-kind sponsors, have already signed up to support the event.
IPF program director Addie Cunningham notes that the fundraiser is always uplifting and encouraging for participants and spectators alike, but it serves another important purpose.
“It’s also an awareness event,” Cunningham said. “It’s a great time to bring everyone together to bring awareness to Parkinson’s and the impact it has not only in our community but in our state and world.”
The face of the disease is changing. Pri-
marily thought of as a condition affecting older adults, it can impact any age.
“That seems to be something happening more often than not,” Cunningham said. “It’s now being seen in a lot of different age groups.”
It’s personal for the Noblesville resident. Her father, Don Waterman, was 51 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. Now 68, the retired Hamilton County farmer is doing well.
The faith-based organization began in 2009 and maintains an office in downtown Noblesville. The foundation’s three pillars are “exercise, encourage and educate.”
IPF provides education about Parkinson’s around the state. An education session event was held at the Richmond Library in February and featured a neurologist, patient advocates, a panel discussion and lunch.
The next education session is slated for Elkhart in June with many more to follow.
The exercise component includes the CLIMB program and offers classes daily during the week at the Fishers YMCA and three times weekly at Carmel’s PrimeLife Enrichment.
The annual fundraising race started in 2012 with only a couple hundred participants. IPF holds other fundraisers, such as “Pickleball for Parkinson’s” and “Purse Bingo,” but the race is its largest event of the year.
“This is my favorite event because it was part of the beginning,” Cunningham said. “It kind of jump started the foundation itself.”
For more, visit indianaparkinson.org/ choose-to-move-race.
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Walkers and runners participate in a previous Choose to Move race, an annual fundraiser supporting the Indiana Parkinson Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Addie Cunningham)
Guerin Catholic senior becomes complete basketball player
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Guerin Catholic High School senior Ryne Paris went from being a defensive stopper off the bench to a complete player in his final prep season.
“The biggest aspect of Ryne’s improvement was his confidence. Not only did it help him but it helped the team,” Golden Eagles coach Bobby Allen said. “We lost four starters from last year’s team and Ryne knew there was an opportunity to be a leader on this year’s team. He took advantage of the summer and improved his game and he became a calming presence for all of our inexperienced players. He made so many big shots for us from the perimeter this season and he had the ability to control the tempo of the game when the ball was in his hands.
“He was a major reason why we won the Circle City Conference and 23 games this season.”
A Westfield resident, Paris averaged 10.4 points per game on a team-high 52 percent shooting from the field, including 35 percent from 3-point range. The 6-foot-2 guard
RYNE PARIS
Favorite athlete: Paul George
Favorite movie: “Step Brothers”
Favorite vacation spot: Jamaica
Favorite subject: History
Favorite musician: Drake
was second on the team with 4.3 rebounds per game and led the Golden Eagles with 2.8 assists per game and 2.1 steals per game. Senior Bryson Cardinal led Guerin with 19.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
“Getting shots up in the mornings, and, of course, confidence allowed me to get better during the season,” Paris said. “I would say I definitely took pride in becoming a leader, because not only did we lose
Guerin Catholic senior Ryne Paris improved dramatically in his first year as a starter. (Photo courtesy of Live Action Sports)
four starters, but every single one of them were great leaders.”
Paris averaged 1.7 ppg as a junior.
“We had so many experienced players last year that it was hard to consistently crack in the lineup,” said Allen, whose team reached the Class 3A regional before losing to New Palestine. “But he was always ready to go, and when the opportunity came for him to step up, he took advantage of it and he never let up. By the end of the season, he also became a defensive catalyst for our group. We had a lot of confidence in putting him on one of the other team’s best players and he always was
IN FISHERS
It’s Time to Take Control of your Back Pain
ready for the challenge.”
Paris knew defense was crucial to earning playing time.
“The only way for me to gain playing time my junior year was to play hard and really lock in on the defensive end,” he said. “I was also able to learn a great deal playing with Rob Sorenson because we played the same sort of position, and he did it at a high level.”
Paris will play for Olivet Nazarene University, an NAIA school in Bourbonnais, Ill.
“I chose Olivet because coach (Nick) Birkey and the staff over there are great and not only run a great program but are amazing people,” Paris said. “I also chose it because it is close to home, and my parents will be able to attend all of the home games.”
Paris played football and baseball before giving those sports up before high school. Basketball has always been his passion.
“I started playing basketball ever since I could walk but started playing team basketball when I was around 6,” he said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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Community chorus plans spring concert, anniversary
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers Community Chorus is marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a decade of making music.
MUSIC
The local chorus started in 2015 as an offshoot of Fishers Music Works, said founder and director Marc Feeney.
“My goal was to create an ensemble that will allow folks, regardless of their background (or) their affiliations with other groups or churches, to have an outlet to sing,” he said. “Once you leave high school and/or college, if you’re not a professional vocalist, your options are pretty much relegated to church choir, if your church has one.”
Feeney said he wanted to provide an option to community members who were looking for the creative outlet and fellowship of creating music with a group. The idea has proven its worth.
“We started with, like, 14 members at our first concert,” he said. “Membership has been as high as, I think, 75. And now we’re hovering somewhere probably around 55, which is really a comfortable level.”
Feeney said the goal is to offer a welcoming, low-pressure place for people to sing.
“If you used to have music in your life and you don’t have it now and you miss it, come see us,” he said. “We are not an exclusive kind of choir that’s probably ever going to get called to sing with the symphony orchestra.”
The chorus also doesn’t hold auditions, he said, and about half the chorus members don’t read music. But, Feeney said, he will challenge the group with pieces that are a little out of their comfort zone — just to keep things interesting.
Some of those interesting pieces will be performed during the Fishers Community Chorus’ annual Spring Concert, set for 7 p.m. May 20 at the Fishers Municipal Center Theater, 1 Municipal Dr.
Feeney said the free performance is a tribute to Broadway musicals and musical theater, but with a focus on more modern compositions rather than the classics.
“Maybe the oldest one we’ll be doing will be ‘Suddenly Seymour’ from ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’” he said. “But then we’re also doing a number from a very recent production called ‘Shucked,’ which is an entire musical about a corn community.”
Feeney said this concert will be the chorus’ second performance at the Municipal Center Theater, which also soon will be the group’s new regular rehearsal space. He said he looks forward to creating a big sound in the theater.
“We’ll have our choir, which will be 50 to 55 members … plus a 12-piece jazz combo,” he said. “So, we’ll be filling a place up with sound. We’ll see exactly how good the sound absorption panels on the walls are.”
Feeney encouraged community members to attend the performance. He added that anyone who wants to join the chorus is welcome to attend a rehearsal and see what it’s all about.
For more, visit fisherschorus.org.
The Fishers Police Department announced that retired FPD K-9 Bull died March 19 at the age of 14, surrounded by the FPD K-9 Unit and K-9 handlers from neighboring agencies. Bull was a dual-purpose explosive detection/patrol K-9, serving the FPD and the City of Fishers from 2013 to 2019. Bull was initially handled by Sgt. Chris Owens before finishing his career with Lt. Kyle McFerran. After retiring in 2019, Bull enjoyed the couch-dog life at home with McFerran’s family. According to FPD, Bull had a successful career, locating numerous missing and wanted subjects and conducting many explosive sweeps at various events. FPD thanked Bull for his service to the community and sent thoughts to the McFerran family. (Photo courtesy of FPD)
Fishers Community Chorus members will perform the annual Spring Concert May 20 at the Fishers Municipal Center Theater. (Photo courtesy of Marc Feeney)
PASSING THE TORCH
Longtime Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank executive director retires
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
There were more people and more tears than usual during the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank’s annual meeting March 18, as the nonprofit organization said farewell to retiring Executive Director Anita Hagen, one of the group’s founders and its first executive director.
The annual meeting celebrated Hagen’s 15 years with the organization, 10 of those as executive director. Participants also welcomed incoming Executive Director Suzanna Hobson of Fishers.
In an interview before the event, Hagen gave a brief history of the organization, which she helped found in 2010 after the Red Cross ended its food drive program that had provided food for pantries in the county.
“The Red Cross had done a wonderful job of organizing school food drives and other food drives, and that had helped the pantries — you know, our population in the county was much, much lower then, so just by that fact alone, the food needs were lower,” Hagen said. “But they could not afford to keep that programming and so they just asked the pantries that were working with them, ‘Hey, could you possibly take this over?’ And we said OK, not really knowing where that would lead.”
It led to the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank, which started small — with space donated by White River Christian Church — and grew along with the population of the county.
Hagen began as a volunteer and board member. About 10 years ago, the organization had grown to the point where it needed staff, which is when she became its first executive director. During that time, HCH has continued to expand services and food distribution, adding fresh produce and meat to its offerings, as well as meals for kids when they’re not in school.
Hagen said she stayed in the job about a year longer than she thought she would.
“It’s all in God’s timing,” she said, reflecting on why this year was the right time to retire. “It really is like they say — you know when you know. And we are set and ready to move onward. A lot of things have come together and it’s time for …
Food Bank 2.0 and for that next chapter.”
HCH Board President Mary Lou Finchum went through at least three tissues during the annual meeting as she teared up talking about the good work Hagen has accomplished over the years.
“Tonight, we recognize a leader who has been the heart of this organization for many years,” Finchum said. “Anita Hagen has not only led with passion and dedication but has built something truly lasting. Her leadership has been the
steady trunk of this organization, giving us the strength to expand and flourish. We celebrate her many contributions this evening, and let me say right now, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your incredible service.”
In addition to presenting Hagen with a plaque commemorating her time with the nonprofit, the board announced a new annual award in her name — Hagen’s Harvest Heroes — with Hagen as the first honoree. Each year, a new honoree will be
FOOD BANK FINDS A NEW HOME
Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank has been working out of two locations for many years, which has affected the nonprofit’s ability to work efficiently. But now, 15 years after it was founded, the organization has a new home.
The food bank has moved to 89 S. Byron St. in Cicero. The new space provides more room for food and meal programs and allows HCH to consolidate its operations under one roof.
chosen, recognizing their contributions to the organization’s mission.
Finchum also introduced Hobson as the new executive director.
“With a background in community outreach, program development and organizational leadership, Susanna is uniquely positioned to lead us into our next phase of growth,” Finchum said. “She brings a wealth of experience, a passion for service and a deep understanding of what it takes to lead an organization with both heart and strategy. From Day 1, she’s expressed a strong commitment to not just maintaining what we’ve built, but leading us into an even stronger, more sustainable future.”
Hobson said that through her job with the local schools, she started working with the Fall Creek Township Food Pantry soon after moving to Hamilton County from Georgia about 10 years ago. She said she saw the need for food and found her passion.
“I started working with Fall Creek Township (food pantry), and I actually was in charge of that food pantry for many years,” she said. “And I’ve been working with Anita in that capacity on and off for several years.”
Hobson also worked with the Hamilton County Food Coalition. She said solving food insecurity is actually an easy thing to do. The difficult part is educating the public, because most people don’t understand how much need there is in Hamilton County.
“We are very fortunate to be in a very wealthy county,” she said. “We are growing. We have our population increases, and as that increases, our food insecurity does as well.”
About 10 percent of the population is food insecure, which for Hamilton County equates to about 32,000 residents. The food bank provided enough food for about 165,000 meals in 2024 — a 10 percent increase over 2023.
For more, visit hchfoodbank.org.
ON THE COVER: Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank’s new Executive Director Suzanna Hobson, left, and retiring Executive Director Anita Hagen at the organization’s March 18 annual meeting. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
(Above) A large group of Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank supporters and volunteers gathered March 18 at the Delaware Township Community Center for the nonprofit’s annual meeting. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
(Below) Anita Hagen is retiring as executive director of Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank, an organization she helped found in 2010.
Fishers Muay Thai gym expanding to meet demand
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Since opening about seven years ago, Fishers Muay Thai gym KruFit has outgrown its approximately 4,000-squarefoot space at 9824 N by NE Blvd., but luckily a space next door became available, providing nearly 2,000 more square feet for classes and training.
MARTIAL ARTS
Owner Jamie Bradley said the gym saw a lot of membership growth in 2024, ending the year with about 210 members. She set a goal of 225 members by the first quarter of this year, and by mid-March was already at close to 260.
“In January alone, we signed up like 40 members,” Bradley said. “It’s just (that) people are finding different ways to exercise. (Muay Thai) is becoming a bit more mainstream and we’re growing at a very, very fast rate.”
And, she said, while many gyms see membership surges in January that fall off within a month or two, her members keep coming back.
“I started tracking everyone that signed
up with us,” she said. “(Only) two people out of 46 on this list have dropped since January.”
Bradley said KruFit rewards attendance to help motivate people and, if that doesn’t work, she will personally email members who stop showing up.
“Even though we have 200 and almost 60 members, I’m paying attention,” she said. “You come to me and you have a goal, and I view it as my job to help you, and that is my responsibility. Obviously, I can’t make anyone show up, but I can harass them via email and texting and tell them that we missed them — and I’m not above any of that.”
She said that dedication contributes to the sense of community among KruFit members and coaches — and the community-building aspect is part of why people keep coming back. That, and the exercise itself.
“Going to a gym and being on a treadmill or an elliptical is really boring,” she said. “It’s redundant. It is hard to get motivated and fired up to go do 30 minutes on the elliptical or run on the treadmill.”
Muay Thai classes, though, are different
every time.
“In any single class, yes, you’re going to do all the punching and kicking, but sometimes we use kettlebells in the class. We use resistance bands. We do different drills that might involve a partner,” Bradley said. “You really kind of don’t know what you’re
Lawrence Township Schools
going to get … and that keeps it fresh and fun and engaging.”
Bradley said about 75 percent of KruFit members are beginners when they sign up. The gym offers introductory sessions for people who want to try it out, and schedules regular mass-intro classes so that many beginners can get a taste all together.
The new space will offer more opportunities for classes, Bradley said, although it will take a little while to integrate it into the existing gym. When it’s done, the expansion will primarily add mat space along with a bigger strength and conditioning area.
“We don’t really offer strength and conditioning classes (now),” she said. “We do have squat-rack weights and it is included in our membership right now so that people can come in and use the weights. But we want to kind of fill that gap for our members and start to provide them actual instruction about strength and conditioning. Those will be some classes that will be brand new to our program when we get this expansion going.”
For more, visit krufit.com.
KruFit Indy in Fishers trains clients in Muay Thai, also called Thai boxing. (Photo courtesy of KruFit)
Blueprint for Improvement: Zionsville dining room transformation
Commentary by Larry Greene
Nestled in the charming Eagle Village neighborhood of Zionsville, this dining room underwent a stunning transformation. What was once an unstructured space is now a refined and intentional area designed for both everyday meals and elegant gatherings. A bold navy accent wall with custom paneling adds depth and character while sleek lighting, rich leather chairs and thoughtful decor bring warmth and style.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The focal point of the room is the custom navy panel wall, providing hidden storage while elevating the aesthetic.
• Designed with a push-pop mechanism, the storage doors open effortlessly with a light touch, eliminating the need for handles and maintaining a sleek, modern look.
• Rich leather dining chairs, a sleek black table and a modern chandelier create a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
• Light drapery and neutral walls keep the space bright, balancing the bold contrast.
• Thoughtful details like the navy bench with nailhead trim and warm wood flooring complete the transformation, making this dining room both stylish and highly functional.
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.
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Fishers youngster gets campy role in ‘Ruthless!’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kathleen Horrigan has found a great fit to play a bad seed.
Horrigan is directing Carmel Community Players’ productions of “Ruthless!
The Musical,” which runs April 4 to 13 at The Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy, 10029 E. 126 St., Fishers.
Olivia Cook plays 8-year-old Tina Denmark, who seems adorable but is a sociopath.
“She’s a powerhouse,” Horrigan said. “She’s amazing.”
Horrigan described “Ruthless! The Musical” as a dark comedy version of the 1956 movie “The Bad Seed.”
“I like playing the role because it can bring out two sides, a good sweet little girl but can bring out a shockingly mischievous little girl, “said Cook, a fourth-grader at Fishers Elementary School. “I like that I get to wear a fun wig and I like my costume and stuff. It’s just a really fun character.”
Cook, 10, said she hadn’t been in a play of late and was looking for an acting opportunity.
“My audition coach had given me ‘Born to Entertain,’ which is a song from this show that she said would be good for me in an audition and they are actually doing the play,” Cook said.
Cook previously portrayed Violet in “Willy Wonka Jr.” and Gretl in “The Sound of Music” for the Belfry Theatre.
Cook said the lines are challenging but “I have it down.”
Her mother, Melissa Cook, said her daughter has been working hard.
“This is the only one she’s done where she is the only kid and everyone else is an adult,” Melissa said. “So, this is definitely special. There’s a little bit of adult content. She understands it’s acting and not real life.”
Horrigan, a Fishers resident, said it was a challenge to find a little girl who was fine with being a villain, too.
“But (her) mother has been understanding and supportive,” said Horrigan, who
retired as a Lawrence Central High School theater teacher in 2023 and now works at Ji-Eun Lee Academy. “It’s a musical and it’s a parody.”
Jonna Kauffman plays Judy Denmark, Tina’s mother. Kauffman, who lives in downtown Indianapolis, has been performing at Footlight Musicals.
“I love musicals,” Kauffman said. “My whole family has done musicals my entire life. My sister does it professionally in Chicago, so that’s how we got into it. But I just do it for fun, and I love working with Kathleen.”
Kauffman wasn’t familiar with the musi-
cal but heard the music before auditions.
“I wanted a small part and ended up with the mother, which is one of the main roles,” she said. “It’s super campy. You can’t be too much over-the-top in this show, which I appreciate.”
Kauffman said there is a great deal of memorization.
“Of the probably 100 pages, I probably have 80 to 85 of lines,” Kauffman said. “There’s like eight or nine songs in it, too, that I sing. So, it’s a lot, but it’s been really fun and different from what I usually do.”
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘SPRING EQUINOX’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “Spring Equinox” at 7 p.m. April 4 and 5 p.m. April 5 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘SPIDER’S WEB’
Main Street Productions presents Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web” from April 3 to 13 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Esque: Burlesque at Feinstein’s” is set for 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. April 4, followed by Adam B. Shapiro presents “With a Twist” at 7:30 p.m. April 5 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
EMMYLOU HARRIS
Emmylou Harris will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 3 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
“DANCING
IN THE STREETS’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Dancing in the Streets” concert is set for 4 p.m. April 6 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE
Pure Prairie League will perform at 8 p.m. April 5 at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
DISPATCH
Mummies concert set — Here Come the Mummies will perform Aug. 9 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. Tickets are on sale at npdamp.com. Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band with members dressed as Egyptian mummies.
MUSICAL
Fishers resident Olivia Cook plays Tina Denmark in “Ruthless! The Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Duane Mercier)
Croce to play Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
A.J. Croce views music as the heart of humanity.
CONCERT
It’s also the purest way for people to connect with one another, he said.
Croce will share that connection at 8 p.m. April 4 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
in the early ‘70s.
Croce’s latest album was produced by Shooter Jennings and the first single released was “I Got A Feeling,” followed by “Hey Margarita.”
The tour is named for the album “Heart of the Eternal,” which was released March 7.
“Like any artist, you have a tour with a message or concept or album you’re supporting,” Croce said. “You share new music and old music. This is a lot like (last year’s) ‘Croce Plays Croce’ tour but it’s kind of turned on its head. It’s geared more toward me than my father.”
Croce’s father, Jim, died in a 1973 plane crash. Croce was only 2 years old at the time of his father’s death. Jim was on the cusp of stardom with a string of hit songs
“I play so much guitar on the album as well as piano,” Croce said. “But it’s an evolution. I feel really proud of this project. I think it’s very representative of where I am now as far as songs, the messages, the ideas that are shared in the songs. I feel like it’s one of the best things I’ve done.”
Croce said it depends on the audience how many of the 11 songs he plays in concerts.
“A lot of people have been requesting the singles,” he said. “I want the show to flow. I want it to be energetic. Obviously, people are coming to hear songs from 10 other albums of mine as well as music that my father recorded. I try to keep a really good mix. If I had to stick with one setlist and never deviate, I don’t think I would do this.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Composition to debut in Fishers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Keith Kunda is eager to see his composition performed by a group he founded.
“The years with the White River Chamber Orches tra have been wonderful years,” said Kunda, who directs the Fish ers-based White River Chamber Orchestra. “We’ve done music of (Joseph) Haydn, (Wolfgang Amadeus) Mozart and (Ludwig van) Beethoven. We do baroque music. We do an annual Christmas concert, but this is the first piece of mine that the Chamber Orchestra is performing, so I’m very excited about the opportunity.”
CONCERT
Kunda’s “Symphony No. 1 in G,” a four-movement piece in the style of neoclassical symphony, will have its premiere in a 7:30 p.m. April 5 concert at Legacy Bible Church, 13490 Howe Road, Fishers. Kunda, a Fishers resident, said he wrote the 30-minute piece about 12 years ago.
“It only took me about three weeks to write it and I just never had the chance
to perform it until now,” Kunda said. “I did a few revisions on it a few years back. When I wrote it, there was no White River Chamber Orchestra. Now that we have a season of four concerts, two with the Wind Symphony and two with the Chamber Orchestra, we can (perform it). It took a while to get there. We were just starting to get there and then COVID hit, and we had to shut down. Now, I have the opportunity to program it.”
Kunda said the concert also features music by Antonio Vivaldi, William Boyce and Bela Bartok.
“Those are shorter pieces and two of them feature soloists, concertmaster Shoshana Kay and our principal flute player Julia Mattern,” said Kunda, who also directs the White River Wind Symphony.
The Wind Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, along with other ensembles, are part of Fishers Music Works, which was founded in 2013.
Tickets for the concert are available at FishersMusicWorks.org. Students under 18 are admitted free, with free tickets available at the same website.
Croce
A.J. CROCE: HEART OF THE ETERNAL TOUR FRI APR 4 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT APR 5 AT 8PM
THE PALLADIUM
UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS FRI APR 11 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
CHS junior to perform with IWS
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School junior Jasmine Choi was judged the winner of the Indiana Wind Symphony’s inaugural Concerto Competition.
CONCERT
That affords her the opportunity to be a guest soloist with the IWS in its “Dancing in the Streets” concert at 4 p.m. April 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I am so excited to be able to play with such a high-level band that consists of extremely talented musicians, and very thrilled to be performing on a large stage, as I have never experienced this before,” Choi said.
I struggled a lot with.”
IWS Music Director Jay S. Gephart said there were seven submissions for the Concerto Competition
“With this being our inaugural event in the Concerto Competition, I think it’s very appropriate that a Carmel High School student is the winner, especially considering our home base is at the Palladium,” Gephart said.
PETER FRAMPTON: LET’S DO IT AGAIN! FRI APR 11 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THU APR 17 AT 7:30PM THE PALLADIUM
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT APR 12 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRI APR 25 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN APR 13 AT 7PM THE PALLADIUM
Choi, who plays the flute and piccolo in the Carmel High School Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, will perform “La Flute De Pan” by Jules Mouquet.
“There were lots of challenges in trying to play this piece in terms of technique and intonation,” said Choi, who moved to the U.S. from South Korea in 2023. “I tried to improve my playing by practicing areas
Gephart said the concert has a great mix of pieces.
“We have a wide variety from ballet to 1940s swing dancing,” Gephart said. For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.
DANCING IN THE STREETS
SUNDAY, APRIL 6 l THE PALLADIUM l 4:00 PM
Carmel High School junior Jasmine Choi will perform with the Indiana Wind Symphony. (Photo courtesy of Jasmine Choi)
Across
1. Billy Joel song: “We ___ Start the Fire”
6. Crease
10. Not that 14. Money-saving, in brand names
15. Indianapolis Opera solo
16. Actor Grant or Jackman
17. Former “Dateline NBC” co-host (from Warren Cen-
tral HS)
19. “___ and Janis” (comic strip)
20. Picnic pest
21. Business abbr. 22. Like trucks going up or down a steep hill
23. Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime entertainer (born in Gary)
27. Rub clean
INDOT to host public open houses for 2026-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
The Indiana Department of Transportation announces opportunities to learn more and provide comments regarding its draft 2026-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
The STIP is Indiana’s five-year planning and construction document that lists all transportation projects expected to be funded within the next five years using federal funding in addition to regionally significant state funded projects. The current STIP (2024-2028) is available on INDOT’s STIP webpage and the draft 2026-2030 STIP will be available beginning April 1st.
Learn more about the STIP with the STIP Public Primer, also available on INDOT’s STIP webpage.
Open houses will take place at the following locations (all times in EST): Indianapolis: Thursday, April 10, 2:30-5 p.m. Indianapolis Public Library Ft. Ben Branch 9330 E. 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46216
No RSVP or pre-registration is necessary for the in-person open houses.
Virtual open houses will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 1 p.m. and Thursday, April 24, at 5 p.m. Please scan the QR code to register. A participation link will be shared ahead of the virtual meeting.
30. Eiteljorg Museum groups
31. Fastfood chain with the Frosty
33. “Woe is me!”
34. Cry of dismay
37. Secondhand 38. Fox-
and-hounds pursuits
40. Put in order
41. Food additive letters
42. Flubs
43. Reverence
45. Artist’s workplace
47. Disinfectant brand
48. First female to drive in the Indy 500
52. French farewell
53. Bundle of bills
54. Indiana tax ID
57. Kind of mark
58. First woman to serve as commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (born in Indiana and a graduate of Manchester and IU)
62. Help with a heist
63. Wicked
64. NCAA men’s basketball champs in 2023 and ‘24
65. Fiddling emperor
66. Snitch
67. Word before mouth or training Down
1. ___ vu
2. Volunteer’s offer
3. Terse warning
4. U-turn from SSW
5. The art of sculpted shrubbery
6. Spigot
7. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
8. Commit perjury in Hamilton County Court 9. 24 hours
10. “Much obliged!”
11. Flings
12. Arctic house
13. Aired on WTHR
18. ___ Arbor, Mich.
22. Decorates a cake
23. Director Apatow
24. IndyGo: public ___ agency
25. Reject abruptly
26. Belittle
27. Swim, swam, ___
28. Prefix with pool or pit 29. Force on earth, for short
42. “___, Brute?”
44. Move a page in a Pow-
Shoulder gesture
Female deer 35. Popular snack since 1912
Web designer’s code
Pakistani language
Eyelid affliction
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