July 28, 2026 — Current in Brownsburg

Former daycare director sentenced Page 2 Tuesday, July 28, 2026 youarecurrent.com

McGriff hired as town’s senior planner Page 3

Pro tennis comes to town Page 5

Hendricks Civic presents ‘Anastasia’ at Hendricks Live!

Page 14

A CUT ABOVE Community-focused barbershop takes root in Brownsburg

AND BETTER

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

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Current in Brownsburg

(ISSN: 3143-0686 | USPS: 25933) Founded: Oct. 14, 2025 • Vol. I, No. 42 Copyright © 2026

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Former day care director sentenced in child abuse reporting case ing the hearing. “Every day care employee has both a legal and moral duty to protect the children entrusted to their care.

The former director of a BrownsBeing manipulated by a supervisor is not burg day care at the center of a child an excuse for failing to report suspected exploitation investigation has been senchild abuse or neglect.” tenced after admitting she failed Lingbeck was arrested in May to report suspected child abuse.

2025 along with day care owner Jennyfer Lingbeck, who Nancy Minton following an served as director of Main investigation into former emStreet University 4 Kidz, was ployee Gabriel Garner. As part sentenced July 20 in Hendricks of her plea agreement, Lingbeck Superior Court to 180 days in the pleaded guilty to two charges, Hendricks County Jail, followed while five additional counts — Lingbeck by 365 days of home detention including obstruction of justice and a period of probation after pleading and additional failure-to-report allegaguilty to neglect of a dependent, a Levtions — were dismissed. el 6 felony, and failure to report child Minton previously pleaded guilty abuse, a Class B misdemeanor. to the same two offenses and was senAccording to Hendricks County Prostenced in April to two years in prison ecutor Loren Delp, Lingbeck argued followed by 180 days of probation. during the sentencing hearing that she The criminal cases stem from a had been manipulated by the day care’s Brownsburg Police Department investiowner. The court considered that argugation that began in 2025 after authorment but also found aggravating circumities alleged Garner sexually abused stances, including that Lingbeck held “a children while employed at the day position of care, custody and control over care. Investigators said they discovered vulnerable children” and that the harm approximately 130 images on Garner’s caused exceeded what prosecutors would cellphone that were linked through GPS have been required to prove at trial. data to Main Street University 4 Kidz.

“If you can’t stand up to protect Police initially identified six victims bechildren, then don’t become a day care tween the ages of 3 and 5, although atworker,” Delp said in a statement follow- torneys representing families involved

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

in related civil litigation have since said eight victims have been identified.

Garner has pleaded not guilty and faces 48 felony charges, including child molesting, child exploitation, vicarious sexual gratification and possession of child sexual abuse material. According to court records, a hearing on a motion to suppress is scheduled for Aug. 17.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration ordered Main Street University 4 Kidz to close in May 2025 after determining the facility posed a risk to children.

The criminal proceedings have also prompted multiple civil lawsuits against the daycare, Minton and Lingbeck. The lawsuits, filed on behalf of several families, allege children were abused in an environment where they should have been safe and contend the abuse was preventable because warning signs were ignored.

In a statement announcing Lingbeck’s sentence, Delp said the case underscores the importance of Indiana’s mandatory reporting law.

“This case is about accountability,” Delp said. “When mandatory reporters fail to fulfill their legal duty, children remain at risk, evidence can be lost, and those responsible may continue harming others.”

INDOT lowering speed limits on Ind. 267 news@youarecurrent.com Drivers traveling on Ind. 267 in northern Hendricks County will soon need to slow down as the Indiana Department of Transportation implements new speed limits intended to improve safety.

Beginning on or after July 27, INDOT crews will install new speed limit signs along two sections of the highway.

The speed limit will be reduced from

45 mph to 40 mph between County Road 700 North and County Road 800 North, just north of Interstate 74.

Farther north, the speed limit will decrease from 55 mph to 45 mph between County Road 800 North and the Hendricks-Boone county line. The existing 30 mph speed limit through Fayette will remain unchanged.

According to INDOT, the changes are being made to enhance safety along

the corridor. Officials said the work is limited to installing new signs and is not expected to require lane closures or cause traffic delays.

Motorists are encouraged to watch for the updated speed limit signs and adjust their speed accordingly once the new limits take effect.

INDOT noted that the schedule is weather dependent and could change if conditions warrant.

COMMUNITY

Town hires senior planner with Indiana’s new HEA 1001 legislation governing local planning and zoning The Town of Brownsburg has added a practices. veteran municipal planning professionTown Manager Deb Cook said Noral to its development team with the hirman McGriff’s background makes her ing of Shannon Norman McGriff well suited for the position. as senior planner.

“Shannon’s depth of expeNorman McGriff joined the rience in planning, ordinance town in June, bringing more administration, and local govthan 20 years of experience in ernment leadership will be a municipal planning, zoning tremendous asset to our team administration, ordinance deand community,” Cook said in velopment and public-sector a statement. “Her collaborative McGriff leadership. approach and strong underBefore coming to Brownsburg, she standing of municipal planning will served as principal planner II for ordihelp advance our goals for thoughtful nances with the City of Indianapolis, growth, development, and effective where she worked on ordinance interplanning decisions.” pretation, policy development and reviNorman McGriff has a master’s desions to the city’s zoning code. gree in urban and regional planning In her new position, Norman McGriff and a graduate certificate in historic will assist the Brownsburg Plan Compreservation from the University of mission and Board of Zoning Appeals New Orleans. She also earned an execuby reviewing development proposals, tive master’s certificate in public manpreparing staff reports and providing agement from Indiana University and zoning analysis for rezonings, planned has completed Indiana Certified Public unit developments and development Supervisor and Indiana Certified Public plan review cases. She also will help Manager programs through Ball State ensure the town remains compliant University. news@youarecurrent.com

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

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Commissioners consider parkway drainage upgrade

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com The Hendricks County Commissioners discussed a potential $213,000 drainage improvement tied to the Ronald Reagan Parkway project during their July 14 meeting, weighing whether to enlarge part of a relocated drainage system to better accommodate future development.

Commissioners previously asked county staff to evaluate what it would cost to increase the size of a section of drainage pipe from 15 inches to 24 inches.

Hendricks County Engineer John Ayers said portions of the drainage system already have been installed, including some 24-inch pipe downstream. Expanding the remaining section to 24 inches would require removing and replacing newly installed infrastructure, including pipe and a manhole, at an estimated cost of about $213,000.

Commissioners expressed concern that the existing 15-inch pipe could prove inadequate if development continues north of the roadway.

Ayers said engineers have identified an alternative alignment that would avoid placing the larger pipe beneath the new parkway. Instead, the proposed 24-inch pipe would run between County Road 900 East and the parkway before reconnecting with the existing drainage system.

Even with the revised alignment, Ayers said the work presents construction challenges because of limited space and existing utilities. He also noted that the estimate is based on work already included in the parkway contract.

Commissioners did not take action on the proposal during the meeting.

Officials said the project is moving forward quickly, and any decision to proceed with the larger pipe would require identifying funding for the additional work.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Volunteers pack food for the Feeding Hendricks County program.

(Photo courtesy of Hendricks County Community Foundation)

Grant supports hunger relief news@youarecurrent.com

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A grant from the Hendricks County Community Foundation is helping expand local efforts to address food insecurity through a new partnership aimed at providing nutritious meals to families across the county.

The foundation awarded Pack Away Hunger a $5,000 Stronger Together grant in 2025 to launch its Feeding Hendricks County initiative. The program, developed in partnership with the Brownsburg Rotary Club, brought volunteers together earlier this year to package meals for distribution through the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition.

In February, volunteers assembled at American Legion Post 331 in Brownsburg for a community meal-packing event. Working in an assembly-line format, participants packaged 16,632 Nutri-Plenty meals, which were delivered the same day to the food pantry coalition for distribution through its network of local pantries.

Pack Away Hunger is an Indiana nonprofit organization that works to combat hunger by providing shelf-stable, nutrient-rich meals to communities in need. The organization relies on

volunteers and community partners to package meals that are distributed through local and international hunger relief agencies.

Nick Reich, executive director of Pack Away Hunger, said partnerships among nonprofit organizations, civic groups and volunteers play an important role as food insecurity continues to affect families across the state.

“This project is only possible when our community comes together,” Reich said in a statement released by HCCF. “Uniting nonprofits, civic leaders, volunteers and neighbors with a shared purpose ensures more Hendricks County families have access to nutritious meals and hope for a stronger future.”

The Nutri-Plenty meals are designed to provide balanced nutrition through a blend of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins and minerals.

HCCF said the grant reflects its goal of supporting collaborative projects that address local needs. By partnering with organizations such as the Brownsburg Rotary Club and Pack Away Hunger, the foundation hopes to strengthen access to essential resources while keeping charitable support focused on residents throughout Hendricks County.

DISPATCH  HCCF opens scholarship applications — The Hendricks County Community Foundation will open applications for all of its scholarships, including the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, July 29. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Aug. 26. Three Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships will be awarded in Hendricks County. Eligible applicants must be Indiana residents graduating from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027, plan to pursue a full-time bachelor’s degree at an eligible Indiana college or university, and meet local eligibility requirements. For more, visit the Hendricks County Community Foundation website.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Pro tennis coming to town news@youarecurrent.com Professional tennis will take center stage in Brownsburg next month as the town hosts the inaugural Indiana Hardcourt Championships, bringing international competition and a direct connection to the 2026 U.S. Open.

The tournament is scheduled for Aug. 10-16 at the Brownsburg High School Tennis Complex and will serve as the final ATP Challenger Tour event in the United States Tennis Association’s 2026 US Open Wild Card Challenge. Players will compete for points that could earn them a spot in this year’s U.S. Open in New York.

The weeklong event is expected to draw professional players, coaches and tennis fans from around the world, making it one of the largest sporting events held in Hendricks County this year.

Spencer Fields, Brownsburg High School’s tennis coach and the tournament’s local organizer, said the competition will feature players ranked between 100th and 300th in the world in a statement released by Visit Hendricks County.

“It is hard to put into words how much fun it is to watch this high level of competition in person,” Fields stated.

“This is huge for Brownsburg, central Indiana and the entire state to now be on the world stage for pro tennis.”

The Brownsburg High School Tennis Complex, which opened last year, includes 21 courts. Three courts will be used for tournament play, while seven additional courts will be reserved for practice. The U.S. Tennis Association has committed to holding the event at the venue for the next three years.

In addition to professional matches,

The Brownsburg High School Tennis Complex will host the inaugural Indiana Hardcourt Championships Aug. 10-16, bringing the ATP Challenger Tour competition to Hendricks County for the first time. (Photo courtesy of Visit Hendricks County)

organizers have planned youth clinics, opportunities for fans to meet players and other family-friendly activities throughout the week.

Jaime Bohler Smith, president and CEO of Visit Hendricks County, said the tournament offers residents a chance to see professional tennis without leaving central Indiana.

General admission tickets start at just over $10 per day, while children ages 18 and younger will be admitted free throughout the tournament. Fullweek passes also are available. Because seating is limited, organizers encourage spectators to purchase tickets in advance.

DISPATCHES  Ascension St. Vincent named a top hospital — Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers and Carmel were named to Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals by State list. Clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, value of care and patient experience were all considered. The two Ascension St. Vincent hospitals were two of 253 facilities nationwide that earned five stars. Thousands were evaluated.  World Food Championships tickets on sale — The world’s largest live

cooking competition will take place Oct. 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. Three hundred chefs, home cooks, pitmasters and culinary teams from around the globe will compete live across 10 championship categories. The Indianapolis Pizza Festival will take place Oct. 17 in concurrence with the event. A special combo ticket will grant visitors access to both events. For more and to purchase tickets, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Inmate gets maximum term in fatal prison assault news@youarecurrent.com An inmate has been sentenced to the maximum 50 years in prison after being convicted in the fatal assault and robbery of a fellow prisoner at the Plainfield Correctional Facility, according to a statement released by the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office.

The prosecutor’s office announced on July 14 that Robert Allen Miller was sentenced to 50 years in the Indiana Department of Correction after a Hendricks County jury found him guilty of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 2 felony, aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony, and determined he was a habitual offender.

According to the statement, prosecutors presented evidence that Miller attacked fellow inmate Jeffrey Clouser on July 4, 2024. The prosecutor’s office said Clouser was medically vulnerable and depended on assistance from other inmates because of significant health issues.

The statement said surveillance video, witness testimony and the investigation indicated Miller entered Clouser’s cell, closed the door behind him and emerged minutes later with a visibly swollen hand and property that belonged to Clouser. Clouser was later found severely beaten and covered in blood.

According to Hendricks County Prosecutor Loren Delp, Hendricks Superior Court 4 Judge Mark Smith cited Miller’s criminal history, the fact that he committed the offenses while already incarcerated, his lack of remorse and the victim’s vulnerability as aggravating factors when imposing the maximum sentence.

“This sentence reflects exactly what justice demanded,” Delp said in the statement. “Whether violence occurs on our streets or behind prison walls, my office will continue to stand for victims and ensure those who commit these acts face the full consequences of the law.”

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

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Recount confirms Bennett’s primary victory According to the commission’s findings, officials verified the accuracy of the optical-scan ballots and voting Former Plainfield Clerk-Treasurer systems used in the contested precincts.

Wes Bennett officially secured the The audit found no discrepancies, and Republican nomination for the certified results remained Indiana House District 57 after unchanged. the Indiana State Recount ComBennett carried Hendricks mission unanimously certified County by a 599-300 margin over the results of the May primary Knott. That advantage offset election July 21.

Knott’s narrower leads in porThe three-member commistions of Johnson and Morgan sion voted 3-0 to uphold the counties, allowing Bennett to Bennett election results following a reretain the overall district lead. view that found no changes to the vote Commission members accepted the totals originally certified after the May findings without objection before vot5 primary. ing to certify the results, bringing the State Board of Accounts staff and Rerecount process to a close. count Director Evan Norris presented With the primary contest resolved, the audit findings during the public Bennett advances to the Nov. 3 general meeting, reporting that the recount election, where he will face Democratic confirmed Bennett received 4,688 votes nominee Georgia Jones for the open to challenger Greg Knott’s 4,609, preHouse District 57 seat. The seat is being serving Bennett’s 79-vote margin of vacated by Republican Rep. Craig Hagvictory. gard, who is retiring.

Knott requested the recount in June, House District 57 includes portions citing concerns about vote reporting in of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan selected Hendricks County precincts. counties.

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

‘Dream Home’ open to host tours in August

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Buyers in the market for a luxury home can explore a unique option at Holliday Farms.

Next month, The Agency, a luxury real estate company, will host tours for The Reverie, a new, 11,366-square-foot custom home at 4430 Elmscott Ridge. It has views of the seventh fairway on the Club at Holliday Farms’ Championship Golf Course.

The three-story home built by Scott Bates Custom Homes and designed by Goldberg Design Group has five bedrooms, six bathrooms and four half-bathrooms. High ceilings are a dominant feature.

It has an in-home spa, water circuit, a waterfall that goes into a resort-style pool and a 20-foot entertainment wall.

Traci Garontakos, managing partner for The Agency’s Indianapolis office, and listing agent for the property said an in-home spa is a larger wellness trend for luxury homes and buyers.

“People no longer want to go to a gym,” she said.

“They want it in their home.”

The Reverie is this year’s Dream Home by Indianapolis Monthly, an annual event that showcases popular trends and designs in residential home building. And unlike most years, the home is not spoken for.

The Reverie is on the market for $10.975 million and will be move-in ready in October. It will be fully

The Reverie is at 4430 Elmscott Ridge at Holliday Farms. It is more than 11,000 square feet. (Images provided by Scott Bates Custom Homes and Dare 2 Design)

furnished. Furnishings are by Dare 2 Design. Kitchen appliances are from Doca and Gaggenau.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a buyer,” Garontakos said.

Outside, there are retractable screens from Zionsville-based Phantom Screens. Landscaping is by P.J.E. Lawn Care & Landscaping.

“All the designers had free reign to show you what they can do,” Garontakos said.

Garontakos said the home is designed for the busy

high net-worth buyers who don’t have time to build a home themselves.

The Agency will use its national and global reach to find buyers. The Agency has 19 locations worldwide.

“We’ve made a name for ourselves in the new construction space,” Garontakos said.

Tour the 2026 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home this August. Learn more and buy tickets at indianapolismonthly.com/dreamhome.

COMMUNITY

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07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

BAGI reports rising residential building activity news@youarecurrent.com The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis recently reported that single-family building permit activity across central Indiana gained momentum through June 2026, defying national trends.

The nine-county region recorded 1,082 permits in June 2026 compared to 952 permits in June 2025, a 14 percent year-over-year increase for the month.

Year-to-date totals stand at 5,421 permits compared to 5,256 during the same period last year, a 3 percent overall increase according to a news release.

The National Association of Home Builders reported that 380,130 single-family permits were issued nationwide through May, a 6.1 percent decline compared to the same period in 2025.

After tracking nearly even with last year’s pace through May, June’s permit activity pushed the region to a 3 percent year-to-date increase, highlighting continued demand for new housing despite national headwinds.

As affordability concerns, rising land and material costs and persistent labor shortages continue to pressure builders, BAGI reports that central Indiana’s housing market continues to benefit from strong regional fundamentals, including population growth, a relatively affordable cost of living and sustained demand for homeownership.

“While activity varies across our nine-county region, central Indiana continues to demonstrate resilience,” BAGI CEO Chris Hancock stated.

“Builders are adapting to changing market conditions, responding to local demand and remaining focused on creating the housing opportunities our growing communities need.”

By county, June permits totaled: Boone: 109 Hamilton: 366 Hancock: 103 Hendricks: 146 Johnson: 91 Marion: 143 Morgan: 56 Shelby: 32

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Hendricks tops Forbes hospital rankings news@youarecurrent.com Hendricks Regional Health has been recognized as one of Indiana’s highest-performing hospitals after earning a place on Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals by State 2026 list.

The Danville-based health system was also the only Indiana hospital to receive Forbes’ highest rating in each of the four categories evaluated: patient outcomes, safety best practices, value and overall patient experience.

The rankings are based on national hospital performance data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. According to Forbes, the list uses 56 healthcare quality measures to identify approximately the top 30 percent of eligible hospitals in each state.

Dr. Michelle Fenoughty, president and CEO of Hendricks Regional Health, said the recognition reflects the work of employees throughout the organization.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of our team members and the exceptional care they provide every day,” Fenoughty stated. “To be the only hospital in Indiana to achieve the highest rating in all four categories is an extraordinary accomplishment.”

Hendricks Regional Health serves patients throughout Hendricks County and west-central Indiana with a network of hospitals, physician practices and specialty care services. The nonprofit health system has operated since 1962 and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Forbes said its inaugural state rankings were developed to help consumers compare hospitals using standardized quality and performance measures, focusing on factors that influence patient care and treatment experiences.

The complete Top Hospitals by State 2026 rankings and methodology are available through Forbes.

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A CUT ABOVE 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Community-focused barbershop takes root in Brownsburg

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com The conversations often begin before the clippers start.

At Big Bros Barbershop, a haircut is only part of the experience. For owner Josh Snider, the shop represents something bigger — a place where people can connect, share stories and feel like they belong.

After 21 years working in sleep medicine, mostly on third shift, Snider decided it was time for a change. He wanted a career that brought him closer to people in a more personal way, and he found that opportunity through barbering.

Big Bros Barbershop opened in January at 1060 E. Main St., Suite 301, inside the Brownsburg small-business hub that also houses Best Friends Coffee & Bagels. The shop is built around a simple idea: serving the community that helped shape him.

“After 21 years of working in sleep studies, I realized it was time for a change that brought me closer to the people around me,” Snider said. “I became inspired by watching how a simple haircut could lift someone’s spirits, and I knew I wanted to create a space driven by genuine, face-to-face connection.”

The transition from sleep studies to barbering was not an overnight decision. Snider said he considered becoming a barber for about three years before finally pursuing the career.

He attended A+ Barber School, owned by longtime barber Dave Collins, and eventually began working at Garage 17 Barber Shop in Brownsburg. It was there that he built relationships with the barbers who would later join him at Big Bros.

Today, the shop operates using a booth-rental model, allowing each barber to manage his or her own business while still working together as a team.

“There are different ways to own a barbershop,” Snider said. “A lot of owners do commission because they make more money that way. I just want every-

Big Bros Barbershop in Brownsburg opened in January 2026 and offers haircuts for men and boys in a community-centered environment. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

one to be able to eat.”

Snider said the model allows the barbers to have more independence while creating a collaborative environment.

“We work together, but everybody kind of has their own business,” he said.

Leaving behind a 21-year career came with challenges, especially after years of living on a nighttime schedule.

Snider said his body was accustomed to working overnight shifts, and adjusting to a traditional daytime routine has taken time.

“I still have to take melatonin,” he said, laughing. “My body was trained for the third shift.”

Now, Snider begins his mornings

by taking his 9-year-old son to school before arriving at the shop early to prepare for the day. The change has allowed him to spend more time interacting with customers and becoming part of the community in a new way.

His wife, Joan Ferres-Rodriguez, said Snider’s personality has always made barbering a natural fit.

“He’s a people person,” she said. “He likes to grab his coffee and just chat it up.”

Ferres-Rodriguez said the transition has been rewarding despite the challenges of starting a business while raising kids and welcoming a granddaughter into the family.

“We’re still babies at this,” she said.

“We have a lot of things we’d like to do, but we want to grow the right way.”

Snider said choosing the shop’s location was intentional. The business is located in a building with several other small businesses, creating opportunities to build relationships with other entrepreneurs and residents who visit the area.

“I love this location,” Snider said.

“There’s so much traffic coming through here, and there are so many other small businesses in this building that people don’t even realize are here.”

That community atmosphere is something the couple hopes to continContinued on Page 11

COMMUNITY

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Big Bros Barbershop owner Josh Snider, second from left, with his wife, Joan Ferres-Rodriguez, and their three daughters, Ariela, Jiana and Leelani.

(Photo by Alicia Kelly)

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Continued from Page 10 ue developing. The shop has already become a gathering place for some local children, who occasionally stop by to shoot baskets on the small hoop outside the shop.

“They’re not even getting a haircut,” Ferres-Rodriguez said. “They just come over and hang out.”

The idea behind the shop’s name reflects that same philosophy.

Ferres-Rodriguez came up with “Big Bros” because she felt it represented the type of supportive relationship Snider wanted to create with customers.

“For me, I always grew up wanting a big brother,” she said. “Barbershops have always been places where people talk about life. Sometimes the barber becomes that person people can lean on.”

The couple’s slogan, “From the community, for the community,” serves as the foundation for the business.

“I am built by this community, and I am here for this community,” Snider said. “As a proud family man and a true people person, my goal is to use my shop to give back to the town that shaped me.”

Giving back already has become part of the shop’s identity. Big Bros participates in Brownsburg’s Fourth of July, homecoming and Christmas parades, handing out candy, promotional cards and other items to residents.

Snider also hopes to eventually partner with local organizations to provide free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness and others who may not have access to those services.

For now, he is focused on continuing to grow the shop while maintaining the personal connections that inspired him

to open it.

“I like to talk,” Snider said. “Not about business — just about life.”

For Snider, that conversation is what makes a neighborhood barbershop special.

A haircut may last only a short time, but the relationships built in the chair can last much longer.

“It’s not just about cutting hair,” Ferres-Rodriguez said. “It’s about making an impact on people’s lives.”

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Short, Blake Bowman, Josh Snider, Kaleb Gentry and Dave Daniel gather inside Big Bros Barbershop in Brownsburg. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

BIG BROS BARBERSHOP AT A GLANCE Big Bros Barbershop opened in January 2026 and offers men’s and boys’ haircuts in a community-centered atmosphere.

Location: 1060 E. Main St., Suite 301, Brownsburg (inside the Best Friends Coffee & Bagels small business hub) Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday Shop motto: “From the community, for the community.”

Future goal: Owner Josh Snider hopes to organize free community haircut events and partner with local outreach organizations as the business grows.

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

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Styx joins Chicago on co-headlining tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com To Styx vocalist-keyboard player Lawrence Gowan, the band’s “Windy Cities Tour” has been a long time coming.

Styx and Chicago, which both started in the City of Chicago, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center. Gowan answered the following questions for Current.

Discuss having the first co-headlining tour with Chicago?

“I’ve been hoping for this to happen for years, quite honestly, because I’m a huge Chicago fan. I’m listening to them every night and I’m just loving it because I saw them way back in the early ‘70s. I saw them three times in the ‘70s, and those are huge concert experiences that I had growing up that I still really love. To me it’s very understandable why their music has lasted so long. It’s just it’s so well put together, and the idea of having two bands that emanated from Chicago, that are such preeminent groups as Styx and Chicago, it seemed like inevitably it was going to happen, but I was just beginning to wonder when. So now that it’s underway, audiences are just eating it up.”

Are you alternating who opens and who plays second?

“Yes, we are, but it seems a little bit easier when they close because there’s so many guys in their band. I think there’s 10 or 11 guys. I keep losing count. So, just the way the stage setup goes, it’s a little bit easier, I think, for the crew to have them close the show.

But at the same time, you know, I know we have to close, for example, in Toronto. That’s my hometown. I think we’ll close about a third of them. It doesn’t make any difference at all. It’s just a double-billed concert, and both bands play the same length of time.

Personally, I like going on first because we go on in daylight and we go into the darkness. So, I’m really digging that.”

Looks like you play “Build and Destroy” from the 2025 album and “Our Wonder-

‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’ “The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Tim Wright and Steel Petals is set for July 30, followed by “The Magic of David Ranalli’ July 31 and “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” with Don Farrell Aug. 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

From left, Styx members Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Terry Gowan (bass, vocals) and Will Evankovich (mandolin, guitars). (Photo courtesy of Jason Powell)

ful Lives” from the 2021 album, “Crash of the Crown” in 2021. You also put out an album in 2017, so is it important to include the newer songs?

“The previous record ‘Crash of the Crown’ got to No. 1 on the Billboard’s Rock album chart, so we realized there’s a lot of people out there that want to hear new Styx music, and particularly the people — I’ll pick an arbitrary number — like people that are under 40 and weren’t even born when the classic rock era was putting out the biggest records at that time.

But they’ve embraced classic rock as being basically the central music in their lives. It’s nice for them to get something that’s concurrent with the lineup that we’ve had for the last 27 years that I’ve been in the band now.

They (younger fans) seem to really embrace it really quickly, and they want to hear at least something represented from those records. It’s a tough setlist to crack because there’s so many, as JY (James Young) will say it’s an ‘embarrassment of riches’ when it comes to really great Styx songs to play in a concert.”

It looks like (bassist and founding

member) Chuck Panozzo has been healthy enough to join you for the last three songs each night on this tour. Is it great for the band to have his presence?

“Is it ever. It’s great. He’s done all the shows so far on the tour, and if his health keeps up the way it is at the moment, and he seems to be in full vigor, then you know he’ll play as many shows on the tour as he possibly can.”

You’re one of the younger members of the band at 69, but the band does so many dates every year. Have you ever thought about cutting back that number?

“Whenever the gods of rock say it’s time to bring the curtain down, that’s when we’ll stop. Until that happens, we have no intention of slowing down.

We love doing this and we want to keep doing it. Look when you get to end your day with thousands of people on their feet, arms in the air, big smiles on their faces, it’s like such an overwhelmingly joyous feeling. Why would you want to move away from that? I want to have music in my life every single day and playing in front of audiences the way we do is just a fabulous way to live. Quite honestly, I recommend it for anyone.”

‘ANASTASIA’ Hendricks Civic Theatre will present “Anastasia” from July 31 to Aug. 9 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

CARMEL COMEDY CLUB Carmel Comedy Club will feature comedians Andrew Irving, John Fangman and Duncan Kissinger at 7 p.m. July 31, followed by Dave Dugan and Jeff Jena at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH’ Stewart Copeland, former drummer for The Police, will share stories on his “Have I Said Too Much” tour at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

BRIAN SIMPSON Brian Simpson, Jackiem Joyner and Jessy Jay perform at 8 p.m. July 31 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more,, visit thecenterpresents.org.

JESSE WELLES Jesse Welles with special guest Steph Strings will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park In Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.

14

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Hendricks Civic presents ‘Anastasia’ at Hendricks Live!

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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This is a special role for Brighton Nehring.

Nehring has the lead role in Hendricks Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia,” which runs July 31 through Aug. 9 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.

Nehring “I love Anya’s spunk, kind heart and determination,” Nehring said. “There are so many moments where we see her strength and vulnerability. One of the biggest challenges has been finding the balance between those characteristics and bringing them together in a way that, hopefully, is easy for the audience to feel.”

The musical focuses on Anya, who has lost her memory and begins to believe she might be Anastasia, rumored to have escaped when Russian Tzar Nicholas II and his family were executed during the Bolshevik Revolution.

The Plainfield resident said her favorite song is “In My Dreams.”

“This song really lets you see into how Anya is feeling and sets the stage for her amazing journey to finding who she is,” she said. “I have loved bringing this show to life with our amazing directing team, cast and crew.”

Indianapolis resident Justin Sheedy plays Dimitri.

“What I love most about Dimitri is that he’s incredibly human,” he said. “On the surface, he’s charming, witty Sheedy and always seems to have a plan, but underneath that confidence is someone who’s spent his life searching for where he truly belongs.

Throughout the show, you watch him evolve from someone motivated by survival into someone driven by love, loyalty and hope. He’s funny, vulnerable and flawed in all the right ways, and that kind of emotional journey is what makes him such a rewarding character to portray.

Sheedy, who is making his Hendricks

Civic debut, said his favorite song is “A Crowd of Thousands.”

Avon resident Darrel Huff plays Vladimir “Vlad” Popov.

“I love my character of Vlad because he is age-appropriate and despicably funny,” Huff said.“This role combines acting, singing and dancing with many very talented cast members, Huff all under the direction of an experienced and accomplished directing team. It is a challenge that I am loving to embrace. I am not formally trained in any of these areas but have gained experience and knowledge over the years working with incredibly gifted people who love sharing and teaching their craft. I am beyond thrilled to work with Brighton and Justin to bring this story to life. Also, getting to work with the amazing Emily Keith Glore, who plays Vlad’s love interest, Lily, the Countess Malevsky-Malevich. ” This is Huff’s fourth production with Hendricks Civic Theatre.

“My favorite song is ‘Learn to Do It,’ a fast-paced musical number in Act I that is technically challenging because of the volley of back-and-forth lyrics, along with energetic dancing,” he said.

“It all serves to reveal our character’s idiosyncrasies and develops the camaraderie between Anya, Dimitri and Vlad, all while advancing the plot line.”

Plainfield resident Todd Dillon, the director, said he directs one show a year for Hendricks Civic. He is contracted by Plainfield High School to direct its musical in the fall and DIllon the spring play.

“Ever since I was a child, I performed,” he said. “For the first half of my life I was on the stage and did most of my performing. After I got married, we moved to Fort Wayne and I performed for Fort Wayne Civic Theatre for 25 years. After moving here, I did a few shows. For the last 10 years or so, I’ve directed and I just love it.”

For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

VIEWS

15

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

07.28.26 • youarecurrent.com

Cashing in on victual visages Commentary by Dick Wolfsie I recently saw on eBay that a woman claimed to have seen an image of the Virgin Mary in her grilled cheese sandwich. She posted her find on eBay for $28,000.

She claimed the “miracle” was on whole wheat, but I figure it had to be Wonder Bread.

I started paddling through my wife’s beef stew, hoping for a similar experience with my meal, but with little success. Then I bought a package of frozen vegetables at Kroger, and when I opened it up, I thought, for a brief moment, that I saw Helio Castroneves in the carrot, cauliflower and green bean medley. Once the glob started to thaw, it honestly could have been any racecar driver. So, I just ate it.

People looking for a quick buck on eBay will start imagining these culinary apparitions. It’s one thing to look into the clouds as I do and see Donald Duck or a polar bear, but it’s quite another to tell people you saw Caitlin Clark in your eggplant parmesan.

For many years, the late Myrtle Young of Fort Wayne had amassed a collection of potato chips that she thought resembled celebrities such as Snoopy, George Bush and Yogi Bear. She even appeared on the Johnny Carson show, where he pretended to eat one (it’s on YouTube).

At one point, she complained that she’d been having

a heck of a time finding new additions to her cavalcade of stars. Her daughter, who supplied her with chips, had been substituting Lay’s potato chips with Pringles from one of the dollar stores. I hate to rob members of a famous snack family of their individuality, but don’t they all look alike?

One woman saw an image of Moses and the Ten Commandments in something called Marmite, an English delicacy that Brits either love or hate. I read that it was also a big hit with vegetarians.

I do believe you can find celebrity images in Jell-O. I recently thought I saw Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White in the cherry-flavored variety, but it was just my reflection, with my wife standing behind me— laughing.

Well, that’s it for this column. I ordered pizza with all the toppings for dinner, and it was just delivered.

I’m not really hungry, but it’s fun to open the box and see new people.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker.

Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

PUZZLE ANSWERS O V E N S W A M P A R I D R I M E C I V I L L I C E A D O R E O D E N A S E A C U R R E N T W E A T H E R L A G N T H O A S I S W A R T O N O E L E C T A E R I A L S A U K S C U R R E N T E V E N T S T O S S N O T E P A D A C E H E N S S Y R I A P I E E N S G A F F E C U R R E N T A D D R E S S L E A S E O B O E Z O L A M A L T A V O L T A L L Y S T E E L E K E S P A Y S

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ACROSS 1. Rockstar Pizza kitchen fixture 5. Marshland 10. Hot and dry 14. Icy coating

15. Kind of Purdue engineer student 16. Woe at the Hendricks County animal shelter 17. Riding the waves 18. Think the world of

19. 2006 Indiana Mr. Basketball from Lawrence North HS 20. IND flight concern 23. Fall behind 24. Math degree 6 Fruits

25. Indiana Toll Road travel plaza 27. Vote in 29. Skin blemish 32. Musical Yoko 33. WTHR reception aids 36. Seabirds 37. This paper’s focus 40. Light throw 41. Reporter’s tablet 42. Local hardware store 43. Perdue layers 44. Neighbor of Turkey 48. Blunder 50. MCL dessert specialty 52. Navy rank (Abbr.)

53. GPS determination 58. French novelist Emile 59. Bill Estes offering 60. BHS orchestra woodwind 61. Friend in war 62. Smallest member of the European Union 63. Hendricks Power unit 64. Picks up the check at Walt’s 65. Guitar or drum material 66. Manages, with “out” DOWN 1. Delphi prophet 2. The V in A/V 3. Come forth 4. Within walking distance 5. Barely enough 6. Shoe specification 7. Declare 4 Circus Performers

3 Area Radio Stations 5 Edit Menu Options

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5 1 4 8 2 5 3 7 1 4 9 9 5 8 7 8 2 6 7 4 3 9 1 8. Muck up 9. Tell it to a Hendricks County judge 10. Hawaiian greeting 11. Endures, as a storm 12. Indy Fuel practice sites 13. Cub Scout group 21. Sign on a door 22. Kidz Korner attendee 26. Letters of distress 28. Indy 500 entries 29. Light bulb units 30. Away from the wind 31. Invitation letters 34. Russo of “Get Shorty” 35. Aware of 36. Artist Warhol 37. Big name in soft drinks

38. In a beneficial manner 39. Soothed or smoothed 40. “You’re it!” game 43. “Death Becomes ___” (Streep film) 45. Nike rival 46. Shoe part 47. Balance sheet items 49. Starts to unravel 50. White Lick Elementary School sticky stuff 51. Consummate 54. Hoosier National Forest trees 55. Tidy 56. Fisherman’s whopper?

57. Wander Indiana 58. Sound of a mosquito biting the dust ANSWERS ON PAGE 15

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

An Expansion Designed to Highlight What You Love Joe Green, The Stratford’s director of dining, dresses up as a knight for A Royals of the Realm Signature Experience. (Photo courtesy of Ashely Bohlin)

Living like royalty at The Stratford Commentary by Ashely Bohlin

A

t The Stratford in Carmel, every Signature Experience is designed to spark curiosity, create meaningful connections, and bring a sense of adventure to everyday life. In July, our members stepped into a storybook as we celebrated our Royals of the Realm Signature Experience. It was a day filled with medieval fun, fascinating discoveries and a feast fit for kings and queens.

Our royal adventure began with a visit to the Indy Fencing Club, where members learned about the rich history of fencing and how it evolved into the Olympic sport we know today.

Watching demonstrations, discovering the techniques behind the sport, and hearing stories about its centuries-old origins made for an engaging and educational experience.

The excitement continued with a visit from marine biologists Cynde McInnis and Bailey Ulrich and their famous Whalemobile, a life-size inflatable humpback whale. Members enjoyed an interactive presentation featuring real whale artifacts before stepping inside the whale itself to explore its skeleton, muscles and internal organs. Guided by expert marine educators, everyone left with a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures.

After a day of adventure and discovery, members gathered for a medieval-inspired feast featuring warm soup served in bread bowls, hearty giant turkey legs and Chef Laura’s famous bread pudding. Crowns, laughter and great company made this royal celebration one to remember.

For more, visit stratford-living.com.

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M e r i d i a n A u d i o l o g y : M a k i n g a D i ff e r e n c e i n t h e L i ve s o f t h o s e s t r u g g l i n g w i t h h e a r i n g

Realtor helps seniors along downsizing journey

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L

ee Ann Balta’s specialty is assisting seniors during their downsizing journey.

Balta is a certified senior housing professional for Century 21 Scheetz.

She partners with Betzy Bautista to lead the team. Balta has worked with Bautista since 2010. Bautista was Balta’s administrative assistant until two years ago, when Bautista obtained a real estate license and they became partners.

“We are better together, for sure,” said Balta, who works out of the Century 21 Scheetz office in Zionsville.

Balta presents free Silver Journey Senior Living Series seminars at 2 p.m. on the second Monday each month at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville. The Adult Children Series is held at 4:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at HusseyMayfield. They are 90-minute sessions and aren’t used as marketing tools.

“We’re not there to sell them anything,” she said.

Balta said approximately 70 percent of the population wants to age in place and live independently.

“Some people look at a 55-and-over community as kind of a resort with activities and amenities,” she said.

She said her clients are not always buying a smaller house or condominium; they are often moving into senior living communities.

“I’m 59, so most of my clients are around my age,” she said. “Everybody knows five or six Realtors. You end up using the one you know, like and trust or the one you feel will advocate for you the most or the one you feel safe with.”

Balta said there is a longer process of building a relationship with those in the process of downsizing.

“Just the consideration of what the next chapter looks like is just so much more than the real estate piece,” she said. “The real estate piece is just the last piece of what tends to be a bigger puzzle. It’s just a journey that I enjoy taking with people, building relationships years before they’re ready to actually make that step.”

Betzy Bautista, left, and Lee Ann Balta hold educational seminars on the process of downsizing. (Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Balta)

Balta said she helps clients process the steps and provides a support system.

“It’s talking about the market and the mental process of what’s going and what’s staying,” she said. “How do we remove all the unwanted items or wanted items that can’t necessarily go with them? A lot of people get stuck on what to do with this household of stuff.”

Balta said she often introduces clients to others who have gone through the process of downsizing or who are going through it at the same time.

“I try to have them focus on what’s next,” she said. “They’re downsizing, so what do they really want to take with them? If we can just focus on that, that starts to help them move in that direction. I often say don’t worry about the stuff that’s left behind, I’ll take care of that. That’s what my team does. It’s real estate, but it’s not real estate in the traditional sense of, ‘Call me when you’re ready to sell.’ That’s way too late in the process.”

Balta starts with a consultation to see what the clients’ support team is like as far as family members and close friends.

Continued on Page 17

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

5

Volunteers set for final Colts camp at Grand Park

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

L

ois Craig knows she is going to miss volunteering at Indianapolis Colts training camp.

Craig is the volunteer coordinator for transportation for Colts players and families to and from the field at Grand Park. The 73-year-old Westfield resident has been in the role since the first Craig Colts camp in Westfield in 2018. The Colts have announced this year’s training camp, which begins July 29, will be the final one at Grand Park.

“I thoroughly enjoy it,” said Craig, a retired City of Carmel employee.

“They’ve been a great group of guys.

Our Colts are awesome. They are thankful and respectful. They ask us our name. They want to know about us when we’re driving them to and from the field. That’s the majority of them. There are few you know to leave

Sandy and Bill Kirsch, assist in transporting players to the field.

(Photo courtesy of Bill Kirsch)

alone because they don’t want to be bothered. The families are friendly. They want to know about you, too. They’ve been great and we’re all going to miss them. We were all sad they weren’t coming back.”

Craig’s husband, Mark, also volunteers.

Westfield resident Bill Kirsch, 76, and his wife, Sandy, are volunteers in ride assistance for the players. There

was no camp in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there was no contact with the players at camp, so Kirsch took tickets and took fans back and forth from the parking lot that year.

“I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything, except the heat,” Kirsch said. “You don’t realize how big these guys are until they sit down next to you. Most of them are pretty talkative, pretty good guys.”

His most memorable experience was when his wife drove a full load of offensive linemen to the field.

“I was in the cart behind her,” Kirsch said. “She didn’t get far before you saw the tire going down in the back. She did a good job driving it on three wheels.

But by the time she got there, the tire was almost on fire and it was smoking.

The guys in my cart started laughing, pointing to the cart.”

Kirsch said they learned later after a new tire was put on that there was a weight limit of 1,000 pounds.

“The five guys on the cart were over 300 pounds,” he said.

Kirsch said they are supposed to get special new volunteer shirts this year.

“It’s like the final frontier,” he said Metzig Ron Metzig, a 79-year-old Westfield resident, will volunteer for the third time. He helps Continued on Page 8

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seat fans in the grandstand.

“The best parts of volunteering at Colts Camp have been helping fans find the best spot to sit for each practice for the best fan experience, showing the kids where to stand for the best autographs after practice and guiding the handicap fans to our special seating areas,” Metzig said. “I think that the best memories come from helping the kids get their footballs, jerseys or football memorabilia autographed after each practice and the expression on their faces when they are right up front on the rail along the field.”

Metzig said he will miss the fan contact experience and making each person feel welcome.

“We get the chance to meet people from all over the area as you strive to find them the best seat in the house each day, even engaging in a quick conversation with them and the huge fan support here at Grand Park,” he said.

Mark Samuels has volunteered every year since 2018. Samuels, who lived in Fishers before a recent move to Evansville to be closer to his wife’s aging parents, plans to Samuels do four volunteer shifts in August.

“I started doing ride assistance for fans and then after a couple of years I met the Colts Player and Family and Friends golf cart drivers and I switched to working with them for the last several years,” Samuels said. “I enjoy helping the families out, and this position allows you to see a lot of the behind-thescenes parts of camp.”

Samuels, 66, said he’ll miss the routine of getting to camp each day, working behind the scenes, and camaraderie he built with the other long-term drivers.

Samuels retired in October 2023 after more than 30 years at Lilly as an IT project manager.

“I tried working as a dog walker and new car delivery driver but was kind of bored, so I went back to work full time as an IT project manager as a contractor for Lilly,” Samuels said. “I like to be busy and work with people so I also worked at the Fishers Event Center when it opened up until moving down to Evansville.”

Balance: More than standing on one foot Commentary by Dan Scripter

W

hen I ask people how they feel about their balance, the first thing they tell me is that they can stand on one foot for a length of time. While standing on one foot is a tool — and one I use regularly to assess a person’s balance — it is a small piece of the overall picture of balance.

Balance affects each of us as we stand, move, and perform activities of daily living (ADL).

Understanding balance, and how it changes as we age, is important to prevent accidents and injuries. There are two types of balance: static and dynamic.

Static balance (maintaining position) is the ability to keep your center of gravity within the base of support (BOS). An individual’s center of gravity is typically a few inches below the navel, and it shifts with gender, body shape, body size, muscle distribution, and age.

Imagine for a moment, standing on a two-foot square. When you are balanced, your feet are in a relaxed stance, directly under you or slightly wider even if the square starts to shrink in size.

Dynamic balance is the ability to move beyond the BOS while maintaining postural control. An example would be leaning forward to place a plate on a table without stepping forward. This skill often declines in older adults due to age-related changes, cognitive decline, reduced lower leg strength and endurance, limited range of motion, and neurological issues such as numbness in the feet or legs.

There are a few things that you can do at home to help prolong your ability to maintain your balance. We use the movements below, along with others, with our clients at Motion 4 Life Fitness.

They focus on ankle range of motion (ROM), core strength, and training for the feet.

Ankle ROM and lower leg strength: • Toe Raises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your heels planted while lifting your toes toward your shins, then lower them back down. Perform the movement with one foot or both. Begin with two sets of eight reps, resting 30 seconds between sets, and prog-

Motion 4 Life Fitness member Leon Walker works on his balance.

(Photo courtesy of Motion 4 Life Fitness)

ress over the next few weeks to three sets of 15 reps.

• Heel Raises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Press through your toes to lift your heels until you’re on your tiptoes, then lower your heels back to the floor.

Perform the exercise with one foot or both. Start with 2 sets of 8 reps, resting 30 seconds between sets, and progress over the next few weeks to 3 sets of 15 reps.

• Standing Heel to Toe Rocks: Stand upright, tummy pulled toward your spine, with a hand on an object for balance, such as a counter or table.

Put your right foot forward and left leg behind about hip-width apart.

Raise the toes of the front foot with the back foot on the floor. Rock forward until the front foot is fully on the ground, pushing through the front big toe for balance, and the back heel is off the ground. Rock backward until you return to the starting position. Do two sets of 12 repetitions then switch sides, rest 30 seconds between sets.

If you feel any dizziness, or notice anything that feels wrong, see your doctor immediately. If you want to work more on your balance, see your doctor for a program near you, or find a gym and work with a certified personal trainer who specializes in working with older adults.

Dan Scripter is a certified personal trainer at Motion 4 Life Fitness in Carmel.

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ADVERTORIAL

JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

By Dr. Kevin Sonn, orthopedic surgeon at IU Health Fishers

F

or many adults over 55, joint pain can slowly take away the activities they love, whether it’s walking Dr. Kevin Sonn the neighborhood, gardening or keeping up with grandchildren. When pain becomes chronic and begins to affect quality of life, joint replacement surgery may become part of the conversation. But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you?

UNDERSTANDING JOINT REPLACEMENT Joint replacement surgery is a common and effective procedure used to treat damaged joints, most often the hip, knee or shoulder. The surgery involves replacing worn or damaged parts of the joint with artificial components to reduce pain and restore movement.

At IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Fishers, specialists offer a full range of joint replacement options, including hip, knee and shoulder procedures, depending on your needs.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE? Joint replacement is not the first step in treatment. Most patients are initially treated with non-surgical approaches such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes.

You may be a good candidate for joint replacement if: • You have persistent joint pain that limits your daily activities • You experience reduced mobility or difficulty walking or climbing stairs • Your symptoms have not improved with nonsurgical treatments • Joint damage is impacting your overall quality of life At IU Health, care teams evaluate each patient individually, considering the severity of symptoms, overall health and personal goals before recommending surgery.

CONSIDERING NEXT STEPS If you’re experiencing joint pain but aren’t sure if you’re ready to consider surgery, there are helpful ways to learn more. Your first step is typically a

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

consultation with an orthopedic specialist. During this visit, your care team will review your diagnosis and explain treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

IU Health also offers joint replacement seminars designed to help patients better understand their condition, available treatments and what to expect throughout the process. These sessions can be especially valuable if you’re weighing your options and want to feel more confident in your next step.

two hours and is performed under anesthesia. After surgery, your care team will guide you through recovery, focusing on pain management and helping you begin moving safely.

Patients begin walking with assistance the same day of surgery. Recovery is supported by a multidisciplinary team that may include physical therapists, occupational therapists and care coordinators, all working together to help you regain strength and mobility.

WHEN IT’S TIME FOR SURGERY If non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, your care team may recommend joint replacement as the best option to relieve pain and improve function.

Preparation begins well before surgery. Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This may include reviewing medications, completing lab tests and assessing heart and lung health. You’ll also receive guidance on how to prepare your home for recovery, such as arranging help with daily tasks and minimizing fall risks.

Joint replacement surgery typically takes one to

MOVING FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE Choosing joint replacement surgery is a personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. With expert evaluation, personalized care plans and educational resources, IU Health helps patients understand their options and feel confident in their next step.

If joint pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, it may be time to explore your options.

Learning more can help you determine whether joint replacement is the right path toward moving more comfortably and staying active in the years ahead. For more information, visit iuhealth.org/ joints.

55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

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Carmel resident finds niche as investment banker

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

B

ob Zoccola found another niche in his second career.

After 26 years as a trial attorney, Zoccola decided to make the move into investment banking after learning more about the work.

“One of my clients was in international business, and she gave me the opportunity to get into international business, which I jumped at,” he said.

“When I learned what (investment bankers) did, I thought I could do this, and this would be fun.”

It’s so much fun that the 83-year-old is still doing it nearly 30 years later.

That client who gave him the opportunity was the late Christel DeHaan, who owned Resorts Condominiums International before selling it.

At the time he shifted careers, Zoccola was based in London working with partners in a firm.

“They were investment bankers, and that’s who taught me that career move,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supporting family.

I’ve been blessed with opportunities to meet interesting, successful people that showed me ideas and exposed me to ventures that I never would have seen without their help.”

After the firm was sold, he had another client who owned and operated a family office in Jackson Hole, Wyo. He joined the team, where wealthy people would make funds available.

“We used their funds to do other ventures,” he said.

Now, Zoccola has his own company.

“I partner with other people who are either in the space or they recommend something to me,” he said. “Most of what comes our way now is word of mouth because they know what we do and they refer people to us.”

Zoccola moved to Carmel in 1972.

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Bob Zoccola, middle, with his sons Jim, left, and Boyd, on right. (Photo courtesy of Bob Zoccola)

When he was with the firm, he conducted business in 152 nations.

Zoccola said he developed new skills when he became an investment banker.

“But a lot of the skills I developed as a trial lawyer and a licensed mediator (was) because a mediator is basically an arbitrator or a judge who makes a decision,” he said. “A mediator just gets the parties to talk and see if they can’t identify common ground.”

He now owns a company, Zolutions, LLC. “It’s part time, although there are moments when you know you got the deal inside the 1-yard line where you have to be ready to close the deal and make that a priority,” he said. “I try not to have too many things on my plate at one time, so that I’m able to give the right attention to any customer that I’m working with.”

Zoccola moved to Indianapolis in 1960 to attend Butler University. He majored in mathematics and then attended the University of Minnesota’s law school.

“I met the love of my life at Butler, and after law school, she brought me back here because she was a Hoosier and didn’t want to live in Minnesota,” he said.

His wife, Ann, died in 2019. He has 59-year-old twin sons, Boyd and Jim, and five grandchildren.

His sons and grandchildren all graduated from Carmel High School.

STAYING ACTIVE Bob Zoccola moved to The Stratford in October 2024.

“I’m the chair of Lifelong Learning, where I find speakers that I think would be interesting for our residents to hear about and learn from,” he said. “I ask

the residents to give topics that they would like to hear about and then I go find the speaker. Once a week, I lead a group that meditates here.”

Zoccola has kept a gratitude journal for more than 25 years.

“I write things that I’m grateful for that day, and what I found is the more you do it, the more things you’ll notice in the world to be grateful for,” he said.

“To me, it transforms the way you see the world.”

Zoccola said it’s an activity that he encourages everyone to try.

He said he gets involved in as many activities as he can at The Stratford.

“There are so many interesting people here,” he said. “When you hear their stories, you just go, ‘Wow.’ I mean intelligent, interesting people, and to hear their stories is special.”

Real estate agent helps seniors downsize

J

Join Downsize Indy for a FREE live event designed to simplify your move and connect you with trusted local resources.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

ustin Steill and his team have developed a forte in helping older adults downsize their homes.

“Downsizing has always been a service we offer but it has become increasingly a larger part of our business over the past five years,” Steill said. “We Steill help a lot of people downsize into smaller homes. Then the next step is senior living communities.”

Steill is the owner and team leader of Homes With Steill Real Estate Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty. The office is in Carmel and Steill lives in Westfield.

“We serve a lot of clients in the Hamilton County area but also work in Indy Metro from Greenwood to Avon,” Steill said.

Steill holds open houses on weekends, usually Sunday afternoons.

Steill has a 12-person team. The team was established in 2013 and has been a part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices since 2019.

Steill has helped lead a team that has served more than 1,000 families and closed more than $600 million in real estate. It is among the 20 largest teams in the Berkshire Hathaway network nationwide.

“I am passionate about building relationships, fostering connections and serving as a trusted resource for all your real estate needs,” Steill said. “Whether buying, selling or investing, our proven process ensures exceptional results. We are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients.”

For more, visit justinsteill.bhhsindianarealty.com.

“I am passionate about building relationships, fostering connections and serving as a trusted resource for all your real estate needs.”

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13

Aging in Place: What you need to know before a crisis happens Commentary by Christine Stolle

F

or many older adults, there’s no place they’d rather be than home.

Aging in place offers familiarity, independence and comfort. But remaining safely at home isn’t simply a matter of wanting to stay there. It requires thoughtful legal, financial, and practical planning long before a health crisis occurs.

Here’s what every family should know.

Start with the legal foundation One of the most important steps in aging in place has nothing to do with your house. It starts with your legal documents.

Every adult should have a health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney, living will and medical release of information (HIPAA). These documents allow you to choose the people who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself.

Without them, your loved ones may have to petition the court for guardianship, a process that can be expensive, time consuming, public and emotionally draining. More important, it means someone else may end up making decisions that you would have preferred to make yourself.

It’s also important to review how your home is titled and ensure you have an up-to-date will or trust. Proper planning can help avoid probate while also preserving future long-term care planning options.

A paid-off house still has expenses Owning your home outright doesn’t mean living there is free.

Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, repairs and ongoing maintenance continue regardless of whether you have a mortgage. Many families underestimate these recurring expenses when planning for retirement.

In addition, staying in your home safely may require modifications such as: • Installing grab bars • Building wheelchair ramps • Replacing tubs with walk-in showers • Widening doorways • Improving lighting and accessibility These upgrades can become costly, especially if they’re made during an emergency rather than planned in

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

advance.

Before making major financial decisions, explore available funding options such as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), reverse mortgages, VA benefits or Medicaid programs that may help offset costs. And be cautious about gifting money or property, as doing so could affect Medicaid eligibility because of the program’s five-year look-back period.

Know when more help is needed One of the most difficult conversations families face is recognizing when living independently is no longer realistic.

Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease or recovery from a stroke often require more than occasional assistance. They may require skilled care that goes beyond what a spouse or adult child can safely provide.

Families should openly and honestly discuss activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and mobility. Understanding when additional support is needed before burnout occurs can make all the difference for both the individual needing care and the family members providing it.

Aging in place doesn’t mean staying in the same house forever Many people assume the only choices are remaining in their current home or moving directly into assisted living.

Fortunately, there are many options in between.

Communities designed for older adults, such as 55-plus neighborhoods, maintenance-free villas, condominiums and independent living communities, can significantly reduce the burden of home maintenance while allowing individuals to maintain their independence and active lifestyles.

Sometimes aging in place simply means finding a home that’s better suited for the next stage of life.

Understanding the cost of long-term care Long-term care is one of the largest financial challenges many families will ever face.

Although Medicare plays an important role, it generally covers only shortContinued on Page 15

Continued from Page 14 term skilled care following a hospitalization. It does not pay for ongoing custodial care, which is the type of assistance many older adults eventually need.

Depending on your circumstances, long-term care may be funded through: • Personal savings • Home equity • Long-term care insurance • Veterans benefits • Medicaid Planning ahead is critical. Estate planning tools such as Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and Veteran Asset Protection Trusts can help protect assets while preserving eligibility for benefits, but they must be established well before care is needed. Waiting until a crisis occurs often eliminates many of the available planning opportunities.

Even the most devoted caregivers can experience burnout, lost income, declining health, and strained relationships.

Building a successful aging-in-place plan means recognizing that family support has limits. Adult day programs, respite care, in-home caregivers, and formal family caregiver agreements can provide valuable support while helping loved ones maintain healthy boundaries.

Plan for life after the loss of a spouse The death of a spouse can dramatically change someone’s ability to remain at home.

A surviving spouse may suddenly face reduced household income, the loss of a primary caregiver or unexpected ownership and title issues involving the home.

Planning ahead can help ensure that a surviving spouse has both the legal authority and financial resources needed to continue living safely and comfortably.

Aging in place is absolutely achievable for many families, but successful aging in place rarely happens by accident.

It requires thoughtful legal planning, realistic financial preparation, honest family conversations and a willingness to plan before a crisis forces difficult decisions.

The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have.

Christine Stolle is an attorney at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law. For more, visit dillman-owen.com.

55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

15

(Advertorial)

Long-Term Care Planning Commentary by Margaret Gooley Vice President and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Reify Wealth Advisors

Anyone can dream of retirement.

Reify helps make it real.

“Reify” means to make an abstract idea concrete—and that’s exactly what we do at Reify Wealth Advisors. Whether you envision a flexible semi retirement, travel-filled years, or simply the peace of knowing you’re financially prepared, Reify helps turn that vision into reality with personalized retirement planning tailored to your unique goals and lifestyle.

Let’s make your retirement real.

Call us today: 317.872.5090 Individual results are not guaranteed and will vary based on personal circumstances and market conditions. Reify Wealth Advisors, Inc. is a registered investment advisor and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or notice filed or is excluded from registration requirements.

Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

For some individuals, long-term care planning is less about whether you can afford care and more about how you want to pay for it, in addition to what opportunity costs you are willing to accept. Long-term care includes services like in-home assistance, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. In the state of Indiana, the costs of these services can vary significantly depending on the location and level of care. The expenses can sometimes go on for years and create meaningful financial and emotional stress if not planned for in advance.

The goal of planning ahead isn’t just to cover the costs, it’s to do so efficiently, without disrupting your broader financial and legacy plan.

The core decision often comes down to two approaches: purchasing insurance or self-funding care using your own assets. The time to make this decision is typically between the ages of 55 and 65.

The self-funding method means setting aside a portion of your own portfolio specifically for future care needs. For those that have the ability to pursue this method, it provides full control and flexibility related to the money. Assets can be invested how you choose and used for any other purpose (including inheritance) if not needed for care.

In addition, this method provides simplicity because there is no underwriting, no policy terms to be concerned with and no claims process to manage. On the other hand, self-funding means taking on all of the risk related to an unknown prolonged care situation, which can erode even a substantial portfolio.

The money earmarked for care also takes on the opportunity cost of not being used for other expenses in retirement and significant care expenses could reduce what you pass on to heirs or charitable organizations.

Some clients choose this approach if they have sufficient liquidity and are comfortable absorbing a potential high-cost scenario without affecting their lifestyle or other longterm goals.

Another option to pay for longterm care is an insurance policy. In most cases, these policies are issued using a hybrid product where life insurance or an annuity is combined with long-term care coverage. If care is needed, the policy provides benefits. If not, there is typically a death benefit paid to beneficiaries. Unlike a traditional long-term care insurance policy, which is a “use it or lose it” benefit, there is typically value in a hybrid policy even if care is never needed.

In addition, if started early enough, a lump sum or series of premiums can be turned into a larger pool of future benefits. Many of these hybrid policies offer fixed premiums, reducing uncertainty and they can help preserve other assets intended for your heirs.

However, long-term care insurance policies do often have upfront costs, can be complex with various benefit triggers or riders and lower flexibility since the funds are less accessible. Hybrid policies can be appealing for individuals who want to transfer some of the financial risk related to long-term care while still maintaining a predictable outcome for their estate.

Further, some clients will choose a middle ground approach where a dedicated portion of their investment portfolio is earmarked specifically for long-term care and balance some of the risk with a smaller insurance policy for catastrophic scenarios.

Some of the key questions to ask as you navigate this decision include: How important is protecting your estate? Are you comfortable with the uncertainty of potential care costs?

Would large healthcare expenses change your lifestyle plans? Do you prefer control or risk transfer? How is your health and would you qualify for coverage?

The bottom line is, there is no one-size fits all solution. Instead, the decision comes down to aligning your financial capacity with your personal preferences. Self-funding emphasizes flexibility and control.

Long-term care insurance offers leverage and protection. The key is to make the decision proactively, while you have the most options available.

Sycamore resident enjoys new home

By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com

I

t’s never easy leaving your home state or your home, but it’s something that Mary Buchanan did — and she’s thriving.

Buchanan, who turns 82 next month, is a new resident of the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living in Indianapolis. She moved there in May and has enjoyed Sycamore immensely since her daughter Shelly did a search on where Buchanan could live. “(My daughter) took care of everything for me,” Buchanan said. “That was a big help.”

Buchanan described the search experience as a major reason for wanting to live there and she has not had any regrets.

“In my time here, I’ve liked it so much,” Buchanan said. “I can be myself with all my friends I’ve accumulated.

They have been great and wonderful and it’s been that (Sycamore).”

Buchanan, who lived in Indianapolis with her daughter prior to her move, is a native of Charles City, Iowa. She also lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Buchanan, who attended business school in Minnesota, worked for many years with the LeFebure Co. of Cedar Rapids, a major manufacturer of bank security equipment, safes and vault doors.

A widow, Buchanan has two daughters, Shelly and Tracy. Tracy lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Buchanan is a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and of fellow

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Mary Buchanan resides at the Sycamore Reserve Senior Living community. (Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reseve)

Hawkeye and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, She said she also enjoys working with her hands and lists quilting, knitting and crocheting as her hobbies.

“Idle hands are the devil’s work,” Buchanan said, laughing. “I miss my daughter in Iowa and I miss Iowa, but I’ve been loving my life here and it’s been more than fun.”

“PrimeLife is such an asset to Carmel and Hamilton County! Everything they do makes our lives easier.”

Kathy C. - Member

Programs and services that help adults age 55+ lead more active and connected lives.

More than 50 clubs and activities plus 45 fitness classes weekly

Continued from Page 4 “These are all tasks that need to be done, and we’re starting to build a plan to delegate those tasks,” Balta said. “If they’re rich with people and a support system, then there may not be costs associated with the move, except for maybe at the very end when we’re selling the real estate. If they don’t have people, then we may need to hire a packer and a mover. I’m looking for those movers and packers that specialize in serving seniors because they know to be gentle, caring and respectful.”

Online auctions can help with items not being moved.

“I’m a huge trash-to-treasure girl, so I love online auctions because people aren’t traipsing through the house,” she said.

At Balta’s most recent auction from a 3,500-square-foot home, the auctioneer sold all but three items. The funds made from the auction could help with moving costs.

“We help people find joy in this and in going through the next process,” she said. “Every person’s journey is different and it’s so customized.”

For more, visit yoursilverjourney.com.

• Basic Membership: All activities plus indoor track and weight room * • Enhanced Membership: All Basic plus Fitness and Aquatic Classes * *Insurance benefits like Silver Sneakers & Renew Active cover cost of Basic Membership

The following services are FREE to anyone age 55+ (no membership needed): • Daily hot lunches • Wednesday Lunch & Learn Sessions • SHIP (Medicare) Counseling • CICOA Community Health Worker Assistance • AARP Senior Planet (technology) lectures & workshops • Transportation for Hamilton County residents to essential services 1078 3rd Ave. SW, Carmel - 46032

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[

Fishers resident passionate about senior care

By Hannah Vandlandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

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55 AND BETTER Summer 2026

A

fter working for several years in the corporate world, Stacey Williams has made a significant career shift. As she looked to transition into a more specialized and local position, she came across Seniors Helping Seniors and took the opportunity to open a location of her own.

“As I started thinking about leaving corporate and doing something more local, I wanted to focus on seniors or kids,” Williams said. “Seniors Helping Seniors was an opportunity that I saw, and it just speaks to my heart.”

Seniors Helping Seniors is an in-home care service designed to connect seniors with caregivers their own age. The similarity in age aims to promote understanding, connection and relatability between seniors and their caregivers.

Williams said she is passionate about fostering connections between seniors and caregivers because of her personal experience with her grandmother and her caretaker.

“My grandmother had suffered a stroke and lived for about 10 years after that, but had really significant health challenges. My family was very, very fortunate that we had an amazing caregiver, but it was so hard,” said Williams, a Fishers resident. “Everybody needs care, and they need people to give them care who are going to be caring and loving. There’s also an element of dignity and respect for the people who just want to age in place versus trying to go into a facility, which I think is ultimately better for people.”

Williams wants to put focus on quality care, which, for her, means hiring high-quality caregivers.

“If you look at the senior care industry in general, people can get into the industry without a lot of training,” she said. “They’re going to get training through their employer, but you don’t have to have those skills necessarily to get hired as a caregiver. We are very specific in trying to hire seniors to care for other seniors – people who have similar life experience, people who might have similar interests, so it’s about building that genuine relationship.”

Another focus is the comfort of those

Stacey Williams has opened a Seniors Helping Seniors center in Hamilton County. (Photo courtesy of Stacey Williams)

seeking care.

“The majority of older people want to age in place in their homes, because that’s what they know, and that’s where they’re comfortable,” Williams said. “(For us) it’s about creating the environment where they can do that safely (while) getting the help that they need.”

Williams finds hiring caregivers to be especially rewarding, enjoying the conversations with those who are passionate about the job.

“When you get somebody who’s in it for the right reasons; (when) you get a caregiver who comes in and they’re telling you stories about who they’ve given care to, and they get really emotional… that just warms my heart,” she said.

Williams’ Seniors Helping Seniors coverage areas are Hamilton and Hancock counties and eastern Marion County.

“I really want to be the local resource that people think of when they think of needing care,” Williams said. “I’m hoping Seniors Helping Seniors creates that brand awareness that people know automatically the high quality of care that we provide, and that we will be the go-to resource. I just want us to be that community resource in my territory… but I’m certainly starting here in Hamilton County.”

For more, visit seniorshelpingseniors. com.

Marquette retirement community plans major expansion

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arquette, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community senior living destination in Indianapolis known for its exceptional lifestyle offerings and personalized care, broke ground on Part I of a significant expansion featuring the highly anticipated Terraces II development, a new residential option called The Flats.

Construction began June 16 on the first phase, which includes The Commons, an amenities enhancement featuring indoor multiuse sports court and waterfront lounge spaces. The ambitious multiphase project, a $102 million investment, will add 69 luxury apartment homes, 25 innovative stacked flats and a major expansion of the community’s central gathering space, representing the second most comprehensive development in the community’s history.

Anticipated opening in 2029, Terraces II will feature the same striking façade with glass wall corner units and sophisticated architectural design mirroring the popular Terraces I building, comple-

mented by a welcoming dining venue and convenient underground parking facilities. The development also introduces an innovative housing concept with 25 hybrid homes they are calling The Flats – a unique residential option that combines the privacy of independent homes with thoughtfully designed, single level flats, spacious layouts and generous outdoor enjoyment.

“This expansion represents our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s discerning seniors who seek both luxury and an active, engaging lifestyle,” stated Jake Cox, executive director of Marquette. “The Terraces II, The Flats and amenities development will set a new standard for senior living, combining our residents’ love for recreational activities like pickleball with sophisticated dining and living spaces that foster community connection.”

Key Features of the development: Luxury apartment homes (69 units) • Spacious, well-appointed residences full of natural light and premium finishes • Multiple floor plan options to suit

diverse lifestyle preferences • Exceptional comforts such as fireplaces, modern amenities and accessibility features innovative stacked flats (25 units) • Unique living concept combining privacy, convenience and connectivity.

• Thoughtfully designed for optimal comfort and functionality • Covered parking and private outdoor spaces

• Premium Amenities • Exclusive on-site dining venues featuring chef-prepared cuisine • Secure underground or at grade covered parking with direct building access • Seamless integration with existing community amenities and services: The Marquette Athletic Club, natatorium, resident garden, chapel, Township Tavern and creative arts spaces.

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