Nonprofit leaders look ahead to ‘year of change’ for downtown Page 11
4 School district implements check-in interviews Page 2 Residents support cancer patients
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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 18
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FEBRUARY & MARCH DINE IN DEALS!
Residents support cancer patients
news@currentnoblesville.com
Noblesville resident Bryan Mills and his wife Cathie have made a donation to benefit Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center patients.
First, their donation will establish the Bryan and Cathie Mills Endowment, which will establish a short-term housing program for Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Institute patients.
Second, the Mills’ gift will provide funding to support oncology patient assistance, helping to provide comfort and ease stressors for patients and their families.
Bryan, former Community Health Network president and CEO, said he and his wife are grateful for the opportunity to help patients.
“Cancer can upend every aspect of life; too often, a cancer diagnosis can rob patients of comfort emotionally, mentally and financially,” Bryan stated. “This is where clinical care and philanthropy can work in tandem to elevate the patient experience, providing the
Cathie and Bryan Mills recently established an endowment to support cancer patients and their families at Community Health Network. (Photo courtesy of Community Health Network)
kind of holistic, compassionate support that each of us would want for a loved one faced with this disease.”
Marci Jones, vice president of oncology and chief nursing executive for Community Health Network, said the donation lays a strong foundation for a comprehensive housing program that will support some of the most vulnerable, immunosuppressed patients.
“Safe, clean and close short-term housing is a critically important element for stem cell transplant patients,” Jones stated. “With this support, patients and their caregivers can devote their energy to the critical transplant journey, without the added stress of finding safe and reliable living arrangements.”
In recognition of the Mills’ donation, Bryan’s four decades of service at Community and the couple’s generosity to the foundation for 39 consecutive years, Community MD Anderson on Community’s north campus will be renamed “Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center supported by Bryan and Cathie Mills.”
“Bryan and Cathie Mills are pillars of both the central Indiana community and of Community Health Network,” stated Joyce Irwin, president and CEO of Community Health Network Foundation. “Their generosity of time, talent and treasure over the course of four decades has left a lasting mark on our nonprofit health system.”
Tour company to open this spring
news@currentnoblesville.com
A new walking tour is coming to the streets of historic downtown Noblesville.
North Alley Tour Co., launching this spring, invites residents and visitors to explore the city’s past and present through walking experiences that combine local history and culinary highlights.
Founded by Noblesville native Jessica Vandergraff, North Alley Tour Co. was formed in response to Embrace Downtown construction. Vandergraff said the company is designed to help sustain foot traffic, visibility and economic activity for downtown businesses by encouraging residents and visitors to continue exploring the square on foot.
“I wanted to create something that celebrates all the things I love about
Noblesville — its charm, its food scene and its quirky legends,” Vandergraff stated. “But just as important, I wanted to support our downtown businesses during construction by keeping people walking, stopping, tasting and engaging with the square.”
North Alley Tour Co. guided walking tours will include family-friendly history strolls, tasting tours and evening folklore walks highlighting local landmarks, lesser-known stories and collaborations with downtown artisans, restaurants and breweries.
Vandergraff said tours will be capped at small group sizes to keep the experience personal, with routes lasting between 90 minutes to three hours. All tours will be led by trained local guides, with routes and tour schedules intentionally aligned with construction timelines.
Initial tours, which are expected to cost between $20 and $75, are scheduled to begin in March and will run weekly throughout the summer and fall, with booking available online. As the company grows, additional themed and seasonal experiences are planned.
“This city is full of stories worth telling,” Vandergraff stated. “North Alley Tour Co. exists to help people hear them while also showing up for the businesses and neighbors who make downtown Noblesville what it is.”
North Alley Tour Co. had a soft launch Feb. 18 at Primeval Brewing in downtown Noblesville — offering an early look at the company’s upcoming walking tours.
Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Rachel Kartz wants to enhance the college experience in Hamilton County.
When she became chancellor three years ago, rapid growth inspired her to become more innovative with programming. Between fall of 2021 and fall of 2025, enrollment grew from about 1,000 students to 9,800 students.
County that are continuing to have job openings,” Kartz said. “We currently have to send students to other Ivy Tech (campuses) because we don’t have those programs yet.”
A recent innovation at the college is an AI chatbot, a live chat feature for 24/7 student support.
“It is a first point of communication the students have that allows our team to individualize attention,” Kartz said. “If a student says (they’re) feeling nervous, our academic support (can) reach out to the student individually. If they mention they’re facing financial trouble or worried about being able to meet needs outside of school, we can connect them to (resources). We’ve been able to do some pretty neat things that we maybe wouldn’t have been thinking about if we (weren’t growing quickly).”
As the campus grows, Kartz wants to bring in more programs that align with Hamilton County job opportunities, such as programs in the health care, manufacturing and engineering fields.
“These are all industries in Hamilton
Kartz also is working to implement more elements of traditional college. With the average age range of students being 20 to 30, she wants to implement resources for an older population, like mental health support services.
“Students have said to us time and time again that they come to campus because we’re in their community, and they stay at the campus because of our staff,” Kartz said. “But if it weren’t for those two things, they would go somewhere else because of the unfortunate experiences they have on campus in terms of our facility. Our students are looking for an on-campus environment where they can do more than study or take classes.”
She said innovation on a campus requires community support.
“We’re able to do what we do so well because we have strong community support, and we have a lot of partners in the community,” Kartz said. “We definitely don’t work in a silo, and we’re very appreciative of those who work alongside us.”
For more, visit ivytech.edu/ locations/hamilton-county.
DISPATCHES
Vendors sought for 4th of July Fireworks Festival — The Noblesville Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications from food and beverage vendors for the 2026 4th of July Fireworks Festival. The festivities begin with the annual parade through the historic downtown square and continue from 6 to 10 p.m. with the Fireworks Festival at Forest Park, featuring live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a fireworks finale. The department is seeking food trucks, food vendors and beverage vendors. Vendor space is limited, and early application is encouraged. All interested food and beverage vendors must apply online at noblesville.in.gov/783/4th-of-July-Parade-Fireworks-Festival.
Lions trivia night a success — The Noblesville Lions Club hosted its second Trivia Night Feb. 5 at Bier Brewery. Teams were challenged to answer ten questions per round on a variety of topics. The final was an all or nothing challenge where teams could wager up to 10 points on their knowledge of winter Olympic medals and past Super Bowls. The winning team won a trophy, gift cards to Bier Brewery and a ticket to the Lions’ June 5 Grillin’ on the Square event. Winners included Jamie Authier, Matt Authier, Sarah Haines, Shawn Curtis, Monica Jordan and Kyle Jordan. All proceeds will be used to purchase a vision screening camera for KidSight.
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together as Audiologists in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical/ ENT audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. Kira and Ali will spend the time to explain the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their benefit company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe this makes the difference in you feeling comfortable with your individual hearing loss action plan.
S Sign up to come to our Auditory Rehabilitation class: Hearing Aids are Just One Piece of the Hearing Loss Puzzle
March 24, 2026 1:30-3pm at 911 E 86th Street, Ste 40
Bring your communication partner and together we will have
an interactive presentation to help you and your communication partners communicate more effectively in your everyday situations
Cost: $45 for you and a guest
Snacks provided Kira and Ali are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing, hearing loss and the link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Dr Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions ” Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only.
T They are located at 911 E 86th Street, Suite 035 Phone 317-731-5386 Email info@ meridianaudiology com Website: www meridianaudiology com
Kartz
From left, Kira VonBlon, M.S. and Dr. Alison Wyss Au.D. of Meridian Audiology.
School district implements check-in interviews
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Schools has developed a list of action items based on findings from check-in interviews with staff.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Safety Heather Hendrich discussed the findings at the Feb. 17 Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees meeting.
“The check-in meetings provide a great deal of qualitative data to improve our overall district processes when we’re looking at operations, onboarding and our mentor programs,” Hendrich said. “All of the feedback we get from these check-in meetings is going to help us to improve all of those things.”
There are several types of check-in meetings, including with first-year teachers, classified staff and student teachers. The district also offers exit and stay interviews, assessing why employees are staying or leaving.
“With all of the meetings, we’re looking at highlights and celebrations, challenges they’ve encountered during their time with us or any barriers they’ve had,” Hendrich said.
Based on findings from the interviews, the district has developed action items to implement, including:
• Establish training for elementary substitute teachers on how to teach Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum so instruction can continue when teachers are out of the classroom.
• Have each building create a resource webpage of important docu-
ments/information so all staff can refer to it.
• Provide more hands-on training with PowerSchool for classroom teachers.
• Create a sheet that tells new teachers what they need to buy and what is supplied to them.
• Include eHall passes in the summer technology training portion for secondary staff.
• Frontloading technology training offered prior to school starting.
• Create more enhanced and consistent training for instructional assistants.
The district also is continuing to work through staffing reductions caused by significant financial challenges.
Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dan Hile said staffing makes up about 87 percent of the districts’ operational budget.
“We hire and employ and retain the best big people to serve the little people,” Hile said. “It’s unavoidable if we’re going to make adjustments to the budget to not address staff as part of that. We have been working the last few weeks to make very strategic adjustments to staffing, and the overall goal with that truly is to minimize any negative impact on student opportunities and outcomes and academic programming and also make sure that we don’t (do) anything that unintentionally makes (Noblesville Schools) a less desirable place to work. We are making great progress on that, and we anticipate getting that wrapped up very, very soon.”
DISPATCHES
Seminars — Interested community members can join the Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association for a twopart seminar about trees and shrubs. Anyone interested can register for Part I from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 21 for $65 or for both sessions for $75. Part II, from 9 a.m. to noon March 28, is available only with Part I registration. Part I includes continental breakfast and boxed lunch. To register, visit hcmga.org.
Engagement data initiative — Applications open March 2 for the Community
Engagement Data Initiative, an 8-month initiative that helps grassroots and faithbased organizations strengthen how they collect, use and share data to better tell the story of their work and its impact. The initiative is for nonprofits with annual budgets under $1 million and faithbased organizations that want practical skills to improve their data strategy. Interested applicants can register at tinyurl. com/3bfxmjff to attend a virtual information session from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Organizations can apply March 2 through April 1 at uwci.org/data-initiative.
Greyhounds senior regains love for swimming
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School senior swimmer Molly Sweeney was beyond frustrated her junior year.
After winning the 200-yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke in the IHSAA state finals her first two seasons, she finished second in both events.
“I was going through some over-training syndrome,” she said. “I’m not going to lie, I was about to quit. I really hated the sport.”
She had already committed to swim for the University of Tennessee.
“I thought I’ll just decommit and go to IU or something (and be a student),” she said. “It was months and months of hard work and just kind of taking a step back and realizing what’s important to me outside of swimming. Coming back this year, it was just amazing. I wasn’t worried about winning or times. I was (feeling) I have this gift as an athlete that God’s given me and I’m just trying to use it to the fullest and bring people with me.”
Sweeney rebounded to win the 100
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET MOLLY SWEENEY
Favorite athlete: Katie Ledecky
Favorite TV show: “Gilmore Girls”
Favorite subject: Anatomy
Favorite musican: Luke Combs
butterfly in 52.78 seconds and the 100 breaststroke in 59.24 Feb. 14 at the state finals at the Indiana University Natatorium at IU Indianapolis.
“I’ve been thoroughly impressed with her as an athlete, as a person for the challenges she had,” Greyhounds swimming coach Chris Plumb said. “I told her after the 100 breaststroke that I was consoling her last year, and now I’m congratulating her.”
Sweeney said she embraced being a
Carmel High School senior swimmer
Molly Sweeney
after last year’s state high school meet. She finally decided to change her training routine by cutting back her time.
“I started trusting the process and enjoying the sport,” she said. “There’s way more to life than just swimming, and it’s just a part of me. It’s not who I am. I started embracing that and trying to have fun. I do my best when I’m having fun. I qualified for the World Juniors (in August 2025) and got to go to Romania, and that was the breakthrough for me.”
Sweeney said she carried that momentum into her senior season.
(Photo courtesy of CHS athletics)
leader for the Greyhounds, who won their 40th consecutive state girls swimming title.
“I love this team,” she said. “We all try to be humble. We all try to be selfless and kind. (Country singer) Tim McGraw says it best – always be humble and kind.”
Sweeney continued to have bad meets
EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN WESTFIELD
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• Treatment of back and neck pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and work-related injuries
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“The campus is beautiful,” she said. “I’ve always been a country girl at heart. The team is amazing. When I go to a team and it feels like family, I know that’s the one for me. The head coach, Matt Kredich, has a girl dad-type vibe to him and he really cares about you as a person, not just as a swimmer.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com
schedule
won two events at the state finals.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Health Department has acquired a TOMManikin-GSW manikin, also known as “Tommy,” to help public safety agencies prepare for critical emergencies.
Tommy has a steel frame and interchangeable body parts that replicate catastrophic wounds, such as amputations and burns, allowing instructors to stage authentic trauma situations in diverse settings.
“Real-world incidents have shown a trained and prepared public can provide rapid interventions to save the injured prior to first responder arrival,” said Christian Walker, public health preparedness coordinator. “Tommy will enhance these trainings to assist in overall community preparedness.”
By mimicking a reactive patient, Tommy enables law enforcement and fire departments to practice Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, or TECC, under realistic conditions. Walker said TECC is designed to minimize preventable deaths during situations where the responder may be providing care while the threat is still ongoing.
“Tommy provides a realistic ‘patient’ for responders to work on without the potential for injuring a living patient,” Walker said. “He has multiple gunshot wounds and other injuries which call for wound packing, tourniquet application and other treatments while allowing a proctor to monitor the training and provide a dynamic scenario or record teachable moments for later use.”
Purchased with grant funding at the request of local fire departments, Tommy will be accessible to all Hamilton County public safety agencies for high-severity injury training.
“The TOMMannikin is a top-of-theline product, both in terms of durability and technology,” said Noblesville Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services Dan Milligan. “Oftentimes, we can use volunteers and even provide moulage to make them seem more realistic; however, our EMS crews are not able to perform actual medical interventions. This manikin enables us to do just that.”
Additionally, the unit will assist health department staff in teaching “Stop the Bleed” curriculum, improv-
ing residents’ abilities to provide immediate care during catastrophic events.
Walker said Tommy weighs approximately 190 pounds and is a highly durable patient simulator.
“He is durable enough for our public safety agencies to utilize him to practice treatment of a patient while extricating them from a crushed vehicle,” Walker said. “Additionally, he provides real-time feedback to the instructor as well as the ability for the instructor to change Tommy’s condition on the fly.”
Public safety officials can regulate Tommy’s pulses, respirations and the amount of blood flowing from multiple injuries. Additionally, they can swap out appendages and other pieces to simulate burns, blast injuries or other traumatic injuries.
The TOMManikin-GSW has interchangeable body parts that replicate catastrophic wounds. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)
COMMUNITY
Runners prepare for 50th Mini-Marathon
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Eugene Lausch is set to compete in his 50th 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
His streak was in serious jeopardy, however, after he was struck by a car in late January 2019 while walking downtown.
“The accident broke my femur,” he said. “That year the Mini organizers allowed me to be pushed in a cart for a portion of the race. I walked 7.1 miles and was pushed for six 1-mile segments by a granddaughter, my son and students who I had coached in track at St. Richard’s Episcopal School. The Mini was held on a cold, rainy day but I will always remember and be grateful for the wonderful support I received from, first, the 500 Festival staff, and, more importantly, many other runners. The feeling I had at the end of the Mini that year was not triumph, but gratitude. I think that year I figured out what the Mini is really all about. It is not about winning, although that is nice. It is about accepting your condition and, disregarding frailty or impediments, pushing through to do the best you can.”
“A school friend who ran track talked me into entering, and my father encouraged it, though he thought we were a little crazy,” Such said. “I had never run more than a mile before that May, yet suddenly I was preparing for 13. My family served as our support crew, meeting us at key locations with water, snacks and cameras.”
Then in 2015, Such was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which has affected his mechanics and slowed his race time.
“Even so, my doctor credits my running as some of the best medicine for fighting the disease,” Such said. “And honestly, the race-day atmosphere makes it easy to keep going. The volunteers, the 13 miles of entertainment and the spectators lining the course create an energy that’s impossible to resist.”
Bates, 73, played football, basketball and baseball at Thorntown High School but had never run long distances.
“When the Mini was first announced, I tried to get my younger brother to go with me and I couldn’t get any of my friends to participate in it,” he said. “So, I took this upon myself. I just thought this is something I ought to do.”
The 87-year-old Indianapolis resident is one of five participants who have been in all the Mini Marathons and plan to participate May 2 in the 50th running of the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The others are Jerry Bates, Clemmons, N.C.; Al Such, Indianapolis; Michael Vollmer, Indianapolis; and John Hostetter, Independence, Ky.
“The Mini is a way to promote athletic fitness and a way to celebrate civic life in Indianapolis,” Lausch said. “For the last 25 years or so, participation in the Mini has become for me an expression of discipline and tenacity, values I appreciate. Since 2019, I no longer run but walk virtually every day.
Such, a 71-year-old Indianapolis resident, said he had the desire to get healthier after graduating from IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis).
Such ran his first Mini on his 23rd birthday and it remains his most memorable.
Bates said he had never run more than a mile in his life, but he tried to run 5 miles in high-top basketball shoes two days before the race.
“I didn’t make a mile before I started getting cramps in my calves,” he said. “I bought my first running shoes and went out the night before the race. Then you could sign up the day of the race. I’ll always remember the first race that made it addictive to me right then and there. Back then, they had police escorts on motorcycles guiding the buses downtown, and it was just exhilarating.”
Bates, who lives near Winston-Salem, N.C., said he ran that first race without walking in just under 2 hours.
Bates and his wife, Brenda, two daughters and son have all run in the Mini. Bates’ brother and sister and their families also have participated. For more, visit indymini.com/ mini-marathon/.
Lausch Such
Bates
ZIONSVILLE YOUTH SOCCER
SIGN UP FOR SPRING REC SOCCER
Season begins April 6
For Players Born from 2021-2008
**Register before March 1 and get an early registration discount**
For more details and registration info, scan the QR Code or go to:
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COME TO OUR ZYSA OPEN HOUSE AND LEARN MORE SATURDAY, MARCH 14 at 1-3PM
ZYSA Indoor Building 5616 S. 700 E. Whitestown, 46075
County health education expert awarded
The Indiana Department of Health selected Hamilton County Health & Education Outreach Coordinator Jim Ginder as its Public Health Hero.
State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver recognized Ginder for his 30 years of service during Public Health Day Feb. 12 at the Indiana Statehouse.
“The best part of my job has always been connecting with people,” Ginder stated. “What an honor it has been to work with incredible colleagues and community partners who believe in keeping Hamilton County healthy.”
Pam Pontones, former Indiana State Department Deputy Health Commissioner of Local Health Services, said Ginder exemplifies what it means to be a local Public Health Hero.
“He’s committed to protecting the well-being of the community through exceptional leadership, education and community engagement,” Pontones stated.
A statewide and national speaker, Ginder is responsible for delivering health screenings, education and con-
sultation across a wide range of public health topics. Under his leadership, the health education team expanded its course catalog to include offerings such as Safe Sleep and Mental Health First Aid, while engaging more than 20,000 community members through presentations, outreach events and training.
“Jim’s impact on Hamilton County cannot be overstated,” Hamilton County Health Department Administrator Jason LeMaster stated. “His expertise is respected across Indiana and beyond, and we are incredibly proud to have Jim on our team.”
Companies named ‘Best Place to Work’ in Indiana
The 2026 Best Places to Work in Indiana list features 150 standout employers from across the state in more than 20 industries.
Now in its 21st year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce program will culminate with company rankings revealed across five size categories at a May 13 awards dinner at the Indiana Convention Center.
The top companies in the state were determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys.
The 21st Annual Best Places to Work in Indiana Awards Dinner will be open to the public. Individual tickets and tables of 10 are available at indianachamber.com/conferences.
Several Hamilton County employers are featured in the list. Small companies include Advisa in Carmel; Hamilton County Tourism in Carmel; iRiS Recruiting Solutions in Carmel; Leaf Software Solutions in Carmel; TMG
Construction Management Inc. in Noblesville; and Ultimate Technologies Group in Fishers.
Small-medium companies include CleanSlate Technology Group in Carmel; Gradex, Inc. in Carmel; Interactive Digital Solutions, LLC in Noblesville; KBSO Consulting LLC in Carmel; Mesh Systems in Carmel; and Miebach Consulting in Fishers.
Medium company winners include BSA in Carmel; J.C. Hart, Inc. in Carmel; Koola Logistics in Carmel; Meyer Najem in Fishers; Nexxt Spine, LLC in Noblesville; Robert Dietrick Co., Inc. in Fishers; Software Engineering Professionals, Inc. in Carmel; and The Annex Group in Fishers.
Large company winners include Blue & Co., LLC in Carmel; FORUM Credit Union in Fishers; Ryan Fireprotection, Inc. in Noblesville; Shepherd Insurance in Carmel; Skender in Westfield; and Zotec Partners in Carmel and Northwest Bank in Fishers.
From left, State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weave, Assistant Health Commissioner of Public Health Services Megan Lytle, Jim Ginder and former Deputy Health Commissioner of Local Health Services Pam Pontones at Public Health Day. (Photo courtesy of Madi Oliver)
COMMUNITY
NOBLESVILLE MARCH EVENTS
FISH FRY
This year’s Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry at Our Lady of Grace in Noblesville will be every Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. through March 27. For more, visit kofc9706fundraiser.org.
MILLER-PALOOZA
The Noblesville Schools Education Foundation will present Miller-Palooza at 6 p.m. March 13 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville. NSEF promotes and invests in Noblesville Schools through grants, scholarships, strategic partnerships and volunteer support, and the Miller-Palooza fundraiser supports all 10 schools. Festivities include drinks, food stations, adult games and entertainment, a silent auction and a short awards program highlighting supporters of Noblesville Schools. For more, visit noblesvilleschoolseducationfoundation.org.
FREE TRAINING COURSE
The Hamilton County Health Department will present a free Stop The Bleed course from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 25 at 18106 Cumberland Rd. in Noblesville. Participants will learn how to provide direct pressure to a bleeding wound, pack a bleeding wound and apply a tourniquet, among other techniques. Register at eventbrite.com/e/stop-the-bleed-coursetickets-1981160946723.
EASTER EGG HUNT
The Noblesville Parks & Recreation Department will host a free Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. March 28 at Forest Park. The Noblesville Kiwanis Sunrisers will host a pancake breakfast before the Easter Egg Hunt at the Forest Park Inn from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk. There is a $7 charge for the breakfast, and children 6 and under eat free. All proceeds will go to a local charity. For more, visit noblesville.in.gov/780/Easter-Egg-Hunt.
WOMEN OF VISION LUNCHEON
The Riverview Health Foundation will present its Women of Vision Luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. The annual fundraising event provides support for programs and services benefiting women and children served at Riverview Health. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/bdcpap2e
2026Primary Election
May 5 May 5
The communities served by Current Publishing are comprised of highly educated and, predominantly, issues-focused residents. As a candidate for election to public office, it’s arguably the best audience in the state to which you can state your campaign’s case. As has been the practice in elections past, Current is using a level playing field with respect to pricing. Any candidate wishing to advertise may do so at Current rates customarily reserved for advertising placements of between 13 and 26 times a year. You are entitled to use the rates below one time or more to connect with our audience. Thank you for your consideration, and good luck on the campaign trail.
TOGETHER!
Noblesville man to face charges in Fishers shooting
news@youarecurrent.com
A Noblesville man who faces charges related to a 2023 Fishers shooting was arrested in Cairo Jan. 27 and extradited to the United States by special agents with FBI Indianapolis.
Jacfar Abdi is in custody at Hamilton County Jail on seven felony charges — attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery, robbery, organized retail theft, criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm at another person.
On Nov. 19, 2023, Fishers police responded to a local hospital after a report of a gunshot victim and learned there had been a shooting at around 4 p.m. on Rhineland Pass in The District at Saxony Apartments, according to a news release from the FBI.
Investigators determined that two vehicles and multiple individuals were involved in the incident. Investigators allege that Abdi drove to the location, entered the victim’s vehicle and shot the victim during an armed robbery,
Abdi
then fled the area in his own vehicle. Abdi allegedly fled the United States to avoid prosecution and Fishers Police Department investigators determined he was in Egypt, where he eventually was arrested and held pending extradition.
“This arrest and extradition demonstrate the FBI’s relentless commitment to pursuing violent offenders, no matter where they flee,” FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley stated. “Through close coordination with our partners at the Fishers Police Department, FBI Legal Attaché Cairo and our international law enforcement counterparts, we were able to locate Abdi overseas and bring him back to the United States to face justice.”
FPD Chief Ed Gebhart stated that FPD officers are relentless in the pursuit of people who commit crimes in the community.
Abdi’s bail was set at $1 million cash only and he was required to surrender his passport.
County nonprofit announces
2026 restaurant ‘passport’
news@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County Tourism has launched its 2026 digital passport that encourages participants to visit local restaurants.
Ads may run any Tuesday between now and May 5, 2026 for the primary election or between May 12 and Nov. 3, 2026 for the general election. Ad Deadline is one week prior to the desired date of publication.
For more, contact your Ad Representative by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444
The Around the Table Digital Passport is valid from through March 13, connecting diners with locally owned establishments across Hamilton County.
Participants check in at participating restaurants by entering a unique code provided by staff. Those who visit four different establishments earn a limited-edition “Around the Table – Hamilton County, Indiana Cookbook,” featuring more than 25 recipes from local chefs and restaurateurs. Cookbooks are limited to the first 100 guests who complete four check-ins.
Participating restaurants are:
• Carmel: Bru Burger Bar, Charles-
ton’s, Convivo Italian Artisan, Crafters Pizza And Drafthouse, divvy, Eggshell Bistro, Epic Coffee, Fork + Ale House, Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard, Just Love Coffee Cafe, RIZE, Rosie’s Place, Salt, The Cake Bake Shop, Woodys Library Restaurant.
• Fishers: Parlor Doughnuts, Peterson’s, RIZE, Twenty Two Juice Bar.
• Noblesville: bar ellis, Bru Burger Bar, Livery, Rosie’s Place, Stone Creek Dining Company, Twisters Soda Bar, Yafa Golden Coffee.
• North Indy: Salt.
• Westfield: Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse BBQ, Crafters Pizza And Drafthouse, Urban Apples Cidey, Urban Vines WInery & Brewery, West Fork Whiskey Co.
The Around the Table Passport is free. To sign up, visit VisitHamiltonCounty. com/Table.
COMMUNITY
STATE OF MAIN STREET
Nonprofit leaders look ahead to ‘year of change’ for downtown
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Main Street, a nonprofit that connects residents to places and experiences, is preparing for a year of change.
Under the leadership of new executive director Joshua Mason, the organization is gearing up to navigate downtown changes and support local businesses throughout Embrace Downtown construction.
A Carmel resident, Mason brings more than two decades of experience in marketing, community engagement, event development and data-driven brand strategy to NMS. He previously held leadership roles with Indy Eleven, Pumpjack Dataworks, Enthuse Marketing and Starbucks Coffee.
“My methodology is always crawl, walk, run,” Mason said. “I want to find ways to make sure the foundational elements are in place to build a really strong house on top of it. The intent for me is to decorate everything we do more every year.”
Mason discussed 2025 accomplishments and what’s ahead for downtown merchants with NMS President Bill Russo and Noblesville Farmers Market Director Maggie Williams at his first State of Noblesville Main Street address Feb. 13 at The Mill Top in Noblesville.
MAIN STREET AMERICA
NMS is a chapter of Main Street America — a national nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through economic development and preservation.
“What’s great about that is we get to learn from best practices,” Russo said. “We get to go visit and talk to other communities that are doing similar things to what we’re doing here.”
That includes projects like Embrace Downtown Noblesville, a construction project underway on the square designed to enhance walkability for pedestrians and upgrade historic infrastructure.
“Many communities around the country have done similar projects and
have had to come up with solutions to help businesses and different community partners,” Russo said. “What our city is doing (is) innovative, but it’s also something that a lot of other cities have found success in. We are going to work hard to make Noblesville the example for our country.”
NOBLESVILLE FARMERS MARKET
NMS runs the annual Noblesville Farmers Market at Federal Hill Commons each summer. Williams said this year’s market will feature upgrades and changes.
“The market boasts up to 110 vendors each week, and we have built such a unique community of diverse vendors that I’m really proud of,” Williams said. “I think the community will be excited about the rebranding we’re doing with the market, and we already have some
exciting new produce vendors signed up.”
The market returns May 2 and is open each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 10. Kids Days are tentatively scheduled for June 13, July 11 and Sept. 12. The Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch is tentatively scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 9.
WHAT’S TO COME
Mason said his vision for 2026 is to make downtown Noblesville “Indiana’s most loved small-city downtown.” His goals include growing downtown demand; delivering signature experiences; improving merchant engagement; strengthening the organization; and building lasting partnerships.
He also plans to explore ways to improve the nonprofit’s offerings. Some possibilities being explored include the winterization of the farmers market and downtown rewards for citizens. Mason is working on reviewing new concepts to meet the changing needs of Noblesville.
“If I can pivot the location of events throughout Embrace Downtown construction and bring events and elements closer to businesses being affected, that’s always a bonus,” Mason said. “I hope to at least find incentives and ways to get people to come visit those businesses to make things easier on folks. I’ll use First Fridays as leverage for that
as well.”
He said he must navigate the city’s construction as well as Hamilton County’s expansion of the judicial center on the square.
“It’s a new dynamic for me to have to play with,” Mason said. “It’s about making sure I understand what the county’s plans are, too. I will always be creative and inventive to help solve problems, but there’s only so much I can do.”
TENTATIVE 2026 EVENT DATES:
• First Fridays — monthly from 5 to 9 p.m.
• NMS Duck Race — May 30
• Street Dance — 5 to 11 p.m. July 25
• Noblesville Heritage Weekend — 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3
• Small Business Saturday — Nov. 28
• Deck the Downtown Weekend — Dec. 5 and 6
EVENTS UNDER REVIEW
Mason said some events under review, mostly because of Embrace Downtown construction, are the Winter Holiday Market, Music & All That Jazz and the 2026 NMS Gala.
“With Embrace, I am looking at what we can do to bring things north of Logan Street,” Mason said. “I want to make sure we take the time to really suss out what the opportunities could be, but I don’t like to rush things out.”
He said he is focused on what he can improve about annual events first.
“I want to find ways to surprise and delight and elevate those current events, so they feel new to somebody every year,” Mason said. “For every event I do, it’s someone’s first time. I want to make sure when they walk away from that event, it stays on their calendar for next year. I want to make sure I keep what’s working, working, while finding ways to innovate and bring more people downtown.”
For more, visit noblesvillemainstreet. org.
ON THE COVER: Several popular community events will return this year, along with new events that adapt to changes in downtown Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Main Street)
Joshua Mason presents his first State of Noblesville Main Street address Feb. 13. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Map of Embrace Downtown Phase 1A detours. (Map courtesy of the City of Noblesville)
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Straight No Chaser’s Collins set for ‘Motown and Beyond’ solo concert
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Jerome Collins, his upcoming concert is a return to his childhood.
“This is basically you coming into my living room,” Collins said. “This is basically a story of how I grew up. My parents raised me on such great music, like Motown. These songs bring back memories of me growing up, like watching ‘Soul Train’ on Saturday. My parents would do their dancing and would be singing these songs. It’s so nostalgic.”
Collins will perform his “Rewind A Journey to Motown and Beyond” concert at 8 p.m. March 7 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Collins is a founding member of the a cappella group Straight No Chaser, which started at Indiana University. The opening act is Small Town City, which features Straight No Chaser’s Mike Luginbill and Ryan Ahlwardt, a former Straight No Chaser member who lives in Fishers.
“Straight No Chaser is my main thing, but I’m spreading my little wings, and doing something different is good for the soul,” Collins said.
The music spans from the 1960s to 1990s, including Motown and songs by performers such as Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner.
“I’m going to be 50 in April, and this music is something that stuck to my soul,” he said. “The story needs to be how this music not only inspired myself but a generation.”
Collins said he likes to share stories with the audience.
“I let you in,” he said. “I’m not singing at you. I’m singing with you. It’s just an inviting, heartfelt story, and you are going to want to dance. I very doubt your feet and hands won’t clap or stomp at some point.”
Collins said the setlist will be different from last year’s performance in
‘PRETTY WOMAN’
“Pretty Woman” runs through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Now That’s Funny, Andy Beningo” Feb. 26, followed by “Indy Nights Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” Feb. 27, and “Nathan Chester & the Old Souls Motown” Feb. 28 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘PETE THE CAT’
Civic Theatre presents “Pete the Cat” at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
THE PEKING ACROBATS
The Peking Acrobats are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
“I’ve added a Prince medley I didn’t have last year,” he said.
Small Town City opened for Collins at The Tarkington in 2024.
“It was a blast,” Ahlwardt said. “Jerome is a world-class showman and longtime friend of ours from our time together in Straight No Chaser. Opening for him felt less like a gig and more like a family reunion.”
Small Town City recently finished a new single, “Snowy Daze,” which Ahlwardt said leans into nostalgia and has a more cinematic sound.
“We’re excited to release it digitally and bring it to the stage this year,” he said.
Ahlwardt said he doesn’t get to perform with Luginbill, a fellow 1999
Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, as often as they would like since they live in different cities, along with juggling family life and other projects. Luginbill lives in Nashville, Tenn.
“When we do share a stage, it’s intentional and energized,” Ahlwardt said. “That built-in distance keeps it fresh for us and makes each show feel like an event. We’re excited to share a blend of fan favorites, new material and the stories behind the songs. We want the audience to feel like they’ve been invited into something personal, joyful and distinctly Hoosier when they hear our music.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
Best of Fest set for March 6-7 –“The Best of Fest: Heartland Film Festival Edition,” presented by Heartland Film and The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, returns March 6 and 7. The mini movie series re-showcases four fan-favorite films from the 2025 Heartland Film Festival. The schedule includes the festival’s Overall Narrative Audience Choice Award winner, “Nuremberg,” and the Indiana Spotlight Audience Choice Award winner, “The Tenderness Tour.” Filmmakers from “25 Cats of Qatar” and “The Tenderness Tour” will be available after their respective screenings for audience questions.
Carmel.
Jerome Collins will perform March 7 at The Tarkington in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
Ryan Ahlwardt, left, and Mike Luginbill will open for Jerome Collins. (Photo courtesy of Megan Mellinger)
JEWELS OF JAPAN
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‘Pete
New
the Cat’ set for Civic ENTERTAINMENT
production replaces
‘The Cat in the Hat’ following decade-long run
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Amanda recently returned to acting and performing. She graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater in 2017 and worked professionally in theater for several years.
There’s a different Cat in town. Civic Theatre presented “The Cat in Hat” for 10 years with a two-year break for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021-22. Civic couldn’t obtain production the rights this year because of a national tour, so, it is presenting “Pete the Cat” for its student matinees starting Feb. 25, and its two public shows are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“What makes a show like ‘Pete the Cat’ fun is that we have a small cast, so we all get to do a variety of things,” Amanda Boldt said. “I play the Mom, but I also get to be a strict teacher and a groovy member of Pete’s band. It’s fast paced, and I get to create these different personas in each new scene. It’s also been a joy to work with all the cast members and directors to create something that feels silly, fun, genuine and completely unique to this group of five people on stage. Plus, I get to act alongside my sister, who plays Olive in the show, which is actually the first time in both of our acting careers when we have been in a show together.”
Amanda, who graduated from Carmel High School in 2013, lives in Fishers. Her sister, Alyssa, is a 2020 CHS graduate.
“Then when COVID hit, I, like I suspect many others, was forced to reevaluate the longevity and stability of a career as an actor,” Amanda said. “After realizing my biggest passion was teaching theater, I decided to go back to school to get my master’s in theater education. So, now I spend more of my time in the theater world as a teacher and director, which has been a joy. But, of course, the itch to perform again was still there. Most recently, I returned to the stage in ‘Something Rotten’ at Civic in the fall, which was my first show on stage in six years.”
Jacob Butler, a Lawrence resident, plays Pete the Cat.
“Playing Pete the Cat has been a pretty groovy experience,” Butler said. “It’s been so fun to play in the rehearsal room with this cast of people and put myself into the mindset of, ‘What would a rock ‘n’ roll cat do?’ Anne (Beck) is a great director and so collaborative so I can make silly choices as Pete the Cat. Anne will say yes, and (offer) another funny choice, and we just get to have fun bringing this cool cat to the stage. I think people of all ages are going to have fun watching this one.”
Butler finished his leading role Feb. 15 in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s presentation of “Lucky Stiff.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
Boldt Butler
ENTERTAINMENT
CCP set for ‘Spitfire Grill’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kathleen Clarke Horrigan embraces the message of redemption that “The Spitfire Grill” shares with audiences.
Horrigan is directing Carmel Community Players’ production of the musical, which runs Feb. 27 to March 8 at the Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers.
The plot centers on Percy, an ex-felon who is new to the small fictional town of Gilead, Wis.
“Everyone in town was skeptical of this young lady coming to visit,” Horrigan said. “She doesn’t know how to cook or wait tables, and the town doesn’t make it easier on her. The feeling of being able to renew and (have) second chances is very important.”
The production is a musical version based on the 1996 movie. Noblesville resident Breanna Helms plays Percy. “I like the difference of character compared to other ones I’ve played,” Helms said. “She is traumatized and more than just a surface-level type of person. She has a lot of deep flaws, and
to convey that to the audience has been a challenge.”
Carmel resident Susan Smith plays Hannah Ferguson, who owns the grill. She is running an essay contest to sell the grill because she wants to retire. The entry fee is $100 per essay, and she will give the grill away to the essay she likes the best. Smith said she usually plays more comedic characters.
“You have to find a lot of depth in the character and find the layers,” Smith said.
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
From left, Sarah Marone-Sowers, Susan Smith and Breanna Helms perform in “The Spitfire Grill.” (Photo courtesy of Indy Ghost Light)
Age-old questions
Commentary by Terry Anker
Some hold that we’ll only be as old as we think we are. And many of us were raised to believe that age is not a chronological surety, but rather a social construct. In fact, American humorist and author Mark Twain famously remarked, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Twain lived to be 74, which may not seem particularly impressive until considered in the context that the life expectancy of his fellow male citizens at the time is estimated to have been about one half that long.
Among today’s global wealthy elite, there are those who have made longevity their highest priority. Private medical care, exotic contraptions and cold-plunge routines are imagined to keep them going, Energizer Bunny style. Russian President Vladimir Putin was caught in a hot-mic exchange with Chinese leader Xi Jinping contemplating how organ harvesting might help some to “become immortal.” It is unclear whether the
donors would do so voluntarily or not. Longer lifespans have led us to desire even longer ones. Today, Twain would have fallen short by 3.27 percent, or 2.5 years.
Most modern science holds that chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve lived, while biological age reflects the condition of your cells and tissues. So, it is possible to alter but not eliminate the heavy hand of Father Time. Good diet, exercise, sleep and stress management are all factors that we know. Is it possible that we can learn to manage our physical progression much like we manage our intellect? Do we have two emotional ages, one equivalent to the calendar and another that is related to our attained wisdom and maturity? If we are more or less than our age, can we train ourselves to a better ratio?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
An honest dishonest mistake
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
All my columns are based on real events. But here’s a good example of how I once stretched things a bit too far and still feel ashamed after all this time.
Years ago, my wife Mary Ellen and I visited the Grand Canyon (that part was true). Then I explained how, before our return flight, I sent my digital camera through the security scanner (totally factual). And how it was stolen when I left it behind in my seat at the airport (correct again).
I wanted to write about how careless I am with my belongings. But when I returned from the trip, I ran into my friend George, who lives down the street.
“How was your vacation, Dick?” he asked.
“Oh, it was fantastic! Except my camera was stolen.”
“What a shame. And with all your photos, huh?”
“It’s OK. I had my email address on the camera, so the thief sent the pictures back to me.”
I don’t know where that crazy idea came from. It just slipped out of my mouth. It wasn’t just an exaggeration; it was a boldfaced fabrication. George got hysterical. He couldn’t stop laughing. And I’m so addicted to the sound of people laughing that I left it at that.
George then sent out an email to friends and posted it on Facebook. People started messaging me, saying what a bizarre story that was. Others on the block approached me and said they thought it would be a perfect idea for a newspaper column. As I retold the incident, I embellished it. Then I shared it at church.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
Timothy and Patricia Ogden (1034 Chipmunk Lane; Pendleton, IN 46064) is submitting an NOI letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of the intent to comply with the requirements under 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5) to discharge storm water from construction activities for the following project: James Lockwood Drain Relocation (21594 Cumberland Road; Noblesville, IN 46062) in Noblesville Township, Hamilton County, Indiana, more specifically, part of the NW quarter of Section 17-T19N-R5E; located on the east side of Cumberland Road south of 221 st Street. Construction is scheduled to commence on March 15, 2026 and construction is to be completed on or before December 31, 2027. Stormwater runoff from the project site will discharge via overland flow to the James Lockwood Regulated Drain. Questions can be directed to Mr. Dennis Collins of the Collins Group, 10526 Tremont Court; Fishers, IN 46037.
The guilt was tearing me apart. I hoped the person who stole my camera would read the column and have the decency to email me my photos. I don’t care about the stupid pictures. I just wanted to be an honest man again.
– DICK WOLFSIE
When I sat down that night to write my weekly column, I started to believe the whole thing myself. If you repeat something enough times, you start thinking it’s the truth. Ask any politician.
In my column, I even included the fake email from the thief who supposedly stole my camera. I had already crossed over to the dark side — why not get a few extra laughs along the way?
Dear Mr. Wolfsie:
Thanks for leaving your camera unattended at the Denver airport. I’ve always wanted one like that. You have such a sweet-looking family, so I am emailing you all your photos. Your wife is lovely, but she’d look much better with shorter hair. At least in the photos where you don’t cut off her head.
After the column was published, I got emails just like this:
Dear Dick,
Your story was hysterical. You took a real-life negative experience and let us laugh at your expense.
Dear Dick,
Witty as always. We love the honesty in your writing.
The guilt was tearing me apart. I hoped the person who stole my camera would read the column and have the decency to email me my photos. I don’t care about the stupid pictures. I just wanted to be an honest man again.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
16. Former Colts kicker Vinatieri
17. Westfield academy
19. Skirt length
20. Number with 100 zeros
21. Venue for exercise swimming
23. Big name in tractors
26. ___ Lauder
27. High points
31. Make the grade
33. Attention getter
34. Tuna type
35. Harsh
40. Arcadia high school
43. Hi-fi
44. Victory Field ump’s call
45. Dalai ___
46. Provide
48. Leading the Hoosier
Crossroads Conference
49. Miller or McGinnis, e.g.
53. Current edition
55. Things grown during in vitro fertilization
57. Exhausted
62. Spanish house
63. Carmel high school
66. Picnic pests
67. Passover feast
68. Baseball Hall of Famer Musial
69. Church area
70. Youngsters
71. “Tall” story DOWN
1. Really punch
2. Taboo
3. Fishers N/S road
4. Online journal
5. Luxurious fur
6. Singer DiFranco
7. Classic British sports car
8. Superman: “Faster than a speeding ___!”
9. On the briny
10. Packs down
11. Dolt
12. White River transport
13. “Say cheese!”
18. Silent agreements
22. Lab dish
24. Cry...cry again?
25. Catastrophic
27. Oohs and ___
28. Casual talk
29. Bit of viral online humor
30. Mideast bigwig
32. Skeptic’s scoff
34. “This weighs ___!”
36. Wrinkled fruit
37. “___ she blows!
38. Night owls’ cash sources
39. Future attorney’s exam, briefly
41. Apprehensive
42. Colorations
47. Mickey Mouse’s creator
48. Part of FOMO
49. MCL pie choice
50. Appliance brand
51. WTTV affiliation
52. Backspace, on a PC
54. Tech-support callers
56. Evict
58. Attention getter
59. Peto’s Greek bread
60. Footnote abbr.
61. Unit of force, in physics
64. Texter’s “Beats me”
65. Geese formation ANSWERS ON PAGE 19
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CENTER STAGE
Summer training for Indy’s aspiring musicians and actors / P4
Specialized support meets classic summer fun for local youth / P16
M OVI E S IN T HE P L A Z A
May 27, June 10, June 24, July 22, August 15
Movies begin at 7:30 p.m.
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Indianapolis music camps build choral, rock skills
By Megan Dial news@youarecurrent.com
Music summer camps offered throughout Indianapolis are allowing children to gain musical skills, confidence and teamwork through intensive performance-based training.
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir offers an intensive summer camp where students learn and memorize six to eight pieces of music in one week, after which they perform a concert for the community.
“The summer camp is a wonderful time for singers in our community to get to see a taste of what the Indianapolis Children’s Choir is about. It’s a great way to come and experience the teachers and the teaching and a great week of music making,” ICC Executive Director Joshua Pedde said.
(Above) Members of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir perform during a previous summer intensive program. (Left) Children rehearse a song during a summer camp session at the School of Rock.
Summer starts NOW
For many participants, the camp marks their first time performing with a children’s choir. Pedde noted that each session includes a premiere of a new piece written specifically for the camp.
“They get to premiere something brand new that no one else has ever heard before,” Pedde said.
Because some of the music is memorized in other languages, the curriculum also provides cultural exposure.
“English might be their primary language, so this exposes them to different cultures and different ideas,” Pedde said.
This year, the ICC is celebrating 40 years of operation. The organization actually began as a summer camp, which is how it first involved young singers. One of the featured songs for the upcoming season is “Magical Kingdom.”
The ICC is hosting its “Magical Moments” camps June 8-11 and July 20-
23. For more information, visit icchoir. org/camp/.
Elsewhere in the city, the School of Rock utilizes summer camps as a platform for its belief that the stage is the ultimate teacher. Its weeklong sessions culminate in a performance of five to 10 rock songs featuring guitar, bass, drums, keys or vocals.
“Sometimes, kids are very scared until they get through their first song, at least,” School of Rock Music Director David Lawson said. “Then, they start to believe in themselves more and it gets easier to keep going.”
Students participate in group instruction and private lessons daily. They are encouraged to try different instruments and roles to spread the difficulty across the various positions in the band.
School of Rock hosts camps throughout June and July in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville. For more, visit schoolofrock.com/music-camps.
Soccer Summer
Soccer Summer
Local camps offer training for aspiring young actors
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
For children and teens, the stage provides a space to inhabit new characters and overcome performance anxiety. This summer, Hamilton County theater academies will offer chances for students of all ages to learn to perform.
The Point Theater, a children’s theater at 1950 E. Greyhound Pass in Carmel, offers four summer camp options for children ages 4-18.
Theater’s founder and artistic director. “It is focused on giving children an introduction to theater.”
Musical in a Week, for ages 11-18, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8-12 and June 22-26. This year, the musical is “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
“Children send in a video audition — they just have to sing a little song — and we cast the show before they show up,” Baltz said. “The hope is that they’ll show up knowing their role and lines, and by Friday they do a full show. This camp is much more intensive, and they learn a lot of skills like how to memorize lines and choreography.”
CAMPS
CAMPS OFFERED
STRIKER / FINISHING GOALKEEPER
STRIKER / FINISHING GOALKEEPER
This year’s Musical Theater Camp, which is “Wicked” themed, will be held June 8-12, June 15-19 and June 22-26. There are morning and afternoon options for ages 4-6 from either 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m., and ages 7-10 attend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
BEGINNER SKILLS
BEGINNER SKILLS
RAY GADDIS SKILLS
RAY GADDIS SKILLS
BALLMASTERY / 1 V 1
BALLMASTERY / 1 V 1
“They run through different stations each day — dance, acting, vocal and the backstage component of theater — and there’s games throughout the day,” said Laura Baltz, The Point
The Point Theater also offers Improv Camp July 6-10. Children aged 11-13 attend from 9 a.m. to noon and children aged 14-18 attend from 1 to 4 p.m. The camp focuses on improvisational theater to help children learn to think on their feet, develop
Continued on Page 5
The Point Theater offers four camps for all ages throughout the summer. (Photo courtesy of The Point Theater)
Continued from Page 4
comedic timing and build confidence through improv games.
There also is a Play in a Day camp beginning at 9:30 a.m. June 17 for ages 11-18. This year’s play is “The Audition.”
“They send in an audition, and we cast it ahead of time,” Baltz said. “We rehearse all day, and then parents come in at 4 p.m. and watch the performance. So again, it’s a really intensive day, participants learn a lot about characterization and blocking, how to build a role quickly and working with other people on stage.”
For more, visit thepointtheater.org/ camps.
Civic Theatre at 3 Carter Green also offers a variety of summer camps for all ages.
Little Stages Camp, for ages 4-5, engages students in creative activities based around the 2026 Jr. Civic presentation of “SHREK The Musical.” The camp is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 1518 and is $225. A final presentation will be held at 11 a.m. June 18.
Musical Theatre Mini-Camp, for ages 6-7, is from 12:30 to 3 p.m. June
15-18, with a final presentation at 2:30 p.m. June 18. The camp, which is $275, delivers the same elements as the Musical Theatre Camp for older students in a compact package for aspiring actors, singers and dancers.
Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp, a $500 camp for ages 8-14, is held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 6-10 or July 13-17. The camp will immerse students in a high energy learning experience consisting of instruction in acting, singing and dancing, culminating in a performance at the end of each week.
Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Intensive Camp is for experienced students ages 10-14. It is $450 and will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9-12.
Using a curriculum designed to enhance existing skills and accelerate technique, campers will be challenged in the three core disciplines of musical theatre — acting, singing and dancing.
Students must submit an application to enroll in this camp. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28, and applicants will be notified by March 13.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
Kick out of soccer camps
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Young athletes across central Indiana will have several opportunities to sharpen their soccer skills this summer through camps offered by USA of Indiana.
The organization’s summer programming will focus on skill development rather than competition, with specialized camps for strikers, goalkeepers, ball mastery and 1-on-1 play, as well as a beginner skills camp for newcomers to the sport.
Mariana Mesa, club administrator for USA of Indiana, said the camps are open to players ages 7 to 18 and will run in three- to four-week sessions, meeting for about an hour per session. While the organization also serves younger “tots” in other programming, the summer camps will focus on older youth.
Mesa said the goal is to help players grow, whether they are just starting out or have years of experience.
“These camps are designed to allow
kids to hone their skills and learn a little bit more,” she said. “Even if they’re on the recreational side, just starting out, never played, or even if they have been playing for a while, they can still get all the skills built up.”
Sessions will be held primarily at the Mary & John Geisse Soccer Complex on East 56th Street, near the Indianapolis Colts’ practice facility, and will serve families in both Pike Township and Hendricks County areas.
Unlike the organization’s seasonal leagues, the camps will not include games. Instead, coaches will lead structured drills and skill-building exercises in a supervised environment.
“For our camps, we provide a safe environment, a fun environment for them to learn soccer as well as have qualified soccer coaches to teach the kids the fundamentals,” Mesa said. “Our aim is to help them get better, not just in soccer, but in life as well, because our motto is, ‘we teach more than just a game’.”
For more, visit usaofindiana.org.
More than just summer fun, camp is where kids celebrate achievements and discover a place they can truly belong.
Swimming, sports, and outdoor play
Creative art and STEM projects
Field trips
And so much more!
YMCA gives summer camp a model venue
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Ascension St. Vincent Westfield YMCA is the newest in the Indianapolis area, having opened in January 2025, and offers a wide variety of summer camps.
YMCA facilities offer traditional and discovery camps. The Westfield YMCA hosts traditional camps.
“What I do love the most when we open a new facility like this is the feeling of ownership, that feeling of kids getting a chance to come there every day,” said Desiree Brandon Gouveia, the YMCA’s director of Camps & Family Programs. “You can see when they feel at home
Locally, discovery camps are offered at the Fishers YMCA. Traditional and discovery camps usually incorporate aspects of STEAM learning.
The Westfield YMCA has facilities
that enhance traditional camp experiences, such as fenced-in outdoor space and large studios for indoor activities. Its Olympic-size Westfield Washington Aquatic Center also is one of the best facilities of hits kind in the Greater Indianapolis area.
“One of the big assets is that (campers) get to swim, and they also have enrichment clinics that are available,” Brandon-Gouveia said. “We also have swim lessons that families can tap into and be able to have their kid learn how to swim and become a better swimmer while they’re at our camp.”
Brandon-Gouveia said enrichment clinics are offered on- and off-site.
“That is really awesome about our camps at Westfield,” Brandon-Gouveia said. “We have the ability for families to add on a piece to their
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Campers play a game in the outdoor area of the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA during the 2025 camp. (Photo courtesy of YMCA)
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child’s day. And so, enrichments are generally three to four hours in a day, and we have varying different enrichments that are available out in all of our camps.”
Brandon-Gouveia said enrichments include visiting park area parks and playing miniature golf, laser tag and organized water games in the YMCA pool. She said some STEAM activities are offered at the traditional camp.
“If (parents) are looking for fun STEAM but also have a chance for their kids to experience other things, Westfield traditional camp really would be a great spot for them to be in,” Brandon-Gouveia said. “They’re still going to get some STEAM activities. It’s just not the complete focus of the camp.”
Brandon-Gouveia said the YMCA is proud to give children a place where they can expand their horizons.
“It is the chance for kids to learn more about themselves,” Brandon-Gouveia said. “We have kids who come in and have great days and kids who are dealing with the world on their shoulders. I think that’s one of the reasons why this fits into what the YMCA is trying to do. We try to give a place where people belong, where we love and serve and care for our com -
munity, and kids are a part of that as well.”
Cost for traditional camp is $198 for members and $257 for nonmembers per week. Discover camps are for ages 5-12 and take place June 1-July 24. Cost is $176 per week for members and $234 per week for nonmembers.
For more, visit indymca.org/ landing_pages/summer-camp/.
A YMCA instructor speaks with campers during the 2025 summer camp at the Westfield Washington Aquatic Center. (Photo courtesy of YMCA)
Campers take part in water activities in the outdoor area of the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA during the 2025 camp. (Photo courtesy of YMCA)
14950 Greyhound, Suite 4 Carmel, IN 2026 Summer Dance Camps & Classes
FOR AGES 3-6
June 1 - 5
June 22 - 26
July 6 - 10
July 13 - 17
July 20 - 24
July 27 - 31
FOR AGES 6-9 FOR ALL AGES
July 6 - 10
Under the Sea Party
Moana and Maui’s Island Luau
Bluey and Bingo‘s Summer Adventures
Royal Princess and Prince Ball
Frozen Prince & Princess Party
Fairytale Princesses and Princes
Youth Summer Ballet Intensive
Open Classes - Two 3 Week Sessions (June 8 - 26 & July 13 - 30)
For the most up to date information and scheduling visit CIAODANCE.COM or call 317-581-2423
Camp locations throughout Fishers, including the new Fishers Community Center, Strengthened by IU Health
DISCIPLINE AND DREAMS
Dance academies offer summer camp experiences
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Several Hamilton County dance academies will host summer camps this year. Whether a child is taking introductory classes or training at high, intensive levels, summer camps can offer a rigorous yet rewarding experience.
CENTRAL INDIANA ACADEMY OF DANCE
Central Indiana Academy of Dance at 14950 Greyhound Ct. in Carmel offers themed camps in addition to summer intensives.
For children ages 2 1/2 through 6, each week of camp features a theme like “Frozen” from 9 a.m. to noon. The camp, held on several days through -
out June and July, is $155 per week. Ashley Jacobs, co-owner and director of Central Indiana Academy of Dance, said it is a good introduction to dance.
“The campers get to do a little mini performance at the end of the week with themed songs,” Jacobs said. “They get to do crafts and have snacks every day, and it’s a good introduction to movement and rhythm in general.”
The academy’s Youth Ballet Summer Intensive is from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 6-10. Dancers will participate in ballet, jazz, contemporary and modern classes, among other styles. A showcase will commence at the end of camp.
The intensive is for any dancer with one or more years of ballet training or any current academy student in levels 1 through 3A. Jacobs said it helps students immerse themselves
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Central Indiana Academy of Dance offers themed camps for young children through the summer. (Photo courtesy of Central Indiana Academy of Dance)
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in ballet technique while branching out to other styles. Cost is $340, and registration closes June 5.
Registration also is open for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s Summer Intensive June 8-18. Central Indiana Dance Ensemble is the academy’s preprofessional ballet company.
The two-week intensive, which features guest teachers, is for children 10 and older or Central Indiana Academy of Dance students in levels 3B-9.
“A lot of our dancers take it to improve their technique and learn from new instructors, and there’s a performance with that as well,” Jacobs said. “We also will have seminars discussing nutrition and injury prevention to help them learn about taking care of their bodies in the dance world.”
Registration for the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s Summer Intensive closes May 8.
For more, visit ciaodance.com.
INDIANA BALLET CONSERVATORY
Indiana Ballet Conservatory at 849 W. Carmel Dr. offers three camp options — a Summer Intensive for ages 9 and older, a Young Dancers Intensive for ages 6-9 and Fairytale Camp for ages 3-5.
Fairytale Camp, a $125 camp held from 9 a.m. to noon June 1-5, June 8-12 and June 15-19, gives students the same ballet education offered in the summer intensive, with consideration for age-appropriate time and class content.
Business Operations Manager Chris Lingner said it is an introduction to ballet and creativity.
“They will use movement and fairytale storytelling to learn how movement tells a story,” Lingner said. “They also will do arts and crafts, and at the end of each week, they will do a showcase of everything they’ve learned.”
The Young Dancers Intensive, held from 9 a.m. to noon June 1-5, June 8-12 and June 15-19 gives students
Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s Young Dancers Intensive gives students indepth training in ballet technique. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Ballet Conservatory)
in-depth training in ballet technique, pre-pointe and conditioning. Students learn and familiarize themselves with various styles of dance and participate in seminars about nutrition, costume history, injury prevention and stage makeup.
Linger said the camp, which is $200 a week, is designed with more discipline than the Fairytale Camp.
“It’s designed to give the more serious student preparations for our pre-professional division,” Lingner said. “They’ll do some jazz and contemporary in addition to ballet, and they start conditioning, which is a big part of what we do. We start teaching that early to protect them from injury.”
The Summer Intensive has various date options available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in June and July, with the opportunity to participate for two or three weeks for $500 or five weeks for $2,000. Students must audition to participate.
“We bring in world class guest faculty to supplement our own faculty,” Lingner said. “The camp is for a serious dancer that really wants to take their skills to the next level. They get the conditioning. They get proper ballet class, point work and contemporary. At the end, there is a showcase that we do at Carmel Middle School that’s absolutely free and open to the public. It tends to be a favorite amongst the community.”
For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
Local schools become multifunctional hubs
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
From Minecraft and LEGO to cross country and pickleball, local summer camps cater to a variety of interests for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade.
With spring break approaching and the academic year ending in a few months, private schools across the area are preparing for summer camps hosted on their campuses.
Camp Cathedral at Cathedral High School, Summer U at University High School and The Summer Experience at Park Tudor will host camps with prices ranging from $20 to nearly $400.
Half-day and full-day options are available at each camp. Summer U also has a few full-day options.
“A lot of people like to do the halfday sessions, so they’ll be over in the sports camp, have lunch and then
Students test their robots on a challenge course during a STEM session at Camp Cathedral. (Photo courtesy of Cathedral High School)
they’ll come over and might do a STEM camp,” said Meredith Van Rooy, University High School’s summer program coordinator. “They’re weeklong,
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so in one week, every morning would be sports and then every afternoon would be Minecraft.”
Camp Cathedral follows a weeklong schedule for its nearly 80 offerings.
“We try to keep our enrichment small and have limits on the number of kids that can sign up for each camp,” camp director Anthony Ernst said. “The hands-on opportunity they get to interact with a teacher and Cathedral students is much more beneficial when there are only 10 to 15 kids in that camp versus 45.”
Van Rooy is entering her third year at Summer U, where her focus on learning is the priority when curating curricula.
“We’ve tried to grow our variety over the past few years,” she said. “I’m aware we’re still used as a day care, but I think it’s important that enrichment is happening within these camps. That’s one of the goals we have. We want them to have fun, and we want this to be a good experience for them.”
Camps are open to anyone within the age range, regardless of the
school they attend during the year.
Spots are filling up fast for both Summer U and Camp Cathedral, but Park Tudor does not begin registration until March.
“Traditionally, families seek out when our registration is going to open, and it fills very quickly,” Ernst said. “This year’s camps are looking very good. We’ve had several camps sell out already, but waitlists do exist. If the camps are going to sell out, they’re going to sell out in February
SUMMER CAMP
Campers play outdoor sports activity during Summer U at University High School. The program offers half-day and full-day sessions, allowing students to pair a morning sports camp with an afternoon enrichment session like STEM or Minecraft. (Photo courtesy of University High School)
and March. We still have room in several of our camps, and our sports camps are wide open.”
Summer U does not expect to sell out until the end of March or April.
• The Summer Experience at Park Tudor: parktudor.org/summer
SUMMER AT ISI
Summer camps offer STEAM innovation
Redstone circuits to light up lamps and trigger mechanisms like traps, automatic doors and repeaters.”
Summer at ISI offers students engaging, hands-on camps that foster learning, confidence, and friendships. Programs include Lower School language camps (French, Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic), Amazing Athletes, and enrichment camps, as well as Upper School athletic programs and the Inspirit AI Program in partnership with Stanford and MIT gradu
Local programs use Minecraft, video games and forensic science to teach engineering
By Megan Dial news@youarecurrent.com
Numerous science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — or STEAM — summer camps throughout Indianapolis are preparing children for their future through engaging, educational projects.
Indy STEM Camps utilize Minecraft to teach children engineering concepts.
“There are numerous features within Minecraft that model engineering concepts,” said Matt Mulholland, Indy STEM Camps director and founder. “One example is a material called Redstone that operates like electricity. Campers can build functioning
Children also learn soft skills such as teamwork and creativity.
“Minecraft is the ultimate sandbox game. This means that the activities, adventures and in-game lessons presented to campers are far more open-ended than the standards-based and structured curriculum that students experience during the school year,” Mulholland said.
“Because our camps emphasize social interactions, it is absolutely necessary for campers to learn to work together to solve problems. This introduces conflict resolution and team building in a way that directly mirrors the real world. As we like to say at Indy STEM Camps, the best kind of learning occurs when you don’t even realize you are learning something.
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Playing Minecraft creates just this type of experience for children.”
Indy STEM Camps are offered in Zionsville, Westfield, Indianapolis and Fishers between June 1 and July 24. For more, visit indystemcamps.com.
At iCode Fishers, children learn about coding through gaming experiences.
“Students aren’t just writing code— they’re creating games, animations and programs they care about,” said Lauren Gehle, iCode Fishers’ marketing manager. “Our instructors break concepts into manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way, so campers feel capable and motivated from Day 1. We have a variety of levels of coding, customizable for a wide range of students’ comfortability and compatibility.”
Campers combine coding skills with creativity.
“They learn by doing and being, which makes concepts stick and builds genuine excitement around STEM,” Gehle said. “One of the most exciting moments is when campers design and build their own video
game from scratch. They create characters, design levels and program how everything works. By the end of camp, they have a finished game they can share with friends and family, which is incredibly rewarding.”
iCode summer camps are offered weekly between May 25 and Aug. 8. For more, visit icodeschool.com/ fishers.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame hosts Camp Invention, where children can practice becoming creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.
“Camp Invention has just the right
Camp Invention encourages creativity and teamwork.
(Photo courtesy of Camp Inventiont)
balance of structure and freedom,” said Corey Nielsen, Camp Invention’s marketing coordinator. “There’s a clear framework, but within that, kids are encouraged to be creative and explore their own ideas.”
“This summer’s program is called Spark, and it’s packed with four experiences that campers work on throughout the week,” Nielsen said. Modules include:
• Fur-ensics: Campers team up with a robotic capybara to investigate mischievous animal pranks, exploring fingerprints,
DNA and forensic science.
• Make Waves: Campers explore entrepreneurship through physics experiments, prototype pitching and creative marketing as they turn ideas into market-ready inventions.
• The Infringers: Campers learn how to protect their ideas by exploring cryptography, security technology and intellectual property.
• Space Morphers: Campers design and transform a new planet by building rockets, racing rovers and creating inventions to survive extreme environments.
“Each module is tailored to the various age groups. Campers work on each of the four modules each day and build gradually. We’ve found that approach helps them retain what they’re learning. It also ensures that if a camper misses a day, they don’t miss an entire experience,” Nielsen said.
Camp Invention is offered in Zionsville, Indianapolis and Fishers at various points in June and July. For more, visit invent.org/programs/ camp-invention.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Westfield, Zionsville offers diverse summer programming lineup course, music.
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Westfield’s Grand Junction Plaza was the place to be in the evenings and on weekends when it first opened. But there wasn’t much happening during the day, especially in the summer for families with children.
Enter the Kids Summer Series. The first iterations featured interactive concerts and musicians for children.
“That was really born out of feedback from the community,” said Kayla Arnold, communications director for the City of Westfield.
Today, the free summer programming features a wide variety, including magicians, exotic animals, and of
SUMMER CAMPS
June 8 - 12 | College Park Ministry Center, Carmel
June 15 - 19 | Carmel United Methodist Church
June 22 - 26 | St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Zionsville
New afternoon option for Half-Day Campers
Half Day | Ages 4-6 | 9 a.m.-noon OR noon-3p.m. Full Day | Ages 7-10 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 8 - 12 and June 22 - 26 Ages 11-18 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. University High School Theater, Carmel
Kids Summer Series is 9:30-11 a.m. on Tuesdays starting June 2.
Creek Stomps also return this summer as kids explore the Grassy Branch Creek.
Armed with a net and bucket, children can learn what lives in the creek.
The Thursday morning sessions begin May 28 and run through July 30. Each one is from 10 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5 per week.
The program is also accessible to those who cannot walk down to the creek.
To register, visit https:// in-westfield.civicplus.com/231/ Programming.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County will again offer its summer day camps at all locations and specialty camps.
For regular summer campers, they’ll have access to all spaces at the Boys & Girls Club units. There are also weekly field trips like the movies, splash pads and parks.
These camps are open to all children ages 5-18, regardless of residence. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Specialty camps offer the opportunity for children to travel outside the area.
by Don Zolidis
July 6 -10 Ages 11-13 | 9 a.m.-noon Ages 14-18 | 1-4 p.m. CrossRoads Church. Westfield Ages 11-18 | 9:30 a.m. | 4 p.m. Show Marian University Theater
For example, a two-week travel camp features trips to Columbian Park Zoo and Malibu Jacks in Lafayette, Urban Air trampoline park and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Eric Richards, the club’s CEO, said the specialty camps are popular.
“My litmus test is my kids (who are in the club),” he said. “They love them.”
A two-week water park camp features trips to five different water parks including ones in West Lafayette, Plainfield, Marion and Kokomo.
“That’s the whole goal; they travel out of Central Indiana,” Richards said.
Camps range between $200 and $400 depending on membership. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.
For more, visit bgcboone.org/ programs/camps/.
SULLIVANMUNCE
SullivanMunce Cultural Center will offer a variety of youth and teen art camps throughout June and July.
There are three different youth drama/art camps, themes include fairy tales, create- your-own monsters and mythical quests. Camps are June 8-12, June 15-19 and July 13-17. There are full- and half-day options for each.
Drama camps give kids the opportunity to create their own props and perform for their parents at the end of the week.
“They have more leeway in their creative expression,” said Cynthia
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Boys & Girls Club of Boone County will offer its summer day camps at all locations and specialty camps. (Photos courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Boone County)
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Young, executive director of SullivanMunce.
There’s also an all-day youth art camp, June 22-26, where artists use different mediums.
The Teeny Tiny Art camp, set for July 27-31, brings the opportunity of making small art to kids. The camp is inspired by last year’s popular Teeny Tiny Art Market.
The all-day camp will have kids work with multiple mediums to create pieces no larger than 6 x 6 inches.
All youth camps are for kids ages 7-11.
SullivanMunce will offer a variety of art camps for both youth and teens throughout June and July. (Photos courtesy of SullivanMunce)
Our summer programs are open to all Central Indiana students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, and offer a great introduction to the extraordinary opportunities available at Park Tudor.
From Cub Camp for 3 & 4 year-olds to options for high school students, Park Tudor summer programs offer something for everyone – arts & crafts, sports, performing arts, science, literature, chess & gaming, and more!
For teens, there is a ceramics camp — July 6-10 or 20-24 — a mixed media camp — July 6-10 — and a fiber arts camp from July 20-24. Camps are half days.
Teen camps are open to kids ages 12-17.
To register, visit sullivanmunce.org, call 317-873-4900 or email info@sullivanmunce.org.
ZIONSVILLE EAGLE RECREATION & ENRICHMENT
Zionsville Eagle Recreation & Enrichment will offer more than 100 different camps for kids of all ages.
Camps include art, nature, sports, engineering, Minecraft, robotics and
Registration starts March 2 for summer camps through Zionsville Eagle Recreation & Enrichment, which will offer more than 100 camps. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Eagle Recreation & Enrichment)
foreign language.
Ann Hall, manager for Eagle Recreation, said 5,000 attended camps last year.
“Because Zionsville doesn’t have a community center, we’re known as the community resource for summer camps … and enrichment classes,” she said.
Registration opens March 2 for all Eagle Enrichment camps. Visit zionsvilleeaglerec.com/.
Camps run June 8 through July 24 during the day.
Camps pair resources with outdoor fun
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
On any given summer day, campers in Indianapolis can be found scaling a rock wall, paddling across a lake or sounding out syllables with a tutor — all in the name of confidence.
Two local programs, Jameson Camp and Camp Delafield, operated by the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana, are blending traditional camp experiences with special ized support designed to help children thrive academically and socially.
For nearly 100 years, Jameson Camp has offered overnight sessions on its wooded cam pus at 2001 Bridge port Road. The camp serves youth ages 7 to 17 in six-day, five-night sessions running Sunday through Friday. About 525 campers attended last year, with roughly 90 children participating each week.
The nonprofit operates with a 1-to5 counselor-to-camper ratio and includes behavioral specialists on staff to assist children with ADHD, anxiety, depression and other diagnoses.
“About half of our kids that come to camp have a diagnosis like that, half of our kids that come to camp don’t,” said Zach White, the camp’s development director. “We operate camp with all of those kids having a shared experience, but with some additional support in place.”
Campers stay in air-conditioned cabins with attached bathrooms and spend their days choosing activities such as archery, fishing and rock climbing. The camp is technology-free, a feature White said builds independence.
Across town, Camp Delafield takes a different — but complementary — approach to summer growth.
The monthlong day camp is for children 7 to 12 at Colonial Hills
School in Indianapolis. The program runs June 1 through July 2, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays until noon.
Mornings are devoted to academics, including daily one-on-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring and small group instruction in reading comprehension, written expression and math. Afternoons feature swimming, outdoor play, art and STEM activities.
Katie Eynon, a tutor with the institute, said the balance is intentional.
“We have the academic mornings, and then the fun, play-filled afternoons,” Eynon said. “So, the kids get a reward for all their efforts.”
Camp Delafield maintains roughly a 5-to-1 camper-to-teacher ratio in small groups, with each child receiving an hour of individualized tutoring daily. Enrollment typically ranges from 60 to 65 campers.
(Above) Campers climb the rock wall during a past summer session at Jameson Camp in Indianapolis. (Photo provided by Jameson Camp) (Left) Campers create arts and crafts projects during a past session of Camp Delafield at Colonial Hills School in Indianapolis. (Photo provided by the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana)
