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BHS grad captures national rowing title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Rowing Center had its share of memorable finishes in June at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Fla.
Mary Bain, a 2026 Brownsburg High School graduate, and Colleen “Callie” Carpenter, a 2026 Carmel High School graduate, won the beach sprints women’s youth double sculls title .
“Getting the gold with Callie was so amazing,” Bain said. “Callie and I have been on the team together for six years now, but somehow had never been in a double together. Last year, she tried beach sprints in Boston and we thought it would be fun to race at nationals together for our last youth event together.”
Bain said the conditions were the worst she’s experienced during nationals with many races getting postponed.
“The waves were large and were pulling people all around the course,” she said. “Since I had more experience with coastal, I was able to steer Callie and I on a mostly direct path down the course, enabling us to finish almost nine seconds ahead of all the other crews, which was amazing.”
The finish was Bain’s best in a national event.
“Unfortunately, in the single I was beat out and ended up finishing in fourth place,” she said. “I was seeded second place out of time trials, but that just goes to show how the intensity of the weather and back-to-back racing affects placement.”
Bain will attend The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and compete for its NCAA Division III program.
Carpenter will compete for Duquesne University’s Division I rowing program.
“I’ve loved getting to do beach sprints,” Carpenter said. “It’s a completely different beast from normal rowing and requires a completely different approach and set of skills. Mary had a great plan and approach to the race, so I just let her lead.”
The team of Lauren Raines, Saylor Hurd, Devyn Hansen and Ingrid Thompson took the bronze medal in the girls 1V4x boat. Raines is a 2026 Brebeuf Jesuit graduate and Hansen will be a senior at CHS in August. Hurd and Thompson are from Arcadia. Thompson will be a senior at Guerin Catholic High School.
“The key to getting the bronze was mutual accountability rooted in a shared vision of standing together on the USRowing National podium,” said Raines, who will join the University of Wisconsin’s rowing team. “Our boat was able to succeed because of the time we put in both on and off the water, with every member of the boat practicing two to three times a day. Each one of the athletes on this boat was determined to succeed and any challenges that arose were identified, discussed and eased through small changes in race strate-
gy or awareness.”
Raines said the final race together was special. The teammates earned a bronze at the RowFest National Championship event in July 2025.
“Winning the bronze solidified this team as a winning combination,” Raines said. “However, what makes this boat special is the trust and respect we have for one another as athletes and friends.”
Hansen said the bronze was the payoff for dedication.
“Getting bronze was incredibly meaningful, not only because it was a historic achievement for our club, but because it validated all the work we’ve put into our quad over the past two seasons,” Hansen said. “We were undefeated throughout both the fall and spring seasons, but we still didn’t know what to expect heading into Youth Nationals because the East and West Coast teams are consistently very competitive. To me, that bronze medal represents much more than a podium finish — it’s a reflection of the dedication, discipline and countless hours my boat and I invested throughout the year to become the fastest crew we could be.”
Sofia Suarez, who will be a senior at Zionsville Community High School, was on an IRC team that placed third in the 2V4x national B final. Suarez was joined by Bain, Hope Witzig and Lauren Wirts. Witzig is a 2026 ZCHS graduate who is enrolled at Purdue University. Suarez said she wants to compete for a spot on the A squad after finding her niche as a rower.
“I had been a swimmer and I had been a theater kid,” she said. “My friend said, ‘You should try rowing,’ and I loved it. I found such a community and family at the Indianapolis Rowing Center. When a race gets hard, it’s easier to push when you have people to push for. I really love the physical aspect of the sport and the competitiveness.”
Colleen “Callie” Carpenter, left, and Mary Bain celebrate winning the beach sprints women’s youth double sculls title. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Rowing Center)
TOWN CELEBRATES JULY FOURTH
The Town of Brownsburg celebrated the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding with a parade, concert and fireworks July 4. Rain and lightning interrupted and canceled the concert planned for the night of the Fourth.
The Hendricks County Honor Guard float travels the parade route during the town’s Fourth of July celebration. (Photos courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)
The American Legion Colonel Billie J. Holmes Memorial Post 331 float travels the parade route during the town’s Fourth of July festivities.
Spectators stand for the national anthem during the July 4 parade in Brownsburg.
The Hendricks County 4-H Fair Queen waves during the Town of Brownsburg’s Fourth of July parade.
Kroger reaches agreement to purchase Giant Eagle grocery stores
By Ann Marie Shambaugh and Alicia Kelly AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com alicia@youarecurrent.com
Grocery store chain Kroger has reached an agreement to acquire food retailer Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion.
Cincinnati-based Kroger plans to spend $1.25 billion in cash and assume $400 million in outstanding liabilities to acquire Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, according to a press release.
Giant Eagle has 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland, including Market District stores in Carmel and Westfied. It generates approximately $9 billion in annual sales.
“Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and custom-
er loyalty,” Kroger CEO Greg Foran stated in a press release. “We evaluated the opportunity carefully, and the strategic fit is clear. Giant Eagle expands our reach into attractive adjacent markets, allowing us to do what we do best: Run outstanding stores, deliver fresh foods and convenient meal solutions at affordable prices, and take care of our customers and associates every single day.”
Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman said the agreement “marks an exciting next chapter” for the business.
“Together with Kroger, we will be well-positioned to advance our strategy and deliver better quality and service, better everyday value and a better shopping experience for our customers, while providing greater growth opportunities for our dedicated team members,” Artman stated.
The sale has been approved by Kroger’s board of directors but is pending regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close in 2027.
Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores under a variety of names, including in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville and Brownsburg.
For Brownsburg shoppers, the acquisition comes as plans continue to move forward for a second Kroger location on the town’s south side. The proposed store would be part of the Heritage Hills development at the southwest corner of South Green Street and Northfield Drive.
The project includes a nearly 99,000-square-foot grocery store and a fueling station. Town officials have said the addition would expand grocery options for residents in the growing southern portion of Brownsburg while complementing the community’s existing Kroger store.
The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the plan commission before advancing to the town council later this summer.
Brownsburg fire officials push for fourth station
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
The Brownsburg Fire Territory renewed its case for building a fourth fire station during a June 16 joint work session with the Brownsburg Town Council, saying the project is needed to keep pace with growth and improve emergency response in the community’s southeast corridor.
Fire Chief Larry Alcorn said the proposed Station 134 would fill a significant coverage gap in one of the town’s fastest-growing areas. The department currently serves about 52 square miles and more than 50,000 residents while maintaining an Insurance Services Office Class 1 rating, a distinction held by only a handful of Indiana fire departments.
The chief also said neighboring departments, particularly Avon, responded to about 700 calls in southeastern Brownsburg last year because of the current coverage gap. Those responses can also mean ambulance transport revenue leaves the fire territory when another agency transports a patient.
The proposed station would be built on a 5.8-acre site the fire territory has already purchased near the entrance to Ronald Reagan Parkway. Alcorn said engineers confirmed the property can accommodate the station despite its irregular shape and floodplain restrictions.
Alcorn said the new station would help the department meet National Fire Protection Association response time standards while reducing the workload on existing stations. Based on 2025 call data, officials estimate the station would shift roughly 500 emergency calls annually from the department’s two southern stations.
The estimated cost for the station is about $10 million, which would require approval from all three taxing units within the fire territory to issue bonds. Alcorn said additional plans for a future headquarters and training facility would be considered separately.
Council members asked questions about financing, reserve funds and each taxing unit’s share of future bond payments, with several emphasizing the importance of balancing the project with other long-term infrastructure needs.
Town awarded more than $800K for road projects
news@youarecurrent.com
Communities across Indiana Senate District 24 will receive more than $4 million in state funding to support local road and bridge improvements through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.
The latest round of grants follows the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 179 and is intended to help local governments complete transportation infrastructure projects. The program, created by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016, provides state matching funds for road and bridge construction and has distributed more than $2 billion
statewide since its inception.
According to State Sen. Brett Clark, the grants will benefit several communities throughout the district. Brownsburg was awarded $839,798.13, while Greencastle received $1 million. Hendricks County will receive $701,179, Plainfield was awarded $670,285.65 and Putnam County received $858,306.96.
Clark
“Maintaining good roads and bridges is critical to ensure smooth travel for Hoosiers and visitors,” Clark said. “I am glad to see communities take advantage of this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing how these funds will help improve local transportation networks.”
Alcorn
USPS carrier charged with theft
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
An Avon woman has been charged with theft and official misconduct after investigators alleged she stole mail while working as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, according to a probable cause affidavit and Hendricks County court records.
Tailor Cureton was charged June 26 in Hendricks County.
According to the affidavit filed by a special agent with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the investigation began after Cureton was stopped by a Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office deputy in May near Raceway Road and Robey Meadows Lane for allegedly displaying a false license plate.
The affidavit states deputies searched Cureton’s vehicle after reporting the odor of marijuana and found suspected marijuana along with mail and other items believed to have been stolen. Cureton, who told deputies she worked for the USPS, was released at the scene while her vehicle was impounded, court documents state.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators reported finding approximately 18 pieces of mail, 51 gift cards and six personal checks addressed to other individuals. According to court documents, the checks totaled about $1,800, while 40 gift cards with identifiable balances were valued at about $2,350.
Investigators also allege the recovered mail originated from delivery routes associated with the Clermont, Wannamaker, Park Fletcher and Oaklandon post offices.
During a June 1 interview, Cureton admitted to stealing mail for nearly a year beginning in the summer of 2025, according to the probable cause affidavit. Court documents state she told investigators she targeted mail containing valuables, used stolen gift cards for personal purchases, discarded many checks and acted alone. The affidavit states Cureton told investigators she was “willing to take responsibility for her actions and did not want to lie anymore.”
A warrant was issued for Cureton’s arrest June 30 and she bonded out July 1. A trial date has not been announced.
Hendricks County 4-H Fair returns with family fun
news@youarecurrent.com
The Hendricks County 4-H Fair returns July 19-25 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, 1900 E. Main St. in Danville. The annual tradition brings together residents from across Hendricks County for a week celebrating agriculture, youth achievement and community. Fairgoers can enjoy livestock competitions, carnival rides, exhibits, motorsports, live entertainment and a variety of food vendors throughout the week. This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes and County Fair Nights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
In addition to showcasing the work of local 4-H members, the fair offers activities for visitors of all ages, making it one of Hendricks County’s largest summer events.
Highlights throughout the week include:
SUNDAY, JULY 19
The fair opens with the annual Classic Car Show, the Chopped Challenge cooking competition benefiting Family Promise of Hendricks County, livestock exhibits, carnival rides and food vendors.
MONDAY, JULY 20
Veterans and Military Appreciation Day includes a noon ceremony honoring military service members. An Abraham Lincoln reenactor will be on the grounds, and livestock competitions, exhibits and carnival rides continue throughout the day.
TUESDAY, JULY 21
The Hendricks College Network hosts a college and career fair in the Expo Hall. Visitors also can explore
4-H exhibits, watch livestock judging and enjoy free entertainment across the fairgrounds.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Families can enjoy midway rides, animal exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
The Junior Bakers Contest and Open Blueberry Contest return to the Expo Hall, while rodeo action and carnival attractions continue into the evening.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Youth competitions and additional grandstand entertainment help kick off the final weekend of the fair. Rodeo performances headline the evening’s grandstand entertainment. Live music and food vendors will be available throughout the grounds.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
The Baby Contest, championship livestock events and the annual Demolition Derby wrap up fair week. Carnival rides remain open, giving visitors one final opportunity to enjoy the midway before the fair concludes.
Daily admission is $5, and children 9 and younger are admitted free. Parking is included with admission. Separate tickets are required for grandstand events, and unlimited ride wristbands are available for purchase on select days. Visitors are encouraged to check the daily schedule before attending, as event times may vary throughout the week. The complete schedule, ticket information and additional fair details are available at 4hcomplex.org.
DISPATCHES
Connection Pointe hosts Car Nights — Connection Pointe Christian Church hosts free Car Nights from 5 to 8 p.m. every third Thursday through September at 1800 N. Green St. The monthly cruise-in welcomes classic, custom and everyday vehicles, as well as visitors who simply enjoy viewing cars. Families are invited to purchase dinner on the plaza, browse the displays and attend the evening service. No registration is required. For more, visit connectionpointe.org.
Council approves rezoning
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
The Brownsburg Town Council approved the final annexation and rezoning needed to complete the Reagan I-74 Logistics Center during its June 25 meeting, while removing data centers as a permitted use on the newly annexed property.
The council unanimously approved the conditional rezoning of a 4.47acre parcel at 8720 E. County Road 750 N. from agricultural to I2 industrial zoning in conjunction with its voluntary annexation into the town. The property is the final piece of the 317.5-acre Reagan I-74 Logistics Center, which includes land annexed and rezoned in 2024.
Planning Director Elizabeth Williams told council members the parcel is surrounded on three sides by the project’s first phase and that the requested zoning matches the rest of the industrial development. She said the applicant submitted the same development commitments previously approved for the logistics center.
During discussion, Council Member Travis Tschaenn questioned whether data centers should remain among the permitted uses, citing concerns about Brownsburg’s infrastructure and water capacity.
“I don’t believe our infrastructure here in town can support that,” Tschaenn said.
The applicant’s attorney said data centers were included because they are listed as a permitted use in the town’s zoning ordinance and matched the commitments approved for the project’s earlier phases. However, the applicant had no objection to removing the use from the commitments for the newly annexed parcel.
Williams said eliminating data centers from the list would make the zoning more restrictive and would not require the proposal to return to the Advisory Plan Commission.
The council amended the commitments to remove data centers as a permitted use before unanimously approving the rezoning.
Navigate back-to-school season with less stress
Commentary by Cindy Myers
The end of summer is a time when we are drinking in the last of the summer laziness and relaxation before transitioning to the rush of preparing for school. Here are four tips to help decrease stress during this busy season.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Adequate sleep activates the problem-solving part of our brain which helps us stay organized, avoid the distraction of urgent but unimportant tasks and keep our finances in order, to name a few. The minimum amount of sleep every human needs is 7 hours a night. If you struggle getting enough sleep, try a sleep story. These are audio stories that are designed to put you to sleep. Find them on the Calm or Smiling Mind apps.
ADD DOWN TIME TO YOUR CALENDAR. We all know that what isn’t on the calendar often doesn’t happen, but some of our best memories come from unexpected and unplanned moments. If every moment is scheduled, you will not have the time or energy to do spontaneous activities, which are some of the best times of summer.
CREATE AND WORK OFF A BUDGET. Return to school can be a bud-
get-busting time of year including paying for extracurricular activities, school supplies, new clothes, and more. Creating a budget helps you keep top of mind which purchases are necessary versus wishful thinking.
CREATE A HABIT OF HAVING FAMILY DINNER TIME (OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE TIME) AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. Use this time for each family member to share their 2-3 highs (good things that happened) and 2-3 lows (difficult things that happened) over the week. This allows for family problem-solving and celebration as the return to school happens.
The ideal return to school transition is one where you can smoothly slide into the school year still enjoying the end of the summer yet meeting all your back-to-school obligations. Using these tips will help you navigate this time of year with energy for what’s ahead and the calm of the lazy days of summer.
Cindy Myers is a physical therapist with Hendricks Regional Health Rehabilitative Services, Lifestyle Medicine and Population Health departments.
Health cost tool grows
news@youarecurrent.com
Indiana has expanded a state website with more information, meant to help Hoosiers compare health care prices and find quality care.
The website, established in 2020, has been updated with prescription resources, hospital cash prices and nearly two billion health care claims records from insurers and other sources to make it easier to know what one might pay for medical services — through insurance or cash — and compare costs, according to a news release.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) said the goals of the database are to better inform Hoosiers on health care costs, identify state health care needs, support policy and improve the quality and affordability of healthcare in the state.
“By expanding this database and adding more healthcare data, Indiana is giving Hoosiers greater transparency and helping create a more competitive healthcare marketplace,” Cash stated.
State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) said the updated prescription resources section has links to external programs like Trump RX and Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus.
Healthcare providers and laboratories also can voluntarily submit their pricing and service information to give patients access to even more data so they can make informed decisions. For more, visit indianahealthprices. in.gov.
Gross Lighting and Home expands into Indianapolis
A new name is helping shape the future of home design in Indianapolis.
Formerly Indiana Lighting, the showroom at 8060 Shadeland Ave. is now Gross Lighting and Home, bringing expanded offerings, a refreshed brand and a renewed commitment to helping customers create beautiful and functional spaces.
The transition marks the Indianapolis expansion of Gross Lighting and Home, a family-owned company led by Laurie Gross. With roots dating back more than 115 years and four generations of family leadership, the company has built its reputation on personalized service, industry expertise and a customer-first approach to lighting and home design. Today, Gross Lighting and Home operates locations throughout Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
While the Gross Lighting and Home name may be new to many Indianapolis customers, the company’s approach is centered on preserving the local relationships, expertise and community connections that made Indiana Lighting a trusted resource for homeowners, builders and designers.
The newly renovated Castleton showroom reflects that philosophy. Customers will find more than lighting fixtures. The space features decorative hardware, furnishings, home accessories and immersive displays that make it easier to explore design possibilities and visualize products within a completed space.
The expansion represents a new chapter built on a trusted local foundation. Rather than replacing what made Indiana Lighting successful, Gross Lighting and Home has focused on building upon it while maintaining
the personalized service and knowledgeable guidance customers expect.
“From the beginning, our priority was preserving the local relationships and expertise that customers value while creating an even more inspiring experience for homeowners, builders and designers,” said Laurie Gross, owner of Gross Lighting and Home. “We believe there is tremendous value in remaining locally connected and helping customers make confident decisions through personalized service and trusted expertise.”
Gross has spent decades helping grow one of the Midwest’s most respected independent lighting businesses while advocating for the importance of local ownership and industry expertise. At a time when many lighting showrooms have been acquired by national chains,
private equity firms or large distributors, she remains committed to the value of independent businesses and local decision-making.
Today, Gross Lighting and Home operates locations in Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Howell and Elk Rapids, Michigan and Indianapolis. As the company continues to grow throughout the Midwest, its approach remains rooted in relationships, service and community impact.
For Indianapolis customers, the result is a showroom experience designed to inspire confidence and creativity. Whether building a new home, renovating an existing space or selecting the finishing touches for a project, customers can find expert guidance, thoughtfully curated products and a team focused on helping them bring their vision to life.
Visit grosslighting.com to learn more.
Weather aware
Area resident puts meteorologist skills to use
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Central Indiana residents have a new option for up-to-date weather information after Justin Abbott of Westfield debuted his new 24-hour YouTube weather channel, just in time for a series of June storms that included one confirmed tornado.
AbbottWX wasn’t scheduled to go live until June 25, but with severe weather in the forecast the week prior, Abbott said he decided it was time.
“I felt like it warranted coverage,” he said. “And sure enough, the first night was the night that there was a strong EF2 tornado in Morgan County that I ended up covering live for an hour.”
Abbott, an insurance data analyst, has a meteorology degree and said he’s been interested in weather since he was 5 years old. He worked as a meteorologist right after college, but eventually took a different career path. However, that didn’t dampen his interest in weather.
“Recently, I started thinking to myself about doing, like a bunch of people have online, just a streaming channel that comes online during severe weather episodes,” he said. “Eventually, I decided, why not just make it a whole 24/7, 365, round-the-clock thing that people can tune into whenever there is severe weather? And when there isn’t, they get just whatever is going on.”
Abbott said his YouTube channel is aimed at people who miss the oldschool Weather Channel, which had regular, low-drama weather forecasts. Most of the time, AbbottWX streams weather data from a computer, with smooth jazz accompanying the stream.
“It’s running off a dedicated mini PC … that’s been loaded up with a whole bunch of code that goes and pulls data from the weather service,” he said. “I have the ability to go in and alter any forecasts that I don’t necessarily agree with, or I feel like needs tweaked for one reason or another.”
And when the weather gets spicy, Ab-
bott can break in with live updates. He said weather is fascinating because it always changes and it affects everyone.
“It’s something that we all have to deal with. It’s something that is omnipresent in your life, no matter what,” he said. “I had a healthy fear of storms as a kid, as most meteorologist origin stories start out, but as I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve gotten to the point where I wanted to deliver people a forecast, but without all the hype and the exaggeration.”
Abbott said he’s not out to get rich or famous from his channel — his goal is to inform people.
“I just want to tell people what’s going on and let the weather be the star of the story, and not me,” he said. “I have my name on the channel, but that’s just so people know that there is a person behind the operation and it’s not just a computer sending data out into the void.”
Abbott’s weather channel can be found at youtube.com/@abbottwx_tv. He also has a website, abbottwx.com, and is on Facebook, facebook.com/ abbottwx.
Menards hosting food drive — Local Menards stores will serve as a drop site for nonperishable food donations for local pantries through July. Collection boxes will be at store exits.
Justin Abbott’s YouTube weather channel includes a 24-hour livestream of current central Indiana weather, with real-time updates during significant weather events. (Screenshot from AbbottWX)
COMMUNITY
LEGENDARY LEADER
Community supports Scoutmaster during cancer battle
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
In June, Brownsburg resident Chris Koczan gathered his Scouts BSA troop a week before its annual summer camp and said, “Gentlemen, your Scoutmaster has cancer.”
Immediately, the kids were concerned, with one asking if he was going to die. He told them that they were all going to die one day, but he was not planning on it any time soon.
Koczan, 63, was diagnosed with high-grade, Stage IV osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer typically found in those aged 10 to 30, in May. He started treatments in mid-June. He is still involved in the troop despite starting chemotherapy and not being able to attend as many in-person activities.
Koczan joined Cub Scouts in 2009 with his son, served as Cubmaster, transitioned alongside him to Scout BSA Troop 303 in 2012 and has served as scoutmaster since 2018 despite his son earning the Eagle Scout rank in 2017.
When the troops needed a new patron organization in 2015, Koczan used his four years in the U.S. Marines to join American Legion Post 331. The organization sponsored the program and Koczan became the post’s Youth Leadership Development liaison. He said his military service shaped his humor and attitude.
“He is well-beloved by all the Scouts and the people who know him, but still respected. He can be serious when he needs to, but silly and fun when he doesn’t need to,” Paul Burgeson, an assistant Scoutmaster in Legendary Troop 303, said. “It’s a really good balance. He’s always looking for opportunities and ways to make things better.”
There is another Troop 303 on the north side of Indianapolis that had its roster mixed up with the Brownsburg troop. After that, Koczan decided to call the group the Legendary Troop 303 to differentiate the two. Plus, he encourages kids to strive to be legendary every day.
He said leadership begins with “showing up and caring.” Throughout the weekly meetings, he encourages the Scouts to strive for excellence and avoid settling for average.
“You can be average if you want, but it’s boring,” Koczan said. “It’s so much more fun when we try for
wow.”
Koczan also was behind the troop that established one of central Indiana’s first female troops after girls became eligible to join Scouts BSA in 2019. The decision led to Marion and Hendricks counties’ first female Eagle Scouts.
Watching his Scouts develop and grow in their time in the troop is what keeps him coming back every year.
“The thing that keeps me going in the program is the fact that I get to see these young men and ladies grow up,” Koczan said. “Seeing their growth over time, their leadership development, their skills, that’s what keeps me coming back.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Koczan hand-delivered custom neckerchiefs to Scouts at their homes, so their accomplishments were recognized even if they could not hold an official ceremony. He also organized help after a Scout’s family home burned.
“He immediately rallied other scout leaders and other scouting families to help us in our time of need. That’s just the kind of person he is,” said Chris Beasley, Legendary Troop 303’s committee chairman. “I think more youth in our community could use leaders like Mr. Koczan in their lives.”
Since starting treatments, Koczan can’t participate in as many troop activities or work. The Brownsburg community has shown its support through yellow “Koczan Strong” bracelets and donating to the “Support Chris Koczan’s Cancer Battle” GoFundMe page.
An interim Scoutmaster has been named to serve during his treatment. Koczan still works with him closely to make sure everything is running smoothly. Recently, the troop and assistant scoutmasters attended summer camp Koczan had planned before treatment.
“We stepped up our game, we elevated, we did everything the way that Koczan would want us to do things,” Beasley said. “Our program keeps going because he has built leaders … I would not have stayed with Troop 303 (after my son moved on) if Mr. Koczan wasn’t there.”
ON THE COVER: Chris Koczan has been Legendary Troop 303’s Scoutmaster since 2018. (Photo courtesy of Chris Koczan)
Chris Koczan before and after shaving his head following his first round of chemotherapy. (Photos courtesy of Chris Koczan)
Chris Koczan with his pet pugs.
Cruz embraces chaos in ‘Play That Goes Wrong’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Nathalie Cruz knew the “wrong” play was right for her.
The Carmel resident will appear in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which runs from July 16 through Aug. 23 at the Indianapolis venue. The comedy follows an accident-prone theater group that attempts to stage a murder mystery.
“This was one of my favorite shows I’d seen some nine years ago in New York City,” Cruz said. “I had no idea what I was about to watch and had a ball. I’ve never laughed so hard. I said, ‘I don’t know how and when, but one day I will belong in this ensemble to do this show.’ So, having this opportunity to do it is really exciting.”
Cruz plays the role of Annie Twilloil. She has performed in three shows at Beef & Boards, with “The King and I” being the first in 2024.
“Nothing beats that first experience,” she said. “I had a great time with my cast then and the whole production team was amazing. Bringing life to the iconic Lady Thiang role was an opportunity I can’t pass up. I find her iconic song was a treat, not just for me, but for the audiences who love Rodgers and Hammerstein music. So, that left a good impression on me that maybe coming back again to the Beef would be a good idea. Then I got to be a part of ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘Tootsie,’ which were both equally fun, and again I had fantastic experiences.”
She played Suzi in “Tootsie” in 2025. She was joined in the show by Joey Boos, who also is in “The Play That Goes Wrong.”
Cruz took a break from acting after the COVID-19 pandemic closed theaters in March 2020.
“The COVID era really did a number on me, thinking I won’t and cannot go back to performing ever again,” she said. “Now that I’m back doing shows whenever possible while juggling my daytime work as a (beauty-personal) stylist and my travels, I find myself back at it again, like that pause never happened.”
Cruz said between commercial gigs and readings and developing new material, she performs in two or three shows a year. She said it’s not as much as she used to do with performing in back-to-back shows.
“Life-plans change over time, and traveling while young is on my agenda,” she said. “Whenever you see me on stage, I make sure it counts and it’s something I really want to do.”
Cruz performed with her husband, Ian Cruz, in “The King and I.” Then later in 2024, they were in SiteLines Indy’s production of “Side Man.” Whenever the opportunity arises, she enjoys performing with him.
Cruz said one truly enjoyable performance was when they played opposite each other as Anita and Bernardo in Civic Theatre’s “West Side Story.”
In addition, she played the title role of “The Drowsy Chap-
Nathalie Cruz and Joey Boos perform in “Tootsie” at Beef & Boards. Both are returning to Beef & Boards for “The Play That Goes Wrong.” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)
erone,” and Ian was Aldolfo in the Civic Theatre production.
“That one was a hilarious experience because we can’t keep a straight face with our scenes,” she said.
Cruz was born in Manila, Philippines. She was part of a dance company that performed in Manila.
The couple, who have lived in Carmel since 2012, are graduates of the University of the Philippines. Cruz’s degree is in broadcasting and Ian has an engineering degree.
“We both share the love for theater and performing arts,” she said. “I was a full-time dance performer while he was busy doing plays. I met him when I was hired as a choreographer for a musical play. He initially ignored me, thinking I was old, or older. He said the tight hair bun was the culprit. We’ve been laughing our buns off since then.”
The computer programming scare of Y2K in 2000 prompted the couple’s move to the U.S.
“Ian was an IT guy and I was a young 24-year-old mom of three,” she said. “I don’t know how we did it, but Ian and I were literally fearless then. I guess traveling far has been in our blood all along. Indiana wasn’t really our solid choice for us to settle in, but as months passed and years came in search for the perfect state to live in, we forged friendships here in Indy in the process. We kept looking when home really was here all along.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through July 16 through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Postmodern Jukebox Presents Scott Bradlee and Miche Braden is set for July 15, followed by Dueling Pianos July 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SOMETHING ROTTEN!’
“Something Rotten!” concludes July 1519 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
‘ALICE
IN WONDERLAND’
Main Street Productions presents “Alice in Wonderland” July 16 to 26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
SONGBOOK SHOWCASE
The Songbook Academy performers will hold a concert at 7 p.m. July 16 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
SONGBOOK
ACADEMY IN CONCERT
The Songbook Academy in Concert is set for 7 p.m. July 18 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is set to perform at 6 p.m. July 17 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.
ATI honors Indiana composers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Actors Theatre of Indiana Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell is returning to a tribute to Indiana composers Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter he created nearly 30 years ago.
“Hoagy and Cole: Indiana Music on My Mind” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. The performance is a fundraiser for ATI’s season.
“It’s a new version of this show,” Murrell said. “I was actually commissioned to write the show almost 30 years ago for (former owner) Dick Pletcher at Amish Acres and the Round Barn Theatre (in Nappanee).”
Murrell said Round Barn previously staged a cabaret-style revue of Carmichael and Porter.
“But Dick wanted something that fleshed out their lives a little more, so he hired me to write the show,” Murrell said. “People just loved it. The way I conceived it was to research actual articles,
autobiographies, biographies, television and radio interviews with Hoagy and Cole or about them by their contemporaries. I strung together the narrative of the show using their own words, so I did little in terms of editorializing or adding very much.”
Murrell then paired the songs with the particular stories from their lives.
“I used the music to frame some of those moments,” he said.
Murrell, ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, Don Farrell and Julie Lyn Barber will provide the chorus. Farrell is an ATI co-founder.
“We’ll play various people in those composers’ lives as well as serve as narrators of the show,” Murrell said.
Terry Woods plays the piano on the Hoagy Carmichael parts on the upright piano, and Keith Potts plays Cole Porter songs on the baby grand piano.
“They will play, sing and do some acting as well,” Murrell said.
Murrell said Feinstein’s is the perfect setting for the show.
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Murrell
ADVANCE
Actress revisits ‘Footloose’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Ashlynn Stone, returning to performing in “Footloose” will be a special experience.
Stone plays Vi Moore, the wife of the Rev. Moore, in Footlite Musicals’ Young Artists Production of “Footloose,” set for July 17-26 at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis. Cast members range in age from 13-18.
Stone, a 15-year-old Fishers resident who will be a sophomore at Mt. Vernon High School, appeared in the school’s production of the musical “Footloose” in 2025.
“I was in the adult ensemble and I had immediately fallen in love with the music and the message,” she said. “The movie has also become one of my favorites since then. It’s been so fun to do the show again, but performing it from a different perspective.”
The story is about a city teenager who moves to a small conservative town.
“Vi has been such a fun character to portray because she has a lot of
emotional range that I’ve never really gotten to explore in past roles I’ve played,” Stone said. “Vi carries a lot of frustration and quiet strength beneath the surface, and balancing the layers of her character has been such a fun challenge. I’ve truly loved the experience. This cast and crew have been so supportive from Day 1.”
“Footloose” directors Rick and Chris Barber also directed Stone in the Mt. Vernon High School production.
Ben Hilger, 16, a junior homeschool student from Noblesville, saw the movie for the first time about two weeks before auditioning began.
“This is my first show I’ve ever been a part of with Footlite,” he said. “My mom (Kristin Hilger) is how I got connected to it because she’s performed twice there and was the props master for ‘Kinky Boots.’ I’ve got a small role with only four lines but it’s still four lines I can make my own.”
For more, visit footlite.org/show/ footloose/.
Stone
Where to insert the thermometer
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Each month, we receive an actual newsletter called On Health. It’s brought to you by the people who create Consumer Reports. I guess the folks over there were tired of test-driving Teslas and rating fruit blenders, which are now equipped with Bluetooth, or, if you’re using strawberries, Redtooth.
This month’s cover highlighted a few interesting stories.
NEW WAYS TO LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL
I only skimmed the article because I was just starting to dig into a pint of Cherry Garcia. There was a lot of talk about LDL and HDL, but I said what the hell and finished my treat. They also recommended a new test that predicts your risk of a heart attack over the next 30 years. I was hoping to do poorly on that exam. A coronary when I’m 110? Sign me up.
Another article was:
AVOIDING BUG BITES
Because ticks like long grass, you see a depiction of a man mowing his lawn wearing a long jacket to cover his entire body and what appears to be earmuffs to cover his ears because mosquitoes love
to bite you in that area. The next article should be how to deal with your husband coming into the house and collapsing from heat stroke.
The man mowing the lawn is wearing sunglasses, which is why he can’t see the antlered deer lurking just outside his fence. The buck is hoping his ticks will find a human host. Then you are advised to examine your body carefully and, if you see one of these nasty creatures, immediately visit CR.org/ Ticks. I bet this is a tricky (I mean, ticky) way to get you to go to their website.
And finally, this article:
WHEN YOUR FACE IS RED:
It might be rosacea — a condition where your face turns red, you have pimple-like breakouts and feel flushed.
Before you panic and visit another medical website, you might just be standing too close to the grill.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
