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Artwork to honor city’s Underground Railroad heritage

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The City of Westfield has selected Indiana-based artist Aaron S. Coleman to create public art to honor the city’s Underground Railroad heritage.

Called “Hold the Stars,” the art piece will be installed at the Grand on Main development currently under construction at the corner of Ind. 32 and Poplar Boulevard in downtown Westfield. Installation is scheduled for the summer of 2027.

“Public art has the power to tell the stories that define a community, and this installation does exactly that,” Mayor Scott Willis stated. “‘Hold the Stars’ will create a meaningful place for residents and visitors to gather, reflect, and connect with an important part of our history.”

According to a news release, “Hold the Stars” was selected through a competitive process that prioritized historical resonance, artistic excellence, and community connection. The city partnered with Indianapolis-based cultural

firm GANGGANG in selecting Coleman. The artwork incorporates references to the Big Dipper constellation, historically used by escaped slaves to find the North Star while traveling north. The design reflects themes of resilience, protection, care, and guidance — connecting the city’s past to its present and future. It is designed to honor those who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad and the Quaker families who supported it.

Rendering of the “Hold The Stars” artwork to be designed by artist Aaron S. Coleman and which will be placed at the Grand on Main development to honor Westfield’s Underground Railroad heritage. (Courtesy City of Westfield)

“Hold the Stars” will be crafted from native white oak using traditional steam-bending techniques commonly associated with shipbuilding, the installation further ties together historical narratives and regional craftsmanship traditions.

The work will also include an ADA-accessible circular base featuring an illuminated stainless steel star map highlighting the seven stars of the Big Dipper.

WWS board approves tax levy resolution

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees unanimously approved a resolution during its June 9 meeting to place a tax levy operating referendum on the November ballot.

The resolution calls for a maximum tax rate of 39.41 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The most the levy could collect per year is $38 million. The numbers are based on an average property value of $450,000.

can be adjusted below that annually.

WWS Superintendent John Atha, who made the presentation to the board, said WWS will need to tax at a higher rate than the current rate of 17 cents per $100 of assessed property value to maintain present services and enhance them.

State law requires the ballot language to include the maximum tax rate, which

Atha said one of the reasons the levy is needed is that WWS continues to receive below-average state tuition support compared to many Indiana school districts. The effect of Senate Enrolled Act 1, the state’s new property tax law, has reduced the ability of WWS to collect revenue at a pace that matches Westfield’s growth. Atha said changes

to referendum and operations funding formulas resulted in more than $4.4 million in uncollected revenue between 2023 and 2025.

If approved, the referendum would provide local funding to support safety, maintain school staff sizes, provide adequate staffing and increased teacher pay, transportation, academic programming, and student support services.

Atha said failure to approve the levy would lead to a decline in the quality of service WWS provides.

“A no vote, I’m just going to tell you is for mediocrity, and it will be imperceptible in the moment,” Atha said. “If we continue on the path we are, we’ll wake up one day and be average.”

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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

Atha

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WFD blood unit plays role in saving man’s life

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

On Nov. 3, 2025, Drake Fuentes was in a traffic accident in Tipton County that required him to be transported to an Indianapolis hospital.

En route, Fuentes received a blood infusion from the Westfield Fire Department’s Mobile Blood Response Unit that helped save his life.

On June 3 at the Westfield Public Safety Building, Fuentes met WFD Lt. Beau Leimbach and Tipton Fire Department Paramedic Alissa Flick for the first time since they treated him at the scene of the accident, which Flick recalled.

“I immediately started initial trauma care, but ultimately Beau’s (Mobile Blood Response Unit) had what the patient needed in that moment that I didn’t have after my initial care was done,” Flick said. “It was definitely a collaborative effort.”

Knowing WFD had the Mobile Blood Response Program, Flick contacted the department en route to Indianapolis. The Mobile Blood Response Unit met the ambulance at the 161st Street exit at U.S. 31 and performed the infusion.

“When I first got in the back of the ambulance, he had little to no blood pressure,” Leimbach said. “Then after we got the pint of blood (administered), his rebound pressure after that was substantial and was back into reading numbers. Overall, his vitals got so

much better.”

Flick and Leimbach noted how rare it is to meet a patient after a successful outcome. Fuentes credits their response with saving his life.

“I was beyond grateful and very happy,” said Fuentes, who lives on the southeast side of Indianapolis. “I wanted to be able to give them my appreciation, because if it wasn’t for them, then I don’t know where my life would be, right?”

The WFD launched its Mobile Blood Response Program in 2025. It allows specially trained paramedics to administer plasma and red blood cells before a patient reaches the hospital.

Blood products are stored just above freezing in a mobile refrigeration unit inside the vehicle. When requested, blood is packed into a portable cooler that can be placed into any ambulance receiving support from the unit.

The department also carries a blood and fluid warmer and a rapid infuser, allowing paramedics to deliver a unit of blood in about three minutes.

“This program connects the donor, the paramedics and the patient in a very real way,” said Patrick Hutchison, WFD’s EMS Division Chief. “Blood donated by the community can become blood administered by paramedics when someone’s life depends on it.”

Hutchison said the unit has been deployed seven times since WFD began using it in October 2025. He estimates it will be used 15 to 20 times annually.

Tipton Fire Department Paramedic Alissa Flick hugs Drake Fuentes June 3 at the Westfield Public Safety Building as Westfield Fire Department Lt. Beau Leimbach looks on. (Photo by Todd Golden)

SAFETY, MEET STYLE

Area residents to take part in Transplant Games

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Several area residents will represent Team Indiana in the 2026 Transplant Games of America, which will take place June 18-23 at several venues in Denver.

The Transplant Games began 33 years ago and bring together individuals whose lives have been touched by donation and transplantation.

Organ, eye and tissue recipients are joined by living donors, donor families, patients waiting for transplant and professionals from the donation and transplant world.

The Games include more than competitions for recipients and living donors along with more than 60 special events including lectures and workshops.

Area participants and the events they will compete in include:

• Brownsburg: Ashley Zavela (basketball, bowling and volleyball), Todd Zortman (tennis, pickleball, basketball, cycling, golf and trivia.

• Fishers: Abigail Beckman (Swimming), Kira Newkirk (bowling, cornhole)

• Noblesville: Jill Nicolich (5K race/ walk, bowling), Bret Schmutte (cycling, 5K race/walk, memorial fitness challenge competition)

• Westfield: Jacquin Gallagher (5K race/walk, swimming, track and field), Kaitlyn St. Vincent (5K race/walk).

For more, visit transplantgamesofamerica.org/ and indianadonornetwork.org/

DISPATCH

 World Cup watch party — The Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus will host a free World Cup watch party 3 p.m. June 19 at the Commons at Droplight Grand Park when the U.S. men’s national team plays Australia in one of its World Cup group matches. The match will be aired on a 40-foot TV. There also will be corn hole, concessions and vendors onhand for the watch party.

Portal plan moves forward

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield is moving forward with a plan to create a publicly available online transparency portal.

During the May 27 Board Of Public Works meeting, a Master Services Agreement with Carmel-based RADcube LLC to provide vendor services was approved.

“They are a software developer company that we have partnered with to create the city’s transparency portal using some of their AI technology, but hosted by the city in the city’s cloud environment,” City of Westfield Director of Informatics Chris Larsen said.

A transparency portal was a service Westfield Mayor Scott Willis campaigned on when he was elected in 2023. He said there were “more important things” to handle before establishing the transparency portal but noted that he wants it to be operational before an-

other election season in 2027.

“I promised we were going to create a dashboard of information that matter to residents to give them transparency in everything we’re doing in the city, good and bad, so that they can better understand what we’re doing right and wrong, and hold us accountable as a result of that. I’m excited that we’re getting this off the ground,” Willis said.

The portal, and how it will be presented to the public, is still being designed.

“We’ll start with public safety and public works, and then we hope to open it up in future years with the financial (data),” Larsen said.

Board of Public Works President Nick Barbknecht said including financial data will be imperative as the portal develops.

“I think the city’s finances could use some more transparency,” Barbknecht said. “I think we’d all be encouraged to look deeper into that.”

Larsen Willis

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Council approves Wood Wind GC appropriation

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield City Council unanimously approved an appropriation of leftover money 2025 Capital Projects Fund for a redevelopment project at Wood Wind Golf Club during its June 8 meeting.

The appropriation supports grant requests to the Redevelopment Commission for the project. The request itself was unanimously approved in a separate vote.

Westfield Executive Chief of Economic and Community Development Jenell Fairman noted that fund had an unrestricted balance of $4.38 million.

“These were unused dollars that were not encumbered,” Westfield Executive Chief of Economic and Community Development Jenell Fairman said. “We weren’t sure when the money was going to be spent out of this fund by the RDC.”

Improvements at Wood Wind Golf Club, a public course at 2302 W. 161st St., will take up $2.63 million of the funds.

Fairman said that of the $2.63 million appropriation, $2.18 million is for land

The Westfield City Council approved an appropriation of funds for Wood Wind Golf Club improvements. (File photo)

acquisition and $450,000 is for capital repairs and upgrades, including fixing safety issues on three bridges; cart path repairs; restroom renovations; bunker restoration; tree removal; drainage repairs; a new grill top for the kitchen; a new walk-in cooler and roofing and rack repair.

Fairman also said the golf course wants improvements for the guest experience, including a rest area, a course restroom, a golf simulator lounge and a reach-in deli cooler.

Fairman said the remaining fund balance will be considered for Grand Park improvements. She said that request will likely come in July.

City announces home decorating contest

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

As part of its America 250 celebration, the City of Westfield has launched a home decorating contest.

Residents can show their patriotic spirit by decorating the outside of their homes with red, white and blue flags, bunting, lights, stars, historic tributes and creative displays that honors America’s 250th anniversary as a nation.

“We’ll give (Westfield City Councilor) Kurt Wanninger the credit for this. He presented it to us last week,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said during the June 8 Westfield City Council meeting. “We will have three independent judges going around to all the homes that registered.”

Gift cards to local businesses will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-

place finishers. First place will receive $100, second place will receive $75 and third place will receive $50.

To register, visit westfieldin.gov/ FormCenter/General-Forms-4/Patriotic-Pride-Home-Edition-172. The deadline is June 21. Registration is free. Participants must reside in Westfield or Westfield Washington Township.

Displays must be on the exterior of the house and/or in the yard and must be visible from the street and suitable for public viewing. The City of Westfield reserves the right to reject a display being part of this contest should it be deemed offensive or controversial.

Participants must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, safety regulations and other applicable regulations (including HOA regulations) in connection with their decorations and displays.

DISPATCHES

 Jenkins named IHSAA girls track Mental Attitude Award winner — Ella Jenkins of Westfield High School was named IHSAA Mental Attitude Award in girls track and field. Jenkins earned the honor after competing at the IHSAA girls state track and field finals at North Central High School in Indianapolis. Jenkins, the daughter of Christopher and Summer Jenkins of Westfield, is the WHS record holder in pole vault with a height of 13 feet, 3 inches and is seventh all-time in IHSAA history in pole vault. Jenkins finished third in the pole vault on Friday as she cleared 12 feet, 6 inches. Jenkins, who was also part of the WHS volleyball team, ranks in the top of her class at Westfield. She is the vice president of Care Like Cate, and is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Book Club, Ambassadors Club, and Anatobee. Academically, Ella is recognized as a Distinguished Graduate, and received Academic and Technical Honor and AP Capstone diplomas. The IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, presented a $1,000 scholarship to WHS in the name of Jenkins.

 International Festival rescheduled — The Westfield International Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at Grand Junction Plaza. The event was originally scheduled for May 16, but was postponed because of inclement weather. Featured cuisines and main stage performances are still to be announced.

 Touch-A-Truck — Touch-A-Truck is coming to the Droplight Grand Park Campus from 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 17. The free event will take place in Lot F and there will be a sensory hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Kids can get close to their favorite vehicles and sit in the driver’s seat. Among other vehicles at the event will be emergency and construction vehicles. For more, visit westfieldin.gov/398/ Touch-A-Truck

 Open mic nights at Grand Junction Brewery — Grand Junction Brewery, located at 1189 E. 181st St., is holding open mic nights at 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Music, comedy, poetry and spoken word could be part of the show depending on who participates.

Jenkins

COMMUNITY

Northpoint project pulled

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

A proposed development in the Northpoint Planned Unit Development area has been withdrawn.

During the May 26 Westfield City Council meeting, an amendment to the Northpoint PUD, intended for a proposed building, was requested for the northwest portion of the Northpoint PUD area for a 138,000 square-foot building.

However, concerns were raised by area residents about the possibility of unmarked graves dating to Westfield’s Underground Railroad era that might be in the area to be developed.

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis requested that the petitioner, Northpoint 2 Land, LLC, pull the request until clarity on the presence of unmarked graves in the area could be determined.

“We’ve requested that the developer pull the PUD (amendment), which (they) have,” Willis said. “Will it come back to us eventually? It probably will.”

Adjacent to the area is a pioneer-era cemetery. Unmarked graves could be on

There are concerns about the possible presence of unmarked graves at a pioneer cemetery at 202nd Street in Westfield. A development planned at the adjacent Northpoint PUD was withdrawn. (Photo by Todd Golden)

the perimeter, a practice that was common in the 1800s.

Willis said the petitioner has to go through a process with the Indiana DNR to determine if unmarked graves are in the area.

“Certain things are nonnegotiables, and impacting cemeteries is certainly a nonnegotiable for me,” Willis said. “If they have to find a compromise on their development project to protect what’s here and the history behind that cemetery, then that’s what they’re going to have to do. … I can tell you that I’m not interested in a project where I have to dig up and move dead bodies.”

WWS announces Shamrock Academy class

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Westfield Washington Schools has announced members of the 2026–27 Shamrock Academy class.

Individuals chosen have committed to spending the next year learning, engaging, and exploring what it takes to serve more than 10,700 students across the school district, according to WWS. Shamrock Academy provides community members with a behind-thescenes look at Westfield Washington Schools through monthly experiences, presented by district leaders, focused on school leadership, finance, safety, operations, student support services, hiring, technology, extracurricular activities, and the district’s commitment that All Rocks Are Life Ready.

Members of the 2026–2027 Shamrock Academy Class are: David Abdelmaseih, Devon Bloxom, Melissa Campbell, Alexis Cooks, Jolene Dailey, Alexis Fortier, Klia Fuller, Carolyn Haney, Erin Hetrick, Laura Houston, Aimee Humphrey, Nicolle Kiel, Bethany Kramer, Breanne Lee, Lora Lemon, Megan Marquardt, Kristen Mundt, Jennifer Newell, Sara Perry, Brianna Richardson, Mikki Richter, Cristy Riley, Dipak Rimal, Sara Sidery, Megan Springer, Holly Stephan, Sherry Syed, Denise Vance, Erin Watts, Kelley Wells, Millicent Woodland and Janell Zimmer.

Over the course of ten sessions, participants will meet district leaders, tour facilities, engage in hands-on experiences

 Correction — In the June 2 edition of Current in Westfield, the Westfield City Council story misstated the name of the family that once owned land adjacent to a pioneer cemetery on 202nd Street. The Sumner family owned the land south of 202nd Street.

WMS girls rugby team wins state title

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It didn’t take the Westfield Middle School girls rugby team long to win a championship.

Formed in 2025, WMS won the Rugby Indiana 2026 7&8 Girls Spring Championship May 23 at Cynthiane Field in Fishers. WMS defeated Pendleton Rugby 30-15 in overtime for the title.

WMS scored three tries — which are similar to touchdowns in football — to seal the win.

“Some of the plays were so beautiful,” WMS coach Bailey Mobley stated. “It just truly showed how all the hard work and practices were making such a difference.”

WMS, which finished with a 10-1 record, defeated Westside 39-21 in the semifinals.

Rugby is a club sport and is not sanctioned by the IHSAA. Six teams competed in the Girls 7&8 Spring

Championship.

“The middle school girls’ club started last year. This year we gained almost double the amount of girls thanks to the team’s commitments and recruiting skills,” Mobley stated. “So many girls would be at practices early and doing extra work to get to where they are today. It took the entire team.”

Indy Eleven U13s win MLS NEXT Cup championship

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The Indy Eleven Academy U13 team — based in Grand Park in Westfield — are MLS NEXT national champions after winning the U13 MLS NEXT Cup Premier Division title in Salt Lake City May 31.

The Indy Eleven won five games in four days to win the 32-team, single-elimination tournament.

In the championship match, Indy Eleven defeated Chula Vista FC 2-1.

Chris Leiva and Sebastian Valdes-Pena scored goals for Indy Eleven.

Oliver Chirico, Archer Dichls, Joe Keating, Leiva and Valdes-Pena led Indy Eleven with two goals each in the tournament.

Indy Eleven boasts the most USL Academy Championships and USL Cup finals among USL-C clubs.

The Westfield Middle School girls rugby team won the Rugby Indiana 7&8 Girls Spring Championship May 23 at Cynthiane Field in Fishers. (Courtesy of WMS rugby team)

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Man arrested on gun charge

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield man has been charged with nine felonies after an incident involving a gun at a Wawa gas station.

Alexander Price, 21, was arrested June 2 and charged with five felony counts of criminal confinement where a vehicle was used, one count of criminal confinement with a deadly weapon, one count of intimidation, one count of pointing a firearm at another, and one count of unlawful carrying of a firearm with a prior felony conviction.

group and struck one of the juveniles in the head. One of the youths said that Price was “cute,” which allegedly angered Price.

As of June 10, Price was being held at the Hamilton County Jail without bond, and a trail date had not been set.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Westfield Police Department, four juveniles and one adult were allegedly encountered by Price and two other assailants at the Wawa gas station at 393 W. Tournament Trail.

A juvenile witness alleged that one of the assailants said he wanted to fight someone. Price then approached the group and asked if they wanted to fight. Later, a protein bar was thrown at the

The juveniles left the store but were blocked from leaving the parking lot by a truck driven by Price. Assailants allegedly told the juveniles to exit their car to “run thirties,” slang for 30-second street fights. Price allegedly pointed a gun with a laser target-finder from the driver’s seat of the truck. He allegedly told the juveniles “He’s killed people over this.”

Price allegedly asked the juveniles where their mom was and that he would follow them to her. They were followed by Price, who abandoned the pursuit when a WPD patrol care appeared.

WPD located the truck on 191st Street and questioned Price. A firearm was found under the driver’s seat. Price alleged that the juveniles had started the confrontation. Price then admitted that the gun belonged to his grandfather.

Two guns were allegedly found in Price’s truck along with drug paraphernalia. WPD later viewed surveillance footage from the gas station that confirmed the events as described by the victims.

Autogeek reaches 25 years

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is current as of this issue and subject to change at any time. APY assumes that interest remains on deposit until maturity. Minimum deposit of $1,000 to open this account with a maximum deposit of $240,000 per account. Minimum balance requirement of $1,000 to earn interest. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. Accounts may be subject to other fees, contact your local branch to learn more. APPLIES TO NEW DEPOSITS ONLY. American Bank of Freedom, Member FDIC.

By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

Autogeek, a Westfield-based car care company and part of the Vision Investments LLC portfolio, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

In celebration, Autogeek will present Detail Fest 2026 in Los Angeles June 20 at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

The event will be presented in partnership with SONAX USA, also a part of the Vision Investments LLC portfolio and headquartered in Westfield. Their partnership reinforces a shared commitment to education and innovation in the detailing industry and will bring together professional detailers, industry leaders, leading brands and automobile enthusiasts, according to the business.

“Detail Fest has always been about bringing the community together around a shared passion for automotive care,” Rob McCrary, managing director of SONAX USA stated in a news release.

“Partnering with Autogeek at the Petersen Automotive Museum allows us to

elevate that experience and invest in the future of the detailing industry through education, access, and innovation.”

Detail Fest was originally launched in 2006 and has been recognized as a principal gathering point for the detailing community, according to the business.

This year, the event will be condensed into a one-day celebration featuring live demonstrations from leading detailing brands; hands-on product education and technique sessions; access to industry professionals and subject matter experts; curated enthusiast and specialty vehicle car show; and programming hosted within the Petersen Automotive Museum environment.

The event will also feature limited edition merchandise showcasing Autogeek’s mascot, Ivan, created in response to engagement within the community, according to the business.

“Reaching 25 years is a significant milestone for Autogeek and the community we serve,” Autogeek’s Chief Marketing Officer Devra Callaghan stated. For more, visit detailfest.org.

Price

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DISPATCHES

 Menards food drive — The Menards store at 2150 E. Greyhound Pass is serving as a drop site for a local food pantry during the months of June and July. Menards offers a wide variety of non-perishable food items that can be donated to the food pantries, from boxes of cereal to cans of soup that can be found in its grocery department for immediate donation. There is a collection box near the exit doors to place donations. The collection runs until July 31.

 Kids Summer Series — The City of Westfield’s Kids Summer Series will take place on select Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. at Grand Junction Plaza through July 28. Kid-focused fun, entertainment and activities are featured. Each week will feature alternating appearances by balloon twisters and airbrush tattoo artists, and Kona Ice will be at every event. Featured performers are:

• June 16 — Jump and Hop!

• June 23 — Hedgehog Hannah

• June 30 — Bongo Boy

• July 7 — Mr. Dan the Music Man

• July 14 — Ruditoonz

• July 21 — Jump and Hop!

• July 28 — Magic Man Rusty

 Sensory Nature Walk — The Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities and the City of Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities have partnered to host the second Sensory Nature Walk. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 on the Midland Trace Trail between Simon Moon Park in Westfield and Hazel Dell Elementary School in Noblesville. The Midland Trace Trail is ADA accessible, allowing individuals of all ages and abilities to take part. Participants may park and access the trail from the three designated areas listed below and can walk as much of the 2-mile route as they wish. Resting spots will also be available along the path. Parking will be available at:

• Simon Moon Park, 3044 E 171st St.

• Behind Red Habanero, 17417 Carey Rd.

• Hazel Dell Elementary School, 3025 Westfield Rd. Police officers will assist with traffic control when the walk crosses over Gray Road and Carey Road. No bicycles are to be used during this program. In the event of inclement weather, the walk and all other booths and activities will

be moved inside Hazel Dell Elementary. To learn more, visit westfieldin.gov/ wacd

 Movies in the Plaza — Westfield’s Movies In The Plaza is set to begin on select evenings from May to August at Grand Junction Plaza. The free summer series will feature outdoor movie nights featuring popular films for all ages. Movies will begin at 7:30 p.m. Here is the 2026 schedule:

• June 24: “Kicking & Screaming”

• July 22: “Brave”

• Aug. 15: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

 Golf cart inspection appointment slots opened — The Westfield Police Department has opened additional appointment slots for golf cart inspections and registrations. If you operate a golf cart in the City of Westfield, this is an opportunity to get your golf cart inspected and obtain your official registration sticker. Inspections cost $100. To schedule an appointment, go to tinyurl. com/36efkyd

COMMUNITY

LOSSES AND WINS?

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Entering 2026, the City of Westfield was in the spotlight as far as being a sports destination.

The Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus hosted the Indianapolis Colts training camp and was a finalist in hosting a team base camp for the FIFA World Cup. The inaugural LIV Golf Indianapolis event at The Club of Chatham Hills in August 2025 was a success at the gate.

By the end of this year, however, the city might not have any of those assets.

The Colts will have their final training camp at Grand Park before moving on. Moreover, the park was not chosen to host a base camp site. Although LIV Golf Indianapolis is still scheduled to be played in August at The Club at Chatham Hills, the future of LIV Golf is in question.

Despite the setbacks, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis remains optimistic about the city’s ability to develop its national sports branding.

“I would argue every single one of those examples were wins,” said Willis, noting the exposure the Colts, LIV Golf and being associated with the World Cup provided Westfield.

Willis noted that Westfield has gained or retained high-profile events. The NFL Flag Championships is coming to Grand Park in July for the first time. And the World Fitness Project Tour, an international fitness league, will return for the second time to Grand Park in August.

The hockey facility approved for the Grand Park District is intended to make the city an all-year sports destination and increase the already large amount of tournaments the city hosts.

Todd Bolster, executive vice president of sales, marketing & sports at Hamilton County Sports Authority, noted that the county has had a 71 percent increase in sports economic activity in the last year. Grand Park, and the myriad youth sports events it hosts, has played a major role.

From an economic standpoint, Bol-

ster said when a travel tournament brings a large number of athletes to Grand Park, it triggers economy of scale benefits because there are more visitors spending money than at events like Colts camp, which mostly draws local fans who don’t stay in hotels, or one-weekend events like LIV Golf.

“I’m not as worried about some of the changes in the (high-profile) events, because we’ve got either other activities that will take their place at a flat level or even at a larger scale,” Bolster said.

Although Grand Park was not chosen by FIFA to be a base camp host, Willis said the exposure through the application process was worth the effort.

“No other city in Indiana was even selected as a preferred site,” Willis said.

“We put ourselves on the map by going through that process. We got a lot of media hits on the fact that Westfield was a (possible) site.”

Willis said even the Colts’ departure has a silver lining for the city.

“We hate to see the Colts leave, but it was the right decision for the Colts, and quite frankly, for the City of Westfield,” Willis said. “When you look at how the state is impacting our finances through (state property tax law Senate Enrolled Act 1), we spend about three quarters of a million dollars every year on Colts camp. Over 10 years, three quarters of a million (per year) … do the math.”

The LIV Golf situation remains murky. Sports business news website Front Office Sports reported June 7 that

SCHEDULE OF 2026 NATIONAL LEVEL SPORTING EVENTS IN WESTFIELD

• July 23-26: NFL Flag Championships at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus

• July-August: Colts training camp (specific dates are still to be

announced)

• Aug. 20-23: LIV Golf Indianapolis at the Club at Chatham Hills

• Aug. 28-30: World Fitness Project Tour at Grand Park

LIV might not have money to finish its season. Bolster confirmed that the twoyear contract with LIV will expire after the 2026 event.

“I don’t know that I would say we lost that event so much as it ran its course,” Bolster said. “What we don’t know is, what is the long-term viability of LIV Golf? There may not be a LIV Golf in 2027, but if there is, it wouldn’t surprise me if they renew in Westfield.”

Willis said that the initial investment of $500,000 the city made to secure the 2025 tournament was not applicable in 2026.

“This is a gravy year for us. “Anything (LIV Golf) brings into Westfield, which will be tens of thousands of visitors (for the 2026 tournament if it occurs), is a huge win for us,” Willis said.

ON THE COVER: Westfield will no longer host Colts camp and the future of LIV Golf is in doubt, but Westfield Mayor Scott Willis is upbeat about the city’s sports situation. (Photo illustration by Max

Mayor still optimistic about city’s sports economy

The Indianapolis Colts conduct training camp at Grand Park in 2025. (File photo)

LIV Golf Indianapolis was hosted by the Club at Chatham Hills. The future of the tournament, and LIV Golf itself, is murky. (File photo)

Brown)

How to lower blood pressure

Commentary by Farah Myers

Exercise is a cornerstone of blood pressure control, yet meeting current evidence-based guidelines can feel overwhelming. While these recommendations remain the gold standard, emerging research suggests an easier entry point: isometric exercise.

Isometric exercise involves contracting a muscle without visible movement. While it may seem simple, the benefits on blood pressure are significant. Studies show that isometric training can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 5 to 10 mm Hg in people with diagnosed hypertension. This is an effect that rivals traditional aerobic or resistance exercise alone.

The most widely studied approach is refreshingly practical. The guideline-endorsed prescription includes four two-minute holds, with a one-minute rest between efforts, performed three times per week. You can start with a simple wall squat where you sit back against a wall as if in an invisible chair. Or handgrip squeezes where a low-cost handgrip device works well. For handgrip exercis-

es, the squeeze should feel “moderately hard,” about 30 to 40 percent of maximal effort.

The total time commitment? Roughly 11 to 12 minutes per session! These exercises can be done while watching TV, during a work break or in the carpool lane, making exercise accessible. How does it work? Repeated muscle contractions improve blood vessel function and reduce resistance in the arteries, which allows blood to flow more easily over time. Isometric exercise has been shown to be safe, even in older adults with hypertension, when performed correctly and without breath-holding.

That said, this is not an “either-or” proposition. The standard recommendation remains at 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus resistance training.

Performers having ‘Shrek’ of a time

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Quincy Carman, this is a perfect way to start her summer.

Carman is performing as Fiona in Civic Theatre’s Junior Civic’s musical version of “Shrek Jr.” June 19-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Ever since I was little I have loved the show, so it’s very cool that I get to play one of my dream characters,” said Carman, who will be an eighth-grader at Carmel’s Creekside Middle School in the 2026-27 school year. “I think all the music is very fun and creates a good match. The message is it’s OK to be weird, be yourself, don’t judge a book by a cover. Those are the main ones.”

Carman said “I Know It’s Today” and “I Think I Got You Beat” are her two favorite songs in the show, which she saw Junior Civic perform in 2019. This is the largest role she has had.

“Memorizing is very tricky but I’m trying my hardest,” she said.

Evan Cohen, who will be a freshman at Carmel High School in August, plays Shrek.

“Before I auditioned,I liked listening to Shrek’s solos and music from the main version,” he said. “Some songs are cut in the junior version, but I think the music is really good and pulled me into really wanting the role.”

It’s the biggest role Cohen has had, too.

“I’ve never had this many lines before, so I have to memorize a lot,” he said.

Cohen will be painted green before each performance. Carman also has to be painted green for part of the performance. Ari Yuckman, who plays the Donkey, will be a freshman at CHS.

“Travel Song” is one of Cohen’s favorites because it’s from two perspectives.

“One character is singing and he is annoying Shrek, and then Shrek is singing about how annoyed he is with Donkey,” Cohen said. “I like ‘I Think I

Got You Beat’ because we are not afraid to let our differences show.”

“I Think I Got You Beat’ is a one-upmanship between Shrek and Fiona on whose life has been more difficult. Fiona has been trapped in a tower and Shrek’s been shunned.

“That’s the song where Shrek and Fiona realize they aren’t as different as they thought they were,” director Shelby Myers said. “You start to see the kindling of a relationship. That’s the turning point in the musical.”

The cast features approximately 35 performers. Most are 14 or younger.

“There’s definitely scenes where we have everyone on the stage at the same time,” Myers said. “What’s great about this show is that there are so many opportunities for different groups of kids to have featured moments in the show. It’s such an ensemble show. It’s so much about community and togeth-

erness. Shrek’s story, in particular, is all about loneliness, what do we need from each of us as human beings.”

Myers said the message of the musical is relatable.

“The finale of the show is ‘This is Our Story,’” Myers said. “It’s about storytelling and it’s about the journeys we all go through. It’s about the assumptions we have as we go into life and how life can flip that right back around. It’s about how we are princesses and ogres at the same time. People are complex, and that’s what makes us beautiful. It’s celebrating diversity and inclusion.”

While the younger actors are performing “Shrek Jr,” Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program will present “Revue!” at 6 and 8 p.m. June 22 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘CINDERELLA’

“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“The Magic of David Ranalli” is set for June 18, followed by Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends June 19 and Dueling Pianos June 20 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘DESCENDANTS’

The Carmel Community Players Rising Star production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” runs through June 21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘THE GERMAN TROPICS’

“The German Tropics” runs through June 21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

DISPATCH

 Karaoke Night set for Palladium – Inspired by the success of its annual all-ages World Voice Day celebration, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is offering a new opportunity for local residents 21 and older to share their talents on stage. Adults of all abilities are invited to join in the inaugural Karaoke Night, set for 8-10 p.m. June 18, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $10 minimum, on sale now at thecenterpresents.org or 317-843-3800. All proceeds benefit Allied Solutions Center’s arts and educational programming. Registration to sing starts at 8 p.m. on a first-come, firstserved basis.

From left, Quincy Carman, Evan Cohen and Ari Yuckman appear in Junior Civic’s “Shrek Jr.” (Photo by Joshua Hasty)

Grammy-winning artist Clark set for concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brandy Clark had trouble believing a New York Times panel had named her one of the 30 greatest living American songwriters.

“It was a surprise to me then, and I actually thought when they called me they were calling to interview me about someone else,” she said. “I didn’t believe I was on the list for a bit. I had my publicist double-check because it’s such a weighty list. I think the great thing about it for me is I want to spend the rest of my life proving that I deserve to be on it because it is a big honor.”

Clark will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Indianapolis singer-songwriter Kara Cole will open for Clark.

Clark won a Grammy Award for Best Americana Performance for her song

“Dear Insecurity,” which featured Brandi Carlile. “Dear Insecurity” won the Song of the Year from Americana Honors & Awards.

Carlile produced Clark’s self-titled album in 2023.

“I won my first Grammy on that record,” Clark said. “It was so fun to work with her and it taught me a lot. It did get me back to my roots, not just to the (Pacific) Northwest, but just of songwriting, and reminded me of why we all write songs to begin with. It got me back to that sort of place.”

When she was young, Clark’s parents enjoyed the country music of that era while her grandmother favored older country artists.

“There are a couple songs on that new album that tip their hat to that oldschool country sound,” she said. “Then there are more progressive songs.”

Clark was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Album for her 2013 debut album “12 Stories.” She had already been writing songs for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker for several years.

Clark’s next album will come out in late July, but the first single, “American Roots,” was released June 5.

Clark will perform new songs and some favorites, such as “She Smoked in the House.”

“I love that people always want to hear that song, and ‘Hold My Hand’ is one that always has to get played,” she said.

Clark grew up next door to her maternal grandparents.

“I feel like my influences go back further than most people my age because of my grandparents,” she said. “My parents were definitely listening to the country that was on commercial radio at that time. I’ve always felt fortunate for those influencers like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. There were artists like Kenny Rogers on the radio when I was a kid,

so it was a good hodgepodge of music to grow up in.”

McEntire recently asked her to write a song called “Trailblazer” for McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Laney Wilson.

“That was incredible because those are three female singers and songwriters that I absolutely love,” Clark said. “So, getting to collaborate with them was such a big deal. I’m always proud when someone covers my songs.”

Clark was joined by collaborators Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne on the Times list. She and McAnally created a pop-country score for a Broadway musical called “Shucked” in 2022.

“Shane is one of the greatest collaborations of my life,” she said. “He’s a best friend, so the work we’ve done together means a lot more because of that. We’ve gone through a lot. We’ve written hits. We’ve had misses and we wrote a musical together. We’re turning that into a movie, so we are writing potential new songs for a musical movie. Shane’s always been my biggest cheerleader and I’ve been his.”

For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

Brandy Clark will perform June 21 at Hendricks Live! (Photo courtesy of Pamela Springsteen)

ENTERTAINMENT

Academy kids head to NYC

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel’s Midwest Academy students are getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take the stage on Broadway.

Midwest Academy, which serves students with learning differences such as ADHD, autism and language-based processing challenges, is taking 21 students to the Arts for Autism, a one-night benefit performance June 22 at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.

Broadway performers join performing arts students from across the U.S. for the benefit. It’s the 10th anniversary of the program and Midwest’s first appearance.

Alicia McClure, a Midwest music and theater arts teacher, said the school was invited to submit a video and sent one from a “Frozen Jr.” production in 2025.

“We have a piece we take with us and do two group numbers and we have 13 Broadway performers that work with us over the weekend (June 20-21) on the group numbers,” McClure said.

The performance piece is “Everybody Rejoice” from “The Wiz,” which was an

Midwest Academy students Katie Villamin (Dorothy), Ethan Hurry (Scarecrow) and Oliver Tuttle (Toto the dog) perform in “The Wizard of Oz Jr.” (Photo courtesy of Midwest Academy)

encore song when Midwest Academy presented “The Wizard of Oz Jr.” in March.

Ethan Hurry, who played the Scarecrow in the March production and is a 2026 graduate, said he has been part of each musical production at Midwest.

“I’m a big fan of the acting,” said Hurry, a Whitestown resident. “I think it’s really cool playing a different character.”

Indianapolis resident Layla Callahan, who wlll be a junior in the 2026-27 school year, played Glinda in the school production.

“I’ve always wanted to go to New York, it’s one of my dreams,” she said.

Sob story about lost fobs

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

“I want my key back,” I told my wife. Of course, I didn’t mean my house key. I meant my car key — the way they used to make them. I haven’t had a real car key in about 20 years. I miss them. When I lost one, I would simply get my spare key, take it to the hardware store and have a copy made. Problem solved. Three bucks, tops.

Now, we have fobs, also called keyless entry devices. Instead of carrying a thin, easily replaced piece of metal, they now give you a mini electronic

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

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By: Michael Pearce, City of Westfield

device that costs 500 bucks to replace. I know that because I’ve lost mine twice. So, how do you manage to lose a fob? It must be in your house somewhere, or how did you get home? Misplacing a fob is very difficult. But I have a very high IQ, so I figured out how to do it multiple times. Here’s my method: When I go somewhere, usually the gym, I take my athletic bag, to which I have attached one of my fobs. But I also absentmindedly stick the extra fob in my pocket, and then … Do I really have to explain how to lose a fob? This is not something you want to learn.

Once, when I thought I had lost my fob, the car still started, even though I had left the duplicate on the kitchen table. I searched every nook and cranny like a Thomas’ English Muffin engineer, but I could not find it. I went to the dealer …

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

“The car starts,” I told him.

“Dick, that is the oddest complaint I have ever heard. The fob has to be in your car.”

Later, my wife Mary Ellen helped me search for it in the vehicle …

“Dick, why not just call it?”

“Mary Ellen, it’s a fob, not a cellphone.”

“Why can’t they track a fob like a cellphone? They do stuff like that on ‘Law & Order’ all the time, and we’re watching episodes that are 35 years old.”

By the way, I had no idea what FOB stood for. I thought it was an acronym, like SOB. My best guess was either Found Only Between the couch cushions or Functionally Overpriced Button. But it’s just a fob. The term “fob” comes from 17th-century Germanic roots meaning “pocket,” and it originally referred to a small pocket sewn into clothing. I’m not sure why I told you that. You can Google as well as I can. Truth is, I really do like the old-time keys.

“Dad, can I have the fob to the car tonight?” does not have a nostalgic ring to it.

As of now, I can’t find either device. I wonder where those two little SOBs are hiding?