


July 1, 2025
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
July 1, 2025
Current in Zionsville currentzionsville.com
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
More than 200 people attended a June 5 panel discussion at Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield on the state of health care in Indiana, hosted by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
President and CEO of Riverview Health
Dave Hyatt, Community Health Network
Vice President and Hospital Administrator
Derek McMichael, IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy and Ascension St. Vincent Carmel President Chad Dilley spent more than an hour answering questions about access to care; preventative care; controlling costs; collaborating with other health care providers; health care solutions for employers; Medicare and Medicaid; telehealth; legislation that affects health care; and workforce shortages in health care.
Murphy said IU Health provides 50 percent more trauma care than any other system in the state and treats 80 percent of children with pediatric cancers.
“Our goal at IU Health is to make Indiana one of the healthiest states,” he said. “We’re really making sure that for these very specialized things, you don’t have to leave Indiana to get your care.”
The leaders said a key component for best health outcomes is access to care.
“If we have six month wait times when you can’t get into your primary care doctor, that’s unfortunately when you’re going to end up in the emergency department, and that is going to lead to higher costs,” Hyatt said, adding that Riverview has worked in the past two years to advance its primary
care and gastroenterology specialties.
In terms of workforce, panelists said they often focus on people within their own systems to retain talent.
“We’re all competing for the same workers and the same resources, and it’s hard because there aren’t enough in the state,” said McMichael, adding that Community Health has started a pipeline for nurses, imaging professionals and behavioral health specialists, among others, to grow within the system.
Dilley said technology, like telehealth, is key to access for all.
“I don’t think about it from a convenience standpoint, I think of it from an access standpoint,” he said. “There are significant challenges with getting care to rural (communities) and I think telehealth is a way to navigate that. (Most of us) are optimistic,
Citizens announces board of directors appointee — Eric Scroggins, vice president and general counsel at Allison Transmission, was recently named to Citizens Energy Group’s Board of Directors. Selected by the Citizens Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors has primary oversight of the management team and long-term direction of the company. Prior to joining Allison in 2007, Scroggins served as general counsel for Product Action International; as an attorney with the law firm of Ice Miller; as deputy director of the Indiana State Personnel Department; and as a consultant for Waggoner, Irwin & Scheele. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a J.D. from Indiana University McK-
inney School of Law. Scroggins is filling a board seat vacated by Anne Nobles, who served on the Citizens Board of Trustees for five years and the Citizens Board of Directors for 20 years.
FreedomDoc welcomes new physician — FreedomDoc Zionsville recently announced Dr. Susan Jacob has joined its direct primary care practice, 114 N. Main St. Jacob is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine. She has worked with patients in Zionsville for 25 years. Direct primary care is a membership-based health care model that offers patients same- or next-day appointments,
Presenting on a state of health care panel are, from left, Westfield Chamber of Commerce Director Courtney Albright, President and CEO of Riverview Health Dave Hyatt, Community Health Network Vice President and Hospital Administrator Derek McMichael, IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy and Ascension St. Vincent Carmel President Chad Dilley. (Photo by Marney Simon)
and as leaders we are charged to figure these solutions out.”
The overarching message was that health care needs to reach all Hoosiers in order to have a healthy Indiana.
“There’s a component we all do related to public health, whether that’s advocating for smoking cessation programs and increasing the cigarette tax or how we think about infant and maternal mortality and having programs that are out in the community (for) prenatal and postnatal care,” Murphy said. “I think there’s a huge portion of what we do that is public health related, largely because there is not a huge infrastructure for that in the state and it falls to (health care providers) to really think about those things that are not directly related to receiving care but are critically important to the health of everybody in the community.”
direct communication with health care providers by phone or text and longer appointment times. Learn more at FreedomDoc.health.
Family Fun Day at Lions Park — The Zionsville Lions Club will host Family Fun Day for Diabetes Awareness from 1 to 4 p.m. July 20 at the Lions Club Park, 11053 Sycamore St. The free event includes bounce houses, games and crafts. Free screenings for Type 2 diabetes will be available. According to the Lions, more than one-third of Americans have pre-diabetes, and often do not know. Learn more at zionsvillelions.com.
3
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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 14
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Zionsville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Architectural Review Committee will provide grant funding in the Village after the Zionsville Town Council approved a resolution June 16 for an additional appropriation.
ZARC administers Zionsville’s Downtown Facade Rehabilitation grant — an incentive program offered to property owners in the Village business district to rehabilitate their building facades.
The committee meets monthly. ZARC projects were approved by the town council in 2024 for completion in 2025, but funds were not appropriated for those projects at the start of the year.
“Our committee has been in existence for over 20 years, and we’ve touched almost every historic building in the Village business district,” said Todd Rottman, president of ZARC. “We administer grants that pay up to 40 percent of exterior improvements for those businesses for any facade that is visible from a public way. Our involvement helps make sure that we
stick with the authenticity and the historic nature of the Village as well as making sure that we utilize the highest-quality materials for these buildings. The work that the town invests in will continue to contribute to the character of the Village
for years to come.”
Without funding, ZARC members met for regular meetings and also with Village businesses owners with advice for exterior improvements to their buildings that adhere to the look and feel of the Village.
Although funding was not originally appropriated for 2025, a $15,630 appropriation for ZARC from the food and beverage tax fund was approved by the council in June.
Councilors said more care should be put into the process of selecting projects and finding funding.
“I think that’s important for us to consider the process moving forward, given the projects that are being presented to ZARC,” Council President Jason Plunkett said. “They are good projects, and they do really good work. I think that we just need to make sure we come up with a process to fund ZARC.”
The downtown facade grant program was launched in 2008 with an appropriation of $50,000. The program provides grants of up to 40 percent of the qualified expenses for projects, with a maximum cap of $25,000.
The program was designed to stimulate investment in the Village through the rehabilitation of commercial buildings by offering financial and limited technical assistance for facade improvements.
Learn more at zionsville-in.gov under the government tab.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said despite a report on social media, there has been no activity in Zionsville by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A social media post on Facebook June 10 purported that ICE had surrounded a warehouse in Zionsville. Stehr said although federal law enforcement acts on its own authority, ICE had not been in contact with police in Zionsville, and there has been no known ICE activity in the town.
“Enforcing federal immigration law is not within the purview of the Zionsville Police Department. However, we maintain a strong working relationship with all our law enforcement partners at the county, state, and federal levels and will always work with them to promote the safety, security, and well-being of our constituents,” Stehr stated.
In response to a media inquiry on whether ICE had been active in Zionsville since June 1, an ICE spokesperson responded with a statement that because of increased interest in the agency’s activities, ICE cannot research and respond to specifics of routine daily operations.
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents are on the streets every day, prioritizing public safety by locating, arresting and removing criminal alien offenders and immigration violators from our neighborhoods,” the statement reads. “All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and if found removable by final order, removed from the U.S.”
Food drive at Menard’s — Menard’s home improvement stores are drop sites for local food pantries through July. Menards offers a variety of non-perishable food items in its grocery department that can be donated to food pantries. Large collection boxes are placed near the exit doors. Donations will be accepted through July 31.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Six Foot Blonde has steadily evolved from being a college band to a touring band based in Chicago. The band, which is making its second CarmelFest appearance, will perform from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. July 4 on the Carter Green stage.
“Touring the country has been a blast,” said Brian Healey, a drummer and one of three Zionsville Community High School graduates in the band. “Seeing new cities, venues and bands really broadens my view of the music scene in the U.S. The fact that we started in a college town means everyone eventually moves away across the country, which means we’ve been seeing familiar faces in most places. But on that note, I know I’m excited to play CarmelFest again. It was a blast last time to play so close to home. Lots of family and friends were able to come see us that weren’t able to before.”
The band formed at Indiana University in 2021. Julia Rusyniak, the lead singer, and her brother John Alex Rusyniak, keyboard player, are the other ZCHS graduates.
“We will be playing mostly original songs, but we always like to throw in a cover here and there,” Julia said of the
CarmelFest show. “This year’s schedule has been jam-packed. We are planning out our next tour already and will also be recording throughout the fall/winter. I think we’ve played 30 shows so far this year. I’m not sure how many we played last year.”
Julia, a 2020 ZCHS graduate, said it is special performing with her brother, who graduated from ZCHS in 2017 with Healey.
“Growing up we would always play fun cover versions of songs with each other. It taught us to use our love for music and creativity in a collaborative way,” Julia said. “He is the best cheerleader, and I adore getting to navigate the music space and the stage with him.”
The band released its first album, “Ask Me How I Am,” in 2024 and is working on new material.
Dom Heyob is a vocalist and bass player.
“We are an indie rock band that draws inspiration from ‘90s textures, and we imbue modern pop melodies with these sounds as well as slide guitar,” Heyob said.
Elliott Obermaier and Zach Patrick are the guitarists in the band. All six are IU graduates. Obermaier and Heyob are Perry Meridian High School graduates in Indianapolis. Patrick is from the Chicago suburbs.
For more, visit sixftblonde.com.
against cell
The future of cancer care lies in delivering truly comprehensive treatment for patients – a commitment embodied by Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Institute (SCTCTI). Built on a foundation of clinical excellence and an experienced team led by medical director, Dr. Sherif Farag, the program offers both allogeneic and autologous blood stem cell transplants and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, providing eligible patients with cancer, hematologic diseases and autoimmune disorders access to potentially curative treatments.
Autologous blood stem cell transplants use a patient’s own stem cells to replace those destroyed by high-dose chemotherapy used to treat their cancer. This treatment is typically recommended for select patients with cancers still sensitive to chemotherapy at lower doses. Allogeneic blood stem cell transplants replace a patient’s stem and immune cells with healthy
cells from a donor, providing an immunological response that can target selected or chemotherapyresistant cancers.
SCTCTI also offers CAR T-cell therapy, a personalized treatment that engineers a patient’s own immune cells to more effectively target cancer. CAR T therapy inserts a new gene into T-cells collected from
Advanced cell therapies can improve the body’s own response against cancer. Building on decades of research, we’re offering potentially curative treatments for patients with autoimmune conditions and blood disorders. Learn more about our breakthrough work in stem cell transplants and cellular therapy at eCommunity.com/stemcell
the blood — improving their ability to target cancer cells. The modified cells (called CAR T-cells) are then infused into a patient after chemotherapy to begin fighting cancer. An approved treatment for specific blood cancers, CAR T therapy represents an innovative approach for improved outcomes and potentially a cure.
Most importantly, SCTCTI is built on a foundation of offering the best therapies with safety and vigilant monitoring. The team uses evidencebased, multidisciplinary practice to offer patients the best available treatment options and real-time data tracking for prevention and early recognition of complications such as graft-versus-host disease, infections, etc. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the program provides comprehensive services to support patients before, during and after their treatment.
This is just the beginning of Community MD Anderson’s effort to enhance the continuum of cancer care, with more advanced therapies set to follow in the near future.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Omega Anyanwu found a need for speed when she was younger.
“I would race people at recess and I thought that was really fun,” she said. “So, I remember my brother told me I should join the track team, and I did (in sixth grade). I was grateful and blessed to have it naturally, but I had to work really hard to be at the level I’m at now. I guess I just really want to use my gift to its fullest potential.”
Anyanwu gave up volleyball after eighth grade to focus on track.
The 2025 Zionsville Community High School graduate knows she is still growing as a runner. She will compete for Indiana University next season.
“I’m not at my peak or anything, but I wanted to use the gift to glorify God,” she said. “I just really trained hard and did as much as I could to be as good as I could.”
She certainly did that June 7 at the IHSAA girls track and field state finals at North Central High School.
Anyanwu won the 400-meter run for the second consecutive year with a personal-record time of 53.77 seconds. Her previous personal record was 54.76 at the regional.
“I’m very grateful for all the (personal records),” Anyanwu said. “I really wanted to push myself. I didn’t want to limit myself just because I wasn’t in the recruitment process anymore. I definitely worked really hard, prayed really hard and it showed on the track.”
She finished third in the 200 meters at state with a personal record of 24.22 seconds, topping her previous best of 24.6.
Anyanwu had a personal best of 11.91 in the state preliminaries for the 100 meters and then placed fourth in the state final in
11.93 seconds.
“I definitely feel like my coaches just really helped me to be in the right physical and mental state going into state,” she said. “Since I was running three events, we had to adjust my training from being mainly on the 200 and 400 stuff to also focusing on the 100. I was just really blessed to have coaches that made sure my training went with what I would be doing at state.”
Anyanwu placed fourth in the 400-meter state final as a sophomore. As a freshman, she was on the winning 4x100 relay team and placed eighth on the 4x400 relay team in the state finals.
Anyanwu continued training in preparation for the New Balance Nationals June 21 in Philadelphia. She didn’t place in the championship division but had solid times of 54.88 seconds in the 400 meters and 24.53 in the 200. Those were her third-fastest times in each event.
INDOT addressing overhead lights — The Indiana Department of Transportation recently announced it will remove amber-red overhead flashers throughout rural areas of west-central Indiana, including the flasher at Ind. 32 and Ind. 75 in Boone County. According to INDOT, the flashers can cause confusion for motorists and drivers often perceive the overhead flasher as an implication of an all-way stop, causing accidents as some drivers fail to yield. The flashers will be replaced by LED-flashing ground-mounted signs prior to the overhead flasher removal.
July 6, 2025
Zionsville Concert Band
- Director and Founder: John Richardson zionsvilleband.com
July 13, 2025
Indianapolis Symphonic Band
- Conductor: John Hilmer indyband.org
July 20, 2025
Swing Shift Indy Director: Shawn Royer swingshiftindy.org
July 27, 2025
Indianapolis Municipal Band - Director: John Marshall www.indianapolismuncipalband.org
August 3, 2025
GM Horns Big Band
- Director: Edward Zlaty gmh.events
GMHSound gmh.events/gmhsound-com
By Les Morris news@youarecurrent.com
Taste of Indy takes center stage on the holiday weekend, returning for its 14th edition at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. The culinary celebration is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.
The event is billed as Indiana’s largest food festival and there will be a wide variety of food tents and food trucks
The day will also feature a mix of local music highlighted by jazz legend Rob Dixon at 4:45 p.m. Cathy Morris takes the main stage at 6:15, and D-Roq + Bulletproof Soul performs the finale at 7:45.
General admission tickets are $20 each and are available at tasteofindy.org. Kids 10 and younger are admitted free. Food tickets are $1 per ticket and can be redeemed for food, beverages and alcohol.
“Come out and come hungry,” said organizer Jonathan Warren, who created the event in 2012. “We have people who come out for lunch and usually stay for dinner. Food is a great motivator.”
Warren is excited about some new
“We have people who come out for lunch and usually stay for dinner. Food is a great motivator.”
– JONATHAN WARREN, TASTE OF INDY ORGANIZER
food vendors that showcase Taste of Indy’s wide variety and cultural fluidity.
Pinoy Garden Cafe, a Filipino restaurant in Bloomington, will make its Taste of Indy debut. In the festival’s food tent, attendees will be able to taste dishes from Bawarchi Biryanis Indian Cuisine Indianapolis and Bibibop Asian Grill.
Warren’s career has revolved around food safety consulting, both in his Army career and civilian life. He founded Indy Food Safety Consulting in 2002 and his relationships with restaurants led him to start Taste of Indy.
“They kept asking if there was anything we could to help marketing wise,” he said.
Warren thought back to his Army career in the Pacific Northwest when he was doing food inspection at Naval Station Everett.
“It’s pretty lonely duty when you’re the
only active-duty army guy on a navy base,” he said.
But Warren did remember a few culinary events from those days – “Taste of Tacoma,” and “Bite of Seattle,” – and thought a
similar food festival would be successful here.
In addition to the sumptuous food and musical entertainment, Taste of Indy will also feature many family-friendly amusement activities from Jump N Play Party Rentals, including an axe throw, an obstacle course, yard pong, corn hole and a game that challenges participants to stay on their feet while dodging rotating boom arms called Toxic Meltdown.
For more, visit tasteofindy.org.
price includes installation & warranty
If you happen to have missed us these last few years, we’re a locally owned and operated company specializing in large trees. We stock thousands of them in our yard at 300 South (146th) and Michigan Road. Come walk through the farm and choose the perfect trees for your space, or give us a call and we’ll pick them out for you. From there, we’ll handle everything: delivery, installation, mulch, cleanup, and warranty. It’s all included in our prices. We’re grateful for the thousands of customers who have trusted us, most of whom have left us 5-star ratings. We’re fully stocked and ready to earn your business!
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School sophomore Brycen Tisch left the IHSAA boys golf state finals with a nice confidence boost.
SPORTS
Tisch shot a five-under 67 in the first round and then followed up with an even round of 72 to place fourth individually for a 139 total June 17-18 at Carmel’s Prairie View Golf Club. He helped the defending state champions finish fourth with a 294307 for 601 total, one shot more than thirdplace Noblesville.
tournament and a great team,” Eagles coach Adam Wood said. “I think we played some terrific golf (both rounds). These tournaments are always so competitive. We always just want to be there at the end and try to give it our absolute best shot. I think we did that and I’m really proud of how we did.”
Westfield won by a record margin of 30 strokes over second-place Homestead’s 600 total. The Eagles edged Westfield in 2024 with a 600 total, five less than the Shamrocks
“This was a big round for me in general,” Tisch said. “I kind of proved myself that I can be up there with a 5-under and I proved to myself I have the shots. With long days like this, you’ve just got to stay in tune. My main goal at the beginning of the state finals was to get all-state, and after shooting that 5-under the first day, I really just kind of embraced that number and that finish.”
Eagles freshman Macaulay Myers carded a 72-74 for 146 to place in a tie for 12th, earning all-state honors. Junior teammate Max Steiner shot 75-79 for 154. Other totals for ZCHS were freshman Killian Laughlin,162 and senior Owen Brady, 171.
“It’s another great year, another great
“All props to Westfield, they played superb golf (this tournament),” Wood said. “They earned it. Sometimes, you are going to run into a team that is playing well pretty much up and down the lineup.”
Wood said he was proud of Tisch’s performance.
“He worked so hard all year,” he said. “Sometimes when we play spring golf in Indiana, you’re not as sharp out of the gate because you haven’t been able to play, so he stuck with it. He played very well especially as the season went on, so it doesn’t surprise me at all to see the performance he had in the state championship. He’s an all-state player now and a former state champion (as a team member). He’s a tremendous player.”
Tisch finished tied for 39th individually in 2024, which was fourth on the team.
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Zionsville Police Department Capt. Josh Samuelson was among 239 law enforcement officers from across the nation who graduated from the 294th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., June 5.
The 10-week academy was attended by members of law enforcement from 48 states and the District of Columbia; 14 nations; six military organizations; and four federal civilian agencies.
The academy includes advanced training in communication, leadership and fitness. Participants must have a proven record as professionals within their respective agencies to be eligible to attend.
“When our public safety leaders gain additional skills, all of us in Zionsville benefit,” Mayor John Stehr stated. “The FBI National Academy offers the best training out there and Josh Samuelson’s successful completion of the program makes the Zionsville Police Department better. I’m proud of him, and grateful for his service to our town.”
Since 1935, 56,180 men and women have graduated from the FBI National Academy. Samuelson is the seventh member of the ZPD to attend.
Farmers market in Zionsville — The Zionsville Farmers’ Market takes place from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through Sept. 27 on Main Street in the Village. Market vendors offer a wide variety of produce and goods from local vendors. The weekly market includes food trucks, activities, a community booth and live entertainment. Weekly vendor and entertainment lineups are available at zionsvillefarmersmarket.org.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Fire Department is planning for this year’s Citizens Fire Academy.
ZFD Chief James VanGorder said the academy begins Aug. 5
“It meets one night a week for eight weeks,” he said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to see and learn different aspects of the fire department and participate hands-on in different scenarios.”
The academy is a public education course to increase fire and safety awareness. Participants engage in live fire training; fire hose operation; extrication equipment and other firefighting power tool practices; and fire engine driver’s training.
Activities include moving objects weighing more than 100 pounds; climbing ladders; and experiencing what it is like to wear turnout gear, including air masks and breathing apparatuses. The academy also includes exposure to heights, tight spaces, live fire and elevated temperatures.
Although all physical activities are optional, people with physical limitations should consult their physician before signing up.
Learn more at zionsville-in.gov/636/ Citizens-Fire-Academy.
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Zionsville Fire Department is planning for the future. And according to ZFD officials, it starts with land.
Representatives from ZFD presented the results of a fire station feasibility study to the Zionsville Safety Board in June. The safety board and the Zionsville Town Council jointly approved a contract with Indianapolis-based planning firm Woolpert in 2024 to provide a condition analysis of existing fire stations and explore potential locations for future facilities.
“(We) looked at where existing stations are versus where a lot of the calls are coming from, growth, where we would locate future stations and then also some of the capital needs assessment,” said Kerry LaPrees, team lead architect with Woolpert. “Where we are today is looking at a few key sites and validating those for appropriateness for making sure that they meet your needs.”
LaPrees said the study included an evaluation of how each existing station functions based on national benchmark standards, to assure ZFD has minimal response times while maintaining excellent delivery of service. The report indicates that the drive time for most department responses averages about 2 minutes.
The study showed ZFD Station 291, 100 N. Ford Rd., ranked in fair to poor condition and is at maximum operating capacity with some deficiencies.
“It seems to be really maxed out,” LaPrees said. “It’s been used well and fully, but there are some programmatic deficiencies that need to be addressed.”
Station 292, 998 S. U.S. 421, and Station 293, 5793 S. 700 E., were both ranked in good condition but lack space for new apparatus and are in need of maintenance.
The municipal services building at Zionsville Town Hall was listed to be in fair to good condition.
LaPrees said a 10-year plan for growth indicates most needs — 64 percent — should be addressed in Years 1 through 5.
“We want to be sure that the town is ready for the level of investment that the facilities are going to require,” he said.
The report explored the potential of build-
Perry Township fire
ing up to three new stations; taking Station 291 offline; and turning the Perry Township fire station in Fayette, which is serviced by the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department of Boone County and overseen by ZFD, into a career service station to serve western Zionsville.
ZFD Deputy Chief Jason Potts said the feasibility study is valuable to the department and the town for future planning.
“Work has already started as a result of this report,” he said. “This (process) has been going on for about a year, and we’ve been taking information as it’s been coming and things that have been included as action items we’ve been trying to get in front of. One of the first parts of the study that was completed was identifying the ideal locations for fire stations in the future, which made the land acquisition a strategic priority for the department. The parcels identified, along with a parcel that is currently owned by the fire department, allows us to be prepared for future development in the town for decades to come. We are currently in the process of acquiring those parcels (on) the western part of Zionsville and the eastern part of Zionsville, including
the one parcel that the fire department already owns on 875.”
Potts said the department used American Rescue Plan funds for design work to add 640 square feet of space to the bay area of Station 292. Potts also said adding a fire station in western Zionsville has become a department priority.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have a partnership with the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department,” he said. “But, as with a lot of volunteer fire departments around the state, recruiting and retaining new volunteer firefighters is difficult. For some time, the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department has let us know that we should make plans for a time when ZFD firefighters should staff a station in western Zionsville.”
Potts said although the department has considered razing and rebuilding Station 291, uncertainty of funding due to SB 1 — the state’s new tax bill that limits how much municipalities can raise through property taxes — has given the department reason to reconsider.
“That does not take the (new station) project out of any realm of development or planning in the future,” he said. “Us getting
The Zionsville Fire Department services 67 square miles and averages more than 2,300 calls per year.
The department provides local emergency medical services; fire prevention and suppression services; hazardous materials operations; and rescue operations. Members of the department also
engage in public education efforts such as first aid classes; CPR training; safety talks; station tours; and a Citizen’s Fire Academy.
Learn more about the ZFD’s public engagement efforts at zionsville-in. gov/497/Public-Education.
the land to be able to do that in the future is still a tactical advantage for us in the department.”
ZFD Chief James VanGorder said the department and Mayor John Stehr are working on a capital funding campaign to fund three new stations while focusing on short-term priorities for ZFD. VanGorder said land acquisition is already underway, with offers being prepared to go out in the next month.
“One of the relative realities is that for us to try and build three fire stations simultaneously within a short period of time and try and do anything else in the town of Zionsville, we don’t have the funding,” he said. “We will not be able to fund those items unless we find a windfall of capital funding. That’s not available on the horizon, so we really came back and said, ‘Well, that’s what would be nice to be able to do but we can’t do that, so what are the priorities?’ The priorities came back for land acquisition to make sure at least we control the future. It’s no great surprise to anybody here, but maybe future generations may look back on this and say, ‘Why did you concentrate so much effort on buying land?’ Well, land is turning over so quickly here and if we don’t secure the property today and immediately as a number one step, we’re going to be in eminent domain issues where we have to start taking somebody else’s property (to) put a fire station in.”
The department goes before the Zionsville Plan Commission this month for upgrades to Station 292, with a funding stream already in place, according to VanGorder. Land acquisition will go to the Zionsville Town Council for approval when suitable land is secured.
VanGorder said the goal would be to begin construction on a station in western Zionsville in 2026.
The safety board is expected to consider adoption of the feasibility study this month. VanGorder said that approval would not lock the department into a spending plan, but would provide the direction for future planning.
was ranked in good condition on a recent fire station feasibility study.
By Kirsten Clark
For three decades, Executive Homes has been quietly shaping the landscape of Central Indiana—one carefully crafted luxury home at a time. As the founder and President of Executive Homes, Pete Gray has earned a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail, commitment to quality, and an unshakable focus on what matters most: his clients.
“In the beginning, I really wanted to build homes that felt like they belonged to the people living in them,” Gray reflects. “It was never about being flashy. It was about being faithful to the process—and to the people who trusted me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.”
Gray founded Executive Homes in 1995 with a clear purpose: to build high-end, high-quality homes with integrity. Over the years, that purpose has guided him through countless builds across Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville, and the surrounding communities—each one a testament to thoughtful design, intentional craftsmanship, and a deeply personalized client journey.
“I’ve always believed that our job isn’t just to build homes,” Gray says. “It’s to build relationships. That starts with listening—really listening—to what people want their life to look like, and then figuring out how to make that happen through the home we build.”
Walk through an Executive Home, and the difference is palpable. From custom woodwork and luxury finishes to open-concept layouts and family-first floorplans, every element is designed with purpose. No detail is too small, no client request too big. It’s this commitment to excellence that has earned Executive Homes a loyal following—including many repeat clients who return for second, third or even fourth homes as their lives evolve.
That distinctive quality resonates deeply with homeowners. Over the years, Gray has heard countless people say that the moment they step into a home, they can tell it was built by Executive Homes.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that repeatedly,” Gray says. “It means we’re creating something recognizable—not just a house, but a feeling of quality and care that stays with people.”
But for Gray, success has never been about quantity.
“We’re not a volume builder,” he says. “That’s by design. We take on a select number of projects each
year because that’s what allows us to stay hands-on, stay involved, and make sure we’re delivering the kind of quality and service people come to us for.”
The very first home he built still stands out in his memory.
“I can picture it clearly,” he says, smiling. “That build taught me that doing things the right way—taking your time, being precise, communicating well—it always pays off. And that mindset has stayed with me ever since.”
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Over the past 30 years, Gray has witnessed significant changes in the homebuilding industry. Design trends have come and gone. Technologies have advanced. Customer expectations have evolved. But his core values haven’t wavered.
“The tools have changed, sure. But the foundation of good business hasn’t,” he explains. “People want to work with someone they can trust—someone who’s going to show up, follow through, and make sure the end result reflects their vision, not just ours.”
That collaborative spirit has become a cornerstone of Executive Homes’ approach. Clients are guided through every step of the design-build process—from lot selection and architectural planning to interior finishes and final walkthroughs—with a level of attention and care that is rare in today’s market.
Perhaps the most meaningful evolution in Gray’s journey has been the involvement of his son, Patrick, who has joined the business and has learned the ropes from the ground up.
“Watching him come into this with his own passion and ideas has been very fulfilling,” Gray says. “It’s not just about continuing the business—it’s about continuing the values, the reputation, the way we treat people. That matters to me more than anything.”
Family, in fact, is at the heart of everything Gray does—both at home and at work.
“When you build a home for someone, you become part of their story,” he says. “You’re giving them a place to grow as a family, celebrate milestones, weather hard times. That’s sacred ground, and I don’t take it lightly.”
Looking ahead, Gray remains as motivated as ever.
“There’s still so much I want to do,” he says. “New designs to explore, new ways to improve how we serve our clients. I love the creative challenge of it all.”
When asked what advice he’d offer to someone just entering the field, Gray’s answer is simple but sincere: “Stay focused. Be humble. Learn from the people around you. And always—always—care more about doing the job right than doing it fast.”
Thirty years in, that quiet, steadfast commitment continues to define Executive Homes—and the man behind it. Pete Gray hasn’t just built some of the most beautiful homes in Central Indiana. He’s built a legacy of trust, character, and craftsmanship that will carry on well into the next generation.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Christopher Ramirez was considering different career path when fate intervened en route to his Broadway debut.
Ramirez is performing in “Real Women Have Curves,” a musical that opened in late April. To make it even sweeter, his sister, Monica Tulia Ramirez, is in the cast. Christopher graduated from Carmel High School in 2009, and Monica is a 2012 CHS graduate.
The stage pairing almost didn’t happen.
“I was interested in exploring other channels of the arts, such as arts administration,” Christopher said. “I was working as executive assistant to the general manager at the Metropolitan Opera. It’s kind of a crazy story. I was going to take a step back from being an actor. I thought I needed to enter this career path because it could be opening some exciting channels of income and future endeavors. It was a bittersweet email to send.”
He sent a long email to his manager and agent, and 30 seconds later his agent called. He asked if his agent had already read the email.
Instead, his agent said he hadn’t and then his manager joined on the phone
“They were calling to tell me I had the role and was going to Broadway with the show,” Christopher said. “It’s one of the classic tales of you are about to leave and get the Broadway call.”
The Ramirez siblings are in the ensemble.
“We cover other roles as typically the ensemble does in Broadway shows, so that’s been really fun,” Monica said. The siblings also rehearse together twice a week.
“Thank God, we love each other,” Monica said.
Monica, who made her Broadway
debut in “Suffs” in 2024, moved to New York after graduating from Ball State University.
Christopher said for his sister to be in back-to-back Broadway shows is a massive accomplishment.
Christopher, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, moved to New York in 2014. Monica lived with him for 3 1/2 years when she first moved to New York.
“We also worked at a restaurant together at one point during that time,” Monica said. “So, we’re pretty locked-in best friends.”
This is the first time they have worked on a show together.
“We get to see each other work in a room, which has been really refreshing,” she said.
Christopher performed in “Real Women Have Curves” at the American Repertory
Theater in Cambridge, Mass,. in late 2023 and early 2024.
“I saw it in January 2024, and it was so incredible,” Monica said. “Christopher found out in the fall of 2024 he was going to go with it to Broadway.”
When Monica found out “Suffs” was going to close in January 2025, she decided to audition for “Real Women Have Curves.”
“Christopher helped and coached me through it, but it was an extensive process,” she said. “I went through five different auditions, including tapes. They combed through everybody to find the perfect people for this, and the fact we’re family members doing a show about families is really nice.”
They also did a short interview together on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
In previewing the show, Christopher and Monica were in a cast piece on the Tony Awards show June 8 on CBS. In addition, they were on “Good Morning America” on ABC, and Christopher appeared on “TODAY” on NBC.
“Real Woman Have Curves,” about a first-generation Mexican American woman who wants to go to college instead of staying with her family, has special meaning because the siblings’ father emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia and their mother is from Illinois.
“We acknowledged the privileges we have that we get to chase our dreams and get to be actors because of the sacrifices our parents made, especially my dad because he had an artistic side,” Christopher said.
But it wasn’t financially feasible for his father, Michael Ramirez, to be an artist while providing for his family.
Christopher, who earned his master’s degree through the University of San Diego’s Old Globe Theater, has acted regionally in California, Houston and Boston, among other places. Monica has worked on several workshop shows while attempting to make a path to Broadway.
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
“The Little Mermaid” runs through July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE COTTAGE’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “The Cottage” July 2-6, except July 4, at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
ROCK THE RUINS
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs at 6:30 p.m. July 9 at the Rock the Ruins series at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.
Vocalist to hold album release at Feinstein’s — Two-time No. 1 Billboard vocalist Deborah Silver will take the stage for a special album release event celebrating “Basie Rocks!” at 7:30 p.m. July 24 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Silver, renowned for her dynamic jazz interpretations across genres, recorded with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Along with her signature glamour and powerhouse vocals, Silver delivers a swinging twist to rock classics by The Beatles, Elton John, Peter Frampton, Steve Miller, the Eagles and more as she performs songs from “Basie Rocks!” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and drinks. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Molly Hatchet set for Palladium concert — Southern rockers Molly Hatchet will perform at 7 p.m. July 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The band will be joined by guests Timothy Scott and Toolbox Union. Since the early ‘70s, Molly Hatchet has injected a heavy dose of boogie into Southern rock. The band was originally formed by guitarist Dave Hlubek in Jacksonville in 1971. The band enjoyed commercial success during the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
By Bill Forman editorial@youarecurrent.com
For a dozen-plus years, brothers Chris and Oliver Wood had pursued separate musical paths — Chris in the acclaimed jazz-rooted group, Medeski Martin and Wood and Oliver in King Johnson, which released six albums of blues-infused country, R&B and funk. Finally, in the early 2000s, their paths converged when King Johnson opened a show for Medeski Martin and Wood.
The Wood Brothers are, from left, Chris Wood, Jano Rix and Oliver Wood. They will perform July 10 in Rock the Ruins series at Holliday Park. (Photo courtesy of Laura Partain)
The first time the siblings played together in the same room changed everything for the brothers.
“It was just this weird feeling, like I was looking in a kind of mirror when I was playing with him,” Chris Wood said. “I just saw the way he approached the instrument, like the musical choices, his style. There was something sort of almost creepily familiar.”
Soon the siblings had turned their attention to starting the Wood Brothers, and over the course of nine albums and more than two decades, that musical familiarity
has continued to grow. The Wood Brothers will co-headline with St; Paul & The Broken Bones at 6 p.m. July 10 in the Rock the Ruins series at Holliday Park in Indianapolis.
As a trio with drummer-keyboardist-vocalist Jano Rix, they’ve earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, reached No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s Top Heatseekers chart, and built a loyal fanbase by touring.
The Wood Brothers’ upcoming album “Puff of Smoke” is scheduled to be released Aug. 1.
For more, visit rocktheruins.com
Commentary by Blair Clark
Vocal and performance students must approach training as a continual process because the voice is both an instrument and a muscle that evolves over time. Just like athletes train regularly to maintain and improve their performance, singers must engage in consistent practice to develop technique, flexibility, and control.
Vocal training is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey that adapts to physical changes, artistic goals and new musical challenges.
The voice is highly responsive to both internal and external influences; among them, age, health, emotion and environment all affect vocal performance. As students mature, their vocal range, tone and stamina may change, requiring ongoing attention and adjustment.
Regular training helps students understand their evolving voices and adjust their technique accordingly, preventing strain and promoting longevity.
Continual training also reinforces funda-
mental techniques such as breath control, resonance, diction and posture. These elements form the foundation of healthy vocal production and need consistent reinforcement to remain strong.
Even experienced singers can develop bad habits if they become complacent or stop practicing regularly. Working with your private vocal coach helps you stay accountable and provides expert feedback to correct subtle issues before they become problematic.
Additionally, continual training fosters artistic growth. As students gain experience, they encounter more complex vocal abilities and vocal dexterity.
Vocal training also opens the door to ongoing discovery, as students deepen their understanding of music, interpretation and personal style.
Blair Clark, a veteran coach, entertainer, producer and songwriter, owns the Voice and Performance School in Carmel. For more, email Clark at: Info@ voiceandperformanceschool.com.
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Five years ago, while the world was in the throes of COVID-19, I started looking through some of my wife’s old cookbooks. I was preparing Mary Ellen for the next pandemic. I also found a couple of editions of books written by manners maven Emily Post, who died in 1960. Very few attended her funeral because people feared they’d wear something inappropriate. Here are some new insights from the second edition, with a few favorites from the first edition.
Rides & games in the
largest 4th of July
• Don’t tell guests beforehand if you are serving an unfamiliar dish. It could prejudice them before they even taste it. After the first bite, casually mention that it’s not beef burgundy but gopher goulash.
• In 1930, Emily said you should avoid “promiscuous kissing” at a dinner party. Yes, that’s her exact phrase. I’m no prude, but I agree. At least wait until you have been introduced. Then please wait until after dessert.
our kids off at school on your way home?”
• If your hostess has not begun to eat, once several people have been served at the table, it is OK to pick up your fork and begin. I tried that once and Mary Ellen also picked up her fork … and stuck it in my thigh.
• “Napkins must be unfolded in your lap,” Emily said. I tried that and Mary Ellen thought I was secretly looking at my cellphone. Talking about folding, Emily Post says never cut your salad. Instead, always fold the lettuce leaves. Fold the lettuce leaves? I can’t even fold a fitted sheet.
• To prevent guests from showing up late, ask them to come about a half hour before you really want them to arrive. If the doorbell rings while you are still in your underwear, rethink the concept.
• The guide says at home to peel a banana halfway down and eat it bite by bite. These rules for humans are pretty much the same as for orangutans.
Epic fireworks finale synced to music Shop CarmelFest merch online at CarmelFest.net/shop Get updates & sign up to volunteer at CarmelFest.net
• Emily does not like pretension. She is not in favor of saying, “I am going to retire.” She wants you to say, “I am going to sleep.” In 2021, after 40 years on TV, I guess I went to sleep. She also prefers, “Excuse me” to “Pardon me,” unless you have committed a crime and are talking to the president.
• If you visit a friend’s home, you must conform to the habits of your host family — have meals at their hours, eat what is put before you and go to bed according to their schedule. Similar advice is found in “Joining a Cult for Dummies.”
• How about guests who overstay their welcome? Incredibly, the author says it is OK for the host to stifle a yawn. I prefer, “Would you mind dropping
• Another prohibition: Ms. Post says never to say, “I’m stuffed” after dinner. Growing up, failure to make this observation meant you were disappointed with the food.
• “Overnight visits require written thank-you notes.” We spent five days at my sister’s house in New York recently. We consumed all the food she prepared, we agreed to sleep in her spare room and we let her do our laundry. So far, not a word of thanks from her.
I thought our mother taught us better.
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Across
1. Simon Property Group property
5. “Yeah, right!”
9. More rational
14. Pelvic bones
15. Boy’s name/Indiana city
16. Quickly
17. Muldoon’s menu item
18. Tibetan monk
19. Aquarium fish
20. Purdue professor’s offering
22. Boy’s name/Indiana city
24. Provide with funds
27. Existing
28. ___ fide
30. Photos, for short
32. Small salamander
36. Civil rights org.
37. Investment option, briefly
39. Butler frat letter
40. Between ports
41. UND’s ACC foe
42. Sporadic offering from the Golden Arches
1:00-2:30
6:30-7:45
8:15-9:30
12:15-1:45
2:15-3:45
4:15-5:45
6:15-7:30
44. Tuna type
45. Gremlin’s kin
47. To-do list item
48. Hoosier National Forest home
50. Former Yankee slugger, familiarly
51. Nobleman
52. Query
54. Stir from sleep
56. Boy’s name/Indiana city
60. Circular currents
64. Go one better
65. Lots
68. “Copacabana” showgirl
69. Make changes
70. Boy’s name/Indiana city
71. List-ending abbr.
72. Feather in one’s cap
73. Food stamp letters
74. Tirade Down Catchall abbr. Westfield HS choir voice
3. In ___ of (replacing)
4. Boy’s name/Indiana city
5. Ran in neutral
6. Hamilton County Fair barn sound
7. Zionsville street that goes past Pine, Cedar and Walnut
8. Oolong and pekoe Woodland deity
10. Our ancestors, hypothetically 11. Defense acronym
12. Hosiery shade
13. Stern of a ship
21. Retort angrily
23. Right on an Indiana map
25. Choose
26. Boy’s name/Indiana city
28. Soak in the tub 29. Desert haven 31. Woulda, ___, shoulda 33. Victory Field miscue 34. Spin
35. One of Hamlet’s choices
36. Fresh Indian Grill bread
38. Hosted a roast
43. Boy’s
Word on a door 58. “___, Brute?”
Pasta sauce brand
Teeny bit
Panache
Pretzel topping
IU profs’ aides
O’Hare’s airport code Answers on Page 23
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Formstack, LLC has the following open position in Fishers, IN. Principal Engineer to work closely with Architects to address complex software/system architecture issues. Remote Work Permitted. Contact: Formstack, LLC at talent@formstack.com and reference job title and location or apply at https://jobs.lever.co/formstack.
The LIV Golf Tournament Indianapolis at Chatham Hills in Westfield will attract a discerning and affluent audience. Our August 5 special guide for this prestigious event offers direct access to the highest-value demographic in Indiana. Attendees, many hailing from prosperous communities like Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville in Hamilton and Boone counties, as well as North Indy, actively are looking for premium dining, unique shopping and top-tier entertainment. Position your marketing message in this section to help our audience make its spending decisions and for you to be top of mind during this exciting event For more, contact your Ad Representative by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call