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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

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Tuesday, December 23, 2025 youarecurrent.com

PARDON OUR DUST

Medicaid benefits restored for Westfield child

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Plan commission revisits Ironstone

Businesses navigate challenges of downtown road projects

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Wreaths Across America ceremony honors vets Page 7

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Medicaid benefits restored for 4-year-old Reassessment reverses original denial of insurance coverage By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com The holiday season will be celebrated with extra joy and for the Nelson family of Westfield. Wesley Nelson, a 4-year-old who suffers from Hunter syndrome — a rare and terminal genetic disorder — was recently reassessed and has had Indiana Medicaid benefits restored. The benefits were denied after an assessment in October. “We’re obviously very grateful,” his mother Katarina Nelson said. “It was a huge relief because we were so stressed that we would either have to move, or have to take on extra jobs, or whatever the case is, to make it work and to make sure he can always get not only the specialty care, but also the therapies that he needs.” Wesley’s case became public when a Make-A-Wish parade was conducted in his honor in Westfield Nov. 22. It included a helicopter visit and the gift of a golf cart painted like a school bus, one of Wesley’s favorite things, and it also raised awareness about the plight the Nelson family found themselves in

Wesley Nelson, 4, attends the Make-A-Wish parade held in his honor in Westfield Nov. 22. He suffers from Hunter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. (Photo submitted by Make-A-Wish)

regarding Medicaid. The level of care needed to treat Hunter syndrome is significant because it affects different parts of the body and cognitive function. “It requires him to see an occupational therapist, speech therapists, physical therapists, and to be followed by specialists because the condition impacts essentially all of the systems at some point,” his father Brian Nelson told Current in November. The Nelsons credited the publicity Wesley’s parade created for having their case reevaluated. Shortly after the parade, the Nelsons got a call asking if they wanted to continue their appeal process and whether they’d be interested in a reassessment. “We told them we’d love to have a

reassessment to make sure that they received all the information properly and there was no misinterpretation on their behalf of the information that we provided for them,” Brian said. After the reassessment, the Nelsons got the news Dec. 11 that Medicaid benefits were restored for 2026. The Nelsons said they were not given an explanation for why the assessment was changed or why Wesley was denied in the first place. As a result, the Nelsons fear that Wesley’s status could change again depending on how the assessment is judged in the future. “There’s concern over whether we are going to run into this again next year, because we don’t seem to have any clarity on what qualifies a child or not,” Brian said. “I hope that they have notated in his paperwork, saying he has Hunter syndrome and that it is terminal, and that it’s progressive. That’s pretty much the only thing I can kind of go off and hope for the best,” Katarina said. For now, the Nelsons can celebrate the holidays without having to worry about Wesley’s 2026 benefits. “It took a weight off of our shoulders. We truly value the holiday season because it’s an extra focus that we can put on Wesley to celebrate and just to have great memories,” Brian said.

City appoints new department directors management program, managing the Invest Hamilton County and on the Exstormwater utility and coordinating ecutive Committee for the Noblesville The City of Westfield appointed Miinfrastructure improvements associated Chamber of Commerce. chael Pearce as director of engineering with private developments. “As Westfield continues to grow, we and Chuck Haberman as director Haberman most reneed leaders who bring expeof economic development Dec. cently served as the assisrience, integrity, and a strong 16. They begin their roles Jan. 1 commitment to our communitant director of economic and Jan. 12, 2026, respectively. development for the City ty,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis Pearce has served the city of Noblesville. He also stated. “Michael and Chuck’s for more than six years, most serves on boards in the leadership will help us make recently as city engineer since community, including smarter, faster decisions and will 2022. He will be responsible for chairman of the Campus continue delivering high-quality Pearce Haberman implementing the city’s Capital Board of Trustees at Ivy services to our residents and Improvement Plan, overseeing the asset Tech Hamilton County, treasurer for businesses.” news@youarecurrent.com

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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

Plan commission revisits proposed Ironstone PUD By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com The Westfield Washington Advisory Plan Commission conducted a workshop Dec. 15 for the proposed Ironstone planned unit development that would be built on three plots in the vicinity of Hortonville. Introduced at the Oct. 27 Westfield City Council meeting, Ironstone is a 765-acre development that would include 1,750 single-family homes, 250 townhomes and possible apartment units in the Hortonville mixed-use village. “We don’t have the opportunity as a city to get this wrong,” APC President Mike Neal said. “We’ve got one shot to get this area right. It’s going to be something (that), if approved, could be a model for other nodes like it in the future for Westfield.” During a Nov. 3 public hearing, 21 members of the public spoke about the project, most in opposition. In the APC’s agenda packet for the Dec. 15 workshop were 57 pieces of public correspondence regarding the project. Jon Dobosiewicz of Nelson and Frankenberger, representing Platinum Properties, presented changes to the original concept to the APC. Alterations were made to the trail system proposed for the development, along with a more detailed plan on open space and alterations to the tree preservation

An artist rendering of the Ironstone project planned for the Hortonville area. (Screenshot from APC agenda packet)

plan to add more trees to selected areas. Many of the changes were requested by nearby property owners. Dobosiewicz noted that the size of tree buffers that border properties zoned agricultural would increase from 20 feet to 40 feet. Westfield Director of Public Works John Nail noted road improvement plans. He categorized “Priority 1” projects during the early stages of Ironstone’s construction, including intersection improvement at

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the corners of 193rd Street and Six Points Road, 199th Street at Horton Road and 206th Street and Six Points Road. Nail also noted that Six Points Road and Horton Road could be reconstructed south of 206th Street to 24 feet from their current 19-foot footprint. APC member Mark Keen said Hortonville could anchor a possible commercial district. “It seems that the commercial development, the mixed-use development, could be larger to give the residents both here and in surrounding developments more of an opportunity to have a commercial center become the community center for that quadrant,” said Keen, who also mentioned the possible tax benefit. APC member Victor McCarty opposed the project, as he did at the Nov. 3 meeting. “My concerns with (Ironstone) evolved from just being philosophical to being quality control concerns,” said McCarty, who also raised concern about the balance of builders involved with the project. Other APC members voiced support for the project. “It’s got a lot of good going for it, but it is huge, so we do need to be very thorough about what we do here,” APC member Bob Horkay said. The Dec. 15 meeting is one of at least two workshop sessions planned for the development. The next meeting is planned for Jan. 20.

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Carey Ridge hires Chambers a lot of what we hear at Carey Ridge,” Atha said. Chambers has worked in education Scott Chambers will be the new for 27 years and has been a principal principal at Carey Ridge Elementary for 22 years, having worked in the School. His hiring was announced Spencer-Owen Community Schools, during the Dec. 8 Westfield WashingGreenwood Community Schools and ton Schools Board of Trustees Hamilton Southeastern Schools meeting. systems before his most recent Chambers will work the transtint as principal at Reagan Elesition team starting in February mentary School in the Brownsand will take over full-time as burg Community School Corp., Carey Ridge principal for the where he spent 12 years. 2026-27 school year. He succeeds Hilton will become the prinAndy Hilton. cipal at Westfield Elementary “I am immensely excited to School, which will open in 2026 Chambers join Carey Ridge,” Chambers after being converted from besaid. “I’m looking forward to the Febing an intermediate school. ruary start and cannot wait to get that Chambers spent time shadowing going.” Hilton after his hiring. WWS Superintendent John Atha “I had the opportunity to spend said Chambers stood out in a field of some time with Andy and the staff tomore than 30 applicants. day and immediately felt comfortable, “Scott’s strengths are, No. 1, that excited and at ease,” Chambers said. he’s authentic; No. 2, family, and (No.) Chambers’ wife, Betsy, is a teacher at 3, he knows the (professional learning Avon Community Schools. They have community) process … and as we were two daughters, Ella and Emma. given feedback, those words align with By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

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A map showing the phases required to annex land that will be used to build the Preserve at Cool Creek development in Westfield. (Photo by Todd Golden)

Annexation request heard by city council By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com The annexation process to build a 51-acre subdivision was presented during the Dec. 8 Westfield City Council meeting. Preserve at Cool Creek is a development planned by Davis Building Group in the area of 191st Street and Grassy Branch Road. Annexation is happening in five phases. The first phase — a 6.2-acre parcel south of the entrance to the Lindley Run neighborhood entrance on 191st Street — was before the council. The five-phase process is needed in this case because, by law, annexation can only take place with land adjacent to land already annexed by Westfield. In this case, the city has annexed Lindley Run, so Phase 1 of the Preserve at Cool Creek land is adjacent by being south of that area. Further annexations will come in stages with land adjacent to phases already annexed. Phase 2 will bring in another parcel south of phase one. The final three phases will be annexed west of Phase 2, across Grassy Branch Road. “Even though (all five phases) are a

voluntary annexation, it’s unable to come through at a single time. It seems silly, but that’s the way the law reads,” said Matt Skelton from Westfield law firm Church Church Hittle and Antrim, who represented Davis Building Group at the meeting. When the process is completed, the annexed area will encompass land east and west of Grassy Branch Road and south of 191st Street. Skelton said the entire process will take 10 months. According to Skelton, homes would not likely go on the market from the development until early 2027. Councilors got the chance to weigh in on the development generally. “For Phase 5, this would be a great time for Davis to rethink their entrance on 191st Street,” Council member Chad Huff said. “It’s going to be really dangerous in-and-out from there.” The Preserve at Cool Creek has been in the works since March 2024 when it was first presented to the Westfield Plat Committee. The annexation adoption will be under consideration at the Dec. 22 city council meeting at 3 p.m. at the City Hall Assembly Room at 130 Penn St.

 WPD swears in new officers — Five new police officers — Chris Paxton, Vanderious Trice, Jason Heiney, Edward Poynter, and Luke Thifault — were sworn in at the Westfield City Council meeting Dec. 8.

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12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

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By Brittney Dial Testin news@youarecurrent.com U.S. military veterans were honored Dec. 13 in a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Hamilton Memorial Park in Westfield. Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit to expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony that began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992. National Wreaths Across America Day is observed nationwide with more than 5,500 participating locations in all 50 states and abroad. Volunteers and supporters gathered to remember, honor and teach the next generation. Hosted by Westfield’s Osborne Trails Veterans Organization, volunteers placed 627 remembrance wreaths throughout Hamilton Memorial Park. The cemetery is the final resting place of 269 veterans. “We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life,” said Randy Martin, the location coordinator for the ceremony. “The freedoms that we enjoy today have not come without a price, lying before us in cemeteries across the nation and overseas. Our men and women who gave their lives so we can live in freedom and without fear.” Wreaths were also placed in honor of each military branch, along with a special wreath reserved for those who have

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gone missing in action or were prisoners of war, numbering around 83,000 people who have never come home. “As we prepare for the holidays, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle of it all. It is essential that we pause and reflect on the fact that some dinner tables will have loved ones missing. It’s important to remember these brave men and women and the sacrifices they made so we can celebrate the holiday season with our families” said Westfield Mayor Scott Willis, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteers included Chaplain Procise, Carmel VFW, Color/Honor Guard, Ed Martin, Boy Scout Troops 1910/1920/107, Cub Scout Pack 126 and the Osborne Trails Veterans Planning Committee. For more, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

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Gheen runs for good cause By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Reese Gheen braved the cold and snow for a cause. He raised funds for Noblesville-based Mission to Ukraine, a nonprofit that serves children with disabilities and women in crisis or facing unplanned pregnancies in Ukraine. Reese’s sisterin-law, Katie Gheen, is the associate director of the Christian organization. Reese, 20, decided to use the Giving Tuesday challenge to raise funds for the nonprofit. The Cicero resident, a junior at Indiana University Indianapolis majoring in philanthropic leadership, used the Westfield High School track to run a 1/4-mile lap or more for each donation. “Anyone who donated during that time I would run a lap for that donation,” he said. “If you donated at a certain level, I would run more laps. If someone donated $20, I would run two laps. It varied, but a majority of people gave about $5, so I ran a lap. I ended up running 108 laps, or 27 miles.” Reese, who raised $1,890 from 72 donors, said he started at 8 a.m. and didn’t

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Tom Gheen, right, ran a few laps with his son, Reese Gheen, left, during Reese’s fundraising mission. (Photo courtesy of Reese Gheen)

finish until 2:30 a.m. Dec. 4. “On my first lap, I had to shovel off one of the lanes, so I would be able to run and not slip on any ice or snow,” Reese said. The fundraising project was for one of Reese’s classes. He has volunteered for Mission to Ukraine in the past, so this was a natural fit along with the family connection. Katie, a Westfield resident, said Mission to Ukraine raised nearly $27,000 through Giving Tuesday, which was doubled by a matching gift by a private donor. For more, visit missiontoukraine.org.

Business gets surprise grant news@youarecurrent.com

Crate Escapes in Westfield won a business grant from Fifth Third Bank in a surprise ceremony Dec. 11. Crate Escapes was presented $5,300 check by Fifth Third Bank as part of the “Love, Fifth Third” campaign where local businesses are given grants by the Cincinnati-based bank. Crate Escapes was nominated by Westfield’s Fifth Third Bank branch and won the award. According to the bankd, 2,500 small businesses entered the sweepstakes, and 11 small businesses were randomly selected to receive a $5,300 grant. Fifth Third Bank representatives surprised Crate Escapes with the check. Crate Escapes is at 18595 Carousel Lane. It has a 2,500-square foot indoor dog park and dog bar as well as a 1 1/2acre outdoor play area. “We were so surprised to be a winner for Love, Fifth Third,” Crate Escapes co-owner Megan Schaffer stated. “We started Crate Escapes because Hamilton County lacked a large, public dog park, so with my background in events, we

Fifth Third Bank Region President Mike Ash presents Crate Escapes co-owner Megan Schaffer with a check Dec. 11. (Photo provided by Fifth Third Bank)

wanted to create a space that combined a doggie daycare and park with a place for community and building relationships. This grant will go a long way towards getting the word out about our unique space.” The other co-owners are Jen and Aaron Ehlers. Fifth Third Bank Region President Mike Ash helped present the award. “They are the first public dog park and community space of its kind in Hamilton County, as well as the state,” Ash stated. “It’s an incredibly welcoming space for dogs and owners and the business is run by their entire family.”

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Forever Above services grieving pet owners By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com When Bethany Eckert left her longtime nursing career, she wasn’t sure what was next. After nearly three decades in oncology and hospice care, she knew her calling would still involve helping people through loss, she just didn’t expect it would also mean helping them say goodbye to their pets. Bethany and her husband, Tom Eckert, opened Forever Above Pet Cremation & Memorial Center in 2018 after learning about a friend who had transformed his human funeral home into a pet-focused business. The idea struck a chord with the Carmel residents, who opened their Westfield facility in 2018. “The phone started ringing that day,” Bethany said. “And it hasn’t stopped since.” Forever Above serves clients across central Indiana, working with public and local veterinarians, including some who provide in-home euthanasia. Families can bring their pets directly to the facility or request home pickup within a 50-mile radius. “We always tell people, ‘You don’t have to put your pet in the car one last time,’” Tom said. “We’ll come to you.” That personal care defines the Eckerts’ approach. “We like to think of it as a huggy place,” Tom said. “I can’t ask my staff to hug every client, but we want everyone to feel that warmth.” Each cremation includes a clay and ink paw print, a fur clipping and a certificate of cremation. Families may

Tom and Bethany Eckert opened Forever Above Pet Cremation & Memorial Center in Westfield in 2018. (Photo by Sara Palmer)

choose private or group cremation and request delivery of ashes to their home or veterinary clinic. Most pets are returned within three days. “We don’t believe in making people wait weeks,” Bethany said. “They deserve closure quickly and respectfully.” Forever Above also offers a VIP service for veterinary partners, allowing clinics to refer grieving pet owners directly to the center. Besides cremation, Forever Above helps families memorialize their pets through local artisans. Clients often commission blown-glass keepsakes, engraved garden markers or portraits. The center also offers jewelry designed to hold a pinch of ash. Bethany’s hospice background helps her comfort grieving families. “Sometimes it’s just offering water, sitting quietly or helping them talk about good memories,” she said. “Every family’s process is different.” Forever Above Pet Cremation & Memorial Center is at 16462 Southpark Drive, Suite K, in Westfield. For more, visit foreverabovepetcremation.com.

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HSE senior girls basketball player keeps growing game By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurent.com Hamilton Southeastern High School senior basketball player Kayla Stidham was faced with a difficult decision. The 6-foot Stidham chose to transfer from the New Palestine school system to HSE in eighth grade. “I wouldn’t be where I am without HSE,” she said. “It has helped me grow as a person and player. It was also one of the hardest decisions leaving everything I knew to start something brand new, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.” Stidham, who will play for Bowling Green State University next season, is averaging 14.9 points and a teamhigh 7.1 rebounds per game through 11 games for the Royals (9-2). She averaged 10.5 ppg last season and 11.9 ppg as a sophomore. “My individual goals are to continue doing the little things like rebounding and diving for loose balls,” Stidham said. “As a team, I hope we are able to make another run. We have a lot of young girls who all work super hard and

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior basketball player Kayla Stidham will play for Bowling Green State University next season. (Photo courtesy of Brian Bosmer)

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK KAYLA STIDHAM Favorite movie: “The Notebook” Favorite subject: Anatomy Favorite athlete: Aja Wilson Favorite musician: Summer Walker deserve a good run in the tournament.” The Royals were 27-1 last season, losing in the Class 4A semistate final to Warsaw. HSE coach Brian Satterfield said Stidham has improved in several areas throughout her high school career. “She has become a more well-rounded player,” he said. “When she first joined the program, she was mainly an offensive threat. This year, she leads the team in rebounds and has recorded four

double-doubles so far. Her improvement defensively has also been a huge plus for our team.” Stidham is shooting 38 percent from the field, including 31 percent from 3-point range. She shot 43 percent overall and 40 percent on 3-pointers last season. Satterfield said opponents are focusing more on Stidham and Kennedy Holman this season with the graduation of top scorer Maya Makulusky, the 2025 Indiana Miss Basketball. “In the past, the defense would focus on Maya, and that allowed Kayla to get better quality looks,” he said. “Kayla

has begun to get a better feel for this and has slowly been bringing up her percentages. She hasn’t settled for just jump shots and has been aggressive going to the rim and the basket. With these improvements, she made it more challenging for someone to guard her.” Stidham said her biggest improvement has been in becoming a more complete player, not simply a shooter. “I’ve been working on being more physical and getting to the basket while also working on the defensive end,” she said. Her leadership ability has grown as well. “Helping the underclassmen work through the struggles and stresses that come in high school has been a big point — not just on the court, but also off the court,” she said. Stidham’s mother, Lisa Shepherd-Stidham, was the 1997 Indiana Miss Basketball from Richmond High School. The former Penn State University player was inducted into Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Stidham said she always had a goal of being an Indiana All-Star.

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PARDON OUR DUST Businesses navigate challenges of downtown road projects

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com Westfield is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. As a result, downtown businesses have had to persevere through the disruptions of major street projects. The Main Street construction project in downtown Westfield — and the resulting traffic snarls on Main Street, Union Street and other cross streets — are a daily hurdle many Westfield residents contend with. “The construction and road closures have certainly presented challenges — not only for us, but for all local businesses,” Field Brewing owner Jackie Dikos stated to Current in an email. “Even with the road reopened, traffic and access can still be tricky, and the area continues to feel like a work in progress.” The most visible disruption to local businesses was from April to late October when Main Street was closed from Union to Poplar Street. Many businesses experienced various levels of disruption. In some cases, the problems were major. Oasis On Main, a massage spa at 206 W. Main St., was inside the area of road closure. Access to the business was through a circuitous route on to Westlea Dr. Owner Lixia Bai said the financial ramifications have been profound. She does not speak English, but in a conversation interpreted by her daughter Xinyan, she said customer traffic dropped 70 to 80 percent during the closure. She said she had to use her personal savings to cover costs. Although Main Street has reopened, challenges remain. Traffic in downtown Westfield often bottlenecks at the corner of Main and Union streets. The south side of Main Street is still being worked on, and access to side streets is limited or closed completely. Mustafa Khan owns Vaporium Plus at 215 E. Main St. The only access to the business is via Vine Alley south of the building. “In the beginning, we kind of lost a little bit of sales, but I wouldn’t say (it

Access to Main Street for Vaporium Plus at 215 E. Main St. is blocked by road construction. (Photo by Todd Golden)

was) much to be worried about,” said Khan, who said the city would not allow him to put up a sign that the business was open. “But in this past year, it really dramatically decreased our sales — by a quarter of what we did in our first year.” The City of Westfield has tried to help downtown businesses, notably through the “Brave The Barricades” campaign, where residents were encouraged to sign a pledge that they would support downtown businesses during the construction. People who made the

pledge received gift cards from affected businesses. There was also a stamp card giveaway, where customers had a chance to win gift baskets from downtown businesses worth $250 to $500. “For the retail and restaurant businesses, we did have positive feedback from it,” said Westfield Director of Communications Kayla Arnold, who was the city’s lead representative for the campaign. “At the very beginning, people were really excited about it. People were running out of cards. Then it kind

WILLIS WEIGHS IN Westfield Mayor Scott Willis noted that even when road construction is completed downtown, Westfield businesses will have to continue to adjust as the city remakes itself. “The reality of it is we’re at the beginning stages, not the ending stages of development of our downtown,” Willis said. “I wish I could say the challenges are going away in a year, but they aren’t.” Willis said efforts to help downtown businesses during the construction period got “mixed reviews” from downtown businesses. He said support would continue but businesses

can’t rely on that alone to sustain themselves. “We’ve done a lot of free advertising for them, but they have to connect with their own patrons, and they have to have that nest egg put back to weather the storm because there’s only so much we can do,” Willis said. Willis noted that three mixed-used developments are scheduled for downtown. Grand On Main, which broke ground Dec. 9, is one of them. “We have to continue to be vigilant in supporting the businesses and making sure that they’re set up for success,” he added.

Main Street from Poplar to Union Street was closed in downtown Westfield from April to late October.

of tapered off a little bit as the construction played out.” Despite the challenges, some businesses are optimistic about the post-construction future. “I know that it will pay off,” Khan said. “Understanding the amount of development that has been going on in the area, I know that once they finish this road, it will benefit our business much more than it is hurting us at the moment.” Field Brewing at 303 E. Main St. on the corner of Cherry Street is on the edge of the construction zone and will at the forefront of downtown Westfield’s proposed developments to the west of Cherry Street. “The construction and road closures have definitely been challenging, but we’re proud to be part of Westfield’s growth,” Dikos stated. “We know the improvements will make downtown even more vibrant once it’s complete, and we encourage everyone to keep supporting local businesses through this stage of change.” ON THE COVER: Traffic backs up on Main Street in Westfield. Downtown businesses have had to contend with constructionrelated hurdles throughout 2025. (Photo by Todd Golden)

INSIDE & OUT

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT: Commentary by Larry Greene Located in west Carmel’s High Grove neighborhood, this primary bathroom remodel transformed a dated space into a serene, spa-like retreat designed for everyday comfort and timeless style.

West Carmel spa-inspired primary bath remodel AFTER

THE BLUEPRINT • A freestanding soaking tub is positioned beneath expansive windows, creating a calming focal point. • Warm wood vanities add richness and contrast against light, airy finishes. • The walk-in shower features floor-toceiling porcelain tile, built-in niches and elegant brass fixtures. • A framed tile inlay at the center of the floor subtly defines the space and adds a refined, custom detail. • Soft neutral tones and thoughtful detailing enhance the space’s overall sense of balance and relaxation.

BEFORE

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

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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!

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Award-winning Carmel musician stays busy with songwriting, performing By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Singer-songwriter Tay Bronson likes to have fun with his songs. The 54-year-old Carmel resident, who describes his style as traditional country, released a new single Nov. 19 called “Golf Cart” that is available on all streaming platforms. The song is a tongue-in-cheek ode to a rolling neighborhood parade of golf carts. There is a music video on Bronson’s YouTube channel. Bronson’s song idea came from visiting his girlfriend’s permanent campsite at Indian Lakes in northern Indiana. “It’s more like Indian ponds because they are tiny little lakes,” he said. “It’s like glamping and people are driving around on golf carts. Having my cynical sense of humor, I got up one morning and I didn’t want to use the toy hauler bathroom, so I went to the bathroom and there’s a lot of golf carts lined up with dads doing the same thing I was doing.” Bronson sent a text message to his girlfriend about his situation and the different types of golf carts. Then he decided to turn it into a song. “The song killed it at the campground, so I had to make a video that is just as funny as the song,” Bronson said, Bronson had friends from the campground follow him around. “I was acting like a goofball on the back of the golf cart playing the song,” he said. Besides the recent release, Bronson’s 2024 album, “Bad Apple,” was named the Male Album of the Year in August at the International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards ceremony in Atlanta. “It’s kind of like the minor leagues to the Country Music Awards or Grammys,” he said. “I was tickled pink to have my album recognized as Album of

‘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 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

Singer-songwriter Tay Bronson performs solo concerts and also with his band, The Tackle Box. (Photo courtesy of Tay Bronson)

the Year. There are 35,000 members in the organization.” Bronson’s band is called Tay Bronson and the Tackle Box. The band includes keyboardist Jason Barth and drummer Matt DeVore, both Carmel residents, who were previously Push Down & Turn with Bronson. Bronson, Barth and DeVore own Carmel-based Premier Group, a home automation company, which they started in 1999. “We were thinking if we start our own business, we can work four days a week and still have gigs on the weekend with Push Down & Turn,” Bronson said. Bronson was the primary songwriter and bassist for Push Down & Turn, an alternative rock band, “We formed the band (in 1991) when we were at school at DePauw University,” he said. “We had a run of like 10 years. We had a bus and we would load up and keep rolling. We sounded like Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows or something like that.” Bronson compared touring life to being in the Army.

“We would go to the gig, and they would feed us and give us beer and you weren’t spending money,” he said. Band members would return to their homes and realize they weren’t making that much money. Push Down & Turn was on the HORDE — Horizons of Rock Developing Everywhere — Tour in 1997. “We won a spot through a Battle of Bands and we got five dates on the tour,” Bronson said. “There were different bands, but the main headliner was Neil Young and Crazy Horse.” The Push Down & Turn hasn’t played regularly since 2003, but it performed a reunion show at The Vogue Theatre in Indianapolis in 2016. ‘“We were going to try to do a reunion show every few years, but that got put on the back burner,” he said. The Tackle Box also includes bassist Scott Nelson and pedal steel player Joe Alterio. Bronson also performs smaller singer-songwriter concerts. Bronson’s debut album was “Drinks & Memories,” which features 12 songs built on his life experiences. For more, visit taybronson.com

“A Sinatra Christmas” is set for 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23, followed by “The Magic of David Ranalli” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 and “Murder Mystery Night: The Most Wonderful Night of the Year” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DISPATCH  Elton John tribute artist returns to Feinstein’s — Craig A. Meyer’s “Remember When Rock was Young: The Elton John Experience” returns Dec. 31 to Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. This is the fourth consecutive year the 1981 Carmel High School graduate will perform at Feinstein’s on New Year’s Eve. Performances are set for 7:30 and 10:45 p.m. The late show features a complimentary champagne toast. Meyer has been involved in theater, film, television and music. On Broadway, he created the role of Clinton Badger in “Meet Me in St Louis” and toured nationally in “Cats” as Skimbleshanks. Meyer worked with Alan Menken on Disney’s “Aladdin” and with Tim Rice and Elton John on “The Lion King.” He also has toured internationally and recorded with music legends Barry Manilow and Frankie Valli. For tickets, visit feinsteinshc.com/events.

ENTERTAINMENT

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12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

Parkinson’s not an obstacle By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Joe Stemnock doesn’t let Parkinson’s disease keep him from pursuing his passion for making music. “I think the most beneficial effect of making music is that it challenges me cognitively and keeps my mind active,” Stemnock said. “I write, play and record everything solo, so it’s a very involved process.” The Westfield resident said although there’s no clinical evidence to support the assumption that music slows the progression of Parkinson’s, he definitely believes it helps. “I encourage anyone who has a diagnosis to not quit,” he said. “There’s still life to be lived.” Stemnock, who performs under the name Stemmy, recently released “Popstar Overdose.” “I play and sing everything on that track except for the drums, which I’m sure my wife is grateful for,” he said. Stemnock said he has written too many songs to count. “Most are thrown out,’’ he said. “I am

Joe Stemnock, who records under the name Stemmy, recently released “Popstar Overdose.” (File photo)

much more careful than I used to be. I really try to release songs that I think are worthwhile. “ Stemnock was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017. “I had been having symptoms for a few years before then,” he said. “It’s been a long journey with lots of ups and downs. Thankfully, I have a wonderful wife (Kelly) who supports me.” Stemnock was a teacher for 35 years. In 2018, he retired from Westfield Middle School, where he taught English. He and his wife moved from Carmel to Westfield in 2021. Stemnock’s songs are available on most major streaming platforms.

LET BRETT WISCONS MAKE YOUR MUSIC PAY OFF WITH HIS INDUSTRY EXPERTISE. Get this last-minute Christmas gift!

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brettwiscons@gmail.com • Booked and performed 3500+ gigs • Recorded with a GRAMMY winner • Music has appeared on radio, tv and video game soundtracks • Performed with The Beach Boys • Business degree from Marian University Sessions are done via phone, FaceTime, and Zoom. In-person meetings are subject to an additional fee. Sessions are valid for 12 months from the sign-up date. Full payment due at booking.

This Week’s Market Magic! The Market will be open daily through December 24 (hours vary), with holiday fun the whole family can enjoy. Free to attend, free parking, no tickets required.

Kinderecke (Kids Corner) Enjoy crafts for all ages! • Dec. 22 & 23, Reindeer Callers • Dec. 24, Cookie Decorating

Spielhaus (Play House)

Meet-and-greets and magical shows. • Dec. 22, 12-3 p.m., Beauty Princess • Dec. 23, 12-4 p.m., Roz Puppets • Dec. 24, 12-4 p.m., Santa

Winter Pavilion

Experience authentic German entertainment. • Dec. 23, 7-8:45 p.m., Monika Herzig and Peter Kienle • Dec. 24, 2-4 p.m., Blackjack Davey The Market closes for the season at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24.

November 22 - December 24 Plan your visit today. Scan to view the full schedule.

CARMEL

VIEWS

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

CO M M UN I T Y VOIC E S

Clear out snow and ice Editor, With winter weather here, I want to encourage everyone to shovel your walks and put ice melt down. Do it for the safety of your family, people making deliveries, and your guests. Do it for the dog walkers and the kids headed to the bus stop. No time for it, not in good health? There’s definitely

a kid nearby who’d be happy to earn some money so they can get Robbux for Roblox. And shout out to the plow drivers who push snow to the side of walkways at intersections and not in the middle. Thanks. Ara Wade, Westfield

L ET T ER TO T H E E D I TO R POL I C I E S 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 oncemonthly 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. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals for the Monon Tunnel at 161st Street project will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 11:00 a.m., local time, on Friday, January 23, 2026. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered. Project generally consists of constructing a cast-in-place concrete slab on pile-supported end bents to create a tunnel allowing the Monon Trail to pass under 161st Street along with the adjacent retaining walls and railing. The roads, driveways, and pedestrian paths disturbed by the work within the project site will be reconstructed in-kind. The work will be phased and temporary pavement will be installed north of 161st Street to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction during construction. Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor’s Bid for Public Works, including Non-Collusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled “Contractor’s Financial Statement,” and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made. Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner. No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project. The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana. No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days, and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time. The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held in person, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana 46074, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:30pm. Attendance at this meeting is a required prerequisite to bid eligibility. Bids submitted by Contractors who fail to attend will be deemed non-responsive and will be returned unopen. The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or at eplanroom.reprographix.com Please direct all questions regarding this project to: Chris Dyer, P.E. United Consulting 8440 Allison Pointe Blvd, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46250 chris.dyer@ucindy.com

A year of memories, Part 1 Commentary by Dick Wolfsie It’s a tradition I have followed for 25 years. Every December, I look back at the previous 12 months and give thanks to those who made this weekly exercise in humor possible. It’s the only exercise I really enjoy. I try to get in about 100 yuks a week. Thanks to the Swedish food company that recalled 17,000 portions of beef lasagna because it contained one percent pork, which the company admitted meant the product was not 100 percent Kosher. Or as my rabbi would say, “Not Kosher.” The bottom line is that even though the manufacturer is pulling the pork-tainted casserole off the shelves, the entrée remains a favorite among many consumers. After all, who doesn’t like pulled pork? Thanks to a well-known manufacturer of yoga pants that had to include a disclaimer on the label stating, “In some cases, you may experience extreme sheerness.” In other words, the pants might be see-through. When your clothing choices come with potential side effects, you might want to reconsider your wardrobe. Thanks to the radiologist who was performing a lung biopsy on me. The doctor told me that while I was under partial anesthesia, I kept making jokes. I asked him if they were funny. He said, “No, that’s why I never read your column.” PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NOS. 25-55 AND 25-68 CITY OF WESTFIELD, INDIANA Notice is hereby given that the Common Council of the City of Westfield, Indiana, adopted Ordinance 25-55 on September 22, 2025 and Ordinance 25-68 on November 10, 2025, amending various provisions of the City’s traffic and parking regulations. Ordinance 25-55 updates parking regulations, including amendments to penalty provisions, requirements to park within marked lines, temporary parking restrictions, time-limited parking rules, and enforcement procedures. The ordinance also establishes new paid parking regulations, creates paid parking zones and fees, and replaces Schedule VI while adding Schedules X, XI, and XII. Ordinance 25-68 updates the City’s Traffic Regulation Ordinance by adding newly accepted subdivision streets; revising stop-controlled, yieldcontrolled, and signalized intersections; adjusting speed limits on portions of Union Street; and removing outdated traffic control figures. Complete copies of Ordinances 25-55 and 25-68 are available for public inspection at the office of the Clerk-Treasurer, City of Westfield, 2728 East 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana 46074.

Thanks to all the older men in my neighborhood who know I lack handyman skills. Over one week this summer, they helped me fix my lawnmower, smoke alarms and a broken lamp. I also received help with my tax returns, changing a tire and assembling an IKEA futon. They were happy to help because they are all retired and looking for something to do. I hope they realize how lucky they are to have me living in the neighborhood. Thanks to the mega hardware store where I bought a new toilet. Some toilets were labeled “smart.” They had several buttons and a remote control, but what they remotely control is still a mystery. I didn’t want a smart toilet that answers the phone, connects to Bluetooth or gives me a weather report. I don’t want my bottom warmed or scented. I simply want my toilet to sit there. And I plan to do likewise. Thanks to my wife for suggesting that we go out for the evening and pretend it was a blind date. Honestly, we didn’t hit it off, but there must have been something brewing because despite a dismal first encounter, we both ended up back at my place. To the neurologist who said his research showed that being confused about what day of the week it is might be a sign of dementia: I’m not confused. I’m retired. Who cares what day it is? Except when it’s Tuesday and I have to put out the trash. Or is that Monday? The point is to do whatever you can to force yourself to focus and remember. That’s why I’m not letting my wife Mary Ellen remove the name tag I stuck on her forehead. To the father of nine in Utah who intentionally left the computer on his lap for two days because he read that prolonged heat exposure in this area could potentially cause infertility. This method was more affordable than a vasectomy. Update: Nine months later, his wife downloaded twins. Several more for next time.

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

PUZZLES 1

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12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

23 27

31 34

29 32

66 72

ACROSS 1. Corn core 4. Exemplary 9. Small gain 15. Butler frat letter 16. “Wrong!”

71 75

52 56

69 73

17. Like the food and beverages served at the holiday event in the puzzle’s circles 18. Word with phone or ring

19. Utter disorder 20. Be a kvetch 21. With 74-Down, golfer known as “The Big Easy” 23. Murat Shriners’ headgear 6 Board Games

25. “Calvin and Hobbes” girl 26. Firmly embedded 29. Convivio rice dish 31. Moving about 33. “Sister Act” extra 34. Commotion 37. Crooked 39. Mail letters 43. Poultry buy 45. Three, to Caesar 46. Scolding sound 48. Entirely (Latin) 50. ___-cone 52. Discontinue 53. Short run 54. One running a stud farm 57. Since 1/1 58. Tech exec 59. Archaeological find 61. Jungle knife 65. Comparable 69. Sporty Toyota 70. Mangy mutt 72. Sao ___ 73. Commendation 75. Congregation Beth Shalom leader 78. I-69 semi 79. Where to find the holiday event in the puzzle’s circles 80. Frequently 81. White House nickname 82. Changes 83. Got zapped by a wasp 4 Indiana Motto Words

3 Christmas-Related Items 5 Synonyms for “Norm”

2 Marian University Colors

1 US State that Rhymes with “Indiana”

4 3 6

2 4 5 8 6 1 8 8 7 9 2

5 4 2 1 6 8 5 7 3 4 5 5 6 7 84. Lions, on a Colts scoreboard DOWN 1. Articles of faith 2. Chicago airport 3. Tolerated 4. Never-ending 5. Cry from Homer Simpson 6. IND datum 7. Starting from 8. Last place team in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference 9. Sheepskin boot brand 10. Human being 11. White River catch 12. “Allow me” 13. Big name in electronics 14. Leg joint 22. MashCraft brew inits. 24. Penny metal 27. UFO crew 28. Kind of bar or torch 30. Bird-feeder food 32. Bring up 34. Battery fluid 35. Vermillion County town where Pulitzer Prize winner Ernie Pyle was born

36. Chooses 38. Colt’s West Coast foe, briefly 39. Luau strings 40. Canine command 41. “Hey! Over here.” 42. List of games for the Indy Ignite, for short 44. ___ and aah 47. Being frugal 49. Off-Broadway award 51. Praiseful poems 55. PU military org. 56. Col. Lilly 58. Part of a boilermaker 60. KGB counterpart 61. ArtWorks Westfield wall work 62. In pieces 63. Unlawful activity 64. Milan money 66. Ghastly 67. How “great minds think” 68. Thesaurus man 69. Pet protection org. 71. Huck Finn’s transport 74. See 21-Across 76. A/C measure 77. Pacers’ Sheppard ANSWERS ON PAGE 19

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NOW HIRING

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE! Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749 Order your classified ad or business card ad at youarecurrent.com today!

PART-TIME COPY EDITOR

Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

• FALL CLEAN-UP & TRIMMING • LEAF REMOVAL • FERTILIZING • TRIMMING • TREE WORK • MOWING/EDGING • MULCH/WEEDING

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customer-related aspects of prjcts to develop & launch EPAS. Requires Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Mechatronics Eng or closely rel fld & 2 yrs exp in auto envmnt. Up to 30% U.S. and/or int’l travel req’d. Position may telecommute from home office location w/in reasonable commuting distance of Fishers, IN up to 2 days per wk. Mail resume to thyssenkrupp Presta North America, LLC, Attn: J. Linn, 1597 East Industrial Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802 or email resume to john.linn@thyssenkrupp-automotive.com Reference 543467

NOW HIRING

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INDY WORK LANDSCAPING LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING

C O B I D E A L U P T I C K N O T S O G E R M A N R H O C H A O S G R O U S E E A R F E Z S U S I E E R N I E R I S O T T O D E E P S E T A S T I R N U N A D O A S K A N C E U S P S I I I T S K T S K C A P O N S N O C E A S E I N T O T O B R E E D E R Y T D D A S H C I O R E L I C M A C H E T E S I M I L A R C U R P A U L O S U P R A R A B B I R I G P R A I S E O F T E N I K E C A R M E L S T U N G D E T A L T E R S

For pricing e-mail your ad to classifieds@youarecurrent.com

NOW HIRING Technical Lead Steering Gear (EPAS) for Fishers, IN to coordinate

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Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Games: CANDY LAND, CHECKERS, CHESS, MONOPOLY, SCRABBLE, SORRY; Synonyms: AVERAGE, EXPECTED, STANDARD, TYPICAL, USUAL; Motto: THE, CROSSROADS, OF, AMERICA; Items: MISTLETOE, SANTA, REINDEER; Colors: BLUE, GOLD; State: LOUISIANA

Current Publishing is looking for a skilled, detail-driven editor with a love for a clean, compelling report. We have an immediate need for an experienced copy editor to join our newsroom on a part-time, as-needed basis, primarily for evenings and weekends. You will collaborate with writers to refine and elevate their work; line-edit with precision, clarity, and style; apply exceptional grammar, spelling and usage skills; and fact-check content to ensure accuracy and credibility Professional editing experience is required, and newsroom experience is a plus. The person we choose will have a keen editorial eye and strong communication skills, as well as the ability to work efficiently under deadlines for print and online.

HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume and a brief cover letter to zach@youarecurrent.com. No phone calls, please. EOE.

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

Tom Roush Lincoln Family owned since 1972

2025 Lincoln Corsair

$9,000 OFF MSRP of $50,220 VIN 5LMCJ1DA55UL14220

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

$9,000 OFF MSRP of $57,235 VIN 5LMPJ8J42SJ906524

2025 Lincoln Aviator

$9,000 OFF MSRP of $65,165 VIN 5LM5J6XC8SGL22958

0% for 48 months on 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Nautilus and Aviator $1000 Wish List Bonus Cash on all new 2025 Lincoln’s

13927 Trade Center Drive, Fishers IN 46038 tomroushlincoln.com • 317-399-7481 Subject to credit approval. See dealer for complete offer details. Offers end December 31, 2025.