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CITY OF NOBLESVILLE CELEBRATES FOURTH OF JULY
The City of Noblesville presented its annual Fourth of July Parade throughout downtown Noblesville. The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville served as the grand marshal, sporting a float inspired by the club’s Gamesroom. The Fireworks Festival slated at Forest Park was canceled because of inclement weather, but the city allowed the fireworks show to conclude the evening. (Photos by Hannah VanLandingham)
Parade participants hand out candy to attendees. Some participants passed out bottled water and popsicles to help the crowd cool down on the hot day.
The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville serves as the grand marshal of the parade.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and his two daughters greet parade spectators.
Spectators line the streets of downtown Noblesville July Fourth.
A small doag soaks up the attention of the crowd, riding along as a parade participant.
The Noblesville High School Marching Millers play a mix of festive pieces as well as NHS classics like their fight song.
Hamilton County
July 16-20, 2026
Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds
2003 Pleasant St, Noblesville, IN 46060
Community space restored
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Following a late-afternoon fire that engulfed the garage at The Gathering House in Noblesville in February, the community space has reopened.
The Gathering House is a historic home in downtown Noblesville that Faith Community Church purchased in 2023 for the community to use for programs, classes, art installations and events. The garage is the facility’s largest meeting space.
Patrick Propst, a pastor at Faith Community Church, said the cause of the fire was never determined.
“I was notified by a neighbor who lived next door that they noticed smoke coming out of the garage,” Propst said. “I rushed right over, but by then it was already too hot for me to go inside and try and put it out with a fire extinguisher.”
Propst said although damage was minimal, it was enough to cause about $75,000 in repairs. He said the church has held fundraisers to raise money for restoration work the last several months.
“We raised about $20,000 in support through Nickel Plate Express,” Propst said. “They gave us one of their cars to host a trivia night. Peterson Architecture was a very generous donor with some funds, and Gaylor Electric donated
their time and resources to finish some of the electrical work. We still needed about $20,000, and thankfully we had a rainy day fund to kind of cover that. We’re still trying to hold a couple fundraisers to build that back up.”
A grand reopening was held July 7 with light refreshments and a chance for people to see restorations. It also featured a VIP hour for key contributors and donors of the project.
“The goal was to get it open in time for summer, and we did that,” Propst said. “We weren’t expecting to do an open house, but we had a number of people in the community who kept reaching out and asking how the restoration was going. The community has been so engaged and thoughtful through this entire process, so we wanted to thank them and invite them out to come see the space.”
For more, visit tghnoblesville.com/ home.
Democrat candidates file
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Democratic Party has announced four new candidates for county office in the 2026 general election in November.
The candidates are Ti’Gre McNear for Hamilton County Commissioner, District 1; Charles Hollowell for Hamilton County Sheriff; Alexandra Wilson for Hamilton County Clerk; and Doug May for Hamilton County Council, District 3. Party officials say the candidates join a growing Democratic ticket.
“Across Hamilton County, Democratic candidates are stepping forward because they believe our communities deserve thoughtful, accountable leadership and real choices at the ballot box,” stated Josh Lowry, chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party. “The
enthusiasm we’re seeing from candidates, volunteers and voters reflects the momentum building across our county. Every office matters, and we’re proud to offer strong candidates who are committed to serving their neighbors.”
For more, visit hamcodemsin.org.
From left, Democrats Charles Hollowell, Alexandra Wilson, Ti’Gre McNear and Doug May have filed to run for Hamilton County offices in November. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Democratic Party)
The Gathering House garage following the fire. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Propst)
VETERANS HONORED FOR SERVICE
Five U.S. military veterans who reside at The Crossings of Noblesville each receive a Quilt of Valor during a July 2 ceremony in the facility’s dining hall. Each quilt is a different pattern and has the veteran’s name, branch of service and date served and are given as a thank-you for their service. Dolores McNabb, a resident at The Crossings, has spearheaded the project since moving to the facility approximately three years ago. She has made more than 200 quilts herself and helped more than 30 veteran residents receive the recognition.
(Photo courtesy of The Crossings of Noblesville)
Lantern makes local stops
news@currentnoblesville.com
Hamilton County residents had the opportunity to experience a unique aspect of American history last month as Indiana’s Revolutionary Lantern made stops across the county, part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The lantern, which represents the signal displayed in Boston’s Old North Church April 18, 1775, traveled throughout Hamilton County June 26-28, appearing at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, the Time Traveler’s Ball at Coxhall Gardens, the Arcadia Train Depot, the Spark!Fishers Parade and Westfield Washington Public Library.
Throughout the weekend, the Hamilton County Historical Society encouraged residents to preserve family memories and personal experiences by sharing them with local historical organizations.
“History isn’t just found in books and archives,” Hamilton County historian Jessica Layman stated. “It lives in the memories of the people who experi-
Josh Tousey dresses as Paul Revere at the Time Traveler’s Ball. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
enced it. By recording and preserving family stories today, we ensure that future generations understand not only what happened in Hamilton County, but how it felt to live, work, celebrate and build a community here.”
The Hamilton County stop was part of a statewide initiative led by the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution and the Indiana America 250 Commission. Ten symbolic lanterns are traveling to all 92 Indiana counties before going on permanent display at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.
WHAT ARE WATERWISE WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR LAWN?
A.Water no more than 2x a week
B.Water before 7AM
C.Water for 30 minutes or less
D.All are WaterWise
Answer is: D! All of these tips are WaterWise.
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During hot, dry weather events approximately 50-70% of all drinking water produced in Central Indiana is used for watering lawns. Automated irrigation systems use the largest volume.
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Little steps can make a big difference.
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OAG targets area doctor
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has filed a complaint against a former Hamilton County-area doctor, saying 22 of his patients died after allegedly being prescribed a drug combination known as the “Holy Trinity.”
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office did not respond to requests for a copy of the complaint or comment on the case. A copy of the complaint was obtained by Current via Angela Ganote of Fox 59. The accused, Dr. Napoleon Maminta Jr., is an osteopathic physician who has previously practiced in Noblesville and Carmel. The OAG analyzed data regarding Maminta’s prescribing of controlled substances between January 2017 and January 2022, finding that during this time, approximately 22 of his patients died due to an overdose or drug toxicity. The complaint says he prescribed a drug combination that includes an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a skeletal muscle relaxant to several patients who died. The investigation also found that during this time, Maminta wrote an av-
erage of 120 prescriptions for controlled substances per day.
“The ‘Holy Trinity’ is considered a dangerous drug combination due to the drugs all having a depressive effect on the central nervous system and the patient’s ability to breathe,” the complaint states. “These drugs together increase the chance of overdose in a patient. In addition, Carisoprodol has the ability to mask overdose symptoms.”
According to the complaint, Maminta signed a lease agreement with Naptown Priority Health in Indianapolis at 8801 N. Meridian St. in April 2023. The complaint says he paid rent regularly from June to December 2023 but then “disappeared.”
The complaint says he left behind 117 types of medications and two boxes of medical records, including patient information.
The OAG wants to take action against Maminta’s license, detailing 31 charges in the complaint.
Maminta is scheduled to go before the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana July 23. His license is still active.
Former gym owner sentenced
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The former co-owner of a Carmel fitness studio pleaded guilty earlier this month to domestic battery and received a one-year sentence.
Noblesville resident Brian Matthews, 52, was arrested in December 2025 and charged with felony strangulation and two counts of domestic battery after allegedly assaulting his wife during an argument. The state dropped the felony count and one count of domestic battery, according to the plea agreement.
“I recognize there are strong opinions about this case,” Matthews stated. “The initial public reporting had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. I believe there was evidence that was not reflected in the initial public reporting, including medical evidence that I believe did not support the most serious allegations that were originally made. After carefully considering the risks and uncertainty of a trial, and
after consulting with my attorney, I chose to resolve the case through a plea because I believed it was the best path forward for me and my family. I am not interested in relitigating the case in the media, but I do want people to know there was more to the story than the initial headlines conveyed.”
Hamilton County Judge William Hughes sentenced Matthews to 365 days in jail, with four days executed and 361 days suspended. Matthews spent two days in the Hamilton County Jail after his arrest and received good-time credit for two days, per state statute.
Matthews cannot contact his now ex-wife while serving his sentence and is required to complete an evaluation for the batterer’s intervention program and be evaluated for a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Matthews and his then-wife, along with another married couple, became co-owners of F45 training in Carmel’s Clay Terrace in 2024. They sold the business in April.
Matthews
DISPATCHES
Correction — Construction is expected to begin on the $44.9 million 146th and Hazel Dell Road project in the spring of 2027, with completion expected in the fall of 2029. The information was incorrect in the July 7 edition of Current in Noblesville.
Infrastructure projects receive funding — Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has announced more than $57.8 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Grant Program for four transportation infrastructure projects across Indiana. Noblesville’s Revolutionize State Road 37 project was awarded $12,000,000. The project will complete the final design for reconstruction of a 1.6 mile segment of Ind. 37; convert the corridor into a grade-separated highway; replace three signalized intersections with continuous-flow roundabout interchanges featuring pedestrian facilities; and include an overpass bridge, bridge replacement and additional access improvements.
Trivia night to benefit kids — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will have a college football-themed trivia night from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at BASH in Carmel. Tickets are $75 and proceeds will support the organization’s prevention education programs with parents, children and youth-organizations and schools. For more, visit indianaprevention.org.
Basketball Camp — The Noblesville Boom, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, will host a weeklong Jr. Hoops Summer Basketball Camp in partnership with The National Basketball Academy at Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile from July 20-24. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is open to boys and girls ages 7-15 of all skill levels. The camp will feature basketball training with an emphasis on individual skill development, including drills, skills contests and live games. Camp registration is $265 and includes a camp T-shirt and Boom swag, one ticket to a Boom home game during the 202627 season, a personalized evaluation and end-of-camp awards. To register, visit tinyurl.com/2zwa4kkt.
Westfield 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
Community Member Spotlight
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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.
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.
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
“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, Abbott can break in with live updates.
“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.
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)
Two dogs dead, woman charged
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
An Indianapolis woman faces charges of cruelty to an animal and torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal after two dogs died after being left inside a hot vehicle.
An initial hearing for the accused, Parina James, 35, was scheduled for July 10.
Cicero Police Department officers were dispatched to The Boathouse Restaurant at 409 W. Jackson St. in Cicero July 3 on reports of two dogs left in a hot vehicle.
The probable cause affidavit states that according to surveillance footage, James was inside the restaurant for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. After leaving the restaurant, she went across the street to get ice cream.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the first officer on scene observed James attempting CPR on a rottweiler. The officer took over lifesaving efforts and determined the dog had no pulse. The rottweiler was pronounced dead on scene.
The second dog, a goldendoodle, was found breathing but showing signs of distress. It was taken to a veterinary clinic in Fishers, where staff advised of its poor prognosis. Humane euthanasia was authorized by James via telephone.
Court documents state while getting ice cream, James observed her windshield wipers activating. She walked back to her vehicle and discovered the dogs in distress, saying she believed the dogs may have “manipulated the vehicle’s climate controls, causing the air conditioning settings to change.” She also told veterinary staff over the phone the dogs may have turned the vehicle off.
The probable cause affidavit states James told officers she left the vehicle running with the front windows lowered approximately one-third of the way before entering the restaurant. Officers observed the front driver and passenger windows lowered approximately one-third of the way, and when they turned on the vehicle, the air conditioning blower was on maximum and temperature controls were set to “Low.”
An officer stated the dogs turning the vehicle off would be inconsistent with the mechanical operation of the vehicle and observations on scene.
NOBLESVILLE LIONS CLUB RECOGNIZES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
James
From left, Noblesville Lions Club member Julia Kozicki with the club’s 2025 Irv Heath scholarship winner Nash Watson, who is now a student at Trine University, the 2026 academic scholarship winner Gwendolyn Pritsch, who plans to attend Purdue University, and the 2026 Minton Concannon scholarship winner Adalynn Gould, who plans to attend Butler University. The Noblesville Lions Club recognized its 2025 and 2026 high school scholarship winners at their June meetings. (Photo courtesy of the Noblesville Lions Club)
COMMUNITY
Cell tower approved
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Despite pushback from several residents, the Noblesville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a cellphone tower in a 4-1 vote at its July 6 meeting. It will be the city’s 94th tower.
The applicant, Harmoni Towers, received approval for a conditional use application to allow for the installation of a 195-foot monopole wireless telecommunications facility on the south side of Riverwood Avenue, approximately 1,900 feet east of Cumberland Road. The tower will sit on the northern third of the property, which is zoned R1 (low-density single-family residential) and FH (flood hazard).
There will be a 75-foot square fenced area around the tower and ground equipment for wireless providers. Although the tower can accommodate up to four carriers, Verizon Wireless is identified as the initial tenant and T-Mobile has expressed interest.
To satisfy Unified Development Ordinance requirements for a wireless telecommunications facility, Dave Coots, a representative from the applicant’s legal counsel, Coots, Henke and Wheeler, provided evidence detailing a 1-mile search ring centered near Allisonville Road and Cumberland Road, confirming a data and coverage gap in the area. He also explained that no existing structures or alternative towers within a 2-mile radius possess the necessary height or structural capacity to facilitate co-location and resolve the existing service gap.
Eight residents spoke against the tower.
Kenneth Odell, whose pasture is where the tower will be built, said a 195foot commercial cell tower is incompatible with the area’s 100-year history of agricultural use. As a local beekeeper with multiple hives on the property, Odell raised concerns about the negative impacts of cellular radio frequencies on pollinators and noted the area serves as a refuge for local wildlife.
“Almost on a daily basis, deer graze there,” Odell said. “I’ve got returning bobwhite quails starting to reoccur there. I’ve got wild turkeys back in the woods. I think most of us moved (to) this area (because) we didn’t want to live in the city. We didn’t want to live around commercial properties. I under-
stand (their) point of view, but it’s just not the right location.”
Susan Murphy, who lives 200 feet from the property, agreed that the tower will be incompatible with the natural character of the environment, and resident Matt Porter, who lives across from the property, argued that the project violates the standards of the Noblesville Unified Development Ordinance. Although the applicant said there is no evidence property values will decrease, Porter said everything he has read online says property values will be diminished by anywhere from 10 to 20 percent.
“I don’t want to lose that value,” Porter said. “Dropping a macro cell tower directly in front-facing views of established residential properties will severely injure local home values. Potential home buyers do not choose rural residential neighborhoods to look out their front window at a massive steel tower.”
Board member Kevin Sears cited population growth as a factor in his yes vote.
“I can appreciate completely that the area is very agriculture dependent,” Sears said. “I can also appreciate that the future of Noblesville’s population is (estimated to reach) 100,000, and it’s going to come out from north and east. Cell service is a utility, in my opinion, provided by a private entity. So, where there’s a gap, yes, there’s going to be a company making money, but yes, there is a gap that will need to be addressed for a growing community.”
Site map for the cell tower, which will be on the south side of Riverwood Avenue and 1,900 feet east of Cumberland Road. (Map courtesy of meeting documents)
Twin sisters cap softball careers in NCAA tourney
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Twin sisters Alicia and Victoria Flores have been inseparable nearly their entire lives.
Whether playing Little League softball at Lions Park, travel ball or high school ball for Guerin Catholic, wherever one went, the other was never far behind.
So, it’s only fitting that they celebrated the final chapter of their college softball careers together.
Alicia and Victoria capped their college careers by playing in the regionals of the NCAA Division I college softball tournament. The Norse made the tournament following three-consecutive one-run wins to win the Horizon League Softball Championship for only the second time in school history.
Alicia, one of the top pitchers for the Norse, held the Lady Volunteers to only three runs in a 3-1 loss. Victoria played left field. NKU was eliminated by Indiana the following game.
“It was great to go from our stadium and show what we worked for on a stage like Tennessee,” Alicia said. “I feel like it was a great end to my career.”
The sisters said they enjoyed the playoff atmosphere, the larger crowds and finishing their careers together. But it almost didn’t happen that way.
Alicia and Victoria’s paths diverged briefly following their standout careers at Guerin Catholic High School, where they led the Golden Eagles to a runner-up finish in the Class 3A state championship game in 2021.
Victoria committed to Lee University
Zionsville natives Alicia and Victoria Flores, in their final season, helped the Northern Kentucky Norse make the NCAA Division I softball tournament for the second time in school history. (Photo courtesy of Amy Flores) in Cleveland, Tenn., the fall of her senior year. Alicia received an offer from NKU in Highland Heights, Ky., the summer before she went to college. She originally committed to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
The occasion marked the first time the two were separated.
“I never played without her,” Victoria said. “I had never lived without her. It was really hard.”
Victoria transferred to NKU after her freshman season when the Norse offered her a roster spot.
“I had to work really, really hard,” Victoria said. “And I don’t think I could have done it without (Alicia), because we did it together.”
Today, the Flores sisters are back in Zionsville, where they spend a lot of time watching professional softball while finishing their graduate programs. Both were biology majors and plan to attend medical school.
Free Dinner & Joint Health Seminar
SATURDAY, JULY 18
6 p .m. – 11 p.m.
8 p .m. BLAIR CLARK AND THE FUN FACTOR BAND
The Fun Factor Band is a fun, upbeat, musically versatile, energetic band with quality musicians, strong vocals and experienced entertainers. Electrifying singer, Blair Clark, is the leader of the The Fun Factor Band.
The street party begins at 6 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors!
Don't forget your lawn chairs!
Area beekeepers share sticky sweet community
By Kaitlin Fallowfield news@youarecurrent.com
Tracy Pielemeier recalled the wave of guilt she felt when she passed the beehives in her backyard.
She knew the boxes were full of honey, but it was too late in the season to harvest it. It was 2012, and, up to that point, all she knew about beekeeping was a one-day class she’d taken to get started and the two years her dad kept hives on her property.
She was sure the hives were doomed.
“So fall came, winter came, and I walked past those beehives on my way to the barn multiple times every day, going, ‘I’m a terrible person. I’ve killed them. I can’t believe I’ve killed them,’” Pielemeier said. “In the spring, they came busting out of those hives. They were every bit alive and happy. I couldn’t believe it.”
She asked a local beekeeping business to help her harvest, and her colonies produced more than 100 pounds of the sticky-sweet nectar. When the Westfield resident reached out for community in the hobby, she found it in the Central Indiana Beekeepers Club, which meets in Holliday Park.
She found the group welcoming and knowledgeable, but the drive to Nora for meetings was becoming arduous. When Pielemeier announced she wanted to start a beekeeping club closer to home, she was surprised to find an enthusiastic group ready to establish one with her, and in 2014, the North Central Beekeepers Club began in Hamilton County — a regional club that’s open to anyone interested in beekeeping, regardless of experience level. It has members from Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville and Carmel – all eager to teach and learn.
“Beekeeping is so local with regard to the weather,” she said. “You can watch all the YouTube you want. However, people experiencing your exact weather are a huge help. You can text them a picture and go, ‘Is this normal?’”
During meetings, beekeepers share experiences through networking and presentations. In a way, the group has formed a hive of its own. What started as roughly a dozen members in 2014 has become a regular gathering of 40 to 60, who meet monthly at Cool Creek Park Nature Center.
Like others in the club, the hobby has turned into a business for Pielemeier.
“We were frustrated that there wasn’t anything clean and food-grade to bring your honey out of the hive and hold it to extract at your convenience.
The old-school method was just to pull the whole wooden box off and bring it in, but the box has no bottom, so wherever you sit it, it’s going to leak and ooze and get dirt on it and grass bits and all that,” she said.
She now travels to events to show off her Hive Butler, a special tote designed to help store, manage and transport the boxes.
Both clubs are part of The Beekeepers of Indiana, which comprises 33 clubs across the state. Every year, the clubs select someone brand new to the hobby as the recipient of the jumpstarter kit. That person receives free equipment that includes everything needed to start their own hives, as well as a mentor to guide them through their first year.
Pielemeier said the community brings a wealth of knowledge that can’t be replicated online.
“I have met lots of beekeepers in many, many places, and they are all universally motivated, interested, helpful, kind and generous. I am astonished at the community,” Pielemeier said. “Beekeepers are my tribe, so I’m so thankful to have found them.”
The North Central Indiana Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield.
From left, beekeepers Jan Kea, Laurie Hunt and Tracy Pielemeier take a group photo. (Photo courtesy of Tracy Pielemeier)
COMMUNITY
FUN FOR ALL
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As the opening of the Hamilton County 4-H Fair approaches, organizers are rolling out a new lineup of activities — from cornhole tournaments to neon dance parties — designed to connect the community.
The fair returns to 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville July 16-20. It will feature contests, special events, public activities, animals, displays and food. A livestock auction is set for July 21.
The fair features several new attractions, with highlighted events scheduled each day, according to 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Kathleen Bohde.
“We have created a new committee focused on community connections,” Bohde said. “We know we’ve been focused on fairground construction and construction around us with road work, so this year we’re focused on how we can bring the community at large to the county fair.”
A new event is an Open Flower Show. The contest is open to any Hamilton County resident, Hamilton County Extension Homemaker or Hamilton County Master Gardener over the age of 18. Entries are $2 per item and must be submitted for judging July 18 at the fairgrounds.
The theme is “Celebrating America, 1776-2026,” with categories designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Several other events will offer a chance for public participation, including a kids market July 17; an open food and craft show, an open cake contest and a homemade ice cream contest July 18; a youth pedal tractor pull, pet parade and Farmer Olympics July 19; and a talent show July 20.
Bohde said the new Bicentennial Building also will be prominent throughout the fair.
“Half of that building will contain our 4-H projects, but the other half is going to act as a flex space for events,”
Bohde said. “We also have a green area outside of that building where we are going to host a cornhole tournament, a glow crazy neon party with a DJ and we have an organization putting on some match games and a scavenger hunt. We’re really excited to have new events that will bring in not only our 4-H members but also connect with the community.”
All food vendors at the fair are nonprofits.
“They give back to not only their community, but the 4-H community, and we’re excited to highlight our churches, service organizations, 4-H clubs and producer groups taking great pride in the commodities they produce,” Bohde said.
Bohde said 4-H numbers have remained steady for the last few years. There are more than 60 project options for youth, ranging from aerospace and food to photography.
“We’re excited to highlight their work,” Bohde said. “A lot of times people see our fair and think we are just livestock. Our 4-H members take great
pride in what they have accomplished throughout the year, and the showcase of the county fair is a great avenue for that.”
There also is a new 4-H program called Unified 4-H, an inclusive program designed to bring together youth of all abilities through 4-H experiences.
“Our participants are known as champions, and they are paired with a trained 4-H member as a mentor who provides encouragement in 10 different project areas,” Bohde said. “This program has been inspired and funded by the memorial funds of Lucy Koch, who is a 4-H member that passed away two years ago. Her family has come together to honor her memory and help us launch this program. We have 23 mentors and 15 champions for this pilot year, and they work together on their projects, learn new skills and celebrate success as a team.”
Two events will showcase the Unified program, including a gallery walk at 6 p.m. July 16, when community members can see participants’ exhibits, and a noncompetitive livestock show at 6
p.m. July 17, when Unified program champions can demonstrate the knowledge, confidence and teamwork they have developed with their mentor. For more, visit extension.purdue. edu/county/hamilton/hamilton-county-fair/4-h-fair.html.
ON THE COVER: The
CONTINUING CONSTRUCTION
As construction continues on improvements throughout the fairgrounds, parking will be limited. Attendees are encouraged to use newly paved spaces west of the Llama Barn or the back grass area of the 14 acres and to avoid parking on newly seeded areas with straw.
Kathleen Bohde, 4-H youth development extension educator, looks forward to showcasing new spaces that have been completed as part of Phase 1 of improvements.
“The Bicentennial Building is open and has been available for rentals, so that has been a great space for the community to come into,” Bohde said. “Our Llama Barn opened at last year’s county fair, and we were able to utilize that space, so we’re excited to continue to grow and bring additional shows into that area. We also have redone the fencing around the horse arena this year, so we are excited for that construction to be done and to have a safe environment for our horses to have their shows throughout every day at the county fair.”
Fundraising is underway for the next phase of construction. Renderings will be on display at the fair.
Hamilton County 4-H Fair returns with community-focused activities
Hamilton County 4-H fair will run July 16-20. (Photos courtesy of Purdue Extension Hamilton County)
A livestock auction will take place July 21. (Photos courtesy of Purdue Extension Hamilton County)
Local dentistry relocates
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Hyde Park Dentistry, a family and cosmetic dental practice owned by Dr. Greg Hopkinson, has relocated to 13675 Brooks School Rd. in Noblesville.
A grand-opening celebration featuring a local food truck, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, tours and giveaways will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at the new facility.
Hopkinson bought the practice, formerly Hamilton Town Dentistry, nine years ago. He said his lease was up at his building in Hamilton Town Center, and the business outgrew the space.
“We have a growing team and list of patients, so we want to offer more availability,” Hopkinson said. “The biggest need was being able to see patients more timely, and not having to schedule people out as far.”
The practice offers services like cleanings for adults and children, Invisalign, implants and root canals, among other treatments.
“We have four different intraoral scanners, which are 3D scanners that
go in the mouth and create a 3D model of teeth,” Hopkinson said. “We also can 3D print for our implant cases, night guards and models to make retainers. We have 3D X-rays as well for implants, root canals and seeing if there’s any cracked teeth.”
Hopkinson said he enjoys being based in Noblesville and looks forward to opening the larger space.
“Noblesville is a great community,” Hopkinson said. “We take pride in what we do (and) we’re excited to show what we can offer to existing and prospective patients.”
For more, visit dentistnoblesville. com.
The new Hyde Park Dentistry office at 13675 Brooks School Rd. in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Hyde Park Dentistry)
BUSINESS LOCAL
The Pretender opening set
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Clancy’s Hospitality, a Noblesville-based company that owns Michaelangelo’s, Grindstone and The Fountain Room, is preparing to open The Pretender, its newest spot for dining, drinks and music in Noblesville.
The restaurant and music concept is set to open July 29. It will offer food, high-end cocktails and a state-of-theart music listening environment.
“It’ll be a more upscale experience than anything on the square,” said Blake Fogelsong, owner and director of operations. “We sourced all Tannoy hi-fi speakers for the concept and are putting in a 1970s vintage reel-to-reel machine. I think it’ll be super unique and fun for guests to come in and experience the music side of the concept in addition to great food and hospitality.”
The Pretender will have a DJ booth. Fogelsong said he plans nights when guests can bring in their own vinyl albums to play.
Uncanned Music, a Chicago-based business, curated the sound system for
the business, creating mixes designed specifically for The Pretender.
Although The Pretender is opening during the Embrace Downtown infrastructure project, Fogelson doesn’t expect any problems with the launch.
“This is our third establishment in Noblesville, so we know we have good clientele and a good support base here,” Fogelsong said. “We’re excited about everything that the city is doing and how the finished project is going to look.”
For more, visit thepretender.com.
INDIANAPOLIS COLLECTIBLES SHOW
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 personalized ser vice 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, ser vice and community impact.
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
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.
Advertorial
A speak wall is being installed at The Pretender. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Indie Coffee’s eco push
By Brittney Dial Testin news@youarecurrent.com
Indie Coffee Roasters, which has shops in Noblesville and Carmel, has strenghtened its committment to sustainability.
Those efforts were highlighted during a recent gathering at the shop’s roastery and production headquarters on Gradle Drive in Carmel. The event included a discussion on sustainability in the coffee industry from farm-level production to shop-level consumption led by Lucas Wuestefeld, the shop’s sustainability manager, PC Campbell, its head roaster, and Brian Hensley of Finca Terrerito coffee farm, ICR’s new sustainability partner in Honduras.
“(Finca Terrerito) and the coffee itself are kind of trailblazers in the region in terms of regenerative ag,” Wuestefeld said. “The farm itself has put in a lot of work to quantify the impact they are having, even going as far as hiring biologists.”
ICR also introduced its new garden space, which features raised vegetable beds made from reused pallet wood and burlap coffee bags. In addition, the backyard garden uses compost collected
from ICR coffee grounds throughout the winter.
The garden has six raised beds that are being used by employees to grow a variety of vegetables and fruits for the staff to enjoy.
“One of our mantras is to leave it better, whether that’s interaction with our customers or long-term business relationships with farms, or our producers around the world, we want to leave better relationships and better impact on the world around us” Wuestefeld said.
Learn more at IndieCoffeeRoasters. com.
Kroger to acquire Giant Eagle
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@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 Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, including Market District stores in Carmel and Westfield. 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 customer 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.
From left, Indie Coffee Roasters Coffee Tech/ Production Manager Kyle Staser and Roaster/ Sustainability Manager Lucas Wuestefeld. (Photo courtesy of Indie Coffee Roasters)
HEALTH
Tournament supports patients
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Riverview Health Foundation raised more than $120,000 June 25 at its 34th annual Heartfelt Thanks Golf Tournament at Pebble Brook Golf Club.
More than 300 golfers and volunteers attended the sold-out event. Proceeds will directly benefit patients and programs at Riverview Health, supporting the foundation’s mission as it marks its 50th anniversary of service to the community.
“This event reflects the incredible generosity and commitment of our community,” Megan Wiles, vice president of foundation and community affairs at Riverview Health, stated. “As we celebrate 50 years of giving, we are proud that the proceeds from this tournament will support new equipment, patient care initiatives and community health programs, ensuring Riverview Health can meet the evolving needs of the community we serve.”
The Riverview Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Riverview Health. It raises funds to purchase medical equipment, support caregivers and
Volunteers at the 34th annual Heartfelt
Thanks Golf Tournament June 25. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Health)
fund patient care programs. Since its establishment in 1976, the foundation has raised more than $15 million to directly impact the local community.
“Every dollar raised helps expand access to high-quality care and supports the programs that make Riverview Health an essential resource for our community,” stated Polly Craig, philanthropy officer of the Riverview Health Foundation. “We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s tournament.”
For more, visit donate.riverview.org.
Hospital earns certification
news@currentnoblesville.com
In recognition of its commitment to best practices in infant safe sleep, Riverview Health has achieved certification as a Gold Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital for the second consecutive year.
According to hospital officials, the distinction reflects the organization’s adherence to the guidelines established by the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.
“Earning (this) certification reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our most vulnerable patients,” stated Tammi Newcomer, chief nursing officer at Riverview Health. “By modeling evidence-based safe sleep practices and empowering families with education, we are helping create safer environments for infants both in our care and at home.”
Cribs for Kids is a national safe sleep initiative focused on reducing infant mortality through education, advocacy and outreach.
“Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of infant mortality, claiming the
lives of approximately 3,400 infants each year,” stated Dr. Michael H. Goodstein, neonatologist and medical director at Cribs for Kids. “We know that caregivers often model what they observe in the hospital. By demonstrating safe sleep practices and providing education to families, hospitals play a vital role in helping reduce these preventable deaths.
The Cribs for Kids program recognizes hospitals that make this important commitment.”
Ashley Wilson, director of women’s health services at Riverview Health, said the hospital is committed to ensuring every newborn and infant at Riverview Health receives the highest level of care, and said staff members have worked diligently to meet the requirements to earn the certification.
The health system provides comprehensive women’s health services and provides patients with clear information about care options and guidance to make informed decisions.
For more, visit riverview.org/services/ maternity.
Carmel actress lands coveted role
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, 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-toback 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 Chaperone,” 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 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.
Nathalie Cruz, left, 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)
Cruz
ENTERTAINMENT
NHS grad plays biggest role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
In her final role in a youth production, Lilah Cross faces her biggest challenge.
The 2026 Noblesville High School graduate has the title role of Alice in Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Alice in Wonderland,” which runs July 16-26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
“This is the largest role I’ve had in a show so far,” she said. “I’ve never played a leading role in a performance, so that’s a big change for me. It’s a lot of work, but I really love it.”
Cross said Alice is a fun character.
“She’s very sassy and kind of grows throughout the show and I like portraying that on stage,” said Cross, who will double major in multimedia journalism and theater at Loyola University in Chicago. “I’m used to playing younger roles in all my performances. I really like the youthful energy there is in portraying her.”
Sydney Weitz, who will be a junior at Carmel High School next month, plays the Queen of Hearts.
in Wonderland.” (Photo courtesy of Amber Roth)
“I really enjoy playing the villainous characters,” she said. “From an audience perspective, it can be really hard to justify her actions.”
Carmel resident Amelie Thibodeau, a homeschooled junior, appears in two performances as the Queen of Hearts’ understudy.
Jack Fentz, a rising senior at Noblesville High School, plays the Mad Hatter.
Rylie Cuellar, a Zionsville resident who will be a junior at Herron High School, plays the Cheshire Cat. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
Actress gets ‘Footloose’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Ashlynn Stone, returning to performing in “Footloose” is 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.
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 especially love the second act of the show because that’s when Vi finally speaks out about how her voice has been ignored over the years.”
Stone Hilger
“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.”
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
“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. He plays a police officer.
“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.’
For more, visit footlite.org/show/ footloose/.
Amelie Thibodeau, left, and Lilah Cross perform in “Alice
BATHROOMS ADA BATHROOM REMODEL
ATI to host tribute to 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). I was doing some programming, performing and directing and various things with them.”
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.”
“Michael Feinstein’s commitment to the Great American Songbook is obviously legendary, and this show is nothing but Great American Songbook standards. And then to be in the Hotel Carmichael, playing Hoagy Carmichael’s music in that space, I just think it’s the perfect fit.”
– DARRIN MURRELL
in Portland. He later presented it at Muncie Civic Theatre and other venues. He said the success encouraged him to create two other shows about composers in the same style. One show is about George and Ira Gershwin and the other is about Harold Arlen and Jerome Kern.
Barber, Murrell’s wife, has performed in the Hoagy and Cole show in the past.
“It was exciting to me to have Don and Judy knowing their talents and their voices,” Murrell said. “I went back to it and reshaped it. We’ve never done it with a chorus of four. We’ve usually done it with a chorus of three. I added a couple of songs and took away a couple of songs and played to the strengths of the people we have. I’m excited to see this latest iteration of it.”
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.
After the original production, Murrell produced the show for a theater
Some of the characters that appear are at a dinner party with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who had an Indiana connection with Porter.
“Red Skelton makes an appearance,” Murrell said. “It’s a role I’ve never got to do before and I get to do Red’s famous ‘Guzzler’s Gin’ routine.”
Murrell said Feinstein’s is the perfect setting for the show.
“Michael Feinstein’s commitment to the Great American Songbook is obviously legendary, and this show is nothing but Great American Songbook standards,” Murrell said. “And then to be in the Hotel Carmichael, playing Hoagy Carmichael’s music in that space, I just think it’s the perfect fit.”
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Murrell Fitzgerald
Editor,
Vote ‘no’ on the operating referendum in November
The school board claims their operating referendum costs a harmless “$2.30 a month.” That is flat-out deception. They are hiking the tax ceiling from 37 to 57 cents — a massive 54 percent increase in legal taxing authority.
On an average $350,000 Noblesville home, that 57 cent cap represents a real maximum exposure of over $1,100 a year in referendum taxes. This is a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
Indiana Department of Education data exposes the truth. Noblesville’s operational spending surpasses $15,600 per student, nearly $4,000 more
per pupil than most Hamilton County peers and surrounding districts. These neighboring schools manage leaner budgets with superior fiscal restraint while consistently beating Noblesville in academic rankings. Baseline state data proves Noblesville’s daily operation is heavily bloated. This deficit isn’t caused by state tax caps or funding cuts. In fact, Noblesville already receives more baseline state funding per pupil than Carmel and Zionsville. Furthermore, Senate Enrolled Act 1 was passed to reduce your taxable base, not the school’s. By inflating their rate to 57 cents, the board is aggressively over-correcting, capturing
a massive buffer to absorb the tax relief intended for your wallet.
Our community cannot treat property taxes like an open checkbook. According to ATTOM Data reports, skyrocketing living costs have pushed Indiana to rank No. 1 in the nation for home foreclosure rates. Forcing a record-breaking tax ceiling on fixed-income seniors and struggling families to fund a bloated operational baseline, while facing contracting student enrollment, is the textbook definition of fiscal mismanagement.
Toby Eiler, Noblesville
The thermometer goes where?
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. 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.
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. 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.
SAFE GRILLING
This was not about preventing your apron from catching fire, but rather a closer look at the health issues associated with barbecuing. They say that cooking outside in the summer requires extra vigilance. I would also add extra salt and a marinade.
Check the temperature of the meat. They discussed the proper place to insert a thermometer. In a Consumer Reports study, most adults inserted thermometers in the wrong place. I wish my mother had known a better place to put a thermometer back in 1949, when I was a toddler (you may not be old enough to get that joke).
Two final warnings. First, remember that undercooked meat can make you very sick. Also, note that overcooked (charred) foods contain substances that can increase your risk of cancer. Maybe I should have sent this out before you murdered that ribeye on July Fourth.
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.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
16. Female horse
17. Shapiro’s, e.g.
18. Quickly
19. Trendy berry
20. *Salon01 options
23. Charged particle
24. Top-notch
25. Get the picture
26. Shutting off the audio
28. “Come again?”
30. Stocking stuffer
31. Former French coin
32. Soon, to a bard
34. Indiana tax ID
35. *Like some boots or stockings
38. ICU hookups
40. Caramel-filled candy
41. Actress Rene
45. Opp. of WNW
46. Food enhancer, for short
47. Have words with 48. Undress
50. Neil Young: “Piece of ___”
52. Slangy assent
53. *Major fuss at a ballroom dance contest
57. Upscale hotel in downtown Indy
58. Thrown for ___
59. Kunis of “Black Swan”
61. Discourteous
62. Zionsville’s county
63. CIA operatives
64. Old Russian ruler
65. Skin woes
66. Sponsor of the Hamilton County Fair, quite literally...and a hint to the answers of the starred clues
1. Ne’er-do-well
2. 60 minutes
3. Georgia city
4. Unlucky Roman number?
5. New England chowder
clam
6. Remove, as a brooch
7. Wise saying
8. “___ a deal!”
9. Shoe part
10. Mental picture
11. Small bags of scented powder
12. Formal speech
13. Full of spunk
21. Salad dressing choice
22. “Sorta” suffix
23. UN trade org.
27. Colts QB stats
28. Sounds from Santa
29. Numerical prefix
32. Wide-eyed
33. Stanley Cup grp.
34. Synagogue
36. 1040 org.
37. Pie chart alternative
38. Narrow land link with water on both sides
39. Type of porch
42. Through the roof
43. Sneakiness
44. “Alley ___”
45. Protective guard
46. Dashboard abbr.
47. Dull browns
49. More frosty
50. Sing like Bing Crosby
51. Arledge who created “Wide World of Sports” and “Nightline”
Christel House International in Indianapolis, Indiana is seeking a College & Careers Collaboration Coordinator to be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the College & Careers (C&C) Collaboration Program. Duties include promoting the program and its benefits; assessing and selecting partner schools; interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, supervising, and evaluating Career Coaches; developing and implementing strategies to improve program effectiveness and quality; monitoring program outcomes and generating reports and metrics; creating and reviewing curriculum materials, templates, forms, and procedures; and managing technological and program-related information using systems such as ZOHO and ClickUp. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Service, Human Resources, or a related field and experience coordinating teams. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to HR, 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 170, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
