April 29, 2025 — Noblesville

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

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With yearlong renovations complete, vendor mall gears for busiest time of year / P18

City unviels

Noblesville Boom basketball court / P2

Woman serves lunch to local law enforcement officers / P12

Brooklyn Char opens in

Noblesville / P20

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April 29, 2025 Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com

About us

Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 28

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Noblesville Boom court design revealed

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The City of Noblesville and Pacers Sports & Entertainment unveiled the new basketball court for the Indiana Pacers’ G League team, the Noblesville Boom, April 21 at Deer Creek Business Park.

Eddie White, host of “Overtime,” the Pacers’ radio postgame show, welcomed media members and city officials to the unveiling, which included food and beverages from several local businesses.

“All around the G League, United States of America and the world, you’re going to see Noblesville,” White said. “In 19,500 cities, it’s just basketball, but this is Noblesville.”

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said the past several days have been exciting for the community.

“I can tell you that every step of the way, Pacers Sports & Entertainment has shown up,” Jensen said. “They have shown up not just as a corporate partner, but they have shown up to be the hands and feet of that organization in our community. They have joined our chamber of commerce. They have gone on to support our school system. They have, in every way, shown that they are committed. And quite frankly, that’s what we expect when we have great corporations come to Noblesville.”

CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Mel Raines said after identifying Hamilton County as a place for the G League, the official developmental league of the NBA, it was clear that Noblesville is where the league wanted the team to be.

“We love the marriage of our history with Slick and ‘Boom, baby!’ and the booming community that is Noblesville,” Raines said. “I hope that (Noblesville) knows that this is (its) team. I hope we sell out every game in the season, and I hope that we make you proud to be part of the future of basketball in Indiana.”

For more, visit noblesvilleboom.com.

Concert series to showcase local talent

news@currentnoblesville.com

HamCo Live recently announced the inaugural Homegrown Music Concert Series, featuring a diverse lineup of local artists across four different venues in Noblesville. The free concert series showcases the growing music scene in Hamilton County.

“The Homegrown Music Concert Series is all about celebrating what makes Hamilton County’s music scene special,” stated Josh Cecil, founder of HamCo Live, a website highlighting live music venues and performers in Hamilton County. “We’re thrilled to spotlight local talent and bring people together through live, original music in the heart of Noblesville.”

The Homegrown Music Concert Series, supported by Hamilton County Tourism,

will feature original music that spans various genres to spotlight diverse musical offerings in the area.

“People can experience a dynamic array of live performances each week throughout Hamilton County that range from free to famous,” Hamilton County Tourism President and CEO Karen Radcliff stated. “Our team is proud to support the inaugural Homegrown Music Concert Series and shine a spotlight on the community of talented artists that are in our own backyard.”

Each concert will feature three artists performing 45- to 75-minute sets. Additionally, anyone who downloads a Homegrown Music Concert Series digital passport and checks in at three events will earn a free commemorative T-shirt while supplies last.

Schedule of events:

• From 8 to 11 p.m. May 2 at Syds in Noblesville, 808 Logan St. (for 21-older) — Glenn Seland, Storm Crow and Moontown Pickle Stompers

• From 7 to 10 p.m. May 16 at Primeval Brewing in Noblesville, 960 Logan St. (All ages) — Moxxie, Cease & Resist and Joshua Powell

• From 7 to 10 p.m. May 31 at Bier Brewery in Noblesville, 1618 S. 10th St. (All Ages) — Indy Annies, The Failers and Middle West

• From 7 to 10 p.m. June 13 at Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville, 175 Logan St. (all ages) — Kelli Ray Yates, FEVERDREAM and Malingo

For more, visit HamCoLive.com/homegrownmusic or follow @HamCoLive on Instagram for updates.

The Noblesville Boom’s basketball court was unveiled at Deer Creek Business Park in Noblesville April 21. (Photos by Jessica Todd)

From left, Eddie White, Mel Raines and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen at the basketball court reveal.

DISPATCHES

New date for Modern Homemaker Conference — Noblesville resident Stacey Heiny has changed the dates for her inaugural Modern Homemaker Conference. The event was published in the March 18 issue of Current in Noblesville. The new dates for the conference are Sept. 6 and Sept. 7. For more, visit modernhomemakerconference. com

INDOT — Contract crews have begun work on an intersection improvement project at Ind. 38 and Moontown Road/Hinkle Road in Hamilton County. The project includes the installation of traffic signals and turn lanes. Moontown Road is closed at Ind. 38 through late May. The official detour follows Grassy Branch Road, 191st Street and Little Chicago Road. During construction, both shoulders of Ind. 38 are closed between East Street and Little Chicago Road. The speed limit also is reduced to 45 mph. Hinkle Road is scheduled to close when Moontown Road reopens. Overall construction is anticipated to be complete in October.

Water main flushing — Indiana American Water has started its annual water main flushing. It will run through June 20 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers may experience a slight drop in water pressure or temporary water discoloration while this program is underway. Customers should refrain from doing laundry during the time the flushing program is taking place in or near their neighborhood.

Career scholarship program available — Applications are now open for the Indiana Career Scholarship account program. The program is available to Hoosier students in grades 10-12 interested in internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. CSAs provide $5,000 annually in scholarship funding to students enrolled in an approved program provider for the upcoming school year. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1, 2025. The program is administered by the Indiana Treasurer of State. Learn more at in.gov/tos/csa.

Road closure — A portion of Greenfield Avenue is closed for the replacement of a box culvert that crosses under the road. The closure includes Arbor Grove Boulevard at the Arbor Grove west entrance. Access for all Arbor Grove residents is available at the subdivision’s east entrance on Symphony Boulevard. Greenfield Avenue will remain open from Ind. 37 east to Waterman Drive.

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Invest Hamilton County offers child care action plan

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Like many communities throughout Indiana, Hamilton County has a shortage of child care options for working parents, and that shortage is going to get worse as the population grows, potentially limiting the county’s ability to attract new residents.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Invest Hamilton County, which focuses on economic development, recently released its child care action and investment plan, which President/CEO Mike Thibideau presented to stakeholders during an April 15 kickoff meeting at the Hamilton County Community Foundation building in Fishers.

Thibideau said developing the plan has been a multiyear process.

“We started to really hear about the challenges existing within this ecosystem in our community,” he said. “We had a number of day cares closing (because of a) lack of workers. We started to see costs begin to rise in order to lift wages and retain workers, and we began to see more and more, as our population continued to grow, the deserts that existed throughout the community.”

The process started with a survey of about 600 parents with children under the age of 5. Thibideau said about half of those parents reported that the child care available in the county didn’t meet their needs. Some of the biggest concerns were the lack of openings at a preferred provider, no available providers close to home or work and cost.

The annual cost of child care has grown in Hamilton County from about $15,000 per child in 2016 to about $20,000 per child in 2024. Thibideau said many two-income families in the county can afford that, but about 30 percent of residents on the lower end of the income scale are struggling.

Capacity is an ongoing concern, as well. He said the county already has a capacity deficit of about 4,600 openings — a number that was adjusted to consider families with at-home caregivers. Thibideau said if the county does not add more capacity, that deficit will grow to about 9,400 in the next decade.

“We need to increase seats by about 6 percent per year in order to break even with unmet demand by the year 2034,” he said.

He noted that when surveying Hamilton County businesses, about 60 percent reported that job candidates ask about childcare availability during the interview process. Thibideau said they also assessed how many people reported that they wanted to work but didn’t because of a lack of child care.

For more, visit investhamiltoncounty. com/childcare-action-investment-plan.

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Invest Hamilton County President and CEO Mike Thibideau talks about the organization’s child care action and investment plan. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Ex-Guerin Catholic coach eager for HSE challenge

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Bobby Allen not only enjoyed success as Guerin Catholic High School’s boys basketball coach, but he formed great relationships.

SPORTS

“There are great people that are there. That’s what’s made this the hardest decision, leaving the people that have been my family for the past seven years,” Allen said.

However, the opportunity to become the Hamilton Southeastern High School boys coach was too good to pass up.

“The people at HSE have been so welcoming, which has put me at ease that this is the right decision for me and more importantly for my family,” said Allen, a Fishers resident. “Guerin is an incredible program and some of my best friends are there. The administration is supportive. The school community is top-of-the-line. There are a very small number of jobs I would leave for, and this turned out to be one of them.”

Allen replaces John Ashworth, who resigned after a record of 44-54 in four seasons. Allen guided Guerin to a 128-56 record in seven seasons at Guerin Catholic, including four sectional crowns, three regional titles and a Class 3A state runner-up finish in 2023.

“(Allen) is passionate about building positive relationships, building strong leaders and using basketball as a tool to teach life lessons,” Hamilton Southeastern Athletic Director Jim Self said. “He is very familiar with Hamilton County basketball, the competition and what it takes to win at a high level. I love that he and his family already live in our district and his boys already attend HSE schools. Some coaches would look at our job in the (Hoosier Crossroads Conference) and the Sectional 8 and see obstacles. Coach Allen sees opportunity. I love that.”

The Royals graduate just one player from a 13-12 squad. The HSE junior varsity team finished 19-3 and the freshman team was 20-0.

Allen said he is challenging the returning players during 1-on-1 meetings.

“I’m understanding what their individual goals are and, more importantly, what their team goals are,” he said. “I think we’ve all come to this conclusion that we want this

to be a program that they want to return to once they graduate. There are a lot of juniors that are going to be seniors next season. I want this to be a part of the best high school year of their life.”

Allen said he is aware of the competitiveness of the Hoosier Crossroads Conference and the Class 4A sectional 8, which includes four other HCC teams and Carmel.

“I know the great coaches we’ll be going up against every single night, but that was part of the intrigue and attractiveness of this opportunity to compete against the best every single night and to be at the highest level of Indiana high school basketball,” he said. “I’m seeing if I can bring some of that desire to win into this environment. I understand the want to win and to be the best team in Hamilton County. We’re going to compete. We’re going to work our tails off. But I understand it will be a process to (get) where I want to be.”

The Royals’ last sectional championship came in the 2013-14 season.

A Cathedral High School graduate, Allen grew up on the Indianapolis/Fishers border. Allen will finish the school year teaching English at Guerin Catholic before beginning teaching at HSE in the new school year. Guerin returns several strong sophomores from a 23-5 team.

“Whoever the next coach is will have a great opportunity at a great place,” said Allen, who was a Cathedral assistant coach and the head coach at Knightstown for six seasons before arriving at Guerin.

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Bobby Allen holds up a Hamilton Southeastern basketball jersey. (Photo courtesy of HSE athletics)

Students serve as Senate pages

news@currentnoblesville.com

Four Noblesville students recently spent a day at the Statehouse serving as pages through the State Senate Page program.

According to an announcement from State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville), the Noblesville students who served in March were:

• Macey Durr, Noblesville, who attends Noblesville High School

• Madyson Reeder, Noblesville, who attends Noblesville High School

• Hunter Ullom, Noblesville, who attends Premier Soccer Academy

• Hannah Vohs, Noblesville, who attends Noblesville High School

Senate pages spend a day at the State-

house touring the building, observing debates from the Senate floor and interacting with their state senator.

“It was great to meet local students serving as pages here in the Senate, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors,” Baldwin stated. “I highly encourage parents to consider signing up their students next session so they can participate in this educational experience about state government.”

Students in grades six through 12 can participate in the page program on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session.

For more, visit indianasenaterepublicans.com/page-program.

Macey Durr Madyson Reeder Hunter Ullom Hannah Vohs

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Shamrocks golfer successfully juggles two sports

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior Will Harvey’s athletic future is on the golf course.

However, the Purdue University-bound golfer was a starting guard for the Shamrocks boys basketball team this season.

“I thought it was cool to finish off my senior year,” Harvey said. “I almost quit going into (my) junior year. Once I committed to that I knew I was going to finish that out. Basketball season was a lot of fun with a lot of my buddies.”

Harvey averaged 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He averaged 7.9 ppg as a junior. He finished tied for 15th at the IHSAA boys golf state finals in 2024. He tied for 10th in 2023 and tied for 17th in 2022.

“Will is in that rarified air where he’s a three-year varsity letter winner for us, which is pretty difficult,” Shamrocks golf coach Josh Bryant said. “He and Jake Cesare are in the same class. He’s a special young man, where he has been able to manage two varsity sports at Westfield at a high level. He’s been all-conference (Hoosier Crossroads) in basketball as well as all-con-

WILL HARVEY

Favorite athlete: Stephen Curry

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite sports team: Cincinnati

Bengals

Favorite musician: Bruno Mars

Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”

ference, all-county and all-state for golf. We couldn’t be luckier to have him.”

Bryant said Harvey’s game has grown throughout his career.

“Early in his career, he had a big reliance on his short game,” Bryant said. “As he’s grown, he’s gotten stronger and is an incredibly powerful player now. What makes

Will Harvey has finished in the top 20 at the boys golf state finals his first three seasons.

(Photo courtesy of Rari Films)

him special (is), he’s got incredible creativity around the greens. More than anything, he’s a good teammate. He’s a good competitor. Guys who play against him love being paired with him.”

Harvey said time management was important for juggling two varsity sports.

“Just being really disciplined,” Harvey said. “You come home from basketball, and you are always tired from practice, and it’s just being able to, late at night, to hit golf balls.”

The Shamrocks finished second in the state team finals the past three seasons. The 2025 state finals are June 17-18 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel.

“We finally want to finish it off and win a state championship,” Harvey said. “Individually, I want to be all-state, all-conference, all-county and also want to win state individually, so I think those are big goals for me this year.”

Harvey said he always had a golf club in his hand growing up.

“My dad kind of forced me to play when I was younger, but I grew up loving it,” he said. “I love being able to go out and practice on your own. Just the grind makes it all worth more in the long run.”

The Purdue coaching staff was a big reason he chose the Boilermakers.

“They were one of the schools that were interested in me early, and they were there for the whole ride,” said Harvey, who plans to major in accounting. “Other schools recruited me later, but they saw the vision and I think that’s why I chose Purdue.”

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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Making lunch for local police officers ‘a calling’

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Pat Roeller, a former Indianapolis resident who lives in Miamisburg, Ohio, has been making lunches for public safety officials in Ohio and Indiana for nearly 40 years to show them someone appreciates their service.

PUBLIC SAFETY

On April 17, she made lunch for nearly 75 officers from the Noblesville Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at the Noblesville Police Department.

Roeller, 75, lived in Indianapolis for 20 years, working for National City Bank and Bedroom One. She said she felt called to serve police officers while doing Bible devotions.

“I read 1 Timothy 1:2, which basically says pray for those in authority over us that will have peaceful and godly lives, and I realized that’s the police,” said Roeller, who is now retired.

Roeller started the tradition after visiting the chaplain of the Indianapolis Police Department and told him God wanted her to “minister the police.” She asked to

served lunch for IPD officers in her home.

“I held my first lunch for 37 years ago,” Roeller said. “Over the years, it grew to the point that I was having between 300 and 350 police officers at my house, and they were parking almost a mile down the road because there wasn’t enough space. We went to church at Northview Church in Hamilton County at the time, so I held lunches there and at the Little League regional headquarters until we moved back to Ohio for my husband’s job.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Roeller

traveled back to Indiana solely to serve lunches to police officers. She has had several sponsors donate items over the years and partners with the nonprofit Heroic Deeds, which supports first responders, to help fund the lunches.

Roeller said she can serve between 20 to 350 officers at a time of dishes like sloppy joe, potato salad and baked beans.

“After the pandemic, I did one giant lunch each year, but because they got so huge, I didn’t get to sit and talk to the guys like I like to,” Roeller said. “I called

“You can’t just put it off.”

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the Westfield and Noblesville police departments and told them I wanted to make lunch for them to get to know them better.”

NPD Lt. Bruce Barnes said Roeller is a “tremendous supporter of the law enforcement community.”

“Her kindness and generosity are truly remarkable, and we are thankful for the countless years she has treated us to lunch,” Barnes said.

Roeller said making and serving the lunches is a calling.

“They know that I really care,” Roeller said. “When I do these lunches, that day is all about them and making them feel like somebody hears them. I really like them. Most of the time, people see the uniform and don’t see that there are moms, dads or even a little league coach underneath those uniforms.”

Roeller plans to return to Hamilton County in the fall to serve lunch for other local police departments.

“As long as I can keep cooking and moving around, I will keep feeding them,” she said.

Pat Roeller, center, recently made lunch for the officers of the Noblesville Police Department and the Hamilton County Sherrif’s Office. (Photo courtesy of Pat Roeller)

HERE COMES THE NOBLESVILLE BOOM!

Guardianship vs. power of attorney: What’s the difference?

Commentary by Brad Owen

What legal steps can you take to protect a loved one’s well-being while respecting their wishes? In Indiana, guardianship and power of attorney are two essential tools that can help, but knowing the differences is key.

At Dillman & Owen Estate & Elder Law, we help families navigate these options with clarity and care. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to an urgent need, our experienced attorneys will guide you toward the best solution.

What is guardianship?

Guardianship is a protective measure ordered by the court when someone can no longer make decisions for themselves because of incapacity, such as dementia, mental illness or a disability.

• Court-ordered protection: A guardian is appointed through a formal court process to make decisions on behalf of the individual (known as the “ward”).

• Comprehensive authority: The guardian may oversee personal, medical and financial decisions, ensuring the ward’s best interests are met.

• Court oversight: The court monitors the guardian’s actions to ensure compliance and protection for the ward.

• Guardianship duration: Guardianship typically remains in place until the court determines it is no longer necessary, such as if the ward regains capacity or passes away.

For example, if a loved one suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and cannot manage their health care or finances, guardianship ensures someone is legally empowered to act in their best interest.

What is a power of attorney (POA)?

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual (the “principal”) to name someone they trust (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to make decisions on their behalf. Unlike guardianship, this arrangement does not involve the courts unless disputes arise.

• Private agreement: A POA is created without court involvement, mak-

ing it faster and more flexible than guardianship.

• Principal’s control: The principal decides who their agent will be and what powers they will have, such as managing finances, making medical decisions, or both.

• Revocability: As long as the principal is competent, they can revoke or change the POA at any time.

• Durable vs. limited POA: A durable POA stays in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated, while a limited POA only covers specific tasks or a set period of time.

For instance, if someone wants their adult child to handle their finances while they’re traveling abroad, they can create a limited POA for that purpose.

What are the differences between guardianship and power of attorney?

The main difference is in how they’re established and the level of control they provide. Guardianship requires a court process, where a judge appoints a guardian to make decisions for someone who is unable to do so themselves. This arrangement comes with ongoing court oversight to ensure the guardian acts in the ward’s best interests.

In contrast, power of attorney is a private agreement created by the individual (the principal) while they are still competent. The principal chooses an agent to act on their behalf and specifies the powers granted, which can range from managing finances to making medical decisions. Unlike guardianship, power of attorney can be revoked at any time by the principal, provided they are still competent. While guardianship often involves more comprehensive authority and court involvement, power of attorney offers a flexible, less intrusive option for planning ahead.

If you’re deciding between guardianship and power of attorney, don’t wait to get experienced guidance. Contact Dillman & Owen Estate & Elder Law for a consultation.

Brad Owen is an attorney with Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law.

Music & movement classes set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The owners of Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy know music can provide many benefits for the mind and body.

So, the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers has partnered with the Fishers Art Center to offer free Music and Movement for Silver Age classes for people 55 and older.

Doug Whisman, co-owner of the Music Academy with his wife Ji-Eun Lee, said the idea was pitched to the Fishers Arts and Cultural Commission to hold the classes at the Fishers Art Center, which is on the first floor of Fishers City Hall

“It’s certainly larger than my theater,’ Whisman said. “We could have done this on our own in our theater, but we thought it made more sense to have it at the Fishers Art Center because it’s for the community.”

Classes are from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays for six weeks, starting May 6. Although it’s a free class, registration is required at fishersmusic.com. The classes will be directed by Abby Rose Veselsky, a theater director and voice instructor at the Music Academy.

“You don’t have to stand,” Whisman said. “It’s OK to be in a wheelchair. It’s partly for social activity, partly for physical movement and partly to sing and have fun.”

Lee said Veselsky’s classes will range from musical theater to pop music

“It can be ‘60s and ‘70s pop music, something really familiar,” Lee said. “It’s a very relaxed environment where they can sing together. Then we put on the dance moves a little bit. Abby is hoping it will be more structured and maybe at the end there will be a short performance all together.”

Classes are designed to help participants improve flexibility, balance and overall health.

Whisman said participants don’t have to attend every class.

Veselsky

Carmel resident’s book examines different faiths

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It was not Freddie Kelvin’s idea to write “Embracing the World’s Faiths.”

It came as a suggestion from Charlie Wiles, then the executive director of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation.

“In September 2023, he unexpectedly invited me to write a series of monthly essays about the world’s faiths,” Kelvin said. “As a nonpracticing secular Jew, I did not consider myself sufficiently well-informed about any faith or religion. However, he persisted, and having seen my memoir ‘Urban Nomad,’ opined that I can write. It was flattering, and so I accepted. I had no idea what was in store for me.”

the Sanskrit word ‘Sindhu,’ which referred to the Indus River.”

Kelvin said ancient Persians had difficulty pronouncing the letter “s” and therefore called the people living beyond that river “Hindus.” So, he said the word was initially only a geographic designation and not a term denoting a religion.

The 81-year-old Carmel resident said he was surprised to learn how many of the world’s faiths evolved from a single founder.

“While most of us know that the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as Buddhism, originated in this way, I found out that this was also true of other, less well-known faiths such as Sikhism, Jainism, and the Baha’i Faith,” Kelvin said. “Hinduism is a notable exception, and indeed, its name is a misnomer. The term ‘Hindu’ originated from

“It was also fascinating to find out that several religions originating in India, specifically Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, all believe in reincarnation,” he said. “Parenthetically, the thought that your soul is reborn after death has far more appeal to me than the dubious alternatives of heaven or hell.”

Kelvin said each time he studied another religion, he was filled with unexpected pleasures.

“I found out that both Sikhism and the Baha’i Faith consider that all people, whatever their religion, race, or sex, are equal in the eyes of God,” Kelvin said. “These strong examples of mutual respect are very much in keeping with the core values of the interfaith tradition. Now, more than ever, we need to respect and understand each other’s belief systems if we are to live in relative harmony and survive intact. Fortunately, Carmel is a progressive and increasingly diverse community that provides hope for such an outcome.”

Kelvin worked on the book from October 2023

through October 2024.

“I was thoughtfully connected to carefully selected members of the CIC community, many of whom co-authored the essays pertinent to their faith,” he said. “Each member was provided with my initial draft, which was then amended and extended, usually following one or more phone conversations. The final draft for each faith was approved by each member of that faith.”

Although he is well aware of the rise of antisemitism and other bigotry, Kelvin said they weren’t factors in writing the book.

“As the son of parents who narrowly escaped the fateful grip of the Nazis in Austria, I have always been fully aware of the widespread nature of antisemitism,” he said. “My agreement to write these essays took place before the onset of the more than 300 percent increase in antisemitic incidents that have been recorded in the USA — according to the Anti-Defamation League — since the Hamas massacre of Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent war that Israel is still waging against Hamas and Iran’s other proxies. Islamophobia is another dangerous prejudice that has currently given rise to grossly unnecessary acts of discrimination which should, in any civilized society, be roundly condemned.”

The book was published by BookBaby Bookshop and will be available on Amazon.

Kelvin

Fabrics store offers variety Sycamore resident stays busy

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Susan Hill has seen many changes in her nearly 33 years at Griffon Decorative Fabrics in Carmel.

“We’ve had our up years and down years,” Hill said. “We survived the (Great) Recession (in 2008-09). Other than the initial month of COVID (March 2020), when everyone freaked out and we had to close, we did OK because everyone was staying home and re-doing a lot of their stuff. We do a lot of reupholstering work. We have workrooms that do draperies and pillows.”

A 60-year-old Noblesville resident, Hill has been with the store since it opened in the fall of 1992.

“We were opened by two men out of North Carolina, and then four years after that, myself and Judy Stewart bought it from them,” Hill said. “They originally opened four stores around the country, but this is the only one left.”

Stewart, a Fishers resident, retired five years ago and Hill became the sole owner. Although the store is popular

with older shoppers, Hill said it has customers of all ages.

Griffon Fabrics started at 116th St. and Range Line Rd. and remained there for 20 years and then moved in 2012 to its present location at 598 W. Carmel Dr.

“We do a lot of reupholstery work, custom draperies, custom cushions, custom bedding and pillows,” Hill said.

“We have started to carry a few accessories like small side tables, artwork, lamps and tabletop items. Sometimes, I’ll pick up an antique chair and reupholster it and sell it.”

DBy Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

ebbie Cooney takes full advantage of the activities at Sycamore Reserve Senior Living in Indianapolis.

There are exercise classes six days a week and she tries to participate in as many as she can. Classes include yoga and gentle aerobics and rehab sessions three times a week.

He worked at the Chrysler Foundry and Cooney served was his caregiver when he went on disability.

Although Cooney can still drive, she takes the Sycamore’s bus on weekly supermarket trips.

Cooney also enjoys bingo, trivia games and the Friday afternoon happy hour with live entertainment.

“I’ve made some good friends here and everybody has been welcoming — the staff and the residents,” she said. “It’s been very enjoyable. They offer a lot. I don’t go to all the activities. I have to pick and choose.”

Cooney, 73, moved to the Indianapolis senior living center in November 2024 from an apartment on the east side of Indianapolis. Her husband, Clifford, died at age 70 in June 2023.

She was a preschool teacher for 38 years at Old Bethel Weekday School in Indianapolis, retiring when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. An Indiana University and Hobart High School graduate, she taught one year in Portage.

“I loved the children,” she said.

“I appreciated their exuberance for learning. I taught every age but mostly ages 3 and 4. I do miss it.”

Cooney has two adult children, Heather Moody and Bob Cooney. Heather had two children and Bob has three. Her youngest grandchild is 6, and the next youngest is 15.

About a year after retiring, Cooney volunteered at Old Bethel for a short time. She had to give it up because of back issues.

(Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Cooney

Skin cancer warning signs

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us to prioritize skin health, particularly in often-neglected areas like the feet and lower legs. Skin cancer is among the most common types of cancer, making early detection crucial. Regular examinations by health care professionals, especially podiatrists, are essential for skin health in these regions.

The feet and lower legs are frequently exposed to environmental factors such as sun and pollutants. Many neglect to apply sunscreen in these areas, increasing the risk of skin cancer, especially for those with a history of sunburn. There are several types of skin cancer to be aware of:

• Melanoma: The most serious type, which can appear as a new dark spot or a change in an existing mole.

• Basal cell carcinoma: Typically presents as a shiny bump and is generally found on sun-exposed skin, causing local damage if untreated.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: May appear as a firm red nodule or a flat sore and requires attention if persistent.

Podiatrists play a vital role in identifying skin conditions specific to the lower extremities.

To protect against skin cancer, individuals should consider several preventive measures:

• Conduct regular self-examinations of the feet and lower legs for any changes.

• Apply sunscreen to these areas, even in cloudy weather.

• Wear protective footwear to limit UV exposure.

• Schedule routine visits to a dermatologist as well as a podiatrist for thorough lower extremity skin checks.

Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are both board-certified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.

Planning for home care needs

Commentary by David Stordy

As we age, it’s natural to think about maintaining our independence while ensuring we have the support we may need. Home care is an essential part of this planning, whether you’re managing a chronic condition or preparing for the future.

Home care can range from basic help, like meal prep and bathing, to more specialized services such as nursing care, physical therapy or memory support for conditions like Alzheimer’s. Identifying potential needs early allows you to choose the right care provider, whether it’s a personal caregiver or a specialized agency.

When researching home care options, ask about the services offered, caregiver qualifications and availability. It’s important to understand how agencies handle scheduling, emergencies and backup caregivers. Look for providers who can adjust care as your needs change over time.

Another key part of planning is having conversations with family about your

preferences. Discussing home care and end-of-life decisions now ensures your loved ones can support you according to your wishes, avoiding potential conflicts later.

Home care checklist

• Agree on roles: Assign responsibilities for finances, medical decisions and home maintenance.

• Monitor your health: Track physical or cognitive changes and adjust care plans as needed.

• Discuss preferences: Have ongoing conversations with family about care and end-of-life wishes.

• Gather documents: Prepare key records, insurance policies and powers of attorney.

Planning ahead brings peace of mind, knowing your future care will align with your needs and preferences.

David Stordy is the directorowner of BrightStar Care. To learn more about home care or schedule an assessment, call BrightStar Care at 317-706-0799 or visit brightstarcare.com.

Feeling good to enjoy favorite summer activities

Commentary by Autumn Kolpin

As a personal trainer, one of my favorite parts of the year is when the weather starts to shift. These early spring days when the sun sticks around a little longer, there’s more energy in the air, and people start coming out of winter hibernation. You see neighbors walking, kids playing, gardens getting some love again. It’s like everything and everyone starts to wake up.

Every year around this time, I hear the same thing from clients and friends: “I just want to feel good doing the things I love this summer.”

Whether it’s running around with the grandkids, playing pickleball, going on a vacation hike or just working in the yard, feeling strong and capable makes all the difference.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that you don’t need to change everything all at once or hit the gym six days a week to feel better. It can be as simple as building a little more strength in your legs so walks feel easier or working on your balance so that you feel steadier when you’re on uneven ground. I’ve seen clients go from being nervous about getting back into movement to confidently doing the things they love again. That’s the kind of progress that excites me.

And it’s not just physical.

Getting your body moving again has a huge impact on your mental health, too. I’ve had clients come into a ses-

sion feeling tired, stressed or a little off and leave with more energy, better focus and a smile. There’s something about moving your body, especially in a supportive space, that lifts your entire mood.

Spring and summer are filled with chances to move more and have fun doing it. But to really enjoy it, to feel free and not held back by aches, stiffness or low energy, you need to give your body a little love now and continue to do so that you feel good all year round. A bit of strength training, some core work, improving mobility, it all builds a foundation that makes summer activities easier and way more enjoyable. When summer ends, you’ll be ready to tackle the cold weather ahead.

So, my advice? Start small. Start now. Take a walk, stretch a little more, try a new class or ask a trainer for guidance if you’re unsure where to begin. You don’t need to be an athlete. You just need to be ready to say “yes” to all the opportunities that come with warm, sunny days.

If I can help someone feel more confident in their body and enjoy summer to the fullest, then I’m doing what I love, too.

Here’s to moving more, feeling better and having a whole lot of fun this season!

Meridian Audiology: Your Hearing Care Experts

Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D and Kira VonBlon, M.S. in 2021 after working together in an ENT setting for more than 13 years.

The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.

In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend the time their patients want and need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.

“We love getting to know our patients, and we feel we treat them like we we would treat our own family,” VonBlon said.

“We won’t rush you out the door to get our next patient.

We both feel one of our greatest compliments over the last 4 years is how many of our previous patients have found us at Meridian Audiology and have followed us here for their continued hearing treatment.”

The Meridian Audiology Audiologists pride themselves on keeping up with, and

offering the top-of-the-line newest technology in hearing aids, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders. While we focus on Phonak and ReSound, we can work with most all major hearing aid companies to be able to help a wide majority of patients with existing hearing aids. We know there are many places you can go to treat your hearing loss, but if hearing your absolute best, feeling comfortable and safe in your providers office and trusting your Audiologist are priorities for you, Meridian Audiology is where you belong.

M Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss.

VonBlon

Wyss

Motion 4 Life Fitness members stay fit with a parachute and ball. (Photo courtesy of Motion 4 Life)

Autumn Kolpin is a certified personal trainer at Motion 4 Life Fitness

WHEN TO SEE A SPINE SPECIALIST

KNOW YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS

By Dr. Camden Burns, MD, IU Health spine and orthopedic trauma surgeon

The spine has five sections of vertebrae, including the neck (cervical spine), the midback (thoracic spine), the lower back (lumbar spine), the base of the spine (sacrum) and the tailbone (coccyx). Pain generated from any of these areas can have different causes, ranging from a muscle or ligament strain to spinal tumors. As a lifelong athlete, I learned firsthand the importance of the musculoskeletal system, leading to my career in orthopedics and sports medicine. It’s my goal to help patients afflicted by these musculoskeletal types of injuries and conditions and get them back to a healthy, functional lifestyle. Proactively addressing your spine health can help prevent more serious pain and injuries in the future. There is a wide array of treatment options, from physical therapy to pain management to spine surgery.

BACK PAIN AND INJURY SIGNS THAT SHOULDN’T BE IGNORED

All back injuries should be taken seriously. Minor injuries, such as muscle strains, can be treated with over-the-counter medication, rest and relaxation. Sometimes, these minor injuries may require a short course of physical therapy as well. More significant and persistent injuries, especially herniated disc fractures, may need to be seen and evaluated by a spine specialist. Certainly, anytime you experience neurological symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the extremities, you may need to be evaluated more urgently.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BACK PAIN

Conservative options for management of spinerelated issues start with rest and relaxation, physical therapy and a combination of either over-the-counter or prescription medications. If symptoms persist, there are some interventional pain management procedures, such as injections, that may also help. In more extreme cases, surgical intervention may be warranted when there are neurological symptoms that not only involve pain in the neck and back, but also symptoms in the extremities.

A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO BACK PAIN

Patients with new onset and minor symptoms should first be evaluated by their primary care physician. They may suggest a short course of rest, followed by physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. More severe symptoms are sometimes seen in the emergency room. Again, conservative treatment is usually attempted first if there are no emergent symptoms. For more chronic symptoms that fail conservative measures, patients may be evaluated by either the physical medicine and rehab or the anesthesia pain management service for further nonsurgical intervention. If those efforts fail or if the patient has significant neurological symptoms in their extremities, evaluation by a spine surgeon may be necessary.

IU HEALTH’S SPINE PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Over the past decade, we have made efforts to expand spine care at IU Health outside of the downtown region. Certainly, we still

maintain a large presence in that area. However, we understand that patients may not have the ability or desire to travel downtown for evaluation and treatment. In those instances, we have established practices at IU Health North in Carmel and IU Health West in Avon, with plans for further expansion to other suburban facilities in the future.

A UNIQUE AND “COMPLETE” SPINE PROGRAM

I think the best way to describe the Spine program at IU Health as “complete.” It is the only academic Spine program in the state of Indiana. It is also the most comprehensive spine care program comprised of non-operative sports medicine, physical medicine and rehab, anesthesia pain management, interventional radiology, as well as neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. We have the ability to provide treatment in all aspects to spine care throughout the Indianapolis Metropolitan and suburban region.

To learn more about IU Health’s Spine program, visit iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/ back-spine-care.

Dr. Camden Burns

Suffer from back or neck pain? Find highly skilled treatment options from non-invasive to surgical close to home. Visit iuhealth.org/spine and schedule your appointment today.

Golf helps keep Carmel resident in the swing of things

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Webber LaGrange doesn’t have a lengthy explanation for his longevity.

“I’ve exercised most of my life,” said LaGrange, who turns 98 May 2.

Good genes help, too.

“My dad was a month short of 99 when he passed away,” he said. “I’m trying to pass him.”

LaGrange’s advice to recent retirees is, “Stay active. The guy who dies the quickest is the one who sits on the front porch.”

LaGrange, who lives in The Stratford in Carmel, stays active through exercise classes and playing golf several times a week when the weather turns warm.

LaGrange has only been to the hospital once in his life, which was for cataract surgery when he was 33. He has never had a broken bone or any other operation.

“I’m fortunate. I can see that when I look around here (at The Stratford),” he said. “I can still walk without a walker.”

Golf gives him the opportunity for some good walks.

“We play about 25 golf courses around here every summer,” said LaGrange, who has had an 88 stroke average the last two years. “I do my best to ride with someone so I can walk as much as I want. It keeps you young. I’m playing more golf now than when I was in my 60s.”

LaGrange plays golf with a travel group on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and plays in a men’s club at Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield. He has a plaque from Wood Wind for twice shooting 81 – 16 strokes below his age — in 2024.

“When you play in a group like that, you don’t have to worry about tee times,” he said. “Someone has (set) it up and you just show up.”

LaGrange, who enjoys several aspects of golf, said he frequently plays at Wood Wind.

“I enjoy the fellowship and the 19th hole, especially,” he said. “It keeps me moving. I exercise all winter at The Stratford. It’s nice to have a different means of exercise.”

LaGrange was in his late 30s when he took up golf.

“It took too much time away from my family on the weekends, so I gave it up for a while,” he said. “When the kids got out of high school, I started playing golf again.”

LaGrange moved to The Stratford around 11 years ago. His wife, Kathryn, died nearly14 years ago. He did his homework before moving to the Carmel senior living center.

“I looked at 10 or 12 places, and this was the best bang for the buck and still is,” he said.

LaGrange recently had his driver’s license renewed.

“That allows me to play golf,” he said.

Neal Miller, The Statford lifestyle advisor for independent living, said LaGrange is a very accomplished

Continued on Page 11

Webber LaGrange is an avid golfer. (Photo courtesy of The Stratford).

Continued from Page 10

individual.

“But with regard to his longevity he’s a perfect example that if you live right you can continue to do the things you want and enjoy for a very long time,” Miller said. “Most people think aging is synonymous with decline and that’s just not the case. My hope is that people will see Webber and say, ‘Hey, I can do that too.’’’

LaGrange keeps busy socializing, too. He said residents have a lot of outings and events at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

‘They have nights where they go out for dinner at different restaurants,” he said. “There is nice camaraderie. They’ve got so many activities here (that) you can’t do them all. You can pick and choose what you like.”

EAGER TO SERVE

A 1945 Franklin Community High School graduate, LaGrange persuaded his parents to let him enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

“I was at sea when my class graduated,” he said. “I was on a battleship in the South Pacific. They took me three or four months before graduation, so they didn’t waste any time getting rid of me. They were kind enough to present my diploma while I was gone.”

Webber LaGrange in front of the Indiana War Memorial plaque. (Photo courtesy of The Stratford)

LaGrange, who served 18 months in the Navy, said the ship was on its way to Japan when the Japanese surrendered.

“So, we did a U-turn and went to Hawaii,” he said. “I tried college, but I ended up doing the school of hard knocks. I farmed some and then got into banking. My uncle had a big farm in Franklin, but I was trying to work smarter, not harder.”

LaGrange was a banker for 25 years, eventually becoming a senior vice president of the Fidelity Bank of Indiana in Carmel. Then he became national treasurer for the American Legion for 20 years. He also was named to the Indiana War Memorial Commission and named executive director of the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis. He has been honored with three Sagamore of the Wabash awards by three different Indiana governors — Robert Orr, Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon.

LaGrange’s daughter, Susan Loman, lives in Carmel, and his son Gene LaGrange lives in Franklin. His middle child, Alan, died of pancreatic cancer at age 56 in 2014.

LaGrange has five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one greatgreat granddaughter.

ON THE COVER: Webber LaGrange has three Sagamore of the Wabash awards. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

• Restaurant-Style Gourmet Dining

• Activities & Social Calendar

• 24-Hour On-site Staff

• Housekeeping

• Transportation

• Emergency Trip / Fall Pendant

• Outdoor Heated Saltwater Pool

• Utilities (Power, Water, Trash)

• High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi)

• HD Cable TV

• Theater Room

• Fitness Center

• Dog Park

• Putting Green

• And So Much More...

TBy Les Morris editorial@youarecurrent.com

he first Marble Brain Body Fitness “brain gym” in the U.S. was opened in Fishers by wellness entrepreneur Sharea Clark, and now she is on track with a novel concept with a new business for a growing community.

• Varicose Veins/Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Spider

Clark, 50, also owns Fitness 4 Function, a fitness company that helps seniors stay in their homes by providing in-home fitness care.

While attending a Chicago conference in February 2024 sponsored by the International Sports Sciences Association, Clark heard a presentation by Cody Sipe and Dan Ritchie, who both have doctorates and ties to Purdue University. Their talk included an idea, not fully formed, about a facility that would aid older adults with their

Continued on Page 15 cognitive functions. That idea resonated with Clark and that led to conversations with the pair

Tailored Programs

• Personalized brain-body workouts for adults aged 55+, addressing physical and cognitive abilities.

Dual-Task Approach

• Simultaneous cognitive-motor training for maximum effectiveness.

High-Tech, High-Touch

• Engaging exergaming technology with personalized support for members.

Clark

Bill Watson, father of owner Sharea Clark, works out on the Power Plate machine. (Photo courtesy of Sharea Clark)

TWright keeps pedal down

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

he Wright Brothers’ final performance was in February 2023, but Tim Wright isn’t slowing down.

The 72-year-old Wright, who performed for many years with older brother Tom, plays with a variety of groups and also is a solo performer.

Wright plays pedal steel guitar, guitar and sings a few songs for Barometer Soup, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, which will play from 5 to 7 p.m. May 13 at Hoosier Village in Zionsville. Another free public concert at Hoosier Village is Aug. 5 with Josh Kaufman, the Season 6 winner of “The Voice.”

Wright knew a few of the late Buffett’s famous songs, but he learned more when he played a regular solo show several years ago for since-closed Bahama Breeze on the north side of Indianapolis.

“They gave out song lists they want you to play, and most of it was reggae and Jimmy Buffett songs,” he said. “I learned about 300 Buffett songs the

At age 72, Tim Wright keeps an active performing schedule. (File photo)

three years I played there when they were open.”

Barometer Soup will play June 21 at the Sunset Music Fest at Clay Terrace in Carmel.

Wright doesn’t mind if he doesn’t sing.

“I’m farming myself out as a pedal steel player,” he said. “I’d rather play pedal steel with other people than anything. I’ve sung my whole life since I was 19. I don’t mind if I don’t sing a note. It’s easier and fun to play.”

Tim Wright and the Steel Petals, which includes two female vocalists, will play at 7:30 p.m. May 2 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

Continued from Page 12

about opening what turned out to be the first franchise and location for the initiative.

Clark said she was uncertain about the gym’s prospects at first.

“I said yes, then no, then I don’t know, and I finally said yes, and here we are,” she said.

The gym is at11386 Olio Rd. in Fishers in a 1,600-squarefoot facility that opened April 7. The philosophical underpinning of Marble Fitness is dual tasking – attempting to ward off cognitive decline in adults 50 and older by activities that engage the body and brain at the same time.

“This is for cognition and brain health,” Clark said. “We’re focused on doing exercise on your body and brain

to decrease the risk of cognitive decline.”

All the activities at the gym are evidence based, Clark said. After a brief initial assessment to measure a baseline of cognitive ability, members schedule 30-minute group sessions at the facility. The activities are primarily designed to improve brain performance, cognitive performance, processing speed and memory but there also are multiple body benefits, including gains in strength, endurance, balance and mobility.

Membership levels are based on the number of visits per week, ranging from two to five times a week. Rates are $149 to $299 monthly, depending on the frequency of visits.

Marble Fitness’ grand opening is May 8, with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. and an open house to follow.

Continued from Page 5

The shop also sells Hunter Douglas blinds.

“Upholstering is the top seller now,” Hill said. “There was a time (when) we did tons of bedding and a time (when) we did a ton of draperies. Styles change, too. It’s a little more simplistic now, not as fancy.”

The store has another full-time employee and two part-time designers on staff. Griffon Fabrics is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For more, visit griffonfabrics.com.

Have Medicare question s? I have answers

I’m Kimberly Hughes, a licensed sales agent in Hamilton County, serving central Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Make the most of my knowledge and experience to:

• Take the confusion out of Medicare

• Get help comparing plans

• Receive one-on-one service

• Make enrolling in a plan easier

I look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options so you can enroll in a plan with confidence.

Kimberly Hughes Licensed Sales Agent 3177925227, TTY 711 berlyhughes@gmail.com www.myuhcagent.com/kimberly.hughes

A world to explore, a vibrant community to come home to. A lifestyle that embraces true independence, friendships, culinary celebrations, and the safety of community.

It’s time to enjoy retirement the way it’s meant to be.

NOBLESVILLE MAY EVENTS

CHALK FUN NIGHT

Options Schools will host Chalk Fun Night, an information and recruitment night at its Noblesville Campus, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 7. Attendees can decorate the sidewalks at 9945 Cumberland Pointe Blvd., learn how Options can support children’s education, hear firsthand experiences and enjoy snacks and refreshments. For more, visit facebook.com/ events/1358743015156556.

FUNDRAISER

HOPE Family Care Center is hosting its second annual BINGO Night fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. May 8 at the Purgatory Golf Clubhouse in Noblesville, 12160 E. 216th St. Doors open at 5:15pm. Tickets are $50 and include nine games of bingo for prizes, appetizers and desserts and a drink ticket. For more, visit hfcccicero.myshopify.com/ products/share-hope-bingo-night.

ARCHAEOLOGY COUNCIL DAY

The Indiana Archaeology Council will host a day of lectures and hands-on learning supported by professional archaeologists around Indiana from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10 at 12308 Strawtown Ave. in Noblesville. Tables supporting archaeological topics will be set up for guests to visit with experts. There will also be lectures relating to archaeological topics. A $10 donation will be collected by the Indiana Archaeology Council the day of the event to support scholarships for advocational and emerging archaeologists in Indiana. Registration is required at hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1928/ Parks-and-Recreation.

DARLINGTON BED RACE

The annual Darlington Bed Race is an event held each summer to raise funds for youth summer camp scholarships to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks & Recreation programs. Adults, children, businesses and schools are invited to compete for a trophy and prizes. The race includes a double-elimination bracket until a champion is crowned and involves teams of four to five people racing custom designed beds on wheels. For more, visit bgcni.org/index.php/bed-race.

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AND FUNDRAISER

There will be a Kentucky Derby party and fundraiser at Koteewi Stable & Trails in Noblesville from 4 to 8 p.m. May 3. The event will feature a silent auction, best hat contest, food trucks, the ability to watch the race and nonalcoholic mint julips. For more, visit facebook.com/events/1287507768972521.

Millers coach goes out on top

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Mike Brady figured there couldn’t be a better time for his coaching journey to come to a stop.

SOCCER

In the last three years, Brady coached the Noblesville High School girls soccer team to three consecutive Class 3A state championships.

“My time coaching at the high school has been a wonderful ride. I’ve made so many positive relationships over the years, and I’m so grateful for each player that allowed me to be a part of their lives,” said Brady, who recently announced his retirement. “But as is the case with all rides, it was time for this one to come to an end, but I’m getting off the ride at the right time with a huge smile on my face and thankful for the memories. I have known for some time that this season would be my last. I’ve given all I had to Miller soccer, and it has given me so much more in return.”

Brady, 58, compiled a 311-47-48 record in 22 seasons, including five state titles. The Millers also won Class 3A state titles in 2019 and 2020.

“I’m sorry I won’t get to coach some of the younger players in the program, but the culture is there, and if they continue to come together, they will have success on the field, as they will off the field as adults,” Brady said.

Brady said he has been fortunate to work with excellent students, school administrators and athletic directors during his career.

“Noblesville is such a wonderful and nurturing community. It has grown tremendously, but at its core, it still cares about its high school and its students,” he said. “When you have this type of support, you can’t help but to have success.”

Brady will continue teaching English and speech.

“I’d still like to think that I can still have a positive impact on students in the classroom,” he said.

Prior to being the girls head coach, Brady coached the boys junior varsity team and served one season as head coach, winning sectional and regional titles in 1996.

Brady

READY FOR THE CROWDS

With yearlong renovations complete, vendor mall gears for busiest time of year

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Staff at Logan Village Mall in Noblesville have spent the last year renovating the building and gearing up for what has become its busiest day — the May 17 Indiana Peony Festival, a free local event that draws thousands of visitors to the city and celebrates the state flower.

Logan Village Mall has an assortment of independent vendors who rent booths to sell their goods. In 2019, Noblesville couple Erren and Jim West purchased the building, which was once a newsstand and mortuary.

Throughout the renovation process, Erren said they aimed to preserve the building’s history while creating an inviting modern shopping space that draws people from Noblesville and beyond.

“A lot of the remodeling had to do with trying to rebuild after COVID — we had to do something to spark interest (in our store) again,” Erren said. “The original owners wanted it to look like a mall but also wanted it to look like a village, hence the name Logan Village Mall. During our remodel, we painted everything in bright colors to bring back the original concept — making it look like a European village. We painted brick on the floors to mimic Noblesville’s unique cobblestone streets.”

Erren said she and her husband purchased the mall because Jim, who used to work in sales, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and could no longer thrive in his field.

“My husband has had Parkinson’s since he was 40, and he is now 60 years old,” Erren said. “I used to teach middle school science and opened up a store in Anderson because I wanted a place for him to have something to do.”

After talking with Logan Village Mall’s former owner, the Wests bought the mall and moved their business, 3 Rusty Nails Shoppe, from Anderson to Noblesville. Eventually, they decided it was too much to have two stores and moved everything into Logan Village Mall.

Erren said they have tried to find vendors that make the mall unique.

“Our vendors source their products, and some are finding cool things, such as

collectibles,” Erren said. “Other vendors are selling new items. We have several women’s clothing boutiques, a baby boutique, a vintage clothing boutique and a kid’s boutique. We are trying to be different from everyone in town, and there are not too many vendor malls in the state that do what we do. We try to attract every different kind of product and person.”

Erren said the business is preparing for

the Indiana Peony Festival, which has become its busiest selling day of the year.

“(The Indiana Peony Festival) has done such a fantastic job of bringing people to downtown,” Erren said. “Every downtown like ours needs a festival. It has really been a great thing for us, because it helps all of the retail and restaurants out. We try to gear products toward people coming downtown for the festival.”

VENDORS AT LOGAN VILLAGE MALL

With more than 40 vendors, an array of products are available at Logan Village Mall.

Carmel resident Asmaa Dajani owns Everyday Treasures in the mall, where she sells a mixture of antique and modern furniture and home decor.

“The goal is to show customers that you can walk the bridge between the past and present by mixing the best, and most timeless pieces from different periods and eras,” Dajani said. “I’m very careful to pick items that are a trend that will never end.”

Dajani, who helped design the new look of Logan Village Mall, has been a vendor at Logan Village Mall for two years. She said the mall is not only a

place where she rents space for her shop, but also her second home.

Dajani also helped design a peony basket wall in front of the mall to attract visitors during the Indiana Peony Festival.

“We get a lot of visitors from outside of Noblesville, so I put the basket wall out early on so people are aware of the festival,” Dajani said. “In my shop, I’ll have peonies and will stage vignettes to celebrate the event.”

Dajani hopes mall’s new design will attract more visitors.

“We worked very, very hard, and we like to celebrate fellow small business owners, whether they’re local or not,” Dajani said. “It’s a community, and we celebrate each other.”

The mall will have several floral and peony-related items. Erren said vendors will make specific designs, clothing items and candles to sell on the festival day.

The mall also is coordinating donations for the Humane Society for Hamilton County.

“We have a donation box for them in our front counter every day, but we’re doing a thing where all the vendors are donating products, and we’re going to have a raffle,” Erren said. “People will be able to get tickets to win certain things, and all the proceeds will go toward the Humane Society. We hope to raise a few thousand dollars for them.”

The Wests appreciate the historic aspect of Noblesville, which makes it an attractive city for their business.

“With the courthouse, all of the buildings on the square and so much retail and restaurants to attract so many different people — that’s what I love about downtown,” Erren said. “New bars and restaurants are always coming in. Everyone has their niche, and it’s from every price range. We’re all different.”

For more, visit loganvillagemall.net.

ON THE COVER: A peony arrangement adorns the front of Logan Village mall in advance of the Indiana Peony Festival. (Photos courtesy of Asmaa Dajani)

More than 40 vendors rent booths in Logan Village Mall. (Photos courtesy of Asmaa Dajani)

Brooklyn Char now open

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Brooklyn Char Pizza, a restaurant serving New York-style pizza and breadsticks, recently opened at 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing in Noblesville.

RESTAURANT

Owner Benjamin Butterworth lives on the border of Noblesville and Carmel and had a soft opening March 6.

“We were looking at commercial real estate property and we just happened to find a perfect space,” Butterworth said. “The location is great, and the space on the inside has the best infrastructure for a pizza place since it was a former Pizza Hut. Everything worked out perfectly.”

Butterworth said he learned how to make pizza during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I started to get into pizza videos, and I had a background in baking before,” Butterworth said. “With pizza, you have to be a bread baker to make good dough. I started studying pizza from all over the country, and my favorite style is New York style. I researched how New York pizzerias make their pizza. And Brooklyn style, the

big, large, foldable slices, is my favorite style. I wanted to do something like that and bring it to Indiana.”

Butterworth said the menu is simple.

“The restaurant has a limited menu, and we are starting small to ensure we work out all the kinks of basic pies like cheese, pepperoni, mushroom, onion and bee sting, which is a combination of soppressata and Mike’s Hot Honey,” Butterworth said. “We have garlic knots and stuffed breadsticks as well.”

Eventually, new toppings like sausage and bacon will be available.

“We’re being smart about it and not trying to overextend ourselves with a huge menu,” Butterworth said. “I want to ensure that we’re setting the bar fairly high for the small few pieces we have now and then expand from there.”

Butterworth wants to eventually add bakery items like cookies and gelato to the menu.

“I hope to have gelato by the summer,” Butterworth said. “I hope it turns into something like New York pizzerias in the 1970s.” For more, follow @brooklyn_char_pizza on Instagram.

Indianapolis Opera presents a twist to ‘West Side Story’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Indianapolis Opera is taking a different approach to “West Side Story.”

Instead of the original tale of the feud between the Puerto Rican gang the Sharks and the white gang the Jets — as depicted in the 1957 Broadway play and 1961 movie — the story will not be set in New York in the 1950s.

“The (original) script is about the racial and ethnic difference,” said A. Scott Parry, who is directing the show. “The script and songs remain the same but we’re taking it into the future.

“It looks very post-modern.”

Indianapolis Opera’s production of “West Side Story” is set for 7 p.m. May 9-11 at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo.

“We no longer think of this as far as the ethnicity of the performer but rather the color of clothing the performer wears,” Parry said. “We’re not focusing on ethnicity but anything that makes us feel different or separate. It could be religion, politics, gender, sexuality, socio-economic conditions, neurodivergence, civility, anything in society (that) currently feels like us versus them. How that idea of difference creates a fracture in society and tension and violence. How do we bridge that idea of difference and see each other more humanistically, more as equals and in an empathetic way with each other’s positions.”

Sondheim.

Parry, a professor at New York University and Manhattan School of Music, has directed several productions for Indy Opera. He has a longtime association with two cast members.

Parry said the dance numbers show physical differences in the groups. The only other time Parry directed a full production of “West Side Story,” it was with this adaptation in October 2001 in Phoenix.

“It’s nice to come back to it after almost a quarter century,” he said.

The famous musical score is by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen

‘CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’

Opera General Director David Starkey for almost 30 years, usually approaches musical theater from an operatic perspective.

“I ride that middle line of doing opera and musical theater equally, and I think that’s why David appreciates that,” Parry said. “We talk all the time that there is too much stigma that this is an opera or this is a musical and they are really one (and) the same thing.”

Castro has played Maria twice in other productions and was once one of the Shark girls.

“The music and the whole score, I never get tired of it,” Castro said. “I always find new moments in the music whenever I hear it and whenever I perform it. As far as Maria, the character, I love how she is a symbol of hope, and she is willing to put aside whatever she’s learned culturally from her family to be able to learn about somebody that is different from her. I think that’s very wise for a young woman. She is growing up and coming of age and learning to look past prejudices to find love, humanity and acceptance. I think that’s very powerful in a young woman. Not every role is easy to come back to, but I love Maria as a character.”

Cristina MarÍa Castro, who plays Maria, is Parry’s former student when he was at Ohio State University and she was working on her master’s degree in 2011.

Olga Perez Flora, who plays Anita, was Parry’s former college roommate in the 1990s. Flora also was one of Parry’s students while working on her doctorate at Ohio State.

“I’ve worked with a couple other performers on other productions but don’t have as long a relationship with them,” he said.

Parry, who has known Indianapolis

Castro said Maria tried to bring people with differences together.

“Singing ’Tonight’ as a duet and then when it comes back as a quintet might be my favorite,” she said. “What I like about the score is it can be performed classically, or it can be approached more theatrically.”

Castro said her previous performances were traditional versions.

“I do believe the story can be told in many different ways and that’s why it’s timeless,” Castro said. “I love working with Scott Parry and I’m excited to work with him again. Scott and I have stayed in touch and we’ve done a couple productions since then. He’s a mentor of mine and a friend.”

For more, visit indyopera.org.

“Church Basement Ladies” runs through May 18 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“The Carpenters Project” is set for May 1, followed by Tim Wright & Steel Petals May 2 and Eric Baker & Friends present “Echoes of Soul” May 3 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘9 TO 5’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “9 to 5” runs through May 11 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

CIVIC THEATRE

Civic Theatre presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through May 10 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

MARTY STUART

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 1 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Grant’s ‘Christmas Together Tour’ set for Fishers Event Center — Grammy winners

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans have announced plans to co-headline the “Christmas Together Tour.” The tour will hit nine major markets across the U.S., making a Dec. 4 stop at the Fishers Event Center. Tickets are available at FishersEventCenter.com and Ticketmaster.com. While Grant and Smith’s holiday concerts have become regular events of the season for more than 30 years, the “Christmas Together Tour” will mark the first time they’ve been joined by Winans on the holiday venture since she originally appeared on their 1998 Christmas tour.

Cristina MarÍa Castro plays Maria in “West Side Story.” (Photo courtesy of Dan Wright Photography)

Parry Castro

ICC’s season finale set

By Sara Palmer editorial@youarecurrent.com

More than 400 young voices from across central Indiana will come together May 3 to perform “Christel DeHaan In Harmony: A Beautiful Tomorrow,” the Indianapolis Children’s Choir season-finale concert. Joined by its affiliate choirs, the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir, singers from kindergarten through ninth grade will take the stage at 3 p.m. at the Pike Performing Arts Center.

CONCERT

help one another?”

Songs like “Be the Bridge” and “Rainbow Connection” reinforce messages of empathy and hope. One of the emotional highlights, according to the ICC, will be “Now is the Time,” an original composition by ICC’s composer-in-residence Lee Ann Starkey. Starkey, an ICC alumna who wears many hats for the organization, said the song was inspired by the choir’s March concert and written with the singers in mind.

Centered on themes of compassion, connection and hope, the performance invites audiences to reflect on joining voices to shape a better tomorrow, according to the ICC.

“The concert focuses on the message of tomorrow -- what kind of community do we want in tomorrow?” said ICC Artistic Director Joshua Pedde, a Carmel resident who has been with the organization for 25 years. “What kinds of things can we do for one another? How can we reach out and

“Our children are the voices of tomorrow, and there is power in their words and in what they are capable of doing,” Starkey said. “They deserve to hold a special place in our world. That’s the message they sing in the song, ‘Now is our time to shine, now is the place, now is our chance.’”

Pedde agreed.

“The way the kids sing it, the way she composed it, it’s magical,” he said. “And I think the audience is really going to enjoy it.”

For tickets and more about ICC’s programs, visit icchoir.org.

Pedde

Blueprint for Improvement: Elegant outdoor escape in west Carmel

Commentary by Larry Greene

What once was an open, unfinished back patio was reimagined into a serene and stylish screened-in porch in the heart of west Carmel. The transformation turned an underutilized outdoor space into a cozy yet refined extension of the home — perfect for entertaining and relaxing.

THE BLUEPRINT

• By enclosing the space with full-height screened panels, the homeowners now enjoy protection from the elements while maintaining clear views of their beautiful backyard and surrounding neighborhood.

• The addition of warm-toned furnishings, cozy seating and layered greenery creates a welcoming ambiance that blends comfort with sophistication.

• Soft overhead lighting enhances usability during evening hours, while the consistent design materials tie seamlessly into the rest of the home’s exterior.

• The upgraded porch now functions as a true outdoor living room, offering three-season versatility and timeless charm.

• With the simple addition of screens, lighting and purposeful furniture placement, the space was transformed into a multifunctional retreat without the need for major construction.

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.

After

Before

LIFESTYLE

14. A mad, mad, usually mild-mannered neighborhood Mister?

17. Pacer foe from Ohio, briefly 18. ___ and aah

19. Henhouse perch

21. Tough nut to crack 23. 1/2 fl. oz.

26. “Waking ___ Devine” (1998 film)

27. French miss (Abbr.)

28. Carmel City Councilor Locke

29. Leaky tire sound

30. Women’s clothing size

32. Tree house

34. Gravity yielding

June 18, 2025, at Pebble Brook Golf Club in Noblesville 11 a.m. shotgun start

Scan to register or visit riverview.org/25Golf. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Polly Craig at 317.776.7938.

mistake?

38. Barcelona boy

39. Sped around I-465

41. Some email attachments

44. ___-bitsy

46. Evil

47. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard

48. From the beginning

49. Director DeMille

50. Cable service

52. UFO crew

54. “Norma ___”

55. Hamilton County prosecuting attorney, and an anagram of 14- and 34-Across 59. Deity

60. DVR option

61. GOP org.

62. Colts stat

63. Warning sign

64. Opposite of NNW Down

1. Divine happenings

2. “Saturday Night Fever” star

3. Chill (out)

4. First 007 film

5. Northern Indiana interstate

6. Big name in ATMs

7. Boxing ref’s decision

8. Sandwich cookie

9. White River waders

10. Tree-trunk growths

15. WIPX network

16. Org.

17. Pitch tents

20. Colts stat

22. Wears the crown

24. “Kapow!”

25. Grumpy coworker

28. Bring under control

29. Tried hard

31. ___ Fridays

33. Sellout sign

35. Musical staff symbol

36. Butler frat letters

37. Dependency

40. Editing mark

41. Soda

42. Dreadfully slow

43. Fishing gear

45. Change course suddenly

48. GPA part (Abbr.)

49. CBS forensic drama

51. Traders Point restaurant: ___ Montana Grill

53. Suffix with Jumbo or cyclo

56. Classic muscle car

57. “Ready, ___, fire!”

58. Fourth-yr. students at FHS

Answers on Page 27

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