Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.
Bulldogs win girls state lacrosse title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg High School girls lacrosse coach Kaitlyn Lawson viewed the state championship game as fun for fans to watch and adrenaline-inducing to coach.
The Bulldogs rallied from a threegoal deficit to edge Crown Point 12-11 May 30 in the Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association Class 1A state final at Zionsville Community High School.
“The game was pretty much back and forth the entire time, with both teams going punch for punch until about the third quarter when Crown Point took a three- goal lead,” Lawson said. “The key to the game, and the reason Brownsburg came roaring back (was) the girls played for each other and played more and better team offense and defense than our opponent. All season long, our offense has done well with sharing the ball, averaging almost 8 assists per game. This was a critical part of our success (in the final), with nearly half of our goals being assisted, which was not the case for our opponents. Just like all year, our girls played unselfishly and were not afraid to give the ball to a teammate who had the better shot opportunity. On the defensive end, the girls worked better getting open on our
clears so that we had more possession time on offense, and our helping slides were earlier, resulting in harder shot opportunities for our opponents.”
Lawson said the title capped off a terrific season for the Bulldogs (16-3). They reached the Class 1A state final in 2025 but lost to South Bend Saint Joseph, which scored with 18.9 seconds left to win 10-9.
“Other accomplishments include recording two wins against two teams in the INGLA 2A bracket during one season, winning games on an average of 10 or more goals against our opponents and many of our athletes have surpassed or tied program records, including (junior) Madeline Gottlieb setting the program record for most points (11) and assists (6) in a game, as well as breaking records for total assists (55) and total goals (178) in her career,” Lawson said.
Junior Grace Grabowski also broke the team record for assists in a single season (30). Sophomore Addison Frieden tied the Bulldogs’ record for career draw controls (175), and senior Izzy Lattimer broke the team record for the most caused turnovers in one game (6).”
Lawson said the key to the success in the state final and season was positivity.
“Emotions run high all season long, especially in high-pressure games like
state championships,” she said. “However, a big emphasis for our program has been establishing a positive team culture, which could not have been done without the help of our parents setting up team dinners and other bonding opportunities either after or in place of practice. Teammates are more likely to trust each other, either with sliding to the ball on defense, making space to pick up a ground ball, or simply passing in the midfield, when the players trust each other.”
Lawson said the future is bright even though Brownsburg will likely move up into the 2A bracket next season due to the success formula factor.
“This will be challenging since we are losing five seniors, four of which are starters, three of which are starters on our defensive end,” she said. “However, most of our offensive production is returning next season and our upcoming seniors and underclassmen are not afraid to take things under control on the defensive end of the ball. We also cannot overlook our sophomore class next season. Quinn Reuter was a consistent varsity starter as only a freshman, and Jamie Licha, another freshman this season, stepped into the draw-taking position during both our semistate and state games, turning the tide of possession more into our favor.”
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact Managing Editor
Alicia Kelly at alicia@ youarecurrent.com or submit it at youarecurrent. com/newstips. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Delivery questions
To request, update or cancel your home delivery, scan the code below or visit: youarecurrent.com/subscribe
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the Brownsburg market (10,405 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Brownsburg advertising) or by calling 317.418.1279.
Obituaries & Legals
To place an obituary or legal notice, visit: youarecurrent.com/classifieds
Share your thoughts
Send letters (300 words max) to letters@ youarecurrent.com. Include your city and phone number for verification. We reserve the right to refuse submissions. Contact the editor
Follow us
Find us on the social media platforms below @youarecurrent
Opinions
Columnist views are their own and do not
Brownsburg High School girls lacrosse players celebrate winning the state title. (Photo courtesy of Live Action Sports)
Own your future.
Take the first step.
As superintendent of Brownsburg Community School Corporation, Kat Jessup, Ed.D., leads the education of thousands of students, but she knows their success lies with her teachers and staff. After discovering Lifesteps® through Hendricks Regional Health, she saw a chance to help her entire team take charge of their health. She brought the program to the school and invited every employee to join her on the journey. Together, they are inspiring our community to build healthier futures one step at a time. Take your first step toward your healthiest chapter at Hendricks.org/OwnIt
BPD offers free women’s self-defense classes
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
On the second Monday of each month, the Brownsburg Police Department offers a free women’s self-defense class at its training facility at 75 Whittington Dr.
The classes are from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and teach women and girls of all ages, as well as boys up to age 14, how to be aware of their surroundings and defend themselves. Sessions do not build on one another and cover how to properly use arms, legs and weapons of opportunity in an altercation.
Officer Elsiana Crosby partnered with the program when she joined BPD six years ago. She inherited the program when founding officer Pete Fleck retired.
“The goal is just to build confidence in these women,” Crosby said. “Make them more confident in going out knowing that they have an opportunity to protect themselves, have the tools to understand situational awareness and
try to keep themselves out of these compromising positions.”
Sessions are not only for Brownsburg or Hendricks County residents. They are open to attendees from other communities. According to Crosby, some women also use the time to connect and network. By sharing their stories, some have found housing, job opportunities and friendships.
To protect the safety of domestic violence victims, registration isn’t required; however, a signed liability waiver is required for each participant. Photos are taken occasionally, but all attendees must approve the use of their images before they are posted online.
“If you want to show up one time and learn what you want to learn, and never show up again, we’re just glad we had that opportunity to be able to connect with you,” Crosby said.
BPD asks attendees to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. For more, visit brownsburgparks. com/421/Womens-Self-Defense-Class.
Officer Elsiana Crosby (left) began leading the program in August 2024. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Police Department).
Kat Jessup, Ed.D. Brownsburg Community School Corporation
NSDAR chapter plans for July 4 celebration
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
As Americans prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary July 4, the Wa-Pe-Ke-Way chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has several celebrations planned across Hendricks County.
Derived from the Algonquian American Indian language for White Lick Creek which runs through Hendricks County the Hendricks County DAR chapter is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting three pillars: Patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education.
Throughout the year, Wa-Pe-Ke-Way has a wealth of community outreach programs, such as breakfasts, lunches and dinners for various veterans in Hendricks County.
Led by Regent Naomi B. Long, the chapter has several special events
planned for the July 4 celebrations.
“We are doing a public reading of the Declaration of Independence,” Long said. “Everyone celebrates the birth of the nation on July 4; however, the Declaration was first publicly read at 6 p.m. on July 8, 1776.”
The Wa-Pe-Ke-Way chapter will present six public readings throughout the county to celebrate.
Members of the chapter will be stationed at the following locations: World War II park in Avon; Brownsburg Town Hall; Clayton Liberty Township Library, the northeast corner of the Hendrick County Courthouse Grounds; the Friendship Gardens in Plainfield; and the Pittsboro Park in Pittsboro.
“I just want everybody to come and enjoy our prospective areas,” Long said.
“I’m sure that we all have plans for the Fourth of July, so this is a nice way to come (celebrate) the days that afterwards were just as important historically.”
For more, visit wapekeway.wixsite. com/wapekeway.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE CATHEDRAL CLASS OF 2026
Reported Scholarship Offers of More Than $65.6 million! WHERE IS THE CLASS OF 2026 GOING?
American University
Anderson University
Arizona State University
Ball State University
Bellarmine University
Belmont Abbey College
Benedictine College
Butler University
Columbus College of Art & Design
Colorado School of Mines
Clemson University
Dartmouth College
DePauw University
Eastern Michigan University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Southern College
Fordham University
Gannon University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Grand Valley State University
Hanover College
Hope College
Huntington University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Indiana University
Indiana University - Indianapolis
Indiana University - Kokomo
Indiana University - Southeast
Jefferson Community & Technical College
John Carroll University
Louisiana State University and A&M
Loyola University - Chicago
Marian University
Marquette University
Miami University
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Norwich University
Ozark Christian College
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
Rock Valley College
Saint Mary’s College
San Diego State University
Syracuse University
Taylor University
Tennessee State University
The College of Wooster
United States Air Force
United States Army
United States Military Academy
University of Arizona
University of California - Berkeley
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado - Boulder
University of Dayton
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Evansville
University of Georgia
University of Illinois - Chicago
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Southern California
University of Saint Francis
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
University of Wisconsin
Wabash College
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Wheaton College
Xavier University
Young Harris College
IRMA to recognize ‘Bobber’ Stapp
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
Fifty-four years ago, Steve “Bobber” Stapp packed his things and moved his family to the Town of Brownsburg, where he built his own car shop at 108 N. Jefferson St.
Stapp died in 2021 at the age of 80, but the legacy of the United States Auto Club Hall of Famer and 51-time sprint car champion lives on as the Indiana Racing Memorial Association will install a historical plaque at the shop July 2.
The plaque will be a part of more than 50 across the state and will be the fifth in Brownsburg, joining IRMA Hall of Famers Bill Marvel, Larry Rice, Robby Stanley and Roger Ward.
Stapp’s father, Babe Stapp, will have a plaque unveiled in Brownburg in May 2027 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his rookie year at the Indy 500.
“It’s an honor to be able to get this done for my dad, and have (the plaque) there to commemorate the success he had in that building,” his daughter Savannah Stapp said. “It is just fantastic that IRMA felt that my father was deserving.”
Besides the July 2 plaque unveiling at Stapp’s car shop, the family will unveil a mural on the side of the shop to commemorate each generation of its racing history. The mural will include Steve, his grandfather, his father, his brother, his son and his two grandsons, all of whom participated in some form of racing.
Approximately 150 former drivers, friends and family are expected to attend the ceremony.
“That just shows what (Steve Stapp) meant to the sport, and what he meant to people in general,” Savannah Stapp said. “I’m amazed all the time at how far reaching he was. He would probably be a little, ‘Gosh, shucks’ about it, but he touches a lot of people through the years. Right up to the end, he was larger than life. Many people respect what he’s done.”
Stapp
The splash pad at Williams Park was renovated in 2025. (Photo courtesy of Town of Brownsburg).
Officials concerned about litter at splash pad
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
After renovations were made to the Williams Park splash pad last summer, the 11-year-old attraction has been a popular destination. But litter and other issues have been difficult for maintenance crews to keep up with.
“I totally believe it is (lack of adult) supervision,” Town of Brownsburg maintenance technician and pool operator Herb Hathaway said. “Kids are with their parents (with) a big bag of snacks, and then wrappers just don’t make it into the trash can.”
Food is not permitted on the splash pads. Liquids and high-sugar products can stain the area. Despite an abundance of trash cans, spilled food and liquids have been constant problems.
“After (Memorial Day) on Tuesday morning, it took five of us over an hour to clean up the area outside,” Hathaway said. “We were cleaning off food, debris and trash, spraying off dry sugar off
the pad. It was enough that day, that if it had been like that every day, eventually it would get to the point where we would have to say ‘no’ to bringing any food at all.”
Hathaway said parents and guardians frequently walk over the trash left by their children and watch the maintenance crews pick it up. On May 28, the splash pad was open for 10 consecutive hours and at various times had as many as 70 children at once.
“It’s a much-loved experience and commodity in the town,” Hathaway said. “If we’re going to keep it open and it’s going to stay running, then we have to have the public help maintain it well. It needs to be thought of like a public, indoor swimming pool that is managed, and people are paying attention to what is going on. I’m putting my heart in it every single day. It’s a four-hour prep time before it opens to get the chemicals right, and when (people) add soda to it, it’s not going to work right.”
Experts in Rehabilitation
Congratulations To The UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026
Doyle Akin
Benjamin Alcantara
Cari Andrade Perez
Caroline Appel
Aspen Arnold
Liam Arnold
Duygu Arseven
Sruti Atluri
Gabriella Avila
Odie Bargeron
Adriana Barlow
Kothe Birge
Karmen Bond
Alexis Bow
Daniel Boytsov
Joshua Brady
Sidney Brittingham
Laurel Buttrick
Aaron Cahn
Sophia Cahn
Cooper Cammack
Lexi Canter
Lukas Canter
Ryan Castetter
Sarah Coleman
Sam Commons
Noah Cortez
Lady Carrington Craig
Gabby Culp
Sydney Culp
Sterling Davis
Tyler Davis
Patrick Dennis
Kendall Ehnes
Madie Encinia
Mack Feeney
Megan Gleason
Laurel Gough-McKeown
Blake Gray
Isabella Gray
Scout Griffiths
Paige Gross
Hannah Grubbs
Cael Head
Juana Helou
George Hennessey
Anya Hicks
Cora Hill
Styler Hogg
Max Holbrook
Reilly Housman
Delaney Hutchison
Annie Ingersoll
Vidhatri Iyer
Jack Koschnick
Nirupama Krishnamurthy
Ked Laborsky
Riley Lawyer
Quin Litke
Bruno Lukin
Naaima Mahmood
Becca Masoncup
Josh McGee
Elizabeth Merisotis
Bella Miller Krigger
Amelie Mock
Faisal Mohamud
Cam Molina
Harris Nachlis
Simon Ngo
Leah Norvell
Kennedy Payne
Lindsey Porter
Gabe Pryor
Samantha Purdie
Nick Quinto
Caleb Reed
Finlay Reid
Meg Rohloff
Quincy Russell
Jacob Shearer
Jaiden Shin
Nick Shockley
David Simpson
Sophia Slapnicka
Abbie Smith
Audrey Southern
Lia Stennis
Caleb Stocker
Jordan Storey
Miles Suarez-Davis
Beckett Suh
Gillian Sutera
Annabel Swearingen
Sam Tarvin
Ben Wei
Emmett White
Aiden Williams
Nia Williams
DJ Willis
Philip Jacobs
Rishi Paranjape
Maryn Stephenson
103 STUDENTS • ATTENDING 53 COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES IN THE US & ABROAD •
Hendricks Power awards 2026 scholarships
news@youarecurrent.com
Hendricks Power Cooperative has announced the recipients of its 2026 Commitment to Community Scholarship — an annual tradition that celebrates local students who excel in the classroom and their communities.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are: Autumn Muncy, Danville High School; Becca Rogers, Brownsburg High School; Elizabeth McPhillips, Brebeuf Jesuit High School; Gunner Roach, South Putnam High School; Jasmine Duvall, North Putnam High School and Spencer Galyen, Brownsburg High School.
Each student receives a $2,000 scholarship to support higher education at a college or vocational school. Recipients were selected for academic excellence, compelling application essays and personal achievements that reflect the cooperative’s values of community, service and leadership.
To celebrate their accomplishments, Hendricks Power hosted a recognition dinner May 21, when students and their families gathered with cooperative leaders to reflect on the journey so far — and what’s ahead.
“Our applicants remind us every year that the future is in capable hands,” said Emily Thomas, marketing communications manager at Hendricks Power. “It takes a lot of focus and dedication to balance great grades with supporting your community. We’re so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see the incredible things they do next.”
Hendricks Power remains committed to supporting local youth and investing in the future of the communities it serves.
Applications for next year’s Commitment to Community Scholarships will be available in early 2027 on the cooperative’s Website at hendrickspower.com/ scholarships.
From left, Spencer Galyen, Becca Rogers, Elizabeth McPhillips, Jasmine Duvall, Gunner Roach and Autumn Muncy stand together as the 2026 Hendricks Power Commitment to Community Scholarship recipients. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Power Cooperative)
and conditions apply. Call for details.
Don’t wait for an outage to find out what’s at stake. A Generac Automatic Home Standby Generator provides a reliable power solution to keep your home running—no matter what. No air conditioning. No refrigeration. No security. No power can mean discomfort—or even danger.
CEO of Visit Hendricks County recognized
news@youarecurrent.com
Jaime Bohler Smith, CEO and executive director of Visit Hendricks County, a contracted agency through the Hamilton County Tourism Commission to perform marketing and development of the county’s destination management, earned the designation as a certified destination management executive.
Administered by Destinations International, a global association for tourism professionals, the CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals. The program focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementation of business strategy.
“Receiving the CDME designation is both an honor and a responsibility,” Smith stated. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring those insights back to Hendricks County and continue building a community people are proud to call home. Tourism today is about far
more than attracting visitors. It’s about creating places where residents feel proud to live, businesses can thrive and authentic experiences can be shared.”
Smith joined Visit Hendricks County in 2002. She worked her way up from sales, marketing and communication roles before being named to her current position as CEO and executive director in 2014.
Under her leadership, Hendricks County tourism has generated nearly $5 million annually in innkeepers’ tax collections, which is a county tax on the rental of rooms and accommodations for periods of less than 30 days.
“This achievement strengthens our commitment to driving excellence,” Smith stated. “Listening to our community and continuing to position Hendricks County as a place that is genuine, welcoming, and, of course, real.”
To learn more about Visit Hendricks County, visit VisitHendricksCounty. com.
Event to offer WWII plane rides
news@youarecurrent.com
The public can ride in a World War II-era plane at this year’s Indiana Wing Commemorative Air Force Barnstorming Days June 13.
The event at Indianapolis Executive Airport will allow attendees to purchase rides on World War II-training craft, including a 1942 Vultee BT-13, 1943 Boeing Stearman, 1944 Fairchild PT-26 and a North American AT-6D. The aircraft played a vital role in preparing American aviators for combat, serving as the trainers where thousands of WWII cadets learned the skills they would carry into war, according to a news release.
This year’s Barnstorming Days will celebrate the nation’s history and the Greatest Generation — those who grew up in the Great Depression and fought in World War II.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on the brave Americans — especially the World War II generation — who helped secure that freedom, while allowing today’s families to experience a living piece of that history,” stated Mark Van Zant, development officer for the Indiana Wing CAF.
Twenty-five complimentary airplane rides will be provided to selected Hoosier veterans, courtesy of a donation from FedEx. Veterans interested in participating can apply online at indianawingcaf.org/veterans.html.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A 1942 Vultee BT-13 is one of several World War II-era training aircrafts that attendees of the Indiana Wing Commemorative Air Force Barnstorming Days can ride in June 13. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Wing Commemorative Air Force)
REVVING UP FOR SUMMER
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
Entering its 66th year, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park has a variety of high-speed events coming to the east side of Brownsburg this summer.
One of the world’s premier drag racing venues, IRP is hosting 20 races between June and September. Events include the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
“(The NHRA U.S. Nationals) is our Super Bowl of drag racing,” NHRA social media and design manager Max Orsini said. “It is the world’s largest drag race, and to have the whole eyes of the drag racing world converge on the same weekend every year to Brownsburg, Ind., and on our facility, it’s unbelievable.”
Last year, four Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle category records were broken at IRP. Top Fuel dragster Brittany Force broke the overall record for top speed at 339.79 mph.
Despite its long history in Brownsburg, IRP is striving to shine a brighter spotlight on the venue and draw more fans with an array of events, including
the Midwest Truck Fest from June 1920. The two-day event will have a judged truck show, semi truck drag racing, a fireworks show, chainsaw wood carvers, a live auction and live music.
Formula Drift, a professional drifting circuit, is coming to Indiana for the first
time and will be nationally broadcasted from the raceway from July 31 to Aug 1.
In mid-September, the AMSOIL Summernats — based in Australia — will bring its two-day festival to IRP from Sept 18-19. It will include burnout competitions, car shows, drag racing and
concerts.
“(Our job) is making sure that these events can be successful and return year after year and build a following,” Orsini said. “Of all the events, I think (Summernats) is the one that’s coming (that) already has a very large following, and with it being the first time in the U.S., it’s really just making sure we can grab the right market demo and target them in this region.”
Besides new events, IRP hosts an array of nostalgic events.
“We’ve brought back the moniker for Thursday Night Thunder, which is an oval race (that) back in the day used to be huge and was broadcast on ESPN,” Orsini said. “We get the community involved through our Wild Wednesdays, which we host once a month. Anybody can bring their car out, pay $35, and as long as it passes our tech inspection, it can go down the drag strip regardless of (driver) experience.”
Other events include Indy Legends, where former IndyCar owners and drivers showcase their one-of-a-kind race cars, and the E.T. Bracket Series, a
A previous NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race.
Visitors attend a previous NHRA U.S. National at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg. (Photos courtesy of Wayne Riegle/IRP)
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway park events in high gear
COMMUNITY
Continued from Page 12
standard drag racing circuit that will be coming to the raceway in June and July.
“All of our events, you can get very close and personal to the action that’s happening,” Orsini said. “We’re not an (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) that has limits, or you have to pay extra on the pits. Specifically for the U.S. Nationals, you can get right up close and personal to watching these pros rebuild their cars after the runs.”
For more, visit raceirp.com/schedule/.
ON THE COVER: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park kicked off its racing season in April and has events going through October. (Photos courtesy of Wayne Riegle/IRP)
JUNE - SEPTEMBER EVENTS:
JUNE
• E.T. Bracket Series + Oakley Motorsports Super Quick – June 13-14
• Wild Wednesday – June 17
• Midwest Truck Fest – June 19-20
• Thursday Night Thunder Featuring the Hoosier Hundred
– June 25
• Indy Legends – June 26-28
JULY
• Nostalgia Drag Racing League –July 9-11
• CRA Pro Series/Vore’s Compacts
– July 11
• Friday Night Test-N-Tune – July 17
• ET Bracket Series July 18-19
• NASCAR & ARCA Doubleheader – July 24
• Formula Drift (New for 2026) –July 30-Aug 1
AUGUST
• NHRA D3 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series – Aug 7-9
• Thursday Night Thunder – Aug 13
• Moser Engineering Mini Million – Aug 13-16
• Indianapolis Cars and Coffee –Aug 22
SEPTEMBER
• 72nd Cornwell Quality Tools
NHRA U.S. Nationals – Sept 2-7
• AMSOIL Summernats USA (New for 2026) – Sept 18-19
• Wild Wednesday – Sept 23
• Streetcar Takeover – Sept 24-26
Hi, I’m Brian. I do the marketing. If you’re reading this, we’re basically besties.
I’ll take $50 off* your tree! Use online code: BESTIES
Switch to daily disposable lenses HEALTH
Commentary by Dr. Hannah Wilson
ven though daily disposable contact lenses have been around since the mid90s,, only one-third of contact lens patients wear them today. Most contact lens wearers still replace their lenses on a biweekly or monthly basis. Research shows, however, that dailies are safer and healthier than other modalities, all while requiring no maintenance.
As the name suggests, daily disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for a single use and then discarded, making cleaning and storage unnecessary. A fresh lens inserted into the eye each day is less likely to accumulate deposits, which minimizes the risk of infection. This is more pertinent than ever in today’s post-pandemic world. Less lens buildup also results in superior comfort. This is especially true for patients who suffer from seasonal allergies and/or dry eye.
If you’re wondering whether daily disposable contacts are available in your
prescription, the answer is most likely now a yes.
Thanks to constant innovation and technology improvements, dailies are now available in a wide variety of parameters, making them a viable option for the grand majority of patients. Finally, if you are concerned about waste, contact lenses and their blister packs can be recycled via a special program at many optometry offices.
Two-thirds of monthly contact lens wearers report that they experience discomfort. Why suffer when a safer alternative is readily available? Schedule a contact lens evaluation with your optometrist to be fit in daily disposable contact lenses and experience the difference!
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.
Dr. Hannah Wilson attended Indiana University School of Optometry. She has been practicing in Carmel since 2016.
INSIDE & OUT
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Noblesville outdoor living project transformed an exposed deck into a comfortable covered porch, creating a destination for relaxing and entertaining.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replaced the existing open deck with a spacious covered porch addition.
• Installed low-maintenance Trex decking for lasting beauty and durability.
• Added a vaulted wood ceiling to bring warmth and architectural interest.
• Created a striking fireplace feature using materials from Classic Stone.
• Integrated lighting, ceiling fan, and mounted television for year-round enjoyment.
• Expanded outdoor living space with seamless access from the home.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
Local home gets new porch retreat
Crime Unfiltered event features Petito case
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Nichole Schmidt experienced every parent’s nightmare when her daughter went missing.
Travel vlogger Gabby Petito, 22, was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundre, while traveling across the U.S. in a van. The trip began July 2, 2021, and Petito disappeared Aug. 27. Laundrie drove the van home to Florida and wouldn’t answer questions about her whereabouts. He later died by suicide a few days before Petito’s remains were found Sept. 19, 2021, in Wyoming.
Petito’s case drew nationwide attention on shows such as “Dateline,” “20/20,” “48 Hours” and a Netflix three-part documentary series. Schmidt will take part in a “Crime Unfiltered” event at 7:30 p.m. June 18 at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in India napolis. Joining Schmidt will be Gabby’s stepmother, Tara Petito. Among the other pan elists is John Ramsey, whose daughter Jon-Benet Ram sey was killed in 1996. Her murder remains unsolved.
“It’s kind of an interesting dy namic for peo ple to be able to come and be so close to us and hear it from our mouths be cause a lot of what they see is media driven or it’s from the creators on podcasts
and sometimes all the information isn’t factual,” Schmidt said. “They might have perceptions of us that aren’t true. They look at us in a different light. We are real families. They are real tragedies that happened to us. We all advocate to prevent this from happening to others,”
Schmidt said there will be a Q & A session.
“It’s important to be able to communicate with people and let them understand that what happened to us is not an anomaly,” she said.
Moab City (Utah) police responded Aug. 12, 2021 to a domestic violence call and Petito was sobbing. Because Petito claimed she hit Laundre first, she was deemed the primary aggressor. A 911 caller had reported a man hitting a woman. Neither wanted to press charges and they were simply separated for a night.
“We feel Gabby’s life would have been saved if she was given a lethality assessment, which is a series of questions that police officers would ask when approaching a domestic violence situation, which is very dangerous for them as well,”
Schmidt said. “So, we push for states to mandate this lethality assessment. We don’t care if they use that one, there are different danger assessments.”
Schmidt said advocates want states to get the training to use it properly, so they can get victims into
the hands of advocates that help them create a safety plan or make them realize they are in a lethal situation.
Schmidt said Gabby’s dad, Joe Petito, worked with law enforcement officials to create a committee for Florida.
“We don’t care if it’s called the Gabby Petito Act, it doesn’t matter as long as they are using it,” she said.
Schmidt said they’ve also helped states pass missing persons acts across the nation to help law enforcement agencies share the information more broadly on missing people.
“It’s something that we hope helps locate missing people faster,” she said.
Schmidt said there should be domestic violence registries similar to sex offender registries. She said Gabby’s case drew attention because of the video footage available from the trip.
“Everybody that saw on screen connected with her and thought this girl seemed so sweet and so kind,” Schmidt said. “Gabby was also tough and she stuck up for people. She wasn’t afraid to speak up to what was right. She had a really great backbone and I think Brian broke that down because the Gabby I saw in the Moab video was not who Gabby is. She is not the kind that’s going to take responsibility for something she didn’t do and apologize for being mean because I know she wasn’t mean.”
Schmidt said the FBI told the family that it was the biggest missing person case they had ever worked on.
“I do feel like it’s Gabby in her spirit and she wasn’t going to let Brian not be held accountable for this,” she said. “I think that was her doing. She did want to be a famous vlogger. I said, ‘You did it, Gab, everybody knows your name now.’ We miss her so much, but we’re so grateful that we had the outcome we did because we work with families that their loved ones are never found and we get to bring her home and have her with us.”
For more, visit crimeunfiltered.com.
CORINNE BAILEY RAE
York Automotive Concert Series presents Corinne Bailey Rae at 7:30 p.m. June 9 at Hendricks Live! In Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
‘CINDERELLA’
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Bubbles Up! Let’s Celebrate,” a celebration of Jimmy Buffett, is set for 7:30 p.m June 12 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘CHESS’
Civic in Concert will feature music from “Chess” at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘THE GERMAN TROPICS’
“The German Tropics” is set for June 1014, 17-21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
DISPATCHES
Discovering Broadway concert set — Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broadway incubator, has announced the stars and concert date for the untitled Zack Zadek musical, which is part of their inaugural musical commissioning initiative, newly named First Listen. Sophia Anne Caruso (“Beetlejuice” on Broadway, Netflix’s “One Piece”) and Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Justin Jesso (Stargazing) will lead the June 26 concert event, presented in collaboration with The Cabaret in Indianapolis. The evening will also feature an artist panel discussion with the cast and creative team. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.
Nichole Schmidt, mother of murder victim Gabby Petito, is one of the speakers at a “Crime Unfiltered” event in Indianapolis at 7:30 p.m. June
(Photo courtesy of Crime Unfiltered)
Tara Petito
Fox whiskey debuts
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Fox is on the run again.
That would be Winston A. Fox, the stuffed fox mascot of St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis.
Journeyman Distillery and Rare Saint Whiskey, a part of Huse Culinary, have partnered to create a new whiskey named after the iconic fox.
The whiskey will debut June 16 at a dinner at St. Elmo, followed by a dinner June 19 at Journeyman in Valparaiso.
“It’s been a great partnership with Huse over the years and certainly we view (St. Elmo) as Indiana’s most iconic restaurant, so it’s a real treat to be able to partner with it,” Journeyman owner Bill Welter said.
This is the second whiskey featuring Winston A. Fox. Welter said several years ago there was a blend of Journeyman’s five rye whiskeys.
The one is called Winston A. Fox: The Story of Six Fine Ryes.
“The first one we had like 300 bottles, and this one will be a little more widely distributed, and I think we’re going to have around 1,000 bottles,” Welter said. Welter said they are popular collector items. The people attending the dinner will have a chance to buy bottles.
The whiskey will have six blends, adding Rare Saint’s rye whiskey. The six uniquely different rye whiskies are composed of whiskey aged 10, 8, 8, 7, 5 and 5 years, respectively, and were
finished together for an additional nine months in Madeira casks. It is being released at 100 proof.
The bottles are $89,99 and available for purchase at all Huse Culinary restaurants, including 1933 Lounge in Carmel and Fishers.
Chris Clifford, vice president of business development for Huse Culinary and Rare Saint partner, said Winston A. Fox is in the 1933 Lounge at St. Elmo.
Clifford expects the Winston A. Fox whiskey to sell quickly.
For more on the Indianapolis dinner, visit winston-bourbon-dinner-zzbu8. tripleseattickets.com/registration/select. For more, visit journeyman.com.
Winston A. Fox, the mascot of St. Elmo Steak House, inspired the whiskey. (Photo courtesy of Dave Pluimer)
Age-old testing methods
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
I just received my 175th issue of AARP magazine. That’s how I keep track of my age. The lead story is: 8 tests will reveal how quickly you are aging.
There is a series of questions and activities compiled by the AARP to compare how old you tell people you are. If you want to feel younger, you can take their advice or lie in your answers. One of those options worked for me. I’m 58 now.
The first instruction is based on this question: How would you describe your walking pace? The study suggests that people who said “brisk” will live longer, according to the Mayo Clinic. I think it’s hard to judge your own speed. I tell people I “run” 2 miles every day. When I say this, my wife Mary Ellen frowns and makes a slight correction. “He does not run. He lumbers.” The research also says that if I increased my pace a bit, it would lead to “longer leukocyte telomeres in my white blood cells.” That was the motivation I needed.
The next test was titled: Can you scratch your own back? This is a method for measuring your physical flexibility, is a good indicator of your lifespan. They ask you to extend your left arm over your right shoulder, then place your other hand on your back and see how close you can bring the fingers of each hand together. I think I got that right.
I was trying this when Mary Ellen walked in.
“What in heaven’s name are you doing?” she said.
WELLNESS & MASSAGE THERAPY
& Massage Therapy For The Whole Family.
“I want to see how long I will live.”
“Well, it looks like you are about to choke yourself to death, so I’m going to say about 90 seconds.”
Here’s another: Stand up, sit down, live longer. Sit in an armless chair, cross your arms, and time how long it takes to complete five repetitions of standing up and sitting back down. I have to admit, I had some trouble standing up, but sitting back down was easy. I guess I’m in better shape than I thought.
Also, social contact with younger people can lead to a more positive perception of aging. I play pickleball, and I’m about the oldest on the court. In my book club, I’m the senior member, and at the mini marathon a few weeks ago, I was one of the oldest people sitting there watching.
Finally, a shout-out to the dedicated scientists. The lead researcher is Dr. Zhe He, director of the Institute for Successful Longevity. He is from China. They must be fans of Abbott and Costello and baseball over there because when it was announced that the doctor would be the opening speaker, they put this on the poster outside the auditorium.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
ACROSS
1. Distributed cards at Harrah’s
6. Confronted
11. Bears, on a Colts scoreboard
14. Victory Field statistic
15. Indiana State Senator Rogers
16. Sweet potato
17. Astrological sign/safe place in an Indiana Golden Gloves ring
19. Have dinner at Boulder Creek
20. Gloomy
21. Big name in chocolate
23. Hendricks County Fair barn mother
26. Arctic native
29. Backed (away from)
30. Craving
33. Mustache site
35. Lot size, maybe
36. Madame with a Nobel
37. Threw in the towel
39. Berry that is usually ground in the kitchen/Ivy League school
43. Main in Brownsburg, for one
44. Hoosier National Forest units
46. Taj Mahal locale
49. Confederate soldier, briefly
50. Inexpensive inn
51. Brain’s counterpart
53. Caffeine-rich nut
55. WTHR’s ___Trak Weather
56. Salon jobs
58. Kind of code
61. BHS valedictorian’s rank
62. Squirrel’s snack/Shapiro’s sandwich filler
68. Get older
69. Overzealous, like a mad Bulldogs fan
70. Church table
71. Uno, ___, tres
72. Mizell’s Barber Shop sounds
73. Like some chili DOWN
1. Xmas month
2. Historic time
3. Dada artist
4. British noble
5. Threesome
6. Fauna’s partner
7. Broadcast on WTTV
8. “Anderson Cooper 360” net.
9. Genesis location
10. Challenges 11. ___ fibrosis
12. Semi on I-74, e.g.
13. Hold back
18. Type of film or following 22. Some woodworking
