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Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Petition to transition town to city circulates

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Parents sue Brownsburg day care alleging negligence Page 4

Rose Promos expands services for community Page 6

B&O Trail repairs continue Page 8

BOXED WITH CARE New shipping/packing business aims to fill community need Page 10

Brownsburg Chamber names new director Page 9

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

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Petition targets mayoral vote

Lifelong resident and council member lead effort to transition town to a city

A petition effort is underway in Brownsburg that could place the future of the town’s form of government before voters. Supporters are circulating a petition to transition the Town of Brownsburg into the City of Brownsburg, a move that would require approval through Adams a ballot referendum. To advance to the ballot, organizers must collect at least 720 valid signatures. Proponents say the change would give residents a stronger voice by creating an elected Kendall mayor accountable directly to voters. Critics, however, warn the transition would be costly and unnecessary. Rob Kendall, a lifelong Brownsburg resident and co-host of “The Kendall & Casey Show” on WIBC 93.1, is heading the initiative with town council member Glenn Adams. Kendall was a member of the Brownsburg Town Council from 2012-2015 Kendall said the push for city status stems from frustration with the town’s current structure. “The biggest thing is having a chief executive who is accountable to the voters,” Kendall said. “Right now, key decisions are being made without that accountability.” Kendall pointed to recent debates over water and sewer rates and largescale projects as examples of what he described as a lack of responsiveness to public input. He said residents he has spoken with feel disconnected from decision making and want clearer leadership. “I think people are tired of what they

About us

A petition drive aims to transition Brownsburg from a town to a city government. If organizers collect 720 valid signatures, a referendum would be placed on the ballot to let voters decide whether to establish an elected mayor’s office. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

see as decisions being made in a vacuum,” Kendall said. “They look at what they pay and say, ‘We should be better than this.’” Adams, who represents Ward 2, said he supports the petition effort and believes Brownsburg has outgrown its current form of government. With a population near 40,000, Adams said the town would benefit from a municipal executive working alongside the council. “This is something I have been thinking about for a year or so,” Adams said. “We need a full-time elected executive at the helm that works with the council — someone with a vision who can plan 10, 15 or even 20 years out.” Adams also confirmed that if the petition succeeds and creates a mayoral race, he would consider running. “If this goes through and it passes, then yes, I will be running,” Adams said. “I am confident we will get enough signatures.” Not all council members agree with the initiative. Brownsburg Town Council member Cindy Hohman said she opposes the move and questioned whether the community is prepared for a mayoral system. “As for the petition, I’m against turning the town into a city. I don’t believe we need to be saddled with only one person’s vision of where the town is going,” Hohman said. “I also don’t believe we have the talent for a mayor. We

had to go to Illinois and Kokomo for our last two town managers, so what does that tell you.” Town Council President Travis Tschaenn also raised concerns about cost, citing a previous study on the financial impact of becoming a city. “The cost would outweigh the benefits. We did a study three or four years ago that showed it would cost nearly $3 million just to change signage. That number would probably be closer to $4-5 million now,” Tschaenn said. “The town is losing $3 million in the budget due to (Senate Enrolled Act 1). That, plus $3 million to change signage just doesn’t make sense right now.” Supporters of the petition argue that the process itself would give residents more influence over how the government is structured, including the size of the council and the role of a mayor. If enough signatures are gathered, the town council would be required to draft an ordinance outlining the proposed city structure before placing the question on the ballot. Kendall said regardless of the outcome, the effort has already sparked broader community engagement. “This is about giving the town a chance to move forward,” he said. “For the first time, people would get a real say in what they want Brownsburg to be.” Petition organizers hope to submit signatures by late January or early February.

CORRECTION  Correction — The Brownsburg Town Council voted to increase water rates by 1.5 percent and increase sewer rates by 1 percent at its Dec. 18 meeting. The information was incorrect in the Dec. 30 issue of Current in Brownsburg.

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Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share? Contact Managing Editor Alicia Kelly at alicia@ youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at youarecurrent. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

Do you know a high school junior interested in history?

Parents sue embattled day care, leadership dozens of photos and videos taken at the center. Garner faces 48 felony charges, A civil lawsuit has been filed against a including child exploitation and posBrownsburg day care and its leadership, session of child sexual abuse material. adding a new chapter to an ongoing Minton and Lingbeck were charged in investigation into alleged abuse at the May with obstruction of justice, neglect facility. of a dependent, and failFiled Dec. 10 in Henure to make a report. All dricks County Superior have pleaded not guilty, Court, the suit names and the criminal proMain Street University ceedings are ongoing. 4 Kidz, owner Nancy The civil complaint Minton and director alleges that the child Jennyfer Lingbeck as suffered repeated abuse Minton Lingbeck defendants. The parents in 2024 and 2025 and of a young child who attended that these incidents could have the center are seeking damages, been prevented with proper alleging negligence in the day oversight. The lawsuit also alcare’s hiring, supervision and leges that the day care failed to reporting practices. thoroughly vet Garner before According to court docuhiring him and retained him ments, the defendants failed to despite “credible complaints” of report complaints of abuse ininappropriate behavior. Garner volving former employee GabriUnder Indiana law, all adults el Garner, 22, to law enforcement or the are mandated reporters of suspectIndiana Department of Child Services, ed child abuse. Child care providers as required by law. The child, identified must also report allegations involvin the lawsuit as “Janie Doe,” was 4 and ing employees to both DCS and law 5 years old at the time of the alleged enforcement. abuse. The parents’ names are withheld The lawsuit does not specify a monto protect the child’s privacy. etary amount but seeks compensation The civil case follows a broader infor physical, emotional, and psychologivestigation that led to the day care’s cal harm, as well as other related losses. closure May 8, 2025, after Garner was Main Street University 4 Kidz rearrested on child molestation charges. mains closed. The Indiana Family and Investigators determined that Minton Social Services Administration’s Office and Lingbeck were aware of multiple of Early Childhood and Out-of-School concerns about Garner’s behavior over Learning cited safety concerns when the previous year but did not notify auordering the day care to shut down. thorities or parents. A forensic review The civil and criminal cases are still of Garner’s phone reportedly uncovered active in Hendricks County courts. By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

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 Weed Wrangle volunteers needed — Volunteers are invited to help remove invasive plants during a Weed Wrangle event from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 15 at Arbuckle Acres Park, 200 N. Green St. The effort supports a national initiative to protect native plants and wildlife. Participants will assist park staff using hand tools and herbicides. Volunteers ages 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Work gloves are required. More information is available at brownsburgparks.com

 Women’s self defense class — A free women’s self-defense class will be held Monday, Jan. 13, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at 75 Whittington Drive in Brownsburg. The class, offered the second Monday of each month, includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice. No registration is required. Participants should wear comfortable workout clothing and bring a water bottle. The event is free to attend. For more information, call 317-852-1109, ext. 9498.

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A map rendering shows Phase 2 of planned improvements to County Road 1000 North, extending from Ronald Reagan Parkway to east of County Road 1075 East in Hendricks County. (Rendering courtesy of the Hendricks County Highway Department)

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Public hearing spotlights county road improvements By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com Hendricks County residents attended a public hearing Dec. 18 to review plans for improvements to County Road 1000 North, a project aimed at updating the roadway and two bridges to meet safety and design standards. The meeting, held by the Hendricks County Highway Department, marks a federally required step in the environmental review process. Hendricks County Engineer John Ayers said the hearing differs from a spring public information session, noting that comments received during the meeting become part of the official record. “The design has advanced since the last meeting, and tonight we are taking formal comments on the project, including potential impacts,” Ayers said. The project is proposed to be built in two phases to improve the roadway and bring it up to current design standards. Phase 1 extends from Ind. 267 to about 750 feet east of the planned Ronald Reagan Parkway intersection, a little more than a half mile east of County Road 800 East. Phase 2 continues from Ronald Reagan Parkway to approximately a quarter mile east of County Road 1075 East. Phase 2 is still in the conceptual stage, and additional design and environmental review will be completed once construction funding is secured. Phase 1 has secured construction funding. The cost of Phase 1, including engineering, ROW and construction, is estimated at $11,366,458. The project is expected to have minimal impact on the natural environment. The hearing included a presentation from the project team detailing the purpose and need for the improvements,

alternatives considered, utility coordination and expected impacts. Officials said the project addresses narrow lane widths, deteriorated bridges and inadequate culverts that currently fail to meet Indiana design standards. Multiple alternatives were evaluated, including a no-build option and various five-lane widening scenarios. Each of the larger widening options was dismissed due to significant property impacts and a lack of traffic demand to justify the expansion. The preferred plan calls for a twolane roadway with center left-turn lanes where needed, improved drainage and replacement of Bridges 29 and 38. Bridge 38, included in Phase 2, will be replaced once design and funding are finalized. The project will require approximately 9.64 acres of permanent right-of-way and 0.11 acres of temporary property for construction. Utilities will be relocated either underground or aerially outside the roadway footprint. Traffic will be maintained during construction, though detour routes and staging plans may adjust as neighboring projects progress. Ayers and project coordinators also addressed concerns about including trails in the project. While federal funding limits the addition of trails in this phase, county officials said they are exploring alternative funding and design options to add pathways in the future. Residents can submit comments via comment forms, by mail or by email. All feedback will be included in the official record and considered in final project decisions. The comment period closes Jan. 16. For more and to view plans, residents can visit the Hendricks County Highway Department website.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

Rose Promos operates under new ownership By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com Rose Promos, the longtime Brownsburg promotional products and custom apparel store, celebrated its grand reopening last month under new ownership, bringing updated technology and expanded services to the community. Doug Straka, owner of Indianapolis-based A+ Images, purchased the business in spring 2025 from founders Brian and Natalie Rose, who started the company in 2012. The store has continued to operate in Brownsburg while undergoing upgrades, including new in-store software, expanded printing capabilities and a wider selection of blank apparel and customizable designs. “We spent the whole year revamping things,” Straka said. “We call it live printing in-store now. Customers can pick from a wide range of blank apparel and add sports or other custom designs. With all the combinations, there are about 100,000 possibilities.” Straka said the timing of the grand reopening was influenced by road construction on Main Street, which limited access to the store earlier in the year. “Now is the right time,” he said. “Business picks up this time of year, anyway, right around the big holidays.” Under the new ownership, Rose Promos emphasizes being more than a spiritwear shop. The store offers

Apparel and customizable merchandise are displayed at Rose Promos in Brownsburg, where customers can choose from a variety of designs and products for schools, local businesses, and personal orders. (Photo provided by Rose Promos)

embroidery, screen printing, laser engraving, promotional products and other custom items for local businesses, schools and community organizations. “Most people are surprised to realize we’re a onestop shop for anything custom made,” Straka said. “If you want your logo on it, we can do it.” The business also is updating its online presence. Customers will be able to request quotes through detailed forms on the Rose Promos website, track orders

in a customer portal and take advantage of faster production times than larger, national vendors. Straka said the online upgrades will make it easier for clients to plan large or bulk orders and see the progress of their custom products. Straka added the store has already seen increased interest from local schools and businesses, including championship team shirts, promotional giveaways and corporate apparel. Future plans include expanding on-demand offerings for nearby schools and growing the store’s footprint with more custom options in 2026. Besides the Brownsburg location, Rose Promos expanded its footprint with a new store in Avon, which opened in August 2025. The Avon location offers the same wide range of customizable apparel, promotional products, and on-demand printing services as the Brownsburg store. Straka said the expansion allows the company to better serve central Indiana communities while continuing to emphasize local partnerships and quick turnaround for custom orders. The store’s new slogan, “Keep Your Brand Bloomin’,” reflects the focus on helping local businesses, schools and organizations showcase their logos and designs with high-quality custom products. Rose Promos is located at 221 E. Main St. in Brownsburg, with hours and product offerings detailed at rosepromos. com.

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01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

Eye Myths busted part 1 Commentary by Dr. Amy Iddins “If you sit too close to the TV, you’ll ruin your eyes!” Sound familiar? Most of us have heard this at some point, usually from a well-meaning parent or grandparent. Over the years, countless “eye facts” have been passed down, but many don’t hold up to modern science. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common myths I hear as an optometrist — and what the truth really is.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

School insurance rates fall

Hacker outlines rare cost savings following a request for quotes By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

Brownsburg Community School Corp. will see a decrease in its insurance premiums for the 2026 school year, marking the first time in recent years the district’s costs have gone down instead of up. Assistant Superintendent for Operations Shane Hacker presented the recommendation at the school board’s Dec. 8 meeting, outlining the results of a request for quotes process aimed at finding cost savings amid ongoing financial pressures. “With the financial situation this year, we knew that we needed to potentially explore all cost-saving opportunities as we head into 2026,” Hacker said. The district solicited quotes from multiple providers, including its current broker, Hometown Insurance, and MJ Insurance. Hacker recommended

staying with Hometown Insurance, citing its accessibility, community involvement and strong claims support during past emergencies. Hacker said the district’s total premium for 2026 is expected to be about $85,000 less than in 2025, with the possibility of additional savings. “For the first time, we’re going to come to 2026 with a premium cost that is less than the previous year,” Hacker said. The district was able to reduce property insurance costs by roughly $86,000 while also adding about $180,000 in insured property value because of the Brownsburg Senior Academy and Fieldhouse expansion. The district will also adjust its auto insurance deductible, increasing it from $2,000 to $5,000. Hacker said the change avoids what would have been an $18,000 increase and reflects the district’s relatively low number of vehicle accidents. The school board unanimously approved the recommendation to renew coverage with Hometown Insurance for 2026, formally adopting the reduced premium rates.

B&O Trail work continues as weather improves By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

We want to hear from you! Please reach out to Managing Editor Alicia Kelly for story ideas and questions, or connect with Account Executive Gina Lewis to discuss advertising opportunities with Current in Brownsburg. You can contact them via email at alicia@youarecurrent.com and gina@youarecurrent.com.

Repairs to the stretch of the B&O Trail in Brownsburg are mostly complete, with additional maintenance scheduled when weather conditions improve, Brownsburg Parks Director Amber Lane told the Town Council during its Dec. 18 meeting. Lane presented a parks authority summary report outlining ongoing trail maintenance between Raceway Road and Ronald Reagan Parkway. She said the most significant portion of the work — repairs to damaged pavement —is finished and the trail has reopened to the public. “The 12 sections of the B&O Trail repairs have been milled and filled, and the trail is back open,” Lane said. “However, weather came in faster than anticipated, so the cracked seal coating is probably going to take place when we have a longer stretch of warmer

weather.” According to the report, the project includes rehabilitation of 12 pavement sections affected by root heaving, followed by crack sealing, seal coating and restriping. The goal is to extend the life of the trail surface and improve safety for users. Work on the project began in November but was temporarily delayed because of snowfall over Thanksgiving weekend. The remaining phases of the project, including crack sealing and seal coating, require warmer conditions to ensure proper application and durability. Those steps are expected to be completed once weather allows for a sustained period of higher temperatures. Lane also cautioned that temporary closures or detours might continue as work progresses. “Temporary closures or detours may continue as work progresses to ensure a safe and efficient construction zone for trail users,” the report stated.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

Brownsburg Chamber names new director excellent fit for the Brownsburg Chamber,” stated Sam Lowe, board president of the Brownsburg Chamber of ComThe Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce. “Her passion for connecting merce has named Kiley Chandler as its businesses and creating meaningful new director, a move officials engagement opportunities will say will strengthen the organizabe a tremendous asset to our tion’s outreach and engagement organization.” with local businesses. As director, Chandler will Chandler was set to begin her oversee day-to-day chamber new role Jan. 5, according to a operations, including programchamber announcement. She ming, events, member engagesucceeds Tina Stansbury, who ment and strategic communiChandler resigned in November 2025. cations. She will also focus on Chandler comes to Brownsburg strengthening relationships between after serving as director of events for the chamber, its members and the the OneZone Chamber of Commerce broader Brownsburg community. in Fishers, where she was responsible Chandler is a graduate of Butler Unifor planning and executing dozens of versity, where she earned bachelor’s events each year. degrees in strategic communication In her previous role, Chandler overand organizational communication and saw the strategy and logistics for more leadership. than 70 events annually, while also She said she is eager to build on the managing sponsorship efforts, vendor chamber’s existing work and support its coordination, budgets and partnerships members. with businesses and community organi“I’m honored to join the Brownsburg zations. Chamber leaders said that exChamber of Commerce and excited to perience will translate well as she takes build on the strong foundation already on broader operational responsibilities in place,” Chandler stated. “I look in Brownsburg. forward to supporting our members, “Kiley’s experience working closely fostering meaningful connections, and with business leaders, city officials helping the Brownsburg business comand community partners makes her an munity continue to thrive.” By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES  Morning bird hike — A Morning Bird Hike will be held 9 a.m., Feb. 14 at Williams Park in Brownsburg as part of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Participants will join a park naturalist to observe and count birds in Brownsburg Parks, contributing to a global conservation effort. The free event takes place at 940 S. Locust Lane and features crushed gravel terrain with some steps and slopes.  First Chapter Friday at Brownsburg Public Library — Registration for First Chapter Friday at Brownsburg Public Library closes at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 9. The monthly program is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants will read the opening chapters of a different book each month and take part in themed activities. This

month’s selection is “The Very, Very Far North” by Dan Bar-El. Children may check out the book or place a hold afterward.  Airport exhibit celebrates Children’s Museum — An exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport’s KIND Gallery, “Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years,” offers a tribute to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit, located after security in Concourse A, showcases a selection of objects and photographs from the museum’s collection. The exhibit will be on display through January and is accessible and free to all ticketed passengers. For more about the KIND Gallery and the airport’s arts program, visit IND.com/PublicArt.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

BOXED WITH CARE New shipping/packing business aims to fill community need

for local art displays, pop-up shops and nonprofit partnerships. “I want this to be more than just a shipping store,” Glenn said. “I want it to be a community connection.” Glenn, who resides in Carmel, said Brownsburg’s growth and sense of community were major factors in choosing the location. “I’ve seen the investment here,” he said. “Road improvements and businesses putting money back into the area. It’s really growing.” The store’s opening was a soft launch, with a formal ribbon cutting planned once interior projects and permanent signage are completed. Weather has delayed some finishing touches, but Glenn said the response so far has been encouraging, with repeat customers already using the store for regular business shipments. “At the end of the day, it’s about service,” Glenn said. “If you take care of people, they remember that.”

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com Bulldog Pack & Ship opened Dec. 19 with a simple goal: Make shipping easier and friendlier for Brownsburg residents. The new business, owned by David Glenn, opened at 1032 E. Main St. on Brownsburg’s east side, where residents previously had limited nearby options for packGlenn ing, shipping and business services. Bulldog Pack & Ship also serves neighboring communities. Glenn, who has operated Buttons Galore in Brownsburg for four years, said the idea for the new business grew out of conversations with customers, fellow business owners and members of the Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce. “There’s nowhere to drop off packages easily,” Glenn said. “People kept saying there’s nothing on this side of town.” Glenn said residents often face long lines and limited services at the post office, while the nearest UPS store can be difficult to reach during peak traffic hours. He saw an opportunity to meet a need. Bulldog Pack & Ship is an authorized UPS shipping location, allowing customers to drop off returns, ship packages and handle business deliveries. Glenn said he has more than 30 years of experience shipping packages through UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service, although this is his first retail shipping store. “That experience shows you what works and what doesn’t,” he said. One of the biggest differences Glenn wants customers to notice is pricing transparency and service, citing examples of customers who were quoted high fees elsewhere for basic services, like boxing an item or printing a shipping label. “Sometimes, it doesn’t even make sense compared to the value of what you’re shipping,” Glenn said. “I don’t like the nickel-and-dime aspect of it.”

Brownie, the Bulldog Pack & Ship mascot, greets customers near the front counter. Owner David Glenn said the store aims to create a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

Glenn said his focus is on helping customers, which includes sealing boxes at no charge, offering tape dispensers in-store and reusing clean boxes when possible. In addition, the store sells moving and shipping supplies, including boxes, bubble wrap and packing materials. Glenn said he intentionally avoids overstocking or pushing unnecessary purchases. He said because he ships high volumes through his other businesses, he can leverage existing relationships with suppliers to keep costs down. Bulldog Pack & Ship handles UPS and USPS shipments, and Glenn plans to add FedEx services when final approvals are completed. He said gaining UPS authorization was a lengthy process because of market saturation rules. He successfully demonstrated a need in the area.

“They finally looked at it and said, ‘You’re right,’” he said. Glenn plans to add secure mailboxes that will accept deliveries from all major carriers — something neither traditional P.O. boxes nor UPS Stores fully offer. The goal is to provide 24/7 access and a legitimate street address for customers who need consistent mail service, including small business owners and people who travel frequently. “It solves a lot of problems,” Glenn said. “You don’t always know how something will ship, and this way everything comes to one place.” Community involvement is another key part of Glenn’s vision. He has already reached out to Brownsburg schools about educational opportunities, including bringing students into the store to learn about business operations. He also wants to use the space

ON THE COVER: David Glenn, owner of Bulldog Pack & Ship, shows his daughter, Hadley Glenn, 14, how to run the front desk at the Brownsburg shipping store, which opened Dec. 19. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

BULLDOG PACK & SHIP AT A GLANCE Owner: David Glenn Opened: Dec. 19 Location: Brownsburg (east side) What they do: • Packing and shipping services Authorized UPS shipping and returns • USPS services • Moving and packing supplies Coming soon: • Secure mailboxes with 24/7 access • Acceptance of deliveries from all major carriers Why it matters: The store adds a new packing and shipping option for residents and businesses in Brownsburg and nearby communities. More: bulldogpackandship.com

INSIDE & OUT

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

A pool bath addition

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT: Commentary by Larry Greene Located in the Vintner’s subdivision of McCordsville, this pool bath addition was thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the home’s existing exterior while adding a functional, elevated interior space for everyday use and entertaining.

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THE BLUEPRINT • Designed as a convenient pool-access bathroom for guests and everyday use. • Exterior materials and rooflines were carefully matched to blend seamlessly with the existing home. • A compact layout maximizes function while maintaining comfort and ease of movement. • Durable, low-maintenance finishes were selected to withstand moisture and frequent use. • Neutral tones and clean lines create a timeless, cohesive interior design.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

Your source for local arts & entertainment and upcoming events • youarecurrent.com

Indie film uplifts local arts By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Theonysios “Niso” Kapsalis has found his calling. “I found this passion for filmmaking in 2017 and once the passion took off, it never left,” Kapsalis said. “I always knew whether I was 22 or 92, I would be doing film work full time.” A 2020 Fishers High School graduate, Kapsalis is producing his debut film, “Trade Off” through his production company, Boiling Cactus Productions. It was filmed in June 2025 during a seven-day period in Fishers, Bloomington and Muncie. “This is the biggest and would be the first type of larger production for me and for the studio as well,” he said. Kapsalis wrote the script and was the director and executive producer for the 80-minute film. He said he plans to finish the film by the end of February and prepare it for film festivals in the fall. “The film is about two close friends, Ledger and Rash, who are moronic in their own sense,” he said. “They both have an investment opportunity that they are presented with. They are two very unserious characters who get themselves into very serious situations. It has that contrast of comedy and light-heartedness and then these real situations where they tense up and the audience will tense up. These guys aren’t thinking about their next move. They are just go, go, go. One of them acts more impulsively and is very persuasive.” Kapsalis said the characters are mean to each other with a brotherly dynamic. There are 14 actors in the film, with Christian Elijah Leighty as Ledger and Austin Veal as Rash. They are both Indianapolis residents. Kapsalis said they have both worked on different independent productions throughout Indiana. Miles Anderson, a veteran British stage and screen actor, has the other key role. “He’s a very creepy character and

‘THE MOUSETRAP’ “The Mousetrap” runs Jan. 6 to Feb. 15 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET “The Rush Experience” is set for Dec. 8, followed by “Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” Dec. 9 and “Joe Wray, One-Man Band” Dec. 10 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

ICC to host ‘Day of Song’ Theonysios “Niso” Kapsalis gives directions to actor Miles Anderson. (Photo courtesy of Theonysios Kapsalis)

has two prominent scenes,” Kapsalis said. “He is an ominous character, and he gives the energy he can do anything drastic at any moment.” Anderson, who has numerous film and TV credits, had roles in “La La Land” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” with Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. The assistant director is Ben Johnson, Kapsalis’ good friend and a Fishers High School graduate. “The project to me is more than just about the film, it’s uplifting the arts community in Indiana,”Kapsalis said. “We have 15 different artists creating merchandise for the film that we will sell for the film — pins, hats, stickers, as well as local artists creating our posters. We have an Indianapolis jazz band, 2LIFETAVERN, creating our score.” Kapsalis said 80 percent of the $15,000 budget went to paying cast and crew. Kapsalis has eight years of experi-

ence running different independent film sets. “Independent filmmaking is something I’m very comfortable with as well as my crew,” he said. After graduating from FHS, Kapsalis originally planned to attend Columbia College Chicago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to take classes at Indiana University. “I decided that college was not the space for me to grow, so I dropped out of college after one semester at IU,” he said. Kapsalis worked at remote jobs in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. He began living in Indianapolis in 2023 and started the production company in June 2023. Kapsalis, whose father Dan Kapsalis won a state title as Carmel High School soccer coach in 2006, played soccer growing up and one season for FHS. He played the Frisbee game ultimate with friends during his final two years in high school.

editorial@youarecurrent.com The Indianapolis Children’s Choir is hosting a low-cost, music-filled event for children in preschool through third grade Jan. 24 at the ICC Performing Arts Center, 9111 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis. The “Day of Song” is an event where families can enroll children in a short, one-day program and tour the center to learn more about the ICC’s program offerings. Music programming will run at various times based on age groups from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and require preregistration for the organization to prepare materials and staff in advance. “The ‘Day of Song’ is really our answer to a community need — which is easier access to music education starting at a young age,” ICC Executive Director Joshua Pedde stated. Registration costs have been kept to a minimum, according to the ICC, to allow more families to participate, plus IPS students and Access Pass holders can register for free by calling the ICC offices to register at 317-940-9640 or by emailing lsouthard@icchoir.org with proof of IPS or Access Pass enrollment.

ENTERTAINMENT

Actor returns to stage ew, who must take his uncle’s corpse on a trip to Monte Carlo to inherit $6 million. Like Norma Desmond, Sam Arce figArce, who goes by the nickname of ures he is ready for his close-up. Broadway Sam, has moved into behind“I’m having my ‘Sunset Boulevard’ the-scenes roles. return,” Arce said, referring to the “My love and passion for supporting movie about silent movie star Destheater got me involved with investing mond, who envisions making a and co-producing,” he said. triumphant return to the film “I’ve always wanted to come world. back. I love to perform.” After more than 40 years off A Realtor/broker with F.C. the stage, Arce is performing in Tucker, Arce said there is a lot Actors Theatre of Indiana’s proof physical comedy in the show. duction of the musical “Lucky “I’ve done a lot of theater Stiff” from Jan. 30 to Feb. 15 from the time I was young, and Arce at the Studio Theater at Allied over the years at Tucker, we did Solutions Center for the Performing a lot of skits,” said Arce, treasurer for Arts in Carmel. ATI’s board of directors. “This gives me “It’s been a while. The last time on a chance to do something fun. I love stage was when I was in college at Hofbeing part of the community and I love stra University, and then I did ‘Damn what we’re doing.” Yankees’ at (New York’s) Lincoln CenArce has invested in several shows on ter,” he said. “I was doing dinner theBroadway and London’s West End. ater back in the 1980s.” Following “Lucky Stiff,” ATI presents The 63-year-old Carmel resident plays the musical version of “Sunset Boulethe dead man in the show. There is a vard” from April 24 to May 10. recording played of Arce’s character, For more, visit atistag.org. Tony, giving instructions to his nephBy Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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01.06.26 • youarecurrent.com

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