MASTER VISION
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Pulte proposes new Zionsville subdivision
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
Pulte Homes will return to the Zionsville Plan Commission in 2026 with revisions to a plan for a residential development in rural Zionsville, following comments from several neighbors during a public hearing Nov. 17.
Pulte is seeking the rezone of 161 acres from Rural Single-Family to Rural Single and Two-Family for development of a 269-lot residential subdivision north of 300 S. and east of 875 E.
A concept plan filed with the rezone request includes walking paths, a pool, playgrounds, pickleball courts and open space. According to the filing, a traffic impact study showed a need for some intersection improvements.
Rex Ramage of Pulte Homes said the development would include two lot sizes and three home series — side-loaded garage homes, front-loaded homes and ranch homes. The development also would preserve approximately 11 acres of woodlands. Ramage said the homes would fit within the current market demand of Zionsville.
“We take great pride in doing our site designs or land plans, making sure that we’re providing the right style of housing, but then also providing a variety of housing within the community,” he said.
Several residents spoke during the public hearing, expressing concerns over density, traffic, impact on schools and emergency services, infrastructure needs and the loss of rural areas of Zionsville.
Matt Cornacchione spoke on behalf of 12 families near the development. He said neighbors were frustrated with a lack of information on the project from Pulte, noting that a community meeting Nov. 6 was held at the same time as the town’s comprehensive plan public meeting.
Cornacchione said he and his neighbors were concerned with site density.
“(The) proposed density of 269 home
sites, or 1.67 per acre, is much greater than desired for this area of Zionsville,” he said. “As homeowners, we purchased our homes and paid a premium for the lots because of the rural nature of the area and the privacy that it provides, while knowing someday it could be developed under the R1 density, which would permit about 160 home sites. None of us want that density, but we acknowledge that’s what we signed up for.”
Kyle Schmidt, a resident on 300 S., asked for Pulte to work with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources on environmental issues before moving ahead.
“This area supports a diverse range of species and it’s home to multiple species of turtles, frogs, bald eagles, great horned owls, barred owls, deer, foxes, coyotes and many other species,” he said. “Avid birders amongst our neighbors have identified more than 70 species of songbirds on their properties alone. Many of these species cross the road and are supported by features that are set to be destroyed within the
proposed developmental property, such as the woods in the northwest, the pond in the pasture and the field. Additionally, migrating species, such as the sandhill cranes that annually stop here on their migration (and) residents have seen on their properties, and endangered species, including (the) little brown bat.”
Resident Jonathan Yim said he is concerned about adding more residential development to the town.
“While Zionsville can definitely benefit from an increased tax base, as noted in (the draft comprehensive plan) only 4 percent of the base currently comes from commercial buildings,” he said. “We need more of a commercial base as opposed to continuing to build more housing developments.”
Ramage said Pulte would be willing to meet with homeowners to discuss concerns before moving ahead with the petition. The proposal was continued to the Plan Commission’s regular meeting Jan. 20, 2026. The Plan Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St.
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Pulte Homes is seeking the rezoning of 161 acres in rural Zionsville for a residential subdivision. (Image courtesy of Pulte Homes)
ILADD breaks ground on new Crossbridge Point
news@currentzionsville.com
A group of supporters and future residents braved the rain Nov. 21 to break ground on Crossbridge Point, the first ILADD, Inc., residential community in Zionsville designed to support independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
According to a news release, Crossbridge Point at the Wild Air development off Marysville Road follows months of planning and community engagement, including an earlier event during which future homeowners saw their lots for the first time.
“Breaking ground at Crossbridge Point isn’t just the start of construction — it’s the start of a vision becoming reality,” ILADD Executive Director Andy Kirby stated. “This project represents growth, opportunity and a future we’re proud to help shape.”
He emphasized the need for housing options that blend independence with connection, safety and belonging.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr stated that the town is proud to support ILADD’s mission.
“We are bringing something that is meaningful and something that is really going to speak to the people in our community,” he stated.
Tom Easterday, ILADD’s board chair, discussed the meaning behind the community’s name and the symbolism of the moment for future residents.
“We chose the name Crossbridge Point because our self-advocates are crossing an important bridge in their lives toward independence,” he stated.
Crossbridge Point is a partnership with Old Town Companies and will feature homes for residents to begin their journey toward independent living, as well as a 2,500-square-foot activity center for programs,
enrichment and community events.
“Today is the beginning of something transformational for these adults, their families and our broader community,” Kirby stated. “Crossbridge Point is more than a development; it’s a place where people will find purpose, pride, and lifelong connection.”
For more, visit iladdinc.org.
Supporters get ready to turn the ceremonial first dirt on the Crossbridge Point community. (Photo courtesy of ILADD)
Local 8-year-old boy wins statewide holiday contest
Zionsville resident Cameron Worthington, 8, was the winner of this year’s AES Indiana Coloring Contest, an annual holiday competition hosted by Downtown Indy Alliance.
According to an announcement from AES, Worthington won for his creative depiction of Santa’s race car, taking an image of a lightbulb and turning it into a vehicle.
“He also included a drawing of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and a pit crew for Santa — which are two elves,” the announcement stated.
As the winner, Worthington was invited to flip the switch at the Nov. 28 Circle of Lights celebration on Monument Circle, welcoming Santa and the holiday season to downtown Indianapolis.
AES Indiana has sponsored the AES Indiana Coloring Contest for the past eight years. Children ages 3-12 from all over Indiana are invited to participate.
Each winner, along with the other finalists, receive a $529 scholarship deposited into a 529CollegeChoice savings plan.
Tuan C. Patient
Cameron Worthington of Zionsville won the annual AES Indiana Coloring Contest. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Worthington)
SullivanMunce recognized for preserving history
news@currentzionsville.com
SullivanMunce Cultural Center has been chosen by the Indiana Historical Society to receive the statewide Outstanding Historical Organization Award, a recognition of the organization’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Zionsville’s history.
According to a news release from the Indiana Historical Society, The Outstanding Historical Organization Award is given to a local or county historical society, organization or site that “demonstrated remarkable service to and programs for its community and has demonstrated excellent application of professional standards and best practices.”
The awards committee that reviewed nominees comprised historians, local history practitioners and Indiana Historical Society staff.
“The SullivanMunce Cultural Center work stood out to the awards committee because of its community-focused foundation and use of multiple programs and platforms in communicating the importance of local history, recognizing that history learning is not ‘one size fits all,’” the news release stated. “The SullivanMunce Cultural
Center’s History Committee has worked to preserve and share Zionsville’s local history through a comprehensive and community-centered approach. By revitalizing and expanding local history programs — including the Century Structure Program, Historical Markers, Self-Guided Walking Tours and (a) partnership with Main Street Zionsville — the organization is not only safeguarding local heritage, but also activating it in engaging, educational and innovative ways.”
For more, visit sullivanmunce.org.
NEW KROGER BREAKS GROUND IN ZIONSVILLE
Whitestown and Zionsville officials attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Kroger at the intersection of Center Drive and Perry Worth Road. The $35 million project will include a fueling center in Whitestown and the store itself will be in Zionsville. Plans call for a 118,337-squarefoot marketplace with a pharmacy, pharmacy drive-thru, grocery pickup and Starbucks. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Whitestown)
SullivanMunce was recognized recently by the Indiana Historical Society. Front, from left, are Marsha Webster, Tammy Zeller, Tamara Hemmerlein, Cynthia Young, Erin Effner, Alma Lathrop and Kristina Huff; middle, from left: Kathy Scales Brown, Mike Sandy and David Ruffer; and back, from left, Mark Zelonis, John Tousley and Mark Walters. (Photo courtesy of SullivanMunce)
Tom Wood proposes new Honda dealership
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
Tom Wood Automotive is planning a second auto dealership in Zionsville.
The Zionsville Plan Commission will review a development plan Dec. 15 for a 32,000-square-foot Honda dealership adjacent to the Tom Wood Toyota on Crane Drive at the southeast corner of the I-65 interchange with Whitestown Parkway. The vacant parcel is owned by Tom Wood Automotive.
The plans were initially presented in November, seeking a waiver for materials required in the town’s I-65 south overlay district. The waiver would allow painted, precast concrete panels as the primary exterior building material. The project also requires a right-of-way vacation from Boone County for a portion of Crane Drive.
According to the staff report, the proposed materials are appropriate when compared to materials used on the existing Toyota dealership. Jerry Williams of Strongbox Commercial, representing Tom Wood Automotive, said the site will complement the Toyo-
ta dealership built in 2018.
“The panels themselves have a reveal pattern put into them that matches the metal panels in the front of the building,” he said. “They’re also going to be painted (and) will have capped metal on it… This building physically matches the other building in size, height and width and the floor plan is pretty close to the same.”
During public comment, one member of the public questioned the waiver.
“I’m just curious why we’re allowing a concrete panel structure that doesn’t comply,” Zionsville resident John Green said. “I understand a waiver has been given in the past, but aren’t a lot of the buildings in that area currently brick veneer? Concrete panels are rather industrial. They’re not attractive. They’re functional, but they’re not attractive.”
Commissioners agreed that the architectural details could be upgraded to make the building appear less industrial.
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Williams said the designs would be updated and resubmitted. The Zionsville Plan Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Zionsville Town Hall.
CFBC scholarships available — The Community Foundation of Boone County is accepting scholarship applications for the Class of 2026. Boone County seniors planning to pursue higher education — including four-year universities, community colleges and technical/trade programs — are encouraged to apply. For more, visit communityfoundationbc.org/search-and-apply.
Tom Wood Automotive will present updated plans for a new Honda dealership to the Zionsville Plan Commission Dec. 15. (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
SZionsville Golf Course to get new concession stand
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
A development plan to add a concession stand to Zionsville’s nine-hole municipal golf course was approved in November by the Zionsville Plan Commission.
The addition is part of a capital projects plan for the course, which is owned by the town and operated by Zionsville National, LLC. A concession stand, canopy area and restroom facility will be constructed on the south side of the property on a hill overlooking the golf course, half a mile north of the Village business district.
“In addition to the snack shack, the project is going to include new paving to connect the building to the existing golf cart trail and utility access drive,” Associate Planner Jose Rodriguez Trujillo said.
Strongbox Commercial of Zionsville will serve as the contractor for the new building. Jerry Williams, senior project engineer with Strongbox, said the rope gate will include a locking mechanism so the course management and the Town of Zionsville can control access.
“The shack itself is about 200 square feet of a serving area. Basically, it’s an area to serve hot dogs and a bag of chips and golf balls and tees, as well as having a storage area and a single bathroom,” he said.
The concession stand project is expected to cost $267,952. In September, the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Board approved an allocation of $100,000 to be used toward upgrades at the golf course in 2026.
A concession stand, patio and restroom facility will be built on the south hill of the Zionsville Golf Course. (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Annual Zionsville Menorah lighting set
news@currentzionsville.com
The fifth annual Menorah lighting ceremony in Zionsville is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 17 in front of Robert Goodman Jewelers, 106 N. Main St.
Rabbi Dovid Grossbaum of Chabad Center for Jewish Life-Lubavitch of Indiana will lead the ceremony in celebration of Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights.” The Chabad Center is providing the Menorah, which will be on site through sundown Dec. 22 — the conclusion of Hanukkah.
“Menorah lightings are embraced by members of the Jewish community around the world,” stated Rose-Marie Goodman, co-owner of Robert Goodman Jewelers. “We are so happy to host this event here in Zionsville for the fifth time, and in keeping with our longheld philosophy of unity, we invite everyone —and we mean everyone — from the Zionsville area and beyond to join us for this celebration.”
For more, visit robertgoodmanjewelers.com or search for Robert Goodman Jewelers on Facebook and Instagram.
Senate page program applications available — The Indiana Senate is accepting applications for the 2026 Senate Page Program. The program begins in January and continues throughout the legislative session. Eligible students can serve one day per legislative session. For more or to apply, visit IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Page-Program.
NO INJURIES IN ZIONSVILLE GARAGE FIRE
No injuries were reported in an early morning fire Nov. 25 in the 8700 block of E. 200 S. in rural Zionsville. According to the Zionsville Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at about 4 a.m. and found the home’s garage fully engulfed. Crews were able to bring the fire under control after about 30 minutes. Residents were home at the time of the fire. ZFD is investigating the cause of the fire, which caused about $200,000 worth of damage. Other first responders assisting in the response were Whitestown Fire Department, Lebanon Fire Department, Center Township Fire Department, Perry Township Fire Department, Sheridan Fire Department, Whitestown Police Department and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Fire Department)
Holiday Donation Drive
Donate new, unopened items
Requested Items:
Crayola pencils/markers (10–12 ct)
Uno card decks
Small puzzles (24–48 pcs)
Play-Doh tubs
Participants gather for the 2024 Menorah lighting at Robert Goodman Jewelers in Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Robert Goodman Jewelers)
Area STEM organization expanding partnerships
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
mathematics, or STEM, education, runs a weekly “tech club” that introduces
weekly and they go through monthly curriculum changes, so the students are introduced to new things every week.”
dergo extensive background checks and training, including CPR certification.
The classes are typically open to children and teens, ranging from ages 6 to 14, though Gehle noted that most of the attendees fall between the ages of 8 and 12. The programming is designed to be accessible, even for those with minimal background knowledge.
“There’s definitely been kids who have come in with little experience,” Gehle said. “As for whether they just like playing Roblox and Minecraft and things like that and the parents see it through that avenue. And then we kind of take things on to more of an educational and a broader stance.”
In fact, camps focused on popular games like Roblox and Minecraft are some of iCode’s most popular offerings.
“The Roblox and Minecraft camps
“That’s one thing that we really like to emphasize is different between us and other places, is the quality of the actual education is a lot higher than what you typically find,” Gehle said.
The organization’s proprietary curriculum is continuously evaluated and updated by a team of computer scientists, software architects and instructional designers to ensure it aligns with current technology and industry trends. Beyond technical skills, the program also integrates vital soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and public speaking.
The tech club serves as an important step in iCode Fishers’ vision for the future. Gehle said the organization has been exploring the west side of Indianapolis, including Zionsville and poten-
“That’s kind of what the tech clubs are kind of feeling out for us — to see how the market is over there,” Gehle said. “Obviously, we would love to expand to the west side of Indianapolis if
For now, there are no plans for a permanent “brick-and-mortar” facility on the west side, but the interest has been
The main goal for iCode Fishers is
“We definitely want to just keep on expanding and getting more kids in the door,” Gehle said. “We love big class sizes or more kids coming through because there’s more energy and kids tend
Children participate in a hands-on coding and STEM session during the iCode summer camp (Photo courtesy of iCode Fishers)
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
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.
Luminary walk — Zionsville Parks and Recreation has scheduled a luminary walk for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Creekside Nature Park, 11001 E. Sycamore St. Walkers — including the fourlegged variety — are invited to experience a winter walk by candlelight.
Grounds for Success — The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce will host a morning networking opportunity, Grounds for Success, from 8 to 9 a.m. the third Friday of each month at the Security Federal Savings Bank community room, 10880 N. Michigan Rd. For more, visit zionsvillechamber.org.
Celebrate Christmas in the Park — Christmas in the Park is set for 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Elm Street Green, 165 N. Elm St. Participants 12 and younger can complete Elf Boot Camp and become one of Santa’s elves, attend Elf Academy, enjoy a campfire treat, visit with Santa and his reindeer, and more. Registration is required. For more, visit zionsville-in. gov/726/Parks-Recreation.
Parks Foundation receives matching donations — The Zionsville Parks Foundation’s 2025 Annual Fund campaign has received two $25,000 matching gifts, which means every donation through Dec. 31 will be matched up to $50,000. For more, visit zparksfoundation.org/ donate.
MASTER VISION
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Lions Club plans park upgrades, open spaces
The Zionsville Lions Club recently completed its master planning process, creating a vision for the 85-yearold Lions Park that involves expanded spaces, trails and connecting users with nature.
The master plan was developed by Zionsville-based planning and design firm FRMWRK. The process kicked off in 2024 and included an open house, online survey and meetings with stakeholders, neighbors and focus groups.
Lions Master Plan Chair Tom Price said the plan is a five-year vision for the 28-acre park, with an emphasis on strengthening community connections and enhancing the health and wellbeing of visitors. The organization will use the plan as a guide for adding amenities, upgrading existing infrastructure, updating ball fields and upgrading play areas and greenspaces.
“It gives us an opportunity to do advanced engineering on the more complex parts of construction while implementing the less complex pieces,” he said.
Price said the park, which is owned and operated by the Lions and not by the Town of Zionsville, is unique because of its location between two town parks — Elm Street Green to the north and Creekside Nature Park to the south — with Eagle Creek as its eastern border and a residential area of the Village to the west. In 2024, the Lions expanded the park by 5 acres after purchasing land just north of the pickleball courts. Price said keeping the park’s boundaries in mind is key to thoughtful development.
“When we bought the additional 5 acres, we needed to have a plan in place so that we could prioritize what needed to be done and be able to communicate that to people that are interested,” he said. “There’s a lot of moving parts to this. So, it takes some advanced planning and engineering to make sure that we can pull it off and still have a usable park. That’s why we did the plan.”
A needs assessment showed residents and park users want to see the park grow to accommodate people of all ages and abilities. Respondents said they would like to see additional programs, events and amenities that appeal to teens and adults, especially those without children.
The assessment also showed visitors wanted to see more nature-based amenities, programs and experiences that include access to the natural environment, including Eagle Creek. Respondents also sought connecting pathways, ADA accessibility, additional seating and gathering areas and flexible, multiuse green spaces. One area marked for that green space expansion is the 5-acre addition. The site is slated for development of The Great Lawn — an “everyday hangout” and “a broad, flexible greenspace designed for almost anything,” ac-
Lions Club)
cording to the master plan document.
“The intent for that is to have that be a kind of a quiet, nature-related, nature-based kind of thing with a lot of plants and things like that,” Price said.
The Great Lawn would include open space to support informal recreation — such as pickup games, picnics and Frisbee — and community gatherings — such as seasonal celebrations, small performances and special events.
“Engineering work has been underway for a while,” Price said. “We are setting a goal to have the Great Lawn and interim pathways completed by July 4, the 250th year of our nation. To accomplish this, several other projects will be worked on simultaneously.”
The master plan also identified a need for native prai-
ries and wildflower plantings surrounding the Great Lawn to add seasonal color and texture and to serve as a soft buffer between the park and adjacent properties in the Village. According to the plan, besides functionality, the landscape additions would help stabilize soils, filter and slow stormwater, reduce runoff by providing space for water to soak into the soil after heavy rains, boost biodiversity and support habitats for pollinators, insects and songbirds.
The park will remain home to Zionsville Little League. The league has played at the park for more than 70 years and participated in the master planning process, including making improvements to existing baseball and softball facilities, like upgrading scoreboards, lighting, dugouts and a full reconstruction of Field 1.
Price said the next step with FRMWRK is completion of schematic design drawings to present to donors and vendor partners to move ahead with improvements.
Price said the message the Lions have for the community is that park updates will be completed with community needs in mind.
“I think it is important for people to know that we are extremely respectful of our neighbors,” he said. We have a number of folks along Elm Street there that are right in the teeth of what we’re doing, and our intention is to not do anything that would ruin their quality of life. (On the Great Lawn,) there will be no baseball. There will be no pickleball. There will be no stuff that makes noise. That’s important to the club. We’ve been around a long time, and we respect our neighbors and many of them are major donors for us. This was all based on community input (and) we have a pretty good plan, but we’re always open to suggestions.”
Lions Club)
ZIONSVILLE LIONS 2026 EVENTS
The Zionsville Lions Club is gearing up for 2026, with a schedule of family-friendly activities at the club’s 85-year-old Lions Park. Planned events include:
• Eggnormous Egghunt — April 4
• Stories in the Park — June 5
• 4th of July Celebration — July 4
• Sunday Summer Concerts — July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26 and Aug. 2
• Zionsville Fall Festival — Sept. 11-13
• Pumpkin and Hayrides — Oct. 25
A day and time for the Diabetes Awareness Day gathering at the park will be announced at a later date. The Lions also sponsor the Miss Fall Festival — a feeder to the Miss America pageant.
Rentals of the clubhouse, pavilions and the entire
park are available.
As a part of Lions International, the Zionsville Lions Club’s main humanitarian focus as a service organization is vision screenings. The Zionsville Lions provide school vision screenings across central Indiana, including for Zionsville, Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Hamilton Northeastern and Lebanon schools.
Lions Master Plan Chair Tom Price said the club is always looking for new members.
“Absent that, we always welcome donations to the park, which are tax deductible,” he said. “We also always want feedback on what we can do better. Most of all, take a walk in our park!”
Learn more at zionsvillelions.com.
ON THE COVER: The Great Lawn would be a passive community gathering place inside Lions Park. (Image courtesy of FRMWRK/Zionsville
A vision for Lions Park in Zionsville would include the addition of a Great Lawn, pollinator paths, nature playscapes, prairies and expanded trails. (Image courtesy of FRMWRK/ Zionsville
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Pebble Brook home in Noblesville underwent a dramatic basement transformation, turning a basic lower level into a polished entertainment center with a custom bar.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A new semi-custom bar, painted Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn, creates a dramatic focal point.
• Cambria quartz countertops and a round BLANCO sink combine durability with elevated style.
• Mirrored geometric tile adds sparkle and depth, while glass shelving keeps the bar open and refined.
• Updated lighting and new LVP flooring complete the transformation, turning the basement into a polished, entertainment-ready retreat.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
Noblesville basement becomes luxe lounge
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s ‘Festival of Carols’ returns to Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Artistic Director Eric Stark, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
The choir’s “Festival of Carols” has become an annual tradition in Carmel. The performances are set for 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 3 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. There also is a 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 performance at Schrott Center for the Arts on the Butler University campus in Indianapolis.
“The holidays are always a great time for folks to gather together for the community, kind of the extended family,” Stark said. “We try to give people a wide variety of things to enjoy in the concert. So, they’ll hear some traditional carols. They’ll hear ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and ‘Away in a Manger,’ but they’ll also hear some new things, some uptempo numbers, a couple of gospel-style numbers that will be a lot of fun. We like to laugh at these concerts, also, so we’ve got some moments of audience participation and some surprises.”
carol they want and Duncan will improvise a brand-new composition on the spot.
Stark said it is special, especially later in December, to gather with friends and family.
“Sometimes our audience members are hosting family members from out of town who come in for the Christmas holiday, so they come to one of the concerts just a few days before, and there’s just a nice, warm feeling of sharing and fellowship when we can all get together like that,” he said.
There are approximately 130 ISC members.
The performances feature guest vocalist Bruno Sandes alongside the full Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Sandes was the guest soloist last year as well.
“The audience loved hearing him sing and interacting with him,” Stark said. “He’ll be singing a mix of things, some familiar, like, ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,’ the great Andy Williams tune. We’ve got a Spanish carol he’s singing, and a kind of an Andrews take on ‘Jingle Bells’ that’s really kind of fun.”
There will be an interactive “Battle of the Carols” segment led by ISC keyboard artist David Duncan, who invites audience members to vote on which
“Some are in the choir for the first time this year and some have been in there for decades, 20 or 30 years or more,” Stark said.
The spotlight choir is from Mt. Vernon High School.
“This is part of our outreach program,” Stark said. “Each year, we like to share our stage with a talented and promising group of young musicians from one of the local high schools.”
The Dec. 21 and 22 performances will include American Sign Language interpretation by Chuck Daube,
“‘Festival of Carols’ has become one of our most meaningful traditions because it reflects who we are as a city,” stated Jennifer Cooper, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s executive director. “This choir is about more than mu-
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will perform “Festival of Carols” Dec. 19-21 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of ISC)
sic; it’s about belonging. Each performance is a reminder that the simple act of gathering and singing together has the power to restore hope, strengthen community and remind us of the good that still binds us.”
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir also will perform “Handel’s Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.
“We enjoy performing with lots of the great groups in town,” Stark said.
Before the Dec. 19 and 21 shows, audiences are invited to experience a new pre-concert opportunity: “A Holiday Walk & Talk with Sampson Levingston,” through the platform Through2Eyes.
Levingston, who is known for immersive walking tours, will guide viewers through a storytelling experience that connects the “Festival of Carols” to the broader cultural landscape of Indianapolis, offering new insights and perspectives before the first note is sung.
“It’s a unique perspective behindthe-scenes as we’re getting ready to open the show on those days,” Stark said. “I think people who tune in will get a glimpse into something that regular audience members don’t normally see.”
To register for the free Walk & Talk, visit eventbrite.com/e/festival-of-carols-walk-talks-tickets-1975306553074. Tickets for “Festival of Carols” are available at indychoir.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.
‘SHAKE ‘EM ON DOWN’
Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside and Jon Spencer will perform on the “Shake ‘Em On Down” tour at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Now That’s Funny: Comedy Night” is set for Dec. 11, followed by Franc D’Ambrosio Dec. 13-14 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are set for 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘DAVE
KOZ & FRIENDS’
“Dave Koz & Friends” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is set for Dec. 12-14 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit cidedance.org.
CHRIS ISAAK
Chris Isaak will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘HOLIDAY POPS WITH THE CSO’ Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops with the CSO: Spirit of the Season” concert is set for 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
Stark
Sisters set for ‘Nutcracker’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Aubrey and Reagan Caudill began training at Metropolitan Youth Ballet of Indiana in 2021.
However, their training was interrupted when the family moved to China in 2023 for two years before returning in July
“It was nothing this intense in China,” Aubrey said. “We were part of a dance studio over there. Now, we dance six days a week, and over there it was only two days a week.”
Snowflake and Flower for all the performances. She is Spanish lead for two shows and Party Mom for two presentations.
“I’ve always loved ‘The Nutcracker.’ I think it’s because ever since I was a kid, I’ve gone to see it or I’ve been a part of it,” she said. “‘The Nutcracker’ holds a special place in my heart.”
The Zionsville siblings are still regaining their stamina but are prepared for Metropolitan Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. The performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21.
Reagan plays the Mouse Queen,
The sisters share the stage when Aubrey is the Snow Queen and Reagan is a Snowflake. Aubrey also plays Mrs. Stahlbaum, one of the Russian leads and a Dragonfly.
Zionsville Middle School eighth-grader Quinn Smith plays Clara in two performances.
“I had to act a lot as a stepsister in ‘Cinderella’ (in May), and that really helped with Clara,” Smith said. “You have to learn when to act and what emotions to bring into it.”
For more, visit my-ballet.org.
ICC holiday concerts set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will celebrate its 40th anniversary concert season with holiday performances that focus on its history.
“This year’s theme of ‘Holiday Memories’ is special because we get to pull out some of our favorite pieces from past ICC holiday concerts,” ICC Executive Artistic Director Joshua Pedde said. “It’s fun to reintroduce the classic songs to the next generation of singers. Plus, it’s delightful for audiences to hear some fan favorites.”
mance, “Angels Sing,” will feature advanced and high school choirs. The 4 p.m. Dec. 14 concert is “Sounds of the Season” with intermediate choirs, the ICC Alumni Choir and advanced choirs.
“Our singers take a lot of pride in the work they put into them, and also keeping up this important tradition for the Indianapolis community that’s been happening for so many years,” Pedde said. Pedde said there are several pieces this year that he enjoys.
Pedde
There will be four performances of “Holiday Memories” concerts at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 12, “Angels Sing” will feature advanced and high school choirs. There will be two performances Dec. 13 with the 3 p.m. “Celebrate the Season” concert featuring beginning level singers and high school singers, and the 7 p.m. candlelight perfor-
“I have some fond memories especially of ‘Somewhere in My Memory’ from ‘Home Alone,’ because it brings me back to my own vivid holiday memory of seeing the movie for the first time when I was a kid,” he said. “‘Night of Silence’ transports me to a special memory of my daughter Annabelle’s first outing after being released from the NICU as a baby. ICC singers sang the song to her, and it was incredibly special. Overall, holiday music as a whole is some of my favorite music, in general.”
For tickets, visit icchoir.org/tickets.
Aubrey Reagan
Smith
This Week’s Market Magic!
The Market will be open December 10-24 (hours vary), with holiday fun the whole family can enjoy. Free to attend, free parking, no tickets required.
Werkstatt (Workshop)
Meet our German artisans while they work!
• Dec. 10-14, Seiffen School Students — See students make wooden toys in real time
Kinderecke (Kids Corner)
Enjoy crafts for all ages!
• Dec. 11, Button Tree Ornaments
• Dec. 14, Paper Straw Wreaths with Hanukkah colors available
Spielhaus (Play House)
Meet-and-greets and magical shows.
• Dec. 12, 12-3 p.m., Singing Mrs. Claus
• Dec. 13, 5-7 p.m., Bongo Boy Music School
• Dec. 14, 12-5:30 p.m., Santa Winter Pavilion
Experience authentic German entertainment.
• Dec. 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Indy Polkamotion
• Dec. 14, 12-1:30 p.m., The Mike Schneider Band Special Events
• Dec. 10, 7:30-9 p.m., Ornament Exchange & German Sing-Along
• Dec. 14, 5-5:45 p.m., Menorah Aflame
November 22 - December 24
Plan your visit today. Scan to view the full schedule.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Zionsville in steady hands
Editor,
As a proud Zionsville resident, I was encouraged to hear Mayor John Stehr share what’s ahead for our community in his State of the Town address.
Right off the bat, he modeled what I know to be true — government doesn’t create jobs, it creates the environment for businesses to create jobs. That ethos is clear in how Zionsville is addressing infrastructure needs: a new Municipal Services Building, Fire Station 291 rebuild, plans for two additional new fire facilities on Michigan Road and in western Zionsville and the 215-acre Carpenter Nature Preserve all on the horizon. Economic momentum is building, too. Graham Rahal Performance is bringing racing innovation and Intelligent Living Solutions is showcasing Zionsville-grown success. The announcement that Zionsville will host a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol office at Executive Airport is a game-changer for our eastern corridor, truly opening doors to international commerce.
All of this while balancing rural pres-
ervation with thoughtful growth in the ongoing comprehensive plan process is exactly what makes Zionsville special. While the future is strong, as a business owner I know it’s never smooth sailing. Going forward, our community will be limited in our ability to reinvest in local priorities because of the property tax provisions passed in Senate Enrolled Act 1. While the challenges exist, I know Zionsville can navigate them because of its ability to restore Zionsville’s credit rating, implement modern financial controls and develop a five-year stability plan.
Mayor Stehr leads with heart and humility, always putting our community first. In a time when so much is changing, his steady hand, thoughtful vision and genuine care for people remind us what true leadership looks like. I’m deeply grateful to live in a community shaped by his commitment and compassion.
Anxious about the cure
In 1918, tobacco company Girard asked consumers, “Are you easily irritated? Do children get on your nerves?” Who cannot say a resounding “yes” to these questions, at least occasionally? By 1933, the Lucky Strike cigarette brand suggested that it might even improve one’s backbone, promising, “To anxiety — I bring relief, to distress — I bring courage.”
Who among us couldn’t use a bravery boost now and then? By today, most of us have come to understand the dangers of smoking. As such, we can make an informed decision about the level of risk that we are willing to absorb. Hopefully, we can say the same about what dangers we assume by believing the advertising firms making millions from sales through some not-so-subtle prevarications.
Even if the promotional materials are intentionally dishonest, when the products fail to work as sold, the market will eventually correct. But if we try the merchandise and find it effective,
we’re hooked. Do cigarettes really make people feel more relaxed? Does the daily fast-food stop after work make us feel better or simply make us fat? Can Calgon baths “take us away” from it all? Many of us would attest to it. We try meditation, workouts, singing in the shower and, for some, screaming at passing motorists, all in a bid to reduce our stress. Is it possible that our effort to end our discomfort is generating more discomfort, or worse? What are we willing to do for the thing that reduces our anxiety? Some risk cancer, others obesity, and many simply suppress, knowing that the very act will shorten lifespan. Could it be that stress is a normal facet of living, that learning to let go is the very secret to a good life? Perhaps. Regardless, the cure must be better than the disease.
Dan Killinger, Zionsville
Commentary by Terry Anker
Stocking material
“Love Letters in the Sand” singer: Pat ___
15. Butler building wall cover
16. “You Light Up My Life” singer: Debby ___
17. Stand by 18. Moyer Fine Jewelers
sparkler
19. Name with Nixon on old bumper stickers
20. Wrong
22. Most cunning 23. Tiny crawler
24. Thailand neighbor
25. Not neg.
26. Paperback ID
27. Hamilton County Court order
28. Braying beast
31. Shock
34. “Yikes!”
36. Planet’s path
38. Right on an Indiana map
39. Frontiersman Daniel
41. Where a Carmel Sesquicentennial license plate from 1987 sold for $7
42. Star, Times and Current, collectively
44. Rude look
45. Like some excuses
46. US 31 road sealer
47. King topper
49. “Arrivederci!”
51. Help
52. Often-lost laundry item
53. School org.
56. Firmly plants
59. They make assertions
61. Taste of Westfield vendor’s stall
62. Also
63. Deserve
64. Family name with three generations of Major League Baseball all-stars
65. Snoopy or Scooby-Doo
66. I-865’s county
67. Wander
68. Snoop
69. Rent collector DOWN
1. Name with Biden on old bumper stickers
2. Kind of situation
3. Sunrise Cafe side
4. “Don’t bet ___!”
5. Flower parts
6. Compartmentalize
7. Levels
8. Noblesville HS basketball game site
9. Emblem attached to a Pacers jersey
10. Meditation mentors
11. Single
12. Singles
13. Former Speaker Gingrich
21. Skewered fare
22. Massage Envy, e.g.
26. Colts QB stats
27. IU Health services:
Obstetrics & ___
28. “Dancing Queen” group
29. “The King and I” setting
30. Eyelid affliction
31. Fisher’s Harvest Fest mo.
32. “Gone With the Wind” estate
33. Addict
35. A Stooge
37. Move, in Realtor lingo
40. The unmarried woman in “An Unmarried Woman”
43. Greeted, informally
48. PNC Bank offerings
50. With hands on hips
51. Blue Cross Blue Shield rival
52. Ice cream serving
53. “Evita” name
54. Angola university
55. Fall bloomer
56. Recedes
57. Pointless
58. Party pooper
60. Catty remark
62. Colts QB stats
ANSWERS ON PAGE 19
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