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12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 youarecurrent.com

HOLIDAY CHEER Coffee, Donuts & Love event returns to Indianapolis on Christmas Day Page 8

New Italian restaurant opening in North Indy Page 2

Indianapolis Zoo announces conservation grants Page 4

Central Indiana home building permits remain stable Page 6

STEM organization plans central Indiana expansion Page 7

Cheers! Huse Culinary offers limited-release specialty bourbon Page 13

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New Italian eatery opening in North Indy By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Manuela Pizzi grew up in the restaurant business. Her father, Gino Pizzi, founded Ambrosia in Broad Ripple in 1979 and the family has since opened other eateries in the Indianapolis area under the umbrella of Ambrosia Hospitality Group. She and her father soon will open a new Italian restaurant, independent of AHG, in the North Indy area. Manuela Pizzi said she left Indy and the restaurant industry in the late 1990s, moving to New York and working in education until about two years ago. “I was feeling kind of a need to transition out of education. And my father, who owned Blupoint (Coastal Kitchen), he was like, ‘I kind of need some help with the restaurant,’” she said. “So, I came back and helped him run Blupoint until he decided to retire.” After her father sold Blupoint, Pizzi said, she went back to teaching, but realized she missed the hospitality industry — and so did her father. “I really had enjoyed coming back into the restaurant,” she said. “It was

Balena Cucina Italiana will open in January in North Willow Commons at 86th Street and Ditch Road. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

like coming home and so, at some point during the winter, people started reaching out to us about some spaces that were available. And my dad and I just looked at each other and we’re like, ‘Do we do this? Let’s do it.” They explored various locations and eventually chose a space at the North Willow Commons shopping center at 86th Street and Ditch Road for their new Balena Cucina Italina. The restaurant will celebrate the family’s Italian roots, which include southern and northern Italy. Pizzi said “Balena” means “whale” in Italian. “It’s my ‘Moby Dick’ white whale

— the thing I’ve always wanted to pursue,” she said. “And it’s come to fruition now. What I really want to tap into is the idea of the migratory nature, both of our family’s story, but also of the flavors and the profiles that are going to be on the menu.” She said her grandparents were from southern Italy but ended up moving north, where her father was born. He then migrated to the United States in 1969, she said, and later brought the family over to join him. Pizzi said her father was inspired to open Ambrosia as a place to welcome the community and share the flavors of his homeland. That’s a goal for the new restaurant, as well. Pizzi said the menu will have selections from the different regions, featuring bright favors from the north like pesto and seafood dishes with citrus; and the warmly seasoned dishes from the south, with more tomato-based dishes and spices influenced by the region’s interactions with North Africa and the ancient trade routes that passed through. She added that the wine list will be carefully curated. For more, visit balenaindy.com.

Nora shop aims to satisfy cookie cravings By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com A new storefront in Nora is serving up sweet treats, one cookie at a time, with signature deep-dish cookies filled and/or topped with gooey flavors. Crave Cookies opened this fall in Nora Plaza, 1250 E. 86th St., strategically positioned next to a popular Starbucks and across the street from North Central High School. Director of Operations Sarah Ayoub-Pacheco, a Noblesville resident, said owners Cody Selman and Jamie Little of Zionsville were looking for a new franchise opportunity. They also own a Nothing Bundt Cakes store. Ayoub-Pacheco said a friend of Selman’s went to a Crave Cookies in Fishers and recommended it, which eventually led to opening the Nora store in mid-October. “The concept is deep-dish cookies (and) loaded sodas,” she said. “We rotate the cookie flavors — five flavors

Biscoff Explosion is among the Crave Cookie flavors at the new shop in Nora Plaza. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Ayoub-Pacheco)

rotate constantly.” Chocolate chip is always available, Ayoub-Pacheco said, and then there’s a “local favorite” that sticks around for a couple months. The current local favorite is a Dubai chocolate-inspired cookie. The cookies are thick and about 5 inches in diameter. Eating a whole one all at once would be an accomplishment, Ayoub-Pacheco said. “A lot of them have a filling, like

the Dubai one, you’re going to have that pistachio cream inside the whole brownie cookie,” she said. “Right now, we have a turtle one (with) a big chunk of caramel right in the center.” The store’s loaded sodas are also called “dirty sodas,” which have flavors mixed into classic soda pops. “You can take a regular soda base, add flavoring to it, and then you’re going to have a new flavor profile,” Ayoub-Pacheco said. “The CoCo Lata coke (has) coconut and pineapple in it, and a coconut cream. So, once you get all that in there, you’re getting a whole new experience, rather than just your baseline Coke. My favorite is the berries and cream Dr. Pepper.” Ayoub-Pacheco noted that the business participates in fundraising for North Central and other area schools, as well as community organizations. “We try to tie into the community as much as possible,” she said. For more, follow @thecravecookies on Instagram.

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 Tab Christmas service — Tabernacle Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 47th annual Christmas worship service telecast at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 on WNDY-TV and 11 a.m. Dec. 25 on WISH-TV. The one-hour broadcast will be available on all Indianapolis and surrounding county cable systems and online at wishtv.com during the telecasts. The service will include national and local singers, the Tabernacle choir and Indianapolis-area instrumentalists. Rev. Steve Smith will deliver a message, “Shady Shepherds.” The Christmas service has been televised since 1979, becoming a holiday tradition for many Hoosiers.

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 Centra Credit Union announces local grants — Five local nonprofits will receive grants from Centra Credit Union after they were nominated by Centra employees. The following organizations received a grant of $2,500 this year: Family Promise of Hamilton County; Boone County Cancer Society; YMCA of Greater Indianapolis; Coburn Place Safe Haven; and Riverview Health – Women of Vision Giving Club. A complete list can be found at Centra.org.

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 Senate page program applications available — The Indiana Senate is accepting applications for the 2026 Senate Page Program. Through the full-day program, students in grades six through 12 tour Indiana’s Statehouse, listen to debates from the Senate floor and help staff with age-appropriate tasks. Students also have the opportunity to meet their state senator. The program begins in January and continues throughout the legislative session. Eligible students can serve as a Senate Page one day per legislative session and receive an excused absence from school. For more, visit IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/ Page-Program.  Native quill art exhibit opens — An exhibition of Native quill art opened Dec. 13 at the Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W Washington St.The traveling exhibition Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons: It’s Not Just A Quillbox, features more than 90 quilled art pieces by Native artists of the Great Lakes region, who specialize in using porcupine quills, sweetgrass and birch bark to create embroidered quill boxes and art featuring designs inspired by woodland floral and fauna.

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CURRENT IN NORTH INDY 12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

Indy Zoo promotes conservation northindy@youarecurrent.com The Indianapolis Zoo has awarded $697,000 in grants for 16 projects that promote conservation and support the zoo’s mission “to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.” According to a news release, the award recipients had to show how their projects would have a measurable impact based on science and research, and how change can happen in areas where conflicts exist between people and wildlife. “Many species and their habitats around the world are under threat, but fortunately, there are remarkable conservationists dedicated to working to reduce these threats,” stated Nico de Bruyn, vice president for conservation and education and director of the Global Center for Species Survival — the conservation engine of the Indianapolis Zoo. “The zoo is proud to be in a position to assist these individuals and organizations to work toward impactful conservation interventions for safeguarding various species — from stream frogs to freshwater mussels to

The Indianapolis Zoo recently awarded grants to groups that work to conserve and protect nature. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Zoo)

desert plants to great apes — and their habitats around the world.” The Indianapolis Zoo has provided more than $1.6 million in field conservation grants since 2022, according to the news release. The zoo also established the Indianapolis Prize, an animal conservation award, which has distributed more than $7.5 million in unrestricted cash awards since 2004. New Conservation Grant recipients are: • Alaska SeaLife Center (Marine animals and Indigenous communities) • Asociacion of Panamericana para la Conservacion (Sloths) • Botanic Gardens Conservation International (Succulents)

• Bureau of Water Quality, Muncie Sanitary District (Freshwater mussels) • Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Madagascar pochard duck) • Fundacion Somuncura (El Rincon stream frog) • Indiana Native Plant Society (Native Indiana plant species) • IUCN Penguin Specialist Group (African penguin) • IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (Sharks, rays and chimaeras) • Goualougo Ape Project in the Congo Basin run by the Lincoln Park Zoo (Chimpanzees and gorillas) • Macaw Recovery Network (Macaws) • Project Seahorse (Seahorses) • SAFE African Elephant (African elephant and forest elephants) • Tanzania Conservation and Research Project (African elephants) • World Parrot Trust (African Grey Parrots) • Zoological Society of London (Mexican pupfish) For more about each project, visit indianapoliszoo.com.

DISPATCHES  Go All IN Day set — United Way of Central Indiana has set a date for its sixth annual Go All IN Day, an organized day of volunteerism across the region. The event will be April 24, 2026, across United Way’s seven-county service area: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. As the day approaches, a variety of indoor and outdoor projects will be available for individual volunteers, groups and families to select and sign up. Interested volunteers can learn more at goallinday.com. During the last Go All IN Day in April, more than 1,250 volunteers helped about 80 nonprofits.  FriendsGiving to benefit foster kids — Indiana-based nonprofit Foster Success has launched its annual FriendsGiving awareness and fundraising campaign. The campaign has a goal to raise $120,000 by the end of 2025 to support Indiana teens and young adults transitioning out of foster care. For more, visit fostersuccess. org.

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Junior guard provides motor for the Eagles By Mark Ambrogi mark@yourearecurrent.com Zionsville Community High School junior Kenzie Chapman has an abundance of energy. “She makes us go in every aspect of the game,” Eagles girls basketball coach Jennifer Drudge said. “She has a motor that never stops anytime we’re trying to break the press. The really special thing about Kenzie isn’t just the way she can score and the way she can distribute, it’s her ability to play hard every single possession of every single day. It doesn’t matter if we are in practice or in a game, she competes to win every single possession. When she gets tired, she finds something within herself to go even harder.” Drudge said Chapman has outstanding leadership skills. “She’s positive, whether she walks into a gymnasium, or a classroom, or a church, she’s making it a better place,” she said. Through the first eight games, Chapman averaged 12.3 points, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game for the Eagles (5-3).

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK KENZIE CHAPMAN Favorite athlete: Sabrina Ionescu Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things” Favorite musical group: Elevation Worship Favorite vacation spot: Lake Tahoe, Calif. Favorite subject: Math “I’m a lot more patient this year than I was last season, and I think my decision-making has improved,” she said. “I’m able to see the floor better.” Chapman has primarily played the point guard spot the last two seasons. She played more shooting guard as a freshman. “(The different positions) definitely

Zionsville Community High School basketball player Kenzie Chapman leads the team in scoring and assists. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS)

come with their challenges and positives to each one,” she said. “I think playing off the ball is fun because you are coming off screen. Being the ballhandler, you kind of step into more of a leadership role. As a point guard, you have to run the sets and make sure everybody’s in the right position. Learning how to get others involved as well is something that’s challenging. Over the years, I’ve gotten to be in the point guard position.” Chapman, who plays for the Indiana Basketball Club, is shooting 37 percent overall from the field and 27 percent

from 3-point range. Last season, she averaged 12.5 ppg while shooting 41 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. “The beginning of this season from the 3-point line hasn’t been as good as it was last year yet,” she said. “My 2-pointers have been relatively good this season. I’m just working on getting my 3-point percentage back up.” Chapman’s main goal for the season is for the Eagles to win the Class 4A sectional. “We just have to really focus and be disciplined during the season,” she said. “As far as individual stats, I want to have less turnovers than I did last year, just one or two turnovers per game. I want to average double digits for points and be more consistent with that.” Chapman has offers from Indiana University Indianapolis. the University of Evansville, Cleveland State University and the University of Southern Indiana. She also has received interest from Loyola University Chicago, Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University.

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CURRENT IN NORTH INDY 12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

Central Indiana home permits remain stable news@youarecurrent.com The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis reported in late November that single-family building permit activity across central Indiana remained relatively stable through October, with total permits year-to-date coming in slightly below 2024 levels. According to an announcement from BAGI, the region recorded 8,708 permits for the year through October, compared to 8,729 during the same period last year — a marginal change that indicates sustained buyer interest as monthly activity softened heading into winter. “Central Indiana’s housing market continues to demonstrate remarkable balance,” BAGI CEO Chris Hancock stated. “Our builders are navigating economic uncertainty with discipline — carefully managing inventory, responding to local demand and positioning the market for a stable start to

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2026.” For the month of October, Hamilton County led the field in new home permits, totaling 200. Marion County followed with 170, Hendricks County had 87 and Boone County totaled 74. According to the announcement, national indicators show a more cautious landscape. The National Association of Home Builders reported that single-family permits and housing starts weakened in recent national reports in response to continued high financing costs, slower buyer traffic and broader macroeconomic uncertainty. The national trend is expected to extend into early winter. “Compared to the national slowdown, central Indiana’s marginal stability stands out,” Hancock stated. “Our population growth, relative low cost of living and scarcity of land have contributed to residual demand.” For more, visit bagi.com.

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COORDINATE GIFTS

The holidays can bring magic, memories — and misunderstandings. When parenting time gets messy, a little structure goes a long way. For separated or divorced parents, peace is a plan, not a miracle. Here are five mediation-tested strategies that consistently help my clients navigate the season with less stress and more cooperation.

Avoid duplicate gifts and overspending by creating a shared gift list. Agree on a budget and decide whether you’ll purchase gifts together or separately. Clarity prevents confusion and keeps the focus on the kids.

LOCK IN THE CALENDAR EARLY Confirm holiday schedules in advance. Send one clear message with your proposed dates and a deadline for response. Example: “I propose we confirm by Nov. 15. Does that work for you?” Shared digital calendars, such as Google Calendar or the Cozi app, help both parents stay organized and maintain consistent routines for the children.

PLAN FOR MAKEUP TIME If travel delays or illness interfere with scheduled parenting time, trade days — not jabs. Agree on makeup dates and add them to your shared calendar so expectations stay clear. KEEP EXCHANGES PEACEFUL Children thrive when transitions between homes are calm and predictable. Be punctual, skip the adult drama and choose a neutral location if tension is high. Conflict-free exchanges protect your child’s emotional well-being.

USE BIFF TEXTING Holiday communication should be BIFF: Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm. Keep messages simple and focused. Example: “Pick up at 10 a.m. at Grandma’s. Please confirm by noon. Thank you.”

Julieanna Childs is a registered divorce mediator serving Hamilton County and surrounding areas. Learn more at jchildsmediation.com.

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Local STEM organization expanding partnerships By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com The world of coding and hands-on STEM education recently arrived in Brownsburg, thanks to a partnership between the Brownsburg Public Library and iCode Fishers – a step toward expanding the organization’s reach. The organization, which specializes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education, runs a weekly “tech club” that introduces local kids to advanced concepts through gamified and hands-on learning. The tech club meets every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Brownsburg Public Library, and the curriculum is designed to keep things fresh. “We have such a great experience with the Brownsburg Public Library,” said Lauren Gehle, marketing manager for iCode Fishers. “The content changes weekly and they go through monthly curriculum changes, so the students are introduced to new things every week.” The classes are typically open to children and teens, ranging from ages 6 to 14, though Gehle noted that most of the attendees fall between the ages of 8 and 12. The programming is designed to be accessible, even for those with minimal background knowledge. “There’s definitely been kids who have come in with little experience,” Gehle said. “As for whether they just like playing Roblox and Minecraft and things like that and the parents see it through that avenue. And then we kind of take things on to more of an educational and a broader stance.” In fact, camps focused on popular games like Roblox and Minecraft are some of iCode’s most popular offerings. While iCode has a main campus in Fishers, it emphasizes the importance of in-person, hands-on learning. “We always emphasize the fact that it’s local and hands-on,” Gehle said. “The thing with us being in person is it’s all hands-on for the students to learn and be interactive.” Classes at all iCode locations adhere to a strict instructor-to-student ratio, ensuring each child receives the attention they need. The quality of the instruction is also a point of pride for the company. Gehle said all instructors undergo extensive background checks and

Children participate in a hands-on coding and STEM session during the iCode summer camp program held at the Brownsburg Public Library in summer 2025. (Photo courtesy of iCode Fishers)

training, including CPR certification. “That’s one thing that we really like to emphasize is different between us and other places, is the quality of the actual education is a lot higher than what you typically find,” Gehle said. The organization’s proprietary curriculum is continuously evaluated and updated by a team of computer scientists, software architects and instructional designers to ensure it aligns with current technology and industry trends. Beyond technical skills, the program also integrates vital soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and public speaking. The tech club serves as an important step in iCode Fishers’ vision for the future. Gehle said the organization has been exploring the west side of Indianapolis, including Zionsville and potentially Avon. “That’s kind of what the tech clubs are: kind of feeling out for us — to see how the market is over there,” Gehle said. “Obviously, we would love to expand to the west side of Indianapolis if we could.” For now, there are no plans for a permanent “brick-and-mortar” facility on the west side, but the interest has been encouraging. The main goal for iCode Fishers remains simple: expansion. “We definitely want to just keep on expanding and getting more kids in the door,” Gehle said. “We love big class sizes or more kids coming through because there’s more energy and kids tend to enjoy it more.”

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HOLIDAY CHEER 12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

Coffee, Donuts & Love event returns to Indianapolis on Christmas Day

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Following a two-year hiatus, organizers of Coffee, Donuts & Love are bringing back the popular Christmas Day event at a new location — Faith Church at 9125 N. College Ave. John Hobelman, who owned the former Neidhammer Coffee and event center near downtown Indianapolis, said the annual event started in 2018, inspired by a similar venture on the other side of the globe. “I saw this Facebook story about this couple in England, an Indian couple, and it’s just the husband and wife with the sign saying that on Christmas, they didn’t want anybody to be lonely, so they were opening up their little news shop to give away mince pies and create some community,” he said. “It was probably late November, early December, and I really thought about it like, ‘Man, we could do something like that.’” Hobelman said he and his business partner — now fiancée — Elli Jones talked with their employees and four staff members, all college students, didn’t have anything else to do that day. “I kind of put it out there. I’m like, ‘You guys want to try to do something like this? I mean, we’ve got the space. We’ve got the coffee,’” he said. “They were enthusiastic, (so) we raised a little bit of money, bought, I think, 30 dozen donuts that year from Jack’s Donuts and filled the shop.” Hobelman said that in the first year, about 150 people stopped in for free coffee and donuts after hearing about the event through a local TV news segment. He said almost everyone who came would otherwise have been alone on the holiday. “A lot of older folks, recently widowed (or divorced),” he said. “One guy in particular, mid-30s, he had just gotten divorced and it was his first year without his kids. And I mean … he was a wreck, and he said he had been thinking about self-harm and other things. I had some mental health professionals just turn up, like, ‘Hey, can we talk to

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Coffee, Donuts & Love distributed to-go bags on Christmas Day. (Photos courtesy of John Hobelman)

This year’s Coffee, Donuts & Love will be at Faith Church on north College Avenue.

people?’” Hobelman said they were able to help the man, who returned the next year with his children. Other people found connections with strangers and not-so-strangers. “We had two cousins that didn’t realize they lived in the same city,” he said. “They were in their 60s or 70s — hadn’t seen each other in years. They had both seen the story and ran into each other in the coffee shop on Christmas Day. They hadn’t seen each other in years and lived a half mile apart.” Someone dressed as Santa also showed up and passed out small presents, he said, and area musicians brought their instruments and added festive cheer. “We had some (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra) people that were alone and just came and brought a violin or a guitar and just played for a couple of hours,” he said. In 2020, when COVID-19 hit, they couldn’t hold the event as usual, but Hobelman said they still wanted to do something. So, they set up large tables in the event center for an assembly line, and a group of masked volunteers bagged up donuts and small gifts to hand out with to-go cups of coffee. “It was drive-by, and we had so many

event meaningful to him. “When you’ve got these routines — especially as a divorced parent — where the routines that you’ve had for years get upended and you’re suddenly not welcome at the table,” he said. “That’s my own personal story but being able to touch that nerve in others has been an enormous blessing.” He added that his grandparents and parents often invited “recently found friends” to holiday gatherings, so in a way he’s continuing that family tradition. For more, visit the Coffee, Donuts & Love Facebook page or email john@ committedtogether.com.

people from previous years,” he said. “There was one elderly couple that would come from the west side, and they drove over and got their bags of donuts and sat in the parking lot and had coffee and donuts with us — just separated a little bit.” In early 2023, Hobelman said they sold the business and couldn’t host the event for various reasons. In 2024, they chose to take another year off and see how they felt. “Because we knew if we step back into it, we can’t jump in and jump out,” he said. “This is going to be something that we continue for as long as we’re able to.” He said that he and Jones agreed they missed organizing the annual event and decided to restart it this year. They reached out to Faith Church, which they attend, to see if they could host the event in that space, but he stressed that it’s not a religious event — anyone is welcome. “We want to host it (there) because there’s a huge gathering space and a coffee shop and things like that in there,” he said. “And they were gracious and gave us the space.” Hobelman said he understands what it’s like to feel lonely, especially during the holidays, which makes hosting the

ON THE COVER: The former Neidhammer Coffee Shop in downtown Indianapolis hosts a previous year’s Coffee, Donuts & Love event on Christmas Day. (Photo courtesy of John Hobelman)

IF YOU GO WHAT: Coffee, Donuts & Love, a free holiday event WHO: Open to anyone WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m., Dec. 25 WHERE: Faith Church, 9125 N. College Ave., Indianapolis

HEALTH

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12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

Not-so-scary doctor visits Commentary by Carrie Starnes For some kids, a trip to the doctor can be scary. A little preparation can go a long way in easing their fears before a routine check-up, vaccination or something more involved, like a blood draw. Here are a few tips that aim to ease medical visits for the youngest patients. BE HONEST For a child, honesty is the best policy in building trust and allowing them to confront the realities of the medical setting. If your child has concerns about blood draws or injections, call the office to see if there are options to make them more comfortable. Give your child honest answers if they have questions about a medical visit. If you know they will get a needle poke but tell them they won’t, this can keep them from feeling safe in a medical environment. PLAY Play allows kids to explore their emotions and what they might experience during a medical visit. One approach is

role-play. Let your child be the “doctor” for a favorite stuffed animal. Pretend to give the stuffed animal a check-up or a shot. This helps kids process emotions that may arise during a medical visit and allows you to find ways to ease your child’s fears during medical visits.

HOLIDAY HEEL PAIN? NOTHING HELPING? MLS LASER THERAPY COULD BE THE SOLUTION!

DISTRACTION Bring a favorite book, toy or even a tablet for games or videos during the appointment. Focusing on something fun can make procedures feel less overwhelming. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR Visit the hospital or doctor’s office online if available. Show your child pictures of the lobby, exam rooms and even the people who work there. Seeing the environment ahead of time can reduce the fear of the unknown.

Carrie Starnes is a Carmel resident and child life specialist at Innovative Hematology and the Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center in Indianapolis.

Riverview to host summit By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com Riverview Health will present its second Women for Women Health Summit from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2026, at The Bridgewater Club in Carmel. The summit will offer an expanded program and venue to meet growing interest from women seeking information and resources on health topics that matter most during midlife and beyond. Lindy Thackston, Fox59 news anchor and a colon cancer survivor, is the keynote speaker for the event. “I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, and then it went to stage four the next year,” Thackston said. “A lot of women go in not feeling right in their stomach and are kind of told they’re crazy. Over this time, I witnessed women locally and across the country who were told for so long, ‘There’s no way it’s what you’re thinking.’” The event will feature discussions led by an all-women panel of Riverview Health specialists who will cover

www.westfieldfoot.com WE SPECIALIZE IN TREATING:

Attendees at the inaugural Women for Women Health Summit. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Health)

hormones, lifestyle medicine, mental wellness and pelvic health, among other topics. “This panel is going to cover so much, and I think it’s going to be so useful for people,” Thackston said. “Since I’ve gone through everything, I’ve tried to go to events that may seem out of my comfort zone, and I’m really glad I have.” Space is limited to 150 attendees. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go to the Riverview Health Foundation Women’s Endowment Fund. For more, visit riverview.org/ women4women.

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BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Noblesville basement becomes luxe lounge

Commentary by Larry Greene This Pebble Brook home in Noblesville underwent a dramatic basement transformation, turning a basic lower level into a polished entertainment center with a custom bar.

BEFORE

THE BLUEPRINT • A new semi-custom bar, painted Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn, creates a dramatic focal point. • Cambria quartz countertops and a round BLANCO sink combine durability with elevated style. • Mirrored geometric tile adds sparkle and depth, while glass shelving keeps the bar open and refined. • Updated lighting and new LVP flooring complete the transformation, turning the basement into a polished, entertainment-ready retreat.

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

INDIANAPOLIS, IN Upcoming Show Dates FREE ADMISSION! Kids are always welcome! Show Hours: Saturday 8AM - 2PM

SPORTS CARDS • POKEMON • TCG Upcoming Show Dates

December 20, 2025 • January 17, 2026 Fishers American Legion Post #470 9091 E. 126th Street, Fishers IN 46038 Jeff Meyrose • 317-504-8110 www.jjallstarsportscards.com • www.Instagram.com/jjallstarsportscards www.facebook.com/jjallstarsportscards • www.twitter.com/jjallstarsports tiktok.com/@jjallstarsportscards

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Songbook Academy alums set for Palladium holiday concert I did.” Cohen, who is a member of CHS Ambassadors, said she will sing a winter holiday song. Addie McMillan has a special bond Claire Kauffman, a 2025 Zionsville with other Songbook Academy alums. Community High School graduate, A 2024 Noblesville High School gradattended the Songbook Academy last uate, McMillan participated in the insummer. tensive summer program for vocalists “I am beyond excited to see all of in 2024. my Songbook Academy friends and McMillan is one of 35 Songbook mentors that I met this past summer,” Academy alums expected to perform Kauffman said. “I met so many great in “Songbook Academy Sings Songs of people in my time at the Songbook the Season” concerts. The shows are set Academy and I’m looking forward to for 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Payne & reconnecting and performing alongMencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carside these talented singers.” Kauffman, a musical theater major mel. The past three years the Songbook Addie McMillan, a 2024 Noblesville High at the University of Miami (Fla,), said holiday concert was held in the Studio School graduate, will perform Dec. 22 in the best experience she had during Theater. Songbook Academy concerts. (Photo courtesy Songbook was small group rehearsals, “It’s really great to keep those conof Songbook Academy) working with pianist Jeff Harris and nections alive, even if seeing them once vocal mentor Shereen Ahmed. a year,” said McMillan, a Ball State UniA marketing major, McMillan is a “We had so much fun crafting our resident assistant and is an executive versity sophomore. musical piece and learning new music board member for two organizations. McMillan, who performed in the together,” she said. “Getting to perShe wants to develop her critical skills. Songbook holiday concert last year, “I want to continue to sing and perisn’t certain what solo song she’ll form our medley and solos on the Palperform. form but can do that ladium stage at the end of the “We all send in a few options after college,” she said. week was so rewarding.” for holiday songs and then they Carmel High School Songbook Academy Executive choose based on the availability junior Sadie Cohen Director Christopher Lewis said and if someone else chose them attended the Songbook the holiday concert has become or the length of the song,” she Academy in 2024 and a favorite tradition said. “They have to make sure 2025. “What I love most is how the accompanist is good with “I was going to do it many of our Songbook AcadeKauffman Cohen the song as well.” last year, but I ended up my alums jump at the chance to McMillan said she still reflects on getting sick,” she said of the holiday come back,” he said. “It says so much how special her Songbook Academy concert. about the community they’ve built and experience was. Cohen said everyone who particihow the bonds they form during that “It was such a transformative, inone week in the summer truly last. This pates can do a solo or duet. year’s move to the Payne & Mencias “Most people just sing solos,” she spiring and motivational week because said. “It’s definitely more free and up to Palladium is simply the next step in the everyone there is so incredibly kind event’s growth. Each year, the audithe performer.” and supportive of one another,” she Cohen treasures her Songbook said. “They were passionate about makence gets bigger, and this format gives experiences. us room to welcome more people while ing sure that you were OK as a person “I tell this every time I talk about still keeping that warm, intimate feel.” before you had to perform, and I really Songbook, it’s one of my favorite times Tickets are $15 for Choral Terrace appreciate that. It inspired me to conof the year,” she said. “That’s why I’m seating and $25 for VIP Onstage seattinue to perform and keep doing that really excited because I get to be back when I have the chance. I really appreing. Both areas are general admission. Tickets are available online at TheSongciate the opportunities that they give to with all my friends from not only last year but the year before. I also get to alums because I don’t get any opportubook.org/SAHoliday25 or by phone at meet alums that did Songbook before 1-317-843-3800 or 1-877-909-2787. nities in college to really perform.” By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘A BEEF & BOARDS CHRISTMAS!’ “A Beef & Boards Christmas!” runs through Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ “A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 22 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. ‘HANDEL’S MESSIAH’ Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’ “Handel’s Messiah” is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘FESTIVAL OF CAROLS’ Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 3 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’ Civic Theatre’s presentation of “A Christmas Story” runs through Dec. 27 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET “All The Way Frank, A Sinatra Tribute” is set for Dec. 18, followed by “Human Jukebox with the Ahlwardts” Dec. 19, “Dueling Pianos” Dec. 20 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Metropolitan Ballet of Indiana’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is set for Dec. 19-21 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, my-ballet. org

CURRENT IN NORTH INDY 12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

It’s time to celebrate! Best Of Suburban North Indy shines a spotlight on the amazing local businesses that make our communities thrive. From your favorite restaurants and shops to hidden gems in the arts and entertainment scene, we want to honor the best of the best. Help us find this year’s winners!

NOMINATIONS

NOW OPEN

LEARN MORE AT YOUARECURRENT.COM/BESTOF2026 Nominations are open December 15 through January 9. After Nominations close, voting will be open from January 28 through February 10, with winners announced on March 17.

ENTERTAINMENT

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12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

Cheers! Huse Culinary offers limited-release specialty bourbon news@youarecurrent.com Earlier this month, Huse Culinary, Inc., — the ownership group behind St. Elmo Steak House in downtown Indianapolis — began offering its new limited-release bourbon, Rare Saint Trinity of Port. Available for purchase at select Indiana retailers, Rare Saint Trinity of Port is a blend of four whiskeys aged a minimum of five years and finished individually in ruby, tawny and white port barrels. Only 834 bottles were released. Prices range between $79.99 and $89.99 per bottle. Rare Saint Trinity of Port can be purchased at all Total Wine & Spirit locations and select Noble Wine & Spirits and 21st Amendment Wine & Spirits stores. It also is featured across Huse Culinary restaurants, including St. Elmo Steak House, Harry & Izzy’s, HC Tavern + Kitchen, 1933 Lounge and HC Tavern by St. Elmo locations. Bryn Jones, vice president of marketing and sales for Huse Culinary, Inc., answered the following questions from Current about Rare Saint Trinity of Port.

CURRENT: Rare Saint Trinity of Port is described as capturing the “warmth and camaraderie” of a St. Elmo Steak House evening. Can you tell us how you managed to translate the specific atmosphere of a legendary dinner service into a whiskey profile? JONES: Rare Saint was inspired by the feeling you get during a great night at St. Elmo — when the room is buzzing, the food is memorable and the company is even better. We wanted the whiskey to capture that same warmth and connection. The blend has a richness and generosity to it that makes you want to share it with someone, which is exactly what hospitality is all about. CURRENT: Finishing whiskey in port wine barrels isn’t new, but using a blend of ruby, tawny and white port is very unique. What does that specific combination of three different ports add to the flavor that a standard finish wouldn’t achieve? JONES: Using ruby, tawny and white port give this whiskey a flavor story instead of a single note. Ruby brings bright, juicy fruit. Tawny adds that deeper caramel, nutty character; and white port lifts everything with a touch of lightness and subtle floral or stone-fruit notes. Blending all three gives the whiskey layers to explore. It stays sweet and full, but never flat. CURRENT: The tasting notes mention rich flavors like butterscotch, caramelized butter pecan and toasted cedar. For someone who isn’t a master sommelier, what is the first thing they are going to notice when they take that first sip? JONES: The first thing most people notice is the sweetness and smoothness — something like caramel or soft butterscotch right up front. The port influence gives it a round, warm feel with some toasted, nutty notes as it settles in. You don’t need

a trained palate to enjoy it; it’s a really welcoming first sip. CURRENT: This release is bottled at barrel strength. General consumers often assume high proof implies “the burn,” yet this has won awards for its drinkability. How did you balance that high-proof intensity with the smooth, sweet notes of the port finish? JONES: Even though it’s barrel strength, the port finish really helps soften the edges. The wine-soaked barrels add body and sweetness, which naturally cuts down the burn people expect from higher-proof whiskey. We bottle it strong so people can enjoy it however they like—neat, with a little water, or over ice. That flexibility is part of the hospitality behind the brand. CURRENT: You recently took home “Blended Whiskey of the Year,” along with a Double Gold rating. What does that level of industry recognition mean for the team, specifically for a limited release like this? JONES: Winning “Blended Whiskey of the Year” and Double Gold means a lot to our team. We put a lot of pride into our tasting panel and barrel selection process, so having that work recognized on a big stage feels like a real win. It reinforces why we created Rare Saint in the first place: To craft whiskey our team is proud to make and our guests are excited to drink. CURRENT: Given your roots in the culinary world, how do you recommend people enjoy Trinity of Port? Is this a whiskey meant to be paired with a steak dinner, or is it best enjoyed neat by the fire? JONES:Coming from the culinary world, we never want to tell people how to enjoy something great — but we do love it after a steak dinner or shared with good company. Neat or with a little water really lets the port finish shine. It’s a whiskey meant for slow sipping and good conversation. CURRENT: With the holidays approaching, who is the ideal recipient for this bottle? Is this strictly for the hardcore bourbon collector, or is it accessible enough for someone just starting to explore high-end whiskeys? JONES: This bottle hits both ends of the spectrum. Collectors will appreciate how unique and limited it is, but the sweeter, approachable profile also makes it a great gift for someone just getting into high-end whiskey. It’s the kind of bottle you open during a meaningful moment or a good conversation — which is exactly what we hoped for.

CURRENT IN NORTH INDY 12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

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21 24 26 33

35 38

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ACROSS 1. Leading vote-getter in Indiana in the 1908 US presidential election 5. Stockpile 10. Sitar music

14. Mayberry boy 15. ___ de Mayo 16. Mr. Clean rival 17. Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year: relationship characterized

by a one-sided sense of intimacy for a well-known figure 19. 8 on the Beaufort scale 20. Like pieces in a kit 6 Family Members

21. Leaning left 23. Pull strings? 24. Outstanding 26. Blog entries 28. Underlying cause 32. Pen tip 35. Capture 36. Burn a bit 37. Geist shoreline problem 40. Small cats 42. Adage 43. Barely beat 44. Teacher’s favorite 45. Black stones 47. Decatur’s county 50. Seasoned 52. Waldorf salad ingredient 56. Latin agreement 59. Snug as a bug ___ 60. Cutting-edge viewing, briefly 61. Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year: software development that uses natural language prompts that leads to an AI-generated program 64. Lotion additive 65. Online money back offer 66. Barely beat 67. Chopped down 68. Stereotypical math whizzes 69. Gardener’s spring purchase 4 Blackjack Terms

3 Cobblestone Entrees 5 US Cities

2 Indy Museums

6 4 2 5 1 2 6 4 9 1 7 9 2 8 8 DOWN 1. Sports trading card brand 2. In pieces 3. Pink slip issuer 4. Where you would find Earl Grey 5. Kilt-wearer 6. ___-tac-toe 7. DiFranco with the album “Revolutionary Love” 8. Massage target 9. ___-than-thou 10. Oxford University Press’ Word of the Year: online content deliberately designed to elicit anger by being provocative or offensive 11. Slightly open 12. Big party 13. Figure skater’s jump 18. Japanese wrestling 22. City of Brittany 24. Sax great who recorded “(Back Home Again In) Indiana”: ___ Getz 25. Common PC port type 27. ___-Caps 29. Scissors cut

3 1 8 6 9 8 3 2 4 9 1 4 4 9 1 30. Curved molding 31. It may be out on a limb 32. Jules Verne captain 33. Persia, now 34. Not very sleek 38. Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year: ambiguous, nonsensical slang term popularized by Gen-Alpha 39. “That is to say...” 40. Legendary buccaneer 41. North High Brewing brew, for short 43. 5-Down denial 46. Slob 48. Spanish for “hand” 49. Indianapolis Bridge Center suit 51. Miami or Delaware 53. A deadly sin 54. Swordplay maneuver 55. ___ on (encouraged) 56. “King,” in Farsi 57. Doing nothing 58. Put in the hold 59. Frosts, as a cake 62. Broken Barrel, e.g. 63. IND gate posting ANSWERS ON PAGE 10

1 DePauw University Mascot

CURRENT IN NORTH INDY 12.16.25 • youarecurrent.com

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In its inaugural 2025 release, Rare Saint Trinity of Port earned Double Gold and a 96-point rating from the USA Spirits Ratings, along with the title of Blended Whiskey of the Year. Trinity of Port is a truly unique spirit and stands as a defining moment in Rare Saint’s pursuit of perfection.

Rare Saint is the whiskey embodiment of the steakhouse experience - lavish, indulgent, and memorable. It boasts an expert tasting panel with decades of experience finding and sourcing the best barrels of whiskey in the world. In every 100 barrels of whiskey, there is always one Rare Saint.