HENDRICKS EXPANDS CARE
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Founded Oct. 14, 2025, at Brownsburg, IN Vol. I, No. 8
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Brownsburg are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Hendricks Power donations help local families, youth programs and trail improvements
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Hendricks Power is directing new financial support toward family assistance, youth development and community recreation projects, awarding nearly $7,000 across three local initiatives.
The cooperative recently donated $2,000 to Project ANGEL of Hendricks County, a nonprofit that provides holiday help for families experiencing financial strain. The group organizes food baskets, warm clothing and gifts for children each winter. According to Hendricks Power, the contribution will help ensure families can enjoy a joyful holiday season, despite financial hardships.
Additional support is coming through Operation Round Up, a program funded by members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills. Through that initiative, the cooperative awarded $3,000 to the Cascade Fire Cadet Program, which introduces seventh- through 12th-grade students to firefighting and emergency medical services. The program pairs hands-on training with mentorship from local firefighters, giving teens early exposure to public safety careers while instilling leadership and teamwork skills.
The co-op said the cadet effort “not only prepares young people for potential careers in public safety but also teaches leadership, teamwork, and community responsibility.”
Operation Round Up also granted $2,000 to the B&O Trail Association, which plans to use the funding for landscaping and beautification around the
representatives
sistance, youth fire cadet training and
(Photo provided by Hendricks Power) recently paved parking lot at the Tilden Trailhead on C.R. 500 East. Trail organizers say the upgrades will improve the experience for walkers, runners and cyclists and encourage more outdoor recreation.
In a statement, Heather Thompson, Hendricks Power’s director of human resources and marketing, said the cooperative hopes the donations reflect its community-focused mission.
“Hendricks Power is proud to support programs that strengthen our community, provide meaningful opportunities for youth, and enhance local spaces for everyone to enjoy,” Thompson said.
“From helping families have a brighter holiday season to investing in youth education and local recreation, these
DISPATCHES
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 total of 50 organizations were awarded Centra grants through nominations. A complete list can be found at Centra.org.
Road closure — Hendricks County will be closing North C.R. 1000 East, between 800 South and 1000 North for culvert replacement from Dec. 1-9.
contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to making our community a better place for all.”
More information about Hendricks Power and its community programs is available on the cooperative’s website. WHAT IS OPERATION ROUND UP?
Operation Round Up is a charitable giving program in which Hendricks Power members voluntarily round their monthly utility bills to the next dollar. Those small contributions—typically averaging about $6 per year per member—are pooled into grants that support education programs, emergency response groups, community organizations and local improvement projects.
Santa Cops — The Brownsburg Police Department and other Hendricks County agencies are joining Santa Cops to bring holiday joy to local families. Donate new, unwrapped toys at 31 N. Green Street (lobby open 24/7) by Dec. 15. For toy drive applications, contact your child’s school before Dec. 5.
Brownsburg hosts Christmas Under the Stars Dec. 6 — Brownsburg invites residents and visitors to Christmas Under the Stars on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 - 8 p.m. in downtown Brownsburg (61 N. Green St.). The evening will feature thousands of twinkling lights, a winter market, Santa’s Workshop and holiday treats. Attendees can enjoy a parade at 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting and photos with Santa at 7:15 p.m.
Community
accept donations from Hendricks Power to support holiday as-
improvements along the B&O Trail.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
WINTER MARKET
4-8 PM | Town Hall Green Shop from 30 vendors, food trucks
SANTA‘S WORKSHOP
4-8 PM | Eaton Hall by Brownsburg Public Library
PARADE
6 PM | Downtown Brownsburg Parade begins on Main St. at Eastern Ave. Travels west on Main St. to Green St., then turns north on Green St. and ends at Enderly Ave.
TREE LIGHTING & PHOTOS
7:15 PM | Town Hall Green
Santa Claws Collection
Donate 2+ items from the list below by January 2 to receive a FREE box of 100 LED mini lights. *HPC members only. Available while supplies last.
Items Needed:
Cats & Kittens:
• Dry Kitten Food
Iams, Science Diet, Purina One, Pro Plan
• Canned Kitten Food
Any Variety
• Dry Adult Cat Food
Purina One, Iams, Science Diet, Pro Plan
• Nutri-Cal Kitten
Supplement
Dogs & Puppies:
• Spray for Kong Toys
Spray Cheese & Peanut Butter
• Training Treats
• Durable Chew Toys
Busy Bones, Bully Sticks, Nylabones, Kong Toys, Antlers
Everyday Items:
• Trash Bags
• Paper Towels
• Odoban Cleaner
• White Copy Paper
• Stamps
• Bath Tissue (septic safe)
• Laundry Detergent
• Sandwich Bags
Donate Now!
November 17 - January 2, M-F 7:30am-4:30pm 86 N County Road 500 E, Avon, IN
Donations will support Misty Eyes Animal Center this holiday season!
Brownsburg moves forward on potential land donation
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
The Brownsburg Town Council has given unanimous consensus to move forward with reviewing a proposed donation of approximately 2.3 acres of land north of the B&O Trail near East Northfield Drive and East C.R. 300 North.
Lennar Homes of Indiana, LLC submitted a Letter of Intent to donate the parcel to the town at no cost. Under the proposal, Lennar would cover all normal and customary expenses associated with the conveyance.
the proposal benefits the town.
“What’s great about this donation is they’re covering all costs, including due diligence and legal fees,” Lane said.
Brownsburg Parks Department Director Amber Lane said the land would initially remain in its natural state.
“For now we’re going to maintain it as a prairie,” Lane said. “When it actually comes to us, we will either do a late winter or early spring mow for maintenance, and maybe eventually do some crushed stone trails or a restoration area.”
She added that the financial aspect of
Besides paying expenses, Lennar will provide a title commitment, ALTA survey, zoning confirmation and a Phase I Environmental Report for the town’s review before completing the transfer. Once staff completes and evaluates the due diligence materials, a formal Transfer Agreement will be presented to the town council for consideration.
No official action was required from the council at the Nov. 20 meeting, and staff sought only direction to continue the review process. If accepted, the parcel is expected to remain a natural prairie space maintained by the Parks Department.
With unanimous approval from council members to proceed, staff will now advance to the next steps in evaluating the land donation.
Town proclaims Small Business Saturday
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
As the holiday shopping season ramps up, communities across the country are preparing to mark Small Business Saturday, an annual event held the weekend after Thanksgiving to encourage residents to shop local.
Launched in 2010 by American Express, the day has since grown into a nationwide movement, highlighting the economic and cultural importance of small, independently owned businesses.
At the Nov. 20 town council meeting, Brownsburg officials approved a proclamation recognizing this year’s Small Business Saturday. The proclamation notes the vital role small businesses play in both the state and local economy.
According to the U.S. Small Business
Administration, Indiana is home to 534,640 small businesses, representing 99.4 percent of all businesses in the state and providing jobs for about 1.2 million people.
The proclamation emphasizes that small businesses form a key part of the Brownsburg community and that every local shopping dollar helps the town remain strong. Shopping locally, the statement says, keeps sales tax revenue within the community, supports business growth, expands employment opportunities and contributes to essential services such as emergency response and infrastructure maintenance.
Town Council President Travis Tschaenn officially declared Nov. 29 as Small Business Saturday in Brownsburg. He urged residents to support local merchants not only on the designated day but throughout the year.
Lane
Brownsburg Hospital Medical Building
Provider Offices
Hendricks Nephrology Associates - Suite 1145 (317) 456-9053
Antoinette Mensah, MD • Cheng Wang, FNP
Hendricks Neurology - Suite 1145 (317) 718-4730
Joshua Neucks, MD • Xyryl Pablo, MD
Hendricks Surgical Associates - Suite 1145 (317) 745-3740
Ben Gulbrand, MD • Kim Kerr, MD, FACS
Ron Yang, MD, FACS • Rosie Gooding, MD, FACS
Westside Gastroenterology Consultants - Suite 1145 (317) 745-7310
Nedhi Patel, MD • Lynette Moon PA • Anne Smrek PA
Hendricks Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Suite 1135 (317) 456-9063
Todd Bertrand, MD, MBA • Robyn Fean, MD
Jacob Holtz, DO
Indiana Spine Group - Suite 1135 (317) 275-1967
Neil Farren, MD • Justin Miller, MD • Ali Pelych, PA-C
Community Heart & Vascular - Suite 2125 (317) 718-9040
Frank Conte, MD • Anurag Deeconda, MD
Sai Devarapalli, MD • Scott Jones, MD
Sandeep Lakhan, DO • Jodie Franklin, NP
Laurel Hubbard, NP • Kim Johnson, NP
Kelly Lowe, NP • Linda Marquez, NP
First Responders - Suite 2125
Cardiology Testing - Suite 2115
Brownsburg North Family Medicine - Suite 2105 (317) 852-3851
Jason Cooper, MD • Heather Burt, DO
Chelan Ropert, DO • Nathan Bleeke, DO
Kyle Whistler, DO • Nicole Whistler, DO
Nicole Hoover, DO • Prajin Srivastav, DO
Nikki Adamson, NP • Jennifer Dale, NP
SLibrary hosts Santa Shoppe for kids
By Melissa Gibson alicia@youarecurrent.com
The Brownsburg Public Library will host its first-ever Santa Shoppe this holiday season, offering children a chance to independently choose gifts for the special people in their lives. The event is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Dec. 6.
Designed for ages 4 to 12, the Santa Shoppe features a selection of $5 items. Each child may select up to five gifts for family members or loved ones. Library volunteers — acting as Santa’s elves — will help young shoppers select items, wrap each present and add a gift tag.
“Children like to spread holiday cheer as well. It’s hard, as they rely on family to help them financially and with transportation,” said Amie Scott, assistant director at the Brownsburg Public Library. “We wanted to create an affordable way for kids to pick out presents for their family and it be a complete surprise.”
Proceeds from the Santa Shoppe will benefit the Friends of the Library, helping fund additional programs and activities throughout the year.
Community members, volunteers and library staff have donated a variety of gifts for men, women and children. The library is still seeking donations of tissue paper and gift tags. Those interested in volunteering during the event can sign up at volunteersignup.org/ JTFJR.
Registration is required. To reserve a shopping time, visit bburglibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ santa-shoppe-61507.
Children can choose from a variety of holiday gifts at the Brownsburg Public Library’s Santa Shoppe Dec. 5 and 6. (Photo courtesy of the Brownsburg Public Library).
Northridge to get all-way stops
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg officials are moving forward with plans to add multiple all-way stop intersections in the Northridge subdivision, citing resident concerns about speeding and safety in the neighborhood located west of Ind. 267 and bordering Arbuckle Acres Park.
At its Nov. 20 meeting, the town council held the first reading of an ordinance that would convert five intersections within Northridge to all-way stops.
“This was requested by the residents of the neighborhood, and they did a lot of work with some research and working very closely with myself,” Assistant Town Manager Shawn Pabst told the council. “The streets are asphalt, there are no sidewalks in some areas and lighting in some places is rough at a minimum, so I think this is a good propulsion.”
The ordinance states that it is “in the best interest of the residents of the Town” to convert the intersections of Westbourne Drive and Carnaby Drive,
The intersection of Stoneybrook Drive and Timber Lane in the Northridge neighborhood is among those proposed for new all-way stop signs. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
Morningside Drive and Mikal Lane, Stonybrook Drive and Timber Lane, and Carnaby Drive and both Darby Lane and Morningside Drive to all-way stops to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety. If approved at the council’s Dec. 18 meeting, the town will install eight new stop signs. The Street Department would be directed to place all necessary signage to enforce the new traffic controls.
Town officials said the changes are intended to address ongoing concerns from Northridge residents and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and children in the neighborhood.
Couple spreads holiday cheer
By Melissa Gibson mellissa@youarecurrent.com
Dylan and Jennifer Poulton of 1501 Winding Creek Trail in Brownsburg have always enjoyed decorating for Christmas, but this year marks the third in which they’ve welcomed visitors from across Hendricks County and elsewhere to see their holiday light display.
“We have around 75,000 lights, 30 to 40 inflatables, nine of which are 15 feet or taller,” Jennifer Poulton said. “There are about 15 blow molds, and we’ll be doing four nights with free hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and pictures with Santa and The Grinch.”
Poulton said they try to space the decorations out for those who wish to drive by; however, most families park and walk around the pathway they’ve created to see each piece.
The couple said they do it out of love for their community and desire to offer a free alternative to families who might not otherwise be able to afford some of the Christmas traditions.
“We love seeing the joy on everyone’s
Jennifer Poulton said. “We don’t want any child to not get a photo with Santa due to cost. In the past couple of years, we’ve seen the entire family, grandparents included, come by to enjoy the display. It makes us happy to make others’ holidays a happy one.”
Visitors can see the display from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20. The display and visits with Santa and The Grinch are weather permitting. Check Jennifer Poulton’s Facebook page for up-to-date information.
The Poulton family home in Brownsburg is adorned with more than 75,000 Christmas lights. (Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Poulton) faces,”
COMMUNITY
THE SOUND OF BROWNSBURG FINISHES SEASON DISPATCH
Indiana Grown holiday box available — The 2025 Indiana Grown Holiday Gift Box is available through an Indiana State Department of Agriculture program offering unique Indiana-made products. Each box includes Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars from Timbar in Zionsville; Tuxedo Twist Popcorn from Do Goodies in Valparaiso; Bison Jerky from Eel River Bison Ranch in South Whitley; Fresco Spice Seasoning Blends from Fort Wayne; Peppered Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce from JohnTom’s Barbeque Sauce in Muncie; Sea Salt Caramels from Nashville Fudge Kitchen in Nashville; Handmade Artisan Soap from Ollie Lue Soap Co. in New Castle; Sugar Cream Pie Filling Mix from Rolling Pin Bakehouse in Roanoke; Christmas Cookie Scented Candle from Middle Davids Artisan Candles in Franklin; and Bourbon Barrel Honey from Bastin Honey Bee Farm in Knightstown. Boxes are limited to 400 and can be ordered at bit.ly/3LSkNX6.
The Sound of Brownsburg performs at its final competition of the 2025 season at the Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium Nov. 15. The band advanced to Semi-Finals, placing 14th out of 108 bands, capping a strong season that included multiple top finishes at regional and national events. Next up, the band will represent Indiana in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Band)
THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR PRESENTS
Featuring soloist Bruno Sandes with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Featuring soloist Bruno Sandes with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
The Palladium Friday, December 19 at 8 PM Saturday, December 20 at 3 PM Sunday, December 21 at 3 PM
Schrott Center for the Arts
Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM
Gift a unique experience to the Carmel Salt Caves & Spa where all services are ONLY $45!
BIRTHDAYS - CORPORATE EVENTS
ANNIVERSARIES - FRIENDS & FAMILY - BRIDAL SHOWERS
Recipients Can Choose Their Service!
Foot Detox — Detox your body with our popular ionic soak.
2 Salt Caves — Relax in our 22-ton Himalayan salt caves.
Red Light Therapy — Boost energy with over 41,000 lights.
Get ready “Halo Pet Spa for Pets and Their People” launches soon!
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Upcoming Show Dates
Holiday Adventure Pass returns to Hamilton County
news@youarecurrent.com
Visit Indy and Visit Hamilton County’s Holiday Adventure Pass is a guide for residents and visitors to experience holiday attractions throughout Marion and Hamilton counties. The free pass is available through Dec. 31.
Jerseys • Autographs • Rookies • Graded Cards • Vintage • Baseball Football
Racing
Golf
Upcoming Show Dates
December 20, 2025 January 18, 2026 February 15, 2026
March 15, 2026 April 19, 2026 May 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
Holiday Donation Drive
Donate new, unopened items to bring joy to kids spending their holidays in the hospital Thank you for supporting local children
Requested Items:
Crayola pencils/markers (10–12 ct)
Uno card decks
Small puzzles (24–48 pcs)
Play-Doh tubs
Carmel Office
“The Holiday Adventure Pass is a fun, easy way for residents and visitors to make memories while exploring attractions across both counties,” stated Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Visit Indy.
Gahl said in the second year of the pass, the organizations have expanded the program to include locally sourced prizes that highlight small businesses.
“This initiative not only enhances the user experience but also supports our downtown and regional partners during the busy holiday season,” Gahl stated.
To earn points, users must check in via a QR code found at the following participating locations:
• Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt
• Carmel Christkindlmarkt
• Children’s Museum: WinterFaire
• Civic Theatre: “A Christmas Story The Musical”
• Conner Prairie: A Merry Prairie Holiday
• Eiteljorg Museum: Jingle Rails
• Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza
• Ice skating at Carter Green (at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt)
• Ice skating at Elevance Health Rink (at Morris Bicentennial Plaza)
• Ice skating at Holliday Park
• Ice skating at Noblesville Ice Plaza (at Federal Hill Commons)
• Indiana Historical Society: Festival of Trees
• Indiana Repertory Theatre: A Christmas Carol
• Indiana State Museum: Celebration Crossing
• Indiana State Fairgrounds: Christmas Nights of Lights
• Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
• Indianapolis Zoo: Christmas at the Zoo
• Monument Circle: Spark Holidays on the Circle
• Newfields: Winterlights presented by Bank of America
• Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad: Reindeer Express
• The Payne & Mencias Palladium Visiting a participating venue allows users to accumulate points, which can be redeemed for holiday-themed prizes. Some participating venues are ticketed attractions; the Holiday Adventure Pass does not cover entry fees, so guests must purchase tickets directly for admission.
For more, visit visitindy.com/events/ holidays/holidays-adventure-pass.
The Holiday Adventure Pass. (Graphic courtesy of Visit Hamilton County)
HENDRICKS EXPANDS CARE
Hendricks Regional Health cuts ribbon on new Brownsburg medical building
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Hendricks Regional Health marked another significant milestone in its decades-long expansion this week, cutting the ribbon on a new 50,000-square-foot Medical Office Building on the Brownsburg Hospital campus. Local officials, hospital leaders and community members gathered Nov. 20 to celebrate the opening, which brings a wide range of specialty medical services together under one roof and showcases artwork from some of Indiana’s own Hoosier artists.
The $65 million project is the latest step in the health system’s ongoing investment in west central Indiana. The Brownsburg Hospital originally opened in 2018, expanding access to care on the town’s fast-growing north side. Hendricks Regional Health announced the medical building addition in a 2023 groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting its role in meeting rising demand for specialty services.
On Wednesday, hospital President and CEO Dr. Michelle Fenoughty welcomed guests into the bright, modern lobby to cut the ceremonial ribbon and offer a first look inside.
She said the new medical building is a symbol of what Hendricks is doing every day to increase access to care, allowing them to meet medical needs and ensure the patient base grows.
Connected to the main hospital via an enclosed walkway, the Medical Office Building centralizes several specialty providers previously dispersed throughout the county. Patients now have convenient access to cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery and primary care without leaving the Brownsburg campus.
Each office features more room and additional exam spaces designed to address growing patient volumes. Hospital officials said the layout also improves collaboration among clinical teams and enhances overall patient experience.
The opening caps off a broader expansion to the Brownsburg Hospital itself. Several services transitioned to the new
building, freeing space for the hospital to add or enlarge other areas of care. Recent improvements include expanded cardiovascular testing, a medical oncology suite, infusion therapy space and dedicated pharmacy services to support cancer patients. The Emergency Department also gained enhanced imaging capabilities, further strengthening local access to critical diagnostic equipment.
Hospital leaders noted that the Phase 1A extension of the Ronald Reagan Parkway, completed earlier this year just north of the campus, has also improved connectivity for residents across Hendricks County and beyond.
In addition to the new medical services, one of the most notable features of the facility is its collection of original artwork created by Hoosier artists. The walls throughout the building display pieces from Colleen Carter, Jared Christiansen, Sarah Crail, Jeanne McLeish and Shirley Woolard.
During the ceremony, speakers encouraged attendees to explore the hallways not only for the new medical spaces but also to appreciate the artwork that brings color and character to the building.
“Everyone, I encourage you to look through everything,” Fenoughty said during remarks at the ribbon cutting. “All of the areas are different and they’re really pretty. But I really want to
point out one thing — don’t miss any of the artwork. All the art on the walls are compliments of our local artists. Every piece in this building, somebody from our community has done. Please take a moment to notice all of the art.”
Hospital officials said incorporating local talent reflects Hendricks’ long-standing commitment to community partnerships and creating welcoming, calming spaces for patients and families.
The building was developed in partnership with Indianapolis-based Bremner Healthcare Real Estate. Matt Bremner, the firm’s president, said the project represents a shared commitment to expanding health access for families on the northwest side of Indianapolis and throughout Hendricks County.
Since opening in 1962, Hendricks Regional Health has continued to grow its footprint to meet community needs. The organization is a nonprofit, nationally recognized healthcare system and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
Officials said the Brownsburg expansion — both the new medical building and the hospital’s updated services — reflects a long-term plan to support population growth and provide comprehensive, accessible care close to home.
“This facility was designed for future
growth,” Fenoughty said. “We’re proud of what it represents for our patients today and for the generations of families we will serve in the years to come.”
More information about the Brownsburg campus is available at Hendricks. org/Brownsburg.
ON THE COVER: Officials with Hendricks Regional Health and community leaders cut the ribbon Nov. 20 to open the new 50,000-square-foot Medical Office Building on the Brownsburg Hospital campus. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
HENDRICKS REGIONAL HEALTH BROWNSBURG MEDICAL BUILDING
Location: 5492 N. Ronald Reagan
Pkwy., Brownsburg
Project Cost: $65 million
Size: 50,000 square feet
Opened: November 2025
Specialty Services:
• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology
• Nephrology
• Sports medicine
• Orthopedics
• General surgery
• Primary care
Key Features:
• Enclosed walkway to Brownsburg Hospital
• Expanded exam space in each office
• Facilitywide artwork created by local Indiana artists
Hendricks Regional Health cut the ribbon on its new medical office building on the Brownsburg Hospital campus. (Photos by Alicia Kelly)
The new Medical Office Building features original artwork from Hoosier artists, including Colleen Carter, Jared Christiansen, Sarah Crail, Jeanne McLeish and Shirley Woolard.
Commentary by Dr. Katherine Schuetz
The past decade has seen an unprecedented rise in myopia — nearsightedness — for children worldwide.
Myopia has increased at such a high rate, it cannot be explained by genetics alone. There is an environmental/ behavioral reason as well. It’s easy to point to the increased use of technology as the culprit, but while increased time spent on screens is certainly a significant factor, it’s not the only issue.
Researchers believe that too much near work, along with less outdoor time and long-distance viewing, is the main reason for the huge jump in myopia for this generation of children. Simply put, kids don’t spend enough time outside for normal eye growth, and spend too much time indoors, often using a device.
In our office, we measure the axial length of the eye, which is the distance from the front of the eyeball to the retina. In kids that are farsighted or have no prescription, axial length is growing throughout childhood, but at a much slower pace than our nearsighted patients. We have tools now to slow the rate of growth for nearsighted kids, but even better is for kids not to develop myopia at all.
I give my patients three recommendations to help keep their eyes independent of glasses.
• Go outside for two hours a day. In studies worldwide, that two-hour benchmark was a powerful factor when determining whether a child developed myopia in childhood through their teen years.
• Near work, whether a book or a device, needs to be at least bellybutton or elbow distance from your eyes.
• Take a five-minute break for every 20 minutes of near work.
Dave Koz & Friends continue holiday tradition at Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Saxophonist Dave Koz has the distinction of being the concert performer with the second-most appearances at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Koz, 62, has performed at the Palladium 12 times, including 11 times with his holiday show. The only performer with more appearances at the Palladium, which opened in 2011, is Michael Feinstein, the Allied Solutions Center’s artistic director.
The Koz & Friends holiday show will make its 12th appearance at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Palladium.
“This is our 28th annual holiday show, and it’s nice to know that we’ve been at the Palladium for a good chunk of those 28 at the Palladium,” Koz said. “I love playing there. It’s one of the most beautiful venues in the country.”
Singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler returns with Koz as one of the friends.
“He’s kind of my right-hand guy,” Koz said. “We’ve been doing this as partners for probably 15 of those 28 years. He’s just full of heart and soul. When he opens his mouth to sing, it’s the truth. It’s very authentic.”
Koz said it’s special when they are side by side on stage.
“We come from such different backgrounds and life experiences, and yet we’re doing this music and united in the cause of bringing people together,” Koz said. “A few years ago, we started an initiative to introduce new artists. So, this year we have three younger artists.”
Those artists are pianist Kayla Waters, whose father is saxophonist Kim Waters; bass-vocalist Casey Abrams; and vocalist Haley Reinhart.
“Haley is easily the most famous person on the stage if you go by Spotify metrics,” Koz said. “Her version of Elvis (Presley’s) song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ has over a half-billion streams.”
Reinhart placed third and Abrams sixth on “American Idol” in 2011.
“The five of us know each other very well,” Koz said. “But we’ve never done a tour together, so it should be really fun and very inspiring for the audience because you’re going to see a lot of incredible music from beautiful artists.”
Koz said holiday songs are meaningful to the audience, citing Butler’s version of ‘O Holy Night’ as an example.
“I guarantee people come to the Palladium every year just to hear that song,” Koz said. “Then there are some people who come just to hear me play the Hanukkah song (‘Eight Candles’). So, there are certain tent poles that we have to continue to do because they’re nostalgic and people have got very attached to them. At the same time as musicians, we want to push the enve-
lope a little bit and try new things.”
One non-Christmas song Koz will perform is “New Hope” from his album with Bob James, “Just Us,” which has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Koz said many people have had a difficult year with the economic realities.
“We want to put together an evening that takes people on a beautiful, heartfelt journey of bringing people together whatever way we can,” Koz said. “I’m continually humbled by the power of music to bring people together to find bridges, even if it’s just for one song.”
Koz said he never expected the tradition of holiday shows to last so long.
“It’s been such a magic carpet ride,” he said. “It started out humbly with probably six or seven shows.”
The idea was born when pianist David Benoit and Koz were doing a radio interview.
“We had both lost a parent within two weeks of each other,” Koz said. “This was in the spring and David said, ‘Why don’t we go out this holiday season and make some music for our folks?’ Neither of us thought it would be going on this long. The DNA of this tour is about family.”
Benoit rejoined the tour for the 25th anniversary.
“If we get to the 30th anniversary, I hope to have the original cast members back, David Benoit, Rick Braun and Peter White, along with Jonathan Butler and myself,” Koz said.
Butler wasn’t an original cast member but has been with Koz for about half the years.
“I think if we make it to 30, that will be our final Christmas tour,” he said. “Let someone else do it for a while. We had an amazing run, so these last few years we are going to make it as special as we can.”
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org.
‘A BEEF & BOARDS CHRISTMAS!’
“A Beef & Boards Christmas!” runs through Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt and XNC will perform at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and “A Sinatra Christmas” is set for 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘MERRY MOVIE NIGHTS’
Heartland International Film Festival will hold “Merry Movie Nights” Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11 with six festive films in The Basile Event Center at the Heartland Film HQ and the Fishers City Hall Theater. Tickets start at $7. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
‘JINGLE & SWING’
The Fishers Community Chorus and Mudsock Jazz Combo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Fishers Art Center Theater. For more, visit fisherschorus. org.
‘A
CHRISTMAS STORY’
Civic Theatre’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical” is set for Dec. 5 to 27 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org
‘BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT’
Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” runs through Dec. 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘SLEIGH BELLS AND SNOWFLAKES’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes” concert is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
The Dave Koz & Friends concert is set for Dec. 12 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Colin Peck Photography)
Butler
ENTERTAINMENT
Nunziata concert set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jazz-pop vocalist Anthony Nunziata enjoys sharing music that brings people together.
“There’s something about holiday concerts that just feel different,” Nunziata said. “I love celebrating with people and creating moments they’ll hopefully remember long after I sing my final note.”
Nunziata will be joined by Ashley Nicole Soprano, an Actors Theatre of Indiana trio and the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus in a concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 E. 29th St., Indianapolis.
he always loves to include, such as “O Holy Night” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year.”
“I also enjoy sharing some of my own holiday originals,” he said. “I like to mix the traditional songs with ones that maybe people haven’t heard before. It keeps the concert feeling fresh and joyful.”
Nunziata hasn’t previously performed with Actors Theatre of Indiana members.
ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald leads the trio.
Nunziata has built a big following in recent years performing at Feinstein’s cabaret in Carmel.
“I’ve been so lucky to connect with audiences in Indianapolis and Carmel over the years,” he said. “Every time I come back, it feels like I’m visiting friends and family.”
Nunziata said there are a few classics
“I’ll be performing with my fellow co-founder and partner-incrime, Cynthia Collins, along with the incredible Terry Woods on the 88s (piano),” Fitzgerald said. “It will be just the three of us for a fun number in the first act and a lovely holiday carol mash-up in the second.”
Fitzgerald said the organizations benefiting from the evening of holiday classics are ATI, Kids Dance Outreach and the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus.
For more, visit brownpapertickets. com/event/6612656.
Nunziata
Anthony Nunziata
The Carnegie Hall Headliner dubbed “America’s New Romantic Singing Sensation!” Featuring Ashley Nicole Soprano.
IWS holiday concert set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony Music Director Jay Gephart figures the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts campus is the perfect setting for a holiday concert.
Benefitting and featuring dancers from Kid’s Dance Outreach and special performances by Indy Men’s Chorus and Actors Theatre of Indiana
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
7 o’clock in the evening
Broadway United Methodist Church 609 E. 29th Street, Indianapolis
Starting at $50 VIP Packages Available!
“It’s meant to be a family concert, so it’s for kids young and old,” Gephart said. “We will close the program with a Christmas singalong and a very traditional holiday favorite called ’Sleigh Bells’ by Leroy Anderson.”
“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Gephart said. “Everybody can experience the holidays with the music, the Christkindlmarkt, the ice-skating rink and the beautiful redecorations that are part of that whole area of Carmel.”
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes” concert is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center.
The guest vocalist is Cherresa Lawson, who will be featured on “O Holy Night.” Lawson, who performed with IWS last year, is the director of choirs at Kokomo High School; is the lead vocalist for the Caribbean Consort Steele Band; and frequently is the featured vocalist with the Kokomo Park Band.
The singalong will be a medley of tunes with lyrics printed in the program.
There will be a visit by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, played by Gephart’s wife Jana.
“We’re doing a medley of light holiday tunes that the kids will enjoy, and the arranger is the great jazz arranger Sammy Nestico, who is famous for doing a lot of original compositions for the Count Basie band,” Gephart said.
Gephart said a new piece to the holiday repertoire is Ennio Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe.” Another piece is Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Sleepers Awake.”
Gephart said he enjoys mixing up the set list.
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Lawson
ENTERTAINMENT
Morgan to perform with McLaughlin
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Morgan James has not previously performed with Jon McLaughlin, but they share the same manager.
James, a former Broadway performer, will be one of the guest vocalists for the “Jon McLaughlin and Friends: Home for the Holidays” concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I’m just a big fan and I’m so excited to be joining him,” James said. “I love touring during the holidays, and to let somebody else do the heavy lifting sounds fun to me. We’re going to two or three songs each and we’re going to join him on some songs. Jon, in addition to being so talented, he’s so charming. He’s a great storyteller and he just puts on a great show.”
James, who is based in New York City, is a self-described “Christmas music freak.”
“I’m going to be performing a couple of my favorite songs, and Jon was nice enough to let me choose,” she said.
James performed at Feinstein’s cabaret at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael in 2023.
Earlier this year, she released her sixth album, “Soul Remains the Same,” a soul and R&B with covers of classic rock songs from the 1980s and 1990s.
Morgan James will perform with Jon McLaughlin Dec. 5 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Grace Stockdale)
PUZZLE ANSWERS
“I put them through a soul lens, and the way I like to describe it is if Aretha Franklin got in the studio with AC/DC,” she said.
Other bands featured on the album include Whitesnake, Metallica, AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots and Smashing Pumpkins.
James said the album has been especially well-received.
“The people that already love what I do, they were already excited,” she said. “The people that were skeptical about this concept, I’ve been pleasantly surprised that everybody loves it.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Governors: BAYH, DANIELS, HOLCOMB, KERNAN, O’BANNON, PENCE; Shots: DUNK, FADEAWAY, FREE THROW, HOOK, LAYUP; Tomatoes: CHERRY, GRAPE, PLUM, ROMA; Parts: CROWN, ENAMEL, ROOT; X: KISS, TEN; Town: PLAINFIELD
readers and drinkers
. Inner Balance fitness
23. CIA kin
. Boulder Creek server’s reward
. Soak up
. Type of harm
. Caustic stuff 31. UK TV network 34. Salt formula
35. N. Green St. bar and grill...and a hint to 19- and 54-Across 38. Rebuff
40. X-ray alternative 41. ___-mo
44. Has a bit of success 46. Brownsburg HS chem class vessel
49. Letters atop the Hoosier Dome, for awhile 50. Herd of whales 53. Radiate 54. The Cozy Charcoal Cottage in Brownsburg, e.g.
58. Fundamental 59. Big party
60. PNC Bank machine
62. Tra followers 63. Radiate
64. Purdue frat letter 65. Indiana Senate vote 66. Religious ceremony
. Recipe amt.
Relax, with “out”
2. Whiner
. Sorrow
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. Swelled heads
. Tidy 7. Turning Clay Pottery Studio ovens
. Tree branch
. Scent 10. Kind of code 14. Whenever you want 18. Cable TV sports award 20. Spanish gold 21. Small bit
22. Ravens, on a Colts scoreboard 26. Backyard cookout, briefly
28. Number found in Brownsburg’s ZIP code and area code 29. Pop
32. Word before rap or after beach
33. Bill Estes lot sight
35. Brownsburg Community School Corporation transport
36. ___-cone
37. Chest bone
38. Part of SSN
39. Some inadmissible evidence in Hendricks County Court
41. Tattoo
42. Hoosier Park margins of victory
43. Mine find
44. Lackluster
45. Old CIA foe
47. Ritzy residence
48. Sushi tuna
51. Rags-to-riches author
52. Peru’s county
55. Nastiness
56. IU sports org.
57. Narrow cut
61. Janitor’s need ANSWERS ON PAGE 19
