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August 19, 2025
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Inside a commercial building in Fishers that also houses a dance academy and an indoor adventure park is Hamilton County’s first Hindu temple.
The new Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple’s location at 10080 E. 121st St. is a temporary space until a standalone temple can be built on a lot off Cyntheanne Road, but founder and priest Keerthivasan Srinivasan and Hindu families in the area have turned that temporary space into a welcoming place for worship.
Indumathi Subramaniam said before the new temple opened in mid-July, Hindus in the region had to drive to the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana on German Church Road on Indianapolis’ east side, close to the Hancock County border. That long commute limited how often they could participate in worship activities.
“They’re able to get there only on a weekend or something,” she said, “And among our customs, we have many things going on during weekdays, too. So, having this temple is probably one of the best things our priest … did for us.”
The temple has statues honoring some of the Hindu deities, including Ganesha, Shiva, Rama and the temple’s central deity, Hanuman — the monkey-faced god. Every day, multiple times a day, Srinivasan offers prayers to the deities and local Hindus can stop in throughout the day for spiritual comfort and guidance.
Subramaniam said about 20 people have been showing up on a regular basis, and she expects the number will grow as word spreads that it has opened. She explained that in the Hindu religion, different days honor specific deities. Mondays are for Shiva, for example, and Hindus who feel a connection to Shiva will be more likely to attend services that day.
“Some people will come every day, if they can,” she said. “And some people will come because it’s their special god’s day.”
Srinivasan said opening the temple was the result of several dreams he had during which Lord Hanuman offered guidance. There were some obstacles, but just when he felt like he wasn’t going to find a space, he had another encouraging dream and the next day he got a message that the space on 121st Street was available.
Srinivasan said there are thousands of Hindus locally and it’s traditional for them
to visit a temple for special celebrations, such as birthdays, as well as regular prayers.
“As a priest, I wanted to have the temple here in Fishers area,” he said. “In that way, you know, people can easily access day by day, and that is (why) we wanted to start the temple here.”
He said there are plans to build a permanent temple on Cyntheanne Road across from Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High School — close to where a new Meijer will open. He said a fundraising campaign will start soon to build it.
“We will construct the temple on our own land for (the) next three to four years, and we will move all the deities from here to the big temple,” he said. “In the big temple, we are going to have a 21-foot Lord Hanuman.”
Srinivasan said the Hanuman statue will be the largest in the region. The temple also has a new deity statue that will arrive from India this fall, Lalitha Parameswara, and he said the temple will host a special celebration after her arrival and add regu-
lar prayers in her honor.
He said the temple plans to host classes for young children, as well, including music and dance classes, to honor their culture as well as their religion.
Hema and Venkatesh Malini brought their two children to a recent daily blessing, and Hema said that since the new space opened, it’s become like a second home. She said attending regular prayers at the temple gives her a sense of calm and she’s made new friends.
Hema Malini added that she’s happy for her children that there now is a temple close to home.
“This is sort of a place where they come, they learn a lot of new things, which usually we won’t get it in the textbooks,” she said, such as respect and a sense of culture. “We have another temple (in Indianapolis), but it is not so frequent that we used to go. Since this is so near, almost morning and evening, I come with offerings and we will pray, we will chant, we will help the priest. So, this has become a second home, as I said, and this is a nurturing culture for all the people.”
3
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Zionsville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Zionsville is working on its “Love for Lincoln” campaign — a collaborative initiative between the town and the community to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln Park while raising funds for upcoming renovations.
But as plans advance to update the town’s first municipal park, one of its oldest neighbors wants the town to carefully consider public safety and maintaining the park’s history.
Ralph Stacy has lived on Second Street for 79 years. Stacy has approached the Zionsville Plan Commission and the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Board with his thoughts on the planned renovation. In terms of safety, Stacy said he’s worried that the plans for the park do not include a perimeter fence.
“The fence, to me, guides visitors to the traditional entry points,” he said. “They want to take all the fence down so somebody can walk out of our house and instead of going (to the crosswalk) they
can walk in anywhere. The traditional entry points avoid jaywalkers between parked cars, especially on First, Second and Cedar streets.”
Stacy said despite the quaint charm of Zionsville, the southwest corner of Lincoln Park at Oak and First streets can be dangerous.
“There are 42- and 50-foot semis coming through there,” he said. “They sometimes go up on the sidewalk.”
Stacy said in the past few years, he has nearly been struck by cars two separate times while crossing First Street at the crosswalk.
“I don’t think (the town) has realized how dangerous Oak Street can be for pedestrians and bikers,” he said.
Stacy also wants the town to develop a more comprehensive parking strategy. He said cars have often parked facing the wrong way on Second Street, which is oneway north. He hopes signage directing people to parking will be considered as part of the overall plan.
Stacy also said he’s excited to see plans for a new fountain and gazebo but hopes the town will consider keeping traditional
elements, like the four streetlights within the site. The concept plan calls for string lighting supported by tall poles, but a design has not been finalized.
“I think they need to decrease lighting and the new cost associated,” Stacy said. “They probably need to upgrade the underground wiring (but) always use period-appropriate lighting fixtures like the current, older, authentic memorial pole lights. Those pole lights were put in by the Kiwanis Club (in) 1971. They actually are old lights, and all you have to do is to rewire them. It’s a matter of running the wire up and putting in the appropriate socket and maintaining the globes. That’s the type of lighting we
had when we had first electrical lighting here in Zionsville. These are period-appropriate lights for Zionsville historically. They’re authentic, but they’re reproductions. This is the type of lighting we should have over there.”
Stacy said he’s brought other items to the attention of the town for preservation, like a time capsule buried in Lincoln Park and the memorial stone that was dedicated by the Zionsville Lions Club in 1936. He also hopes there is more clarity on bushes and trees — specifically which ones will be removed and which will stay.
“This is our oldest municipal park, and I really feel that (the parks department) is trying to do a good job, but I think (they’re) understaffed and underfunded,” he said. “We are getting somewhere and it’s overdue. It’ll be a nice improvement, but I think there’s a few things they really need to look at, especially the public safety thing. Because I see it all the time. I’ve been living here for 79 years. It will never be the same and I’m not asking for that. I’m just wanting people to be safe.”
Learn more about the Lincoln Park project at zionsville-in.gov/779/Love-for-Lincoln.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr talks about his plans for the town and its future at the Graham Rahal Performance Campus Aug. 8. The event was part of the Indy Chamber’s Spotlight series. Stehr spoke about what makes Zionsville unique and the quality of life, including local amenities like schools, parks, safety and small-town charm. Stehr also shared updates on Zionsville’s comprehensive planning process — with a spotlight on the need to diversify the local tax base and create partnerships to move Zionsville forward. The event was hosted by the Indy Chamber and Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. (Photo courtesy of Discover Boone County)
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Court of Appeals of Indiana has denied the appeal of a Zionsville woman convicted of firing a gun at a Whitestown police officer in 2023.
CRIME
Lauren Cupp was convicted of drawing a handgun on officers in May 2023 when they attempted to serve a warrant at her home in Royal Run. According to court records, Cupp — who was clad in a bikini on the way to the community pool with her 4- and 13-year-old children — threatened an officer and fled. When she encountered a second officer, she yelled for the officer to stay back and fired a shot in his direction.
Cupp was convicted of two counts of resisting law enforcement and two counts of felony neglect of a dependent. The trial court also imposed a sentence enhancement based on Cupp’s use of a firearm while resisting arrest.
A mistrial was declared in November 2023, but Cupp was convicted in September 2024 after a second trial and sentenced to 11 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
Cupp filed an appeal in September 2024 challenging the sufficiency of the evidence that she resisted arrest. Cupp also argued that the firearms enhancement was improper. Per the statute on the enhancement, a “police officer” is defined as an officer serving the state; county; city; state educational institution; school corporation; postsecondary school police department; alcohol and tobacco commission officer; conservation; gaming; or an inspector general investigator. The statute does not list “town” police officers.
The court rejected Cupp’s argument. Cupp is incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Town Council approved a $3.8 million appropriation Aug. 4 to move ahead with land acquisition of two parcels for the Zionsville Fire Department.
“This really goes back to (2022) when the fire department’s strategic plan was developed and adopted,” ZFD Chief James VanGorder said. “It identified the need for the fire department to complete a fire station assessment. We did have conversations at that time with the council and town administration, and they also concurred that they wanted to have a long-term plan that would ensure the health and safety of the Zionsville community. We also worked with you to develop funding for that, and that’s where we identified the use of some ARPA funds.”
The feasibility study — adopted last month by the Zionsville Safety Board — included a fire stations conditions assessment; explored the potential of building up to three new stations; taking Station 291 offline; and turning the Perry Township fire station in Fayette, which is serviced by the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department of Boone County and overseen by ZFD, into a career service station to serve western Zionsville.
“I think we’re all aware (land is) rapidly changing hands and being sold and being
moved into development status,” VanGorder said. “So, we did ask the council to approve a resolution (earlier this year) where we would express interest in the purchasing of certain properties valued at over $25,000. And we did that in April of this year.”
VanGorder said the ZFD hired two appraisal firms — Aegis and Terzo — to conduct appraisals of two locations. Letters of intent were issued after those appraisals were complete.
The first parcel is 12.55 acres at 3302 E. 550 S, west of I-65, with a purchase price of $1.4 million. The second location — 2.8 acres at 3911 S. U.S. 421 — has a purchase price of $2.3 million.
VanGorder said the 12-acre parcel would be used for a future public safety training area.
“It was also chosen in that area because it’s immediately adjacent to industrial buildings, where we wouldn’t cause any interference or challenges with any residential-type neighbors,” he said. “It’s purely agricultural at this time, but immediately adjacent to that (is) a large Subaru warehouse.”
The council approved the appropriation unanimously. The funds will come from cash reserves.
The council also approved a $4,000 appropriation for the Zionsville Police Department for the purchase of a portable radar speed display. The funds come from a grant from Duke Energy.
The Community Foundation of Boone County recently announced that Josh Medvescek of Zionsville received the 2025 Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award. The award recognizes an individual who has made an ongoing commitment to Zionsville youth sports.
The award is named for the late Lionel Dubay, a parent and supporter of youth sports in Zionsville. Established by his wife, Gwen Dubay, in 1993, the award celebrates Dubay’s legacy as an advocate for youth sports.
Medvescek is a coach and mentor for young athletes, coaching or assisting with football, wrestling, baseball and soccer and touching thousands of lives over the past two decades.
“Josh is the definition of servant leadership,” stated Julie Reagan, CEO of the CFBC. “For over 25 years, he has invested his time, skills, and heart into helping young athletes grow — not just as players, but as people. His dedication reflects the very spirit of the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award, and we are honored to recognize him this year.”
Besides coaching, he has also worked on several boards and as an IHSAA official, rules interpreter, certified clinician and middle and high school referee assigner.
“Josh has impacted countless athletes’ lives in Zionsville, both directly and indirectly,” his award nomination read. “Josh’s dedication towards youth athletics is so appreciated, as there are very few individuals who put in more time and energy into a multitude of sports the way Josh does. He has a pulse on sports at the very foundational level all the way through the high school level, making him a great conduit for coaches, parents, administrators and student athletes. We are grateful to have Josh in our community.”
In recognition of the award, Medvescek directed CFBC to donate the accompanying $500 grant to the Zionsville Baseball Club. The club provides travel baseball opportunities to players aged 7 to 14 who live in the Zionsville Community Schools district. district. The organization is dedicated to developing athletes for the Zionsville Community High School baseball program by providing skill development and fostering individual growth.
Learn more about ZBC at zionsvillebaseballclub.org.
Eagle Fest planned — The Zionsville Athletic Booster Club will host the 41st annual Eagle Fest from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22 at Jennings Field, in conjunction with the ZCHS varsity football home opener versus Pike High School. This year’s event will include food trucks; bounce houses; face painting; booths hosted by community organizations; dunk tanks; and entertainment from local youth dance teams, district cheerleading groups and the ZCHS marching band. Money raised at the fundraiser will benefit the athletic department at ZCHS, as well as the two Zionsville middle schools. Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 at the gate. Purchase advance tickets at ZCHS, ZMS, ZWMS, Fundaes, Subdaze and Kern Bros Shoes.
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Cicero resident Joel Levi recently launched his campaign for Indiana House District 37 in the 2026 election, challenging House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers).
In his campaign announcement, Levi, a Democrat, pledged to put public education, working families and community values at the center of his platform. Levi stated that he is stepping up to challenge the status quo in what he called a “David versus Goliath” race.
ing the direction of the entire state. He stated that voters are ready for change following years of one-party rule.
“Flipping this seat would be a turning point,” he stated. “It would send a powerful message that Hoosiers are done being ignored. A Statehouse that doesn’t work for all Hoosiers is a Statehouse that doesn’t work.”
In the announcement Levi criticized Huston for legislation that reduced dedicated funding for public schools.
“Our schools are already stretched thin and our teachers are overworked and underpaid,” Levi stated. “The decisions coming out of the Statehouse are hurting our communities. It’s time for leadership that actually listens to families and puts kids first.”
Levi stated that the race is about more than just one district — it is about chang-
According to the announcement, Levi’s campaign will focus on fully funding public education and increasing transparency in government. He also stated that he is committed to keeping kids safe from gun violence and supports requiring background checks on private gun sales.
“He will fight to protect Indiana’s environment, defend Medicaid access and stand with unions to secure fair wages and dignity for working-class families,” the announcement stated.
Levi, originally from Anderson, ran unsuccessfully for the District 20 Indiana Senate seat in 2024.
House District 37 includes portions of Hamilton County.
For more, visit JoelLeviforIndiana.com.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Construction is underway at Zionsville’s Wild Air community, a mixed-use development at Oak Street and Marysville Road that includes single-family homes, townhomes, senior living, apartments, outdoor space and retail.
But for 16 future homeowners, the community represents more than a place to live.
Old Town Companies and ILADD, Inc. celebrated the beginning of construction of Crossbridge Point Aug. 11 with a tour of the site for 16 ILADD self-advocates. Established in 2019, ILADD — Independent Living for Adults with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities — is a Zionsville-based nonprofit that assists adults with IDD with housing; enrichment and educational programs; and social options that support independent living for fulfilling and meaningful lives in their communities.
ILADD Executive Director Andy Kirby said Old Town Companies donated 18 lots within Wild Air for Crossbridge Point. Lots will be developed into 1,000- to 1,600-squarefoot homes, plus a 3,000-square-foot clubhouse for ILADD programming.
“ILADD was incorporated in 2019 with the goal to help find a solution for the significant housing crisis for adults with disabilities,” Kirby said. “Many of them live with their families, they are in houses that are owned by somebody else. So, this is a very unique model in the fact that it is a home-ownership model. These individuals will live in their own homes, which is a fantastic opportunity to promote and provide independence for them.”
Kirby said Old Town will work with each self-advocate on construction of their custom home.
“We’ve worked with Old Town pretty significantly to ensure that the homes are created in a way that they are as affordable as they can be,” he said. “A lot of what we’re doing is the same in each home, so we’re benefiting from economies of scale — meaning that construction is going to be a little bit cheaper — and that is being passed on then to our individuals.”
Heidi Schroeder is a member of the Zionsville Advisory Committee on Disability
and one of the self-advocates planning to reside at Crossbridge Point. Schroeder is planning for a two-bedroom home.
“I’m excited to just be in the community with people,” she said. “I got a new bed set five years ago, so I’m taking my bed set. I’m taking a lot of furniture with that. I’m just really excited about everything. It’s a step in my life.”
Old Town Companies Founder and CEO Justin Moffett said working with organizations like ILADD are part of the company’s overarching goal of making communities flourish.
“How do we make sure that the places and spaces we create make a lasting impact on our neighbors?” he said. “We built a company around community from the beginning. (We ask ourselves), ‘What good can we do with our margin?’ Then it became, ‘How do we actually use our professional skills to serve our neighbors? We know how to build stuff, why don’t we make that part of our strategy?’”
Moffett said the company’s first initiative came with North End, a mixed-use development in Carmel that includes apartments, townhomes, single-family
homes and office/retail space. He said working with community members on the project often came back to the same questions: Who are marginalized neighbors and how can Old Town serve them?
“We kept, through a series of conversations, hearing this theme of our underserved neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” he said. “We decided we should do something about this, and it turned into the North End Project, where 40 apartments were set aside in a trust for IDD. After that experience, and seeing the positive impact that created, we said as a company that we would
Besides construction of the Crossbridge Point community within Wild Air, ILADD, Inc. provides a variety of programs and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We started really small. We had a dream to create (a community), and we had one book club as a social option to bring people together,” ILADD Executive Director Andy Kirby said. “We had one club of 10 self-advocates, and four years later we’ve grown into an organization that has 190 individuals connected to us and 13 different programs that focus on social options and educational activities to get them ready for independence. So, we’ve had significant growth in a very short period of time.”
Kirby said ILADD also works with more than 300 families seeking longterm housing options.
“We always talk about ways to con-
nect to ILADD,” he said. “If you’re a family member — brother, sister, mom, dad — and you’ve got a child at home with a disability who may not have good social outlets, or people to hang out with, or friends, or needs training or some type of educational program that focuses on those core skills to live independently, reach out. I think that is important. ILADD is an organization where none of our programs cost our individuals anything. We don’t charge for what we do, and we don’t bill the state, so fundraising and development is important. Since we don’t charge and we don’t bill, we rely heavily on volunteers. If anybody from the community is interested in learning more about what ILADD does and how they can connect and have a lot of fun and a good time making a difference to somebody’s life, I would encourage them to reach out.”
Learn more at iladdinc.org.
like to continue this work and implement this strategy in every new community we develop that has scale.”
Moffett said Old Town partners with responsible, well-resourced and well-organized nonprofits, and ILADD went above and beyond those standards.
“Just seeing they had a goal that aligned with our goal, and they were looking for an opportunity, it just felt like it was meant to be,” he said. “It’s now a strategy for us at a corporate level to partner with community organizations to provide attainable housing.”
Moffett said Wild Air Wild Air has a unique opportunity for attracting retail and creating jobs.
“It creates the potential for creating employment opportunities for our residents who live in the community,” he said. “We found that at North End, that the activation of community has created a place where our IDD residents can not only enjoy the amenities, but also then find meaningful employment.”
Local officials said the development fills a vital need.
“I think that with the value of the land around here and all the interest there is in this area, it’s great that Old Town set part of it aside for this purpose,” Mayor John Stehr said. “This is obviously a great need in our community, and it’s great to see it being fulfilled here. ILADD is really a force here. They do great things in this community, not just for the adults with developmental disabilities. When you’re helping that population, you’re really helping the whole community. You just see the joy on the people’s faces — that joy (of) knowing that they’re going to have a home of their own.”
ILADD representatives said the neighborhood represents the mission of the organization.
“ILADD offers programs that promote and educate individuals on independent living skills,” Kirby said. “Not only are we providing housing solutions, we’re also providing the foundation — the knowledge for them to do well and be successful.”
Editor,
As a resident of Zionsville for over 45 years, I have been proud that we are a very positive and welcoming community. However, the very negative protests at Oak and First streets every Saturday, and the recent illegal political signs on the Main Street sidewalk make me think that some want to represent negativity in the Village rather than community. It’s tough to explain to a 6-year-old grandchild that some adults just don’t understand how elections
work and don’t accept the results, and that some merchants wish to be political protestors rather than do business.
Is this how we wish to portray our wonderful community to visitors and residents?
Let’s all consider how we can best represent the positive things of Zionsville and use our time to serve others rather than to display our negativity.
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Work is underway on a 126-acre nature-based theme park just north of the Westfield and Sheridan border.
Local officials and developers of SkyLake held a ceremonial groundbreaking event last month for the park at 216th Street and Dunbar Road in Sheridan, west of U.S. 31. The park is being developed as a year-round nature adventure destination that will include a 6-acre lake with a water adventure area; an all-season tubing hill; a 40,000-square-foot central pavilion; and an extensive treetop ropes course. The park will be built on 75 of the parcel’s 126 acres.
“Our driving vision is to craft unforgettable, authentic experiences that reconnect people with nature and one another,” stated Phil Sack, president and founder of SkyLake. “SkyLake is our commitment to that vision. We are thrilled to begin construction and feel deeply grateful for the incredible partnership from the Town of Sheridan and Hamilton County that made this moment possible. We can’t wait to create a place where families from across the region congregate to make lasting memories for generations to come.”
Once complete, the park is expected to support 250-300 seasonal and full-time jobs. Development includes removal of trees to make way for entertainment areas, a swim pond and detention ponds. The tubing hill will be 65 feet high and 600 feet long.
More than 1,000 parking spaces will be built including a paved area and crushed stone and grass overflow areas.
SkyLake is a year-round outdoor recreation destination under construction in Sheridan just north of the Westfield border between U.S. 31 and Dunbar Road.
Adventure activities include a 40-foot modular slide-and-jump structure; a 300foot floating obstacle course; paddle board rentals; a 6,000-square-foot zero-depth splash pad; a 60-foot-high, 500-foot-long all-season tubing hill; a three-story ropes course; and mini-golf.
Sheridan officials said the park has the potential to become a regional destination.
“SkyLake will be a source of fun, employment and immense pride for our residents, while also serving as a major tourism draw for the region,” Sheridan Town Council President Silas DeVaney III stated. “We have been impressed with the collaborative spirit of the SkyLake team and are thrilled to welcome a partner so invested in our community’s future.”
The park is slated to open in Summer 2026 with phased expansions through 2031.
Learn more at skylakeindiana.com.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Roger McGuinn has a lifetime of music memories to share.
The former frontman of The Byrds will share those memories at 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s a one-man show,” McGuinn said. “It’s a story about the songs. I do some of the hits where you might not expect them (in the show) and they fit into the storyline.”
The 83-year-old McGuinn plays four instruments during the show, including a five-string longneck banjo like the late folk singer Pete Seeger played.
McGuinn said the 500-seat Tarkington fits his show.
“It’s kind of cozy and everyone is happy to be there,” he said. “They are not standing up in a ballroom.”
McGuinn began performing with the Chad Mitchell Trio and then was hired by Bobby Darin as a backup guitarist and harmony singer.
Darin opened T.M. Music in New York City’s Brill Building and hired McGuinn as a songwriter.
“It gave me all the foundation for what I ended up doing,” McGuinn said. “I learned how to be a songwriter, a studio musician and the skills that I would (use) later in The Byrds. It was a good training ground.”
After working as a studio musician, McGuinn and Gene Clark formed a band in 1964 that became The Byrds. David Crosby soon joined as well.
McGuinn credited manager Jim Dixon for The Byrds’ success.
“He impressed upon us to always do really high-quality material and not just bubble-gum throwaway hits,” he said. “So, we tried to integrate a lot of meaning into our songs. He made us learn to method act.”
McGuinn said the first few years of The Byrds were the most exciting. Their biggest hit and McGuinn’s favorite “Turn!
Turn! Turn!” was released in 1965. The song was written by Seeger in 1959. Some of The Byrds’ other hits were “Eight Miles High,” “Mr. Spaceman” and “You Showed Me.”
“I saw The Byrds as a brand like Coca-Cola and I thought it was a viable brand to keep going,” said McGuinn, who was the sole consistent member. “So, that’s why I stuck with it as long as did.”
The Byrds, whose final album was released in 1973, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Several of The Byrds’ biggest hits were covers of Bob Dylan songs, such as “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “My Back Pages” and “Chimes of Freedom.”
“(Dylan) doesn’t like to admit it, but I think we influenced him a little bit,” McGuinn said.
McGuinn and Dylan were neighbors in Malibu during the 1970s. McGuinn also toured with Dylan in the “Rolling Thunder Revue” in 1975-76. He later toured with Dylan and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as the opening act on the “Temples in Flames” tour in Europe in 1987.
McGuinn started the Folk Den Project in November 1995. He records a different folk song each month.
‘WAITRESS’
“Waitress” runs through Aug. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Roger McGuinn, co-founder of The Byrds, performs Sept. 13 at The Tarkington Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Roger McGuinn)
“It’s a labor of love,” he said. “I wanted to bring (the songs) into the public arena, so people can learn them. I always say someday, someone is going to open it up and say, ‘Wow, look what this guy did.’”
McGuinn typically performs a couple of the folk songs in his performances.
McGuinn’s early influences were Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins and the rockabilly scene in Memphis.
“I tell the story of how I got influenced by (folk singer) Bob Gibson when he came to play at my school,” he said.
That prompted McGuinn to switch from rockabilly to folk music.
McGuinn typically tours six weeks in the spring and six weeks in the fall.
“We like to space it out. I like to take a few days off between shows to rest my voice,” he said.
McGuinn has no plans to retire.
“I’ll know it when I can’t do it anymore,” he said. “I love doing it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
McGuinn’s wife, Camilla, is the road manager and handles all the merchandise
“We love the traveling part of it,” he said. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit mcguinn.com.
“Summer Nights: The Music of Grease” is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘HAPPY HOUR FOR A CAUSE’
Ballet INitiative presents “Happy Hour for a Cause” Aug. 23-24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. Twenty percent of proceeds benefit ArtMix Indiana and KidsFirst Adoption. For more, visit balletinitiative.org
Opera cabaret set — An Opera Cabaret at Fork + Ale House is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Carmel restaurant. The fundraiser will feature an intimate Italian opera performance by Indianapolis Opera artists. Cost is $125 per person and includes a full fourcourse meal with beer and wine. For more, visit indyopera.org.
SInger-songwriter Case to make Palladium debut — Touring to support a new album, singer-songwriter Neko Case will make her Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts debut Jan. 22 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium in January 2026. Also an accomplished producer, author and visual artist. Her authenticity, lyrical storytelling and sly wit have endeared her to a legion of critics, musicians and lifelong fans. In addition to many acclaimed and Grammy-nominated solo records, she is a founding member of the Canadian supergroup the New Pornographers and author of The New York Times bestselling memoir “The Harder I Fight the More I Love You” and the weekly Substack newsletter “Entering The Lung.” She is composing a musical theater adaptation of the Oscar-winning film “Thelma & Louise.” Case’s eighth album, “Neon Grey Midnight Green,” is set for release in September. Opening the show will be Des Demonas. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
David Pendleton has always been an entertainer at heart. He learned ventrilo quism at age 6 and performed in his first talent show when he was 8.
After working at Kings Island as a ventriloquist through college, the Fishers resident is a full-time co medic ventriloquist. His club, Fish ers Comedy & Magic, hosts family-friendly shows throughout the year at Mission Christian Academy, 13095 Publishers Dr. in Fishers. His club will present “The Great Northern Laugh-Off” at 7 p.m. Aug. 31.
Joining him on stage will be standup comedians Daren Streblow and Leland Klassen, along with a live band.
“I typically try to have multiple comics and performers at the show,” Pendleton said. “I landed on the name Fishers Comedy
& Magic because I didn’t want it to be only a comedy venue. I wanted a venue that brings in other variety acts, and I want to be set apart from what people might think of when they think of a comedy club.”
Pendleton’s goal is to have a more consistent performance schedule moving forward, starting with a yet-to-be determined show in October.
“This is something that I would love to see more regularly here in Fishers — a family-friendly, affordable comedy show,” Pendleton said. “I have done several of these now and they’ve each gone well. I’ve been around comedy and in the comedy world for a very long time, so I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to put on a quality show. This is a funny show and I have worked hard to keep the quality up.”
Tickets for “The Great Northern LaughOff” start at $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more, visit fisherscomedyandmagic. com.
Commentary by Larry Greene
A complete kitchen renovation in Washington Township brightened the space with timeless finishes, inset cabinetry and thoughtful design details for a welcoming, functional heart of the home.
• The dramatic transformation replaced dated cabinetry and muted counters with creamy inset shaker cabinets and stunning Cambria quartz surfaces.
• A professional-grade range with double ovens anchors the cooking area, complemented by a 5-in-1 speed oven and a custom hood for both style and flexibility.
• Glass-front cabinets and open shelving offer both storage and display for favorite pieces.
• Contrasting dark perimeter countertops pair with new herringbone wood flooring to add depth, warmth and visual interest throughout the space.
• The result is a bright, inviting kitchen perfect for daily living and entertaining.
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.
Across
1. Sahm’s menu item
5. Lawrence Central HS athlete
9. Engaged in battle
14. Sicilian spouter
15. Teen’s woe
16. Unoriginal
17. Leon ___ (Indy clothes
pros since 1905)
19. Lounges around 20. PC key
21. Many a PU grad
22. Actress Seyfield or Peet
24. 46034
26. Greek war god
27. Washington bill
29. “lol”
30. Hospital divisions
32. Significant other
33. Museum piece
35. Gamer’s game face
37. Colts QB stat
38. Dillydally
40. 1040 org.
41. Crocheted blanket
44. Ledger entry
46. Strong and lean
47. Quick and flexible
49. Christkindlmarkt time
53. Opp. of WNW
54. Reebok rival
55. 46032
57. Young bovine at the Indiana State Fair
59. Beatles: “___ the Walrus”
60. School grp.
61. Bicycle part
62. Sherlock Holmes’ super power
65. Scent
66. Jeans choice
67. Icky stuff
68. Rachel Maddow’s network
69. Otherwise
70. Yankees’ crosstown rivals
1. Tear off
Down
2. Roma’s land
3. Stool pigeon
4. “2001” computer
5. It may give a hoot on a farm
6. Puff piece?
7. Mass Ave art: ___ Dancing
8. Consider
9. Book of maps
10. Suffix with Jumbo or cyclo
11. These may be sown by indiscreet youth
12. 46031
13. Hi-___ monitor
18. Not ‘neath
23. Arizona’s third largest city
25. Like the smell of soil
26. 46030
28. Always, in verse
31. Suffer
32. Victim for a cause
34. IND flight info
36. Seven, on a sundial
37. Saw eye to eye
39. A Hair Off Mane supply
41. Flabbergast
42. 46038
43. Church area
45. Snarky reply to “Why?”
48. Tight undergarment
50. Victory Field arbiter
51. Set free
52. Spiral-horned antelopes
54. Company with a spokesduck
56. “The Walking Dead” airer
58. Poetic measure
59. Midmonth day
61. “The Office” receptionist
63. White River snakelike fish
64. Old film channel
Answers on Page 19
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