Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 23
Copyright 2023
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Wishing you the luck of the Irish
Noblesville Schools Education Foundation to host annual fundraiser
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A night of school-spirit themed activities returns to Noblesville this month.
EVENT
The Noblesville Schools Education Foundation will play host to its largest annual fundraiser, Miller-Palooza, at 5:30 p.m. March 14 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville.
NSEF was created in 1987 to support Noblesville Schools. The fundraiser supports all 10 Noblesville schools and strengthens the foundation’s mission of promoting and investing in Noblesville Schools through grants, scholarships, strategic partnerships and volunteer support.
Miller-Palooza has a casual dress code. School spirit and vintage/throwback apparel are encouraged. The event is for people 21 and older.
“We work all year to raise funds that support our teachers and our students, but we really needed a signature fundraiser — something that was fun for the community but also allowed us to raise those (vital) funds that we need to do our work,” said Adriann Young, CEO and president of NSEF.
“It really was a matter of, let’s put on a signature event that we can market as a fun school party for adults.”
Miller-Palooza will feature dueling pianos with Felix & Fingers, food stations, spirits, a large silent and live auction and awards honoring partners of Noblesville Schools. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen will be the master of ceremonies.
Young said the auctions are one of the most significant parts of the night.
“I think our silent auction and live auction are very special to this event,” Young said. “It’s probably one of the largest in Noblesville, maybe even Hamilton County. So, we usually have more than 200 packages that people can bid on. And with the silent auction, you do not have to attend the event to participate. We (went) live on the silent auction March 7, so people
can bid on different packages all week. We close the silent auction around 9:30 p.m. on the night of the fundraiser, and participants don’t have to be there to pick up their package when the auction closes. That’s a way to help and participate if you
can’t attend the fundraiser.”
NSEF also will announce the first inductees in the Noblesville Schools Hall of Fame at the event.
“We are announcing the class at Miller-Palooza this year, so we will celebrate that first inaugural class all year long,” Young said.” We’ll have a special event right before homecoming to adopt them into the hall of fame, but this is the announcement of who the first class is going to be.”
NSEF volunteers want to beat last year’s numbers and raise more than $125,000.
The foundation estimates that 375 people will attend the event. The night will feature local businesses as sponsors.
The top presenting sponsor is Blades Audio Video Security. Gold-level sponsors are Craig and Christi Crosser, CSO Architects, Don Smock Auctions, Duke Energy, Ed Martin Automotive, Dr. Joe Forgey, T&T Sales & Promotions and TMG Construction.
Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased at onecau.se/miller-palooza.
From left, Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dan Hile and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen perform at a previous Miller-Palooza fundraiser. (Photos courtesy of Marnie Cooke)
Attendees pose for a photo at last year’s Miller-Palooza.
Organization awards county $7.8M for transportation projects
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee has awarded $7,813,948 to Hamilton County to fund three key transportation projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Each year, the Indianapolis MPO receives transportation funding from the Federal Highway Administration and/or the state of Indiana, which is funneled through the Indiana Department of Transportation. The IMPO then distributes funds to local public agencies, including cities, towns, counties and transit organizations, to support transportation improvement projects such as roads, bridges, trails and transit systems within its planning area.
The county will use $3,788,423 to convert a three-leg intersection at 113th Street and Olio Road into a multilane roundabout. It also will use $897,600 in funding to replace existing signals and adjust the left turn lanes at 146th Street and Marilyn
The
Road. Both projects will start in 2028.
“These are much-needed improvements,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt stated. “This funding is an important next step in allowing us to address the growing congestion and safety issues at these intersections.”
The county will use $3,127,925 to complete Phase 2 of the Steven Nation Community Pathway. The project includes building a 3.9-mile trail/pathway from Potters Bridge in Noblesville to 234th Street. A trailhead will also be at the corner of Cumberland Road and 234th Street. The project will begin in late 2028.
City acquires land for project
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Common Council approved a resolution at its meeting Feb. 25 to authorize the City of Noblesville’s acquisition of six parcels near Ind. 32 and Willowview Road.
CITY NEWS
Janus Developmental Services, a nonprofit that provides services to support and assist individuals with disabilities, owns the 16-acre property.
Noblesville Deputy Mayor Matt Light said the parcels had previously been used as a golf driving range, a mini golf course and a batting cage. But those operations stopped in 2019.
The acquisition supports a collaborative project between the city, Janus, Real America LLC, BeeFree Bakery and Hamilton County.
“(The acquisition will) provide several new amenities on the city’s west side, including a dog park, a trailhead along the Midland Trace Trail, a café that provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and refreshment options for trail users and housing for individuals
with disabilities,” Light said.
In a letter to the council, Light said Janus issued a Request for Proposals and Offers, a document businesses use to ask vendors for proposals to meet a project’s need, in October 2023 regarding the land.
The RFP indicated that the Janus board wanted to sell or transfer the property to entities that would develop it in a way that aligned with Janus’ mission.
“Following an initial favorable review of the RFP response, we engaged appraisers to value the property and worked with the Janus board on a project framework,” Light wrote in the letter. “This included partnering with Real America LLC, which had submitted a separate RFP response and has successfully developed similar projects in other cities.”
The City of Noblesville plans to use park impact fees to acquire five parcels that will be used consistently with the current park impact fee study and ordinance. The final parcel for housing uses will be purchased with community development or unrestricted capital project funds.
Construction cost estimates will be refined during the remainder of the year.
Steve Nation trail. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)
Hamilton County athletes help youth hockey teams win titles
By Les Morris news@currentnoblesville.com
Two youth hockey teams with strong Hamilton County ties won state hockey championships last month.
ACHEIVEMENT
The Indiana Youth Hockey Association’s 12U Jr. Fuel Black team and the 14U Jr. Fuel Black team took home the hardware with dramatic victories in contests played at the Fuel Tank in Fishers.
The 12U team earned a 2-1 shootout win over the Columbus Flames in the championship match. The Junior Fuel scored first, and goalie Ian Gatton of Noblesville prevented Columbus from scoring a goal.
“He’s a different level of hockey player,” coach Joe Dillon said of Gatton, citing his poise and athleticism as keys to his netminding abilities.
The 12U team began playing in September 2024 and started slowly. Dillon said it wasn’t until the beginning of January that things started to turn around.
“It takes a little time to adjust to the speed and style of play,” he said. “We play a physical style, and we want them to take the body. We want to separate the puck from the body.”
Hockey’s physical nature was even more
NOBLESVILLE
(Top) The Indiana Youth Hockey Association 14U Jr. Fuel Black team celebrates its title win. (Bottom) The Indiana Youth Hockey Association 12U Jr. Fuel Black team celebrates its title win. (Photos courtesy of Joe Dillon)
pronounced for the 14U team as this level is the first to incorporate checking or body hits into the game.
“It’s a totally different game,” 14U coach Ken Boone said. “You have to be aggressive, but you have to absorb aggression and take hits and make plays on the tail end while you’re getting hit. It’s a hard thing. It’s been a learning process.”
Boone’s 14U team also bested the Columbus Flames in a shootout, 3-2, for the state title.
Wide Variety of Functional and Stylish Floor Plans • Scenic Wooded and Waterfront Views • Courtyard with Heated Pool • Wellness Program • Life Enrichment Activities
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From left, Doug Durr, Jim Ginder with the Hamilton County Health Department; Mike Kirby, Jason LeMaster with the Hamilton County Health Department; and Nick Watson at the February Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees meeting where Noblesville Schools maintenance employees Kirby, Dave Absher, Scott Godsman and Watson were honored for their quick action to save the life of colleague Durr when he experienced a medical emergency at work. Kirby also was given a Public Health Hero award at the meeting from the Hamilton County Health Department for his CPR efforts. (Photo courtesy of Marnie Cooke)
A life saver.
Colonoscopies don’t just detect cancer – they can prevent it.
code above.
Endurance Ruck set to return
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Peace Officer Endurance Ruck, a family-friendly event established in 2022 by Trail Life Troop IN1685 to recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day, returns to Noblesville May 17.
FUNDRAISER
The event recognizes local law enforcement officers through rucking, a low-intensity interval training workout where participants carry a weighted rucksack, or backpack, to build muscle and endurance.
Mark Seitz, a Westfield resident who has participated in the event, said it encourages the community to hike, run or walk on a 1-mile loop course on the grounds of Legacy Christian School in Noblesville, 470 Lakeview Dr.
Participants have two course options. A 5K Trail Ruck will begin at 9 a.m., and an Endurance Ruck, a four-hour race, will start at 10 a.m. For both races, participants bring a rucksack packed with 10 percent of their body weight to carry for the duration of the event.
Last year’s event raised more than
$20,000. Trail Life Troop IN-1685 divides proceeds between the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Community Foundation, Legacy Christian School and the troop itself.
“Our goal this year is for 500 people to participate,” event director Robb Mendoza said. “Last year, we had 315 people, so we’re trying to continue to grow and get the word out. It’s a great way for us to be involved with the community and have a great fundraising opportunity.”
To register, visit peace-officer-ruck.com.
Community members participate in a previous Peace Officer Endurance Ruck. (Photo courtesy of Robb Mendoza)
Students serve as Senate pages
news@currentnoblesville.com
State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) welcomed local students to the Statehouse to serve as Senate pages in January and February.
GOVERNMENT
Noblesville High School students who participated were Emma Duell, Jonas Harley, Hadden Irwin and Kingsley Southard. Students spent a day at the Statehouse touring the building, observing debates from the Senate floor and interacting with their state senator.
“It was a pleasure to welcome these students to the Senate and answer their questions about local government and how it operates,” Baldwin stated. “I look forward to welcoming additional local students as this session progresses.”
Students in grades six through 12 can participate in the page program on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session. Groups serve on Wednesdays.
To learn more about the Senate Page Program, visit IndianaSenateRepublicans. com/Page-Program.
Arts group assists Westfield
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Creates, a nonprofit that promotes arts and culture in the community, has announced it was hired by the City of Westfield to help develop Westfield’s Arts Master Plan.
PROGRAMMING
The Westfield Parks & Recreation Board approved a measure in December 2024 authorizing the department of parks and recreation to enter into a $45,000 services agreement with Noblesville Creates to develop the plan.
“Westfield has had so much growth and development in recent years, and with more on the horizon, this is the perfect time to start thinking about what role the arts play in the city’s economic development and community development strategies,” said Aili McGill, executive director for Noblesville Creates.
McGill said Westfield-based creatives are encouraged to be involved in the planning process.
“In the near future, artists will have opportunities to get on a distribution list,
learn about upcoming opportunities and events, and participate in community feedback sessions,” McGill said. “We’re holding a few feedback sessions this summer to pick people’s brains about what they want to see happen in Westfield. So many artists are right on the edge of taking off in their career, so by getting on our contact list, we can help connect them with those things once they’re available.”
According to McGill, the arts master plan will give creatives an environment where they can thrive.
“We have always wanted to act like a magnet for the creative economy,” McGill said. “We know that no matter how big or robust a city is, it can support the creatives within that community. Being centered in Noblesville, we’re trying to communicate that arts are growing organically here, but the arts in Noblesville also influence the whole region. By working together with Westfield, we’re building more opportunities for everybody and will help strengthen the creative economy from the ground up.”
To get involved in the planning process, visit noblesvillecreates.org/stories/ seeking-westfield-artists.
State Sen. Scott Baldwin and Emma Duell
State Sen. Scott Baldwin and Jonas Harley
State Sen. Scott Baldwin and Hadden Irwin
State Sen. Scott Baldwin and Kingsley Southard (Photos courtesy of Abbey Webb)
Lawrence North High School junior Ke’Adriah “Keke” Butler has emerged as one of the top guards in state this season.
“Keke Butler has been phenomenal for us all season,” Wildcats coach Stephen Thomas said. “I’m blessed to have her again as a senior next season. Her teammates know how to get her in her spots (to score) and she knows how to get her teammates in their spots and they all trust each other. Between Kya Hunt and Butler, I’m biased, but those are the two best in the backcourt in the state. They’ve guarded incredible guards throughout the entire year and they just continue to answer the call.”
Butler scored 20 points and had eight rebounds and two steals in Lawrence North’s 65-59 victory over Warsaw in the IHSAA Class 4A state championship game March 1 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Butler hit all four of her free throws in the final 25 seconds to help seal the victory.
KE’ADRIAH BUTLER
Favorite subject: Algebra
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite TV show: “Family Guy”
Favorite vacation spot: Florida
“We practice them all week, so I knew there was going to be a time when it was going to be a close game and I was going to have to shoot those,” Butler said. “I tuned out the noise and knocked them down one by one.”
They were needed as Lawrence North (19-8) saw an 18-point lead dwindle to three with 31 seconds left.
“They (Warsaw) were here for a reason,”
Lawrence North junior guard Ke’Adriah “Keke” Butler was the top scorer for the state championship team. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Butler said. “We don’t think they are going to give up. We had to figure out what we need to do to get together.”
The Wildcats, who beat Class 4A defending state champion Lawrence Central in the sectional final, had eight losses during the regular season against top 20 teams.
“It means a lot because everyone doubted us and didn’t expect us to be here,” Butler said. “Overall, it feels great to know we worked all season for this and now
we’re getting the rewards. We continued to work hard. We didn’t let any comments bother us and no predictions bother us. We continue to stand tall, continue to work together and get the job done.”
Butler led a balanced scoring attack by averaging 13.9 points per game and 46 percent shooting from the field. She averaged 6.4 ppg as a sophomore.
“Everybody has continued to play their role and do what they are good at,” Butler said. “We have good players all the way down the bench and we knew there would be different players in different situations.”
Butler said she made the most improvement getting to her spot on the floor to shoot.
“I didn’t shoot a lot of mid-range shots (previously), but now I can get to the spot,” she said.
Butler has scholarship offers from Indiana State University, Indiana University Indianapolis, Morehead State University and University of Evansville, among others.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
IndianaSpineGroup.com/Swiatek
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Organizations receive funds
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Crosser Family Foundation, a Hamilton County Community Foundation fund, recently announced it has awarded $404,676 in grants to 21 nonprofit organizations in the county.
GRANTS
In collaboration with the staff at HCCF, the advisors of the Crosser Family Founda tion support organizations that focus on Hamilton County communities and areas in central Indiana.
“Our family cares deeply about strength ening our community and helping individ uals thrive,” Craig Crosser stated. “These grants are our way of supporting organiza tions that address critical issues such as community engagement, housing, health and youth development. We are proud to partner with them to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Some of the organizations receiving support are:
• Riverview Health Foundation ($75,000) — Riverview Health operates a full-service acute inpatient rehabili tation unit. It cares for patients recov
ering from health issues like strokes, traumatic brain injuries, significant car accidents or surgeries. As Hamil ton County continues to grow, River view Health is expanding and renovat ing its Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit to meet increasing demands. Grant dollars will assist with the on
Community Clinic at Walgreens is now open.
The new Community Clinic at Walgreens in Noblesville offers convenient care with evening and weekend hours. Whether you need cold and flu care, treatment for minor injuries or help managing chronic conditions, our exceptional care team is here for you.
Now open at 2380 Pleasant Street. Scan the QR code to learn more and schedule your appointment. Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 7 pm Saturday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm
“It
- Kathy
DISPATCHES
CORRECTION — A school in the Feb. 25 issue of Current in Noblesville where staff made blankets was incorrectly identified. Staff who made the blankets are from Primrose School of Noblesville.
Kindergarten enrollment now open — Noblesville Schools kindergarten enrollment is open now through May 9 for the 20252026 school year. Children must be at least five years of age on or before Aug. 1 to enroll for kindergarten. If your child will be five after Aug. 1, but before Oct. 1, they can be considered for early entrance. To enroll, visit noblesvilleschools.org.
Teacher Recruitment Fair — Noblesville Schools is partnering with Carmel Clay Schools, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Westfield Washington Schools and Zionsville Community Schools to host a teacher recruiting fair from 5 to 7 p.m. March 12 at the Noblesville Schools Community Center, 1775 Field Dr.
Ivy Tech Day — Ivy Tech Hamilton County will celebrate Ivy Tech Day, a day of giving and community impact dedicated to supporting student success, April 8. This year, the Hamilton County campus has set a goal of raising $30,000 to fund programs, building upgrades and student resources — building on the $25,000 it raised last year. To help reach its fundraising goal, the campus is hosting several ticketed events. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit giveday.ivytech.edu/hamco.
Assessment forms available electronically — Hamilton County property owners can submit a request to receive their Notice of Assessment of Land and Improvements/Form 11 electronically. The Assessor’s Office traditionally mails forms in April but will make forms available by email this year. Form 11 details the assessed value of a property, which serves as the starting point for calculating annual property tax payments. Requests for electronic copies are due by end of day March 25 at hamiltoncounty. in.gov/2073/F-11-Email-Notification-Request.
Ruoff discontinues lawn passes — Live Nation recently announced it will not offer summer its Lawnie Pass program for outdoor concerts for the first time in six years. The announcement noted that new programs are planned for the summer. For more, visit ruoffmusiccenter.net/shows.
CHICK-FIL-A RAISES FUNDS FOR NONPROFIT
From left, Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville Donor Relations Associate Emily Crump meets with Chick-fil-A Regional Director of Marketing Sarah Harlowe to receive a $1,460 check from proceeds of Chick-fil-A’s Feb. 25 charity night to support the Tom & Soni Sheehan Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville. Funds will be used to support the club’s after-school and out-of-school programs, which focus on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy and active lifestyles. “Chick-fil-A Ind. 37 and Saxony were excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville for many reasons, all of which align with the true spirit of Noblesville — serving our youth and their families in a meaningful, impactful way,” Harlowe stated. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Helm)
ABA academy now open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
WePlay ABA and Language Academy, which specializes in play-based applied behavior analysis therapy, recently opened a facility at 15570 Stony Creek Way in Noblesville.
THERAPY
The academy has a location in Westfield, and co-owner and board-certified behavior analyst Natalie Sparks said the staff is excited to welcome members from the Fishers and Noblesville area to the new facility.
“We had a full waitlist (in) Westfield that wasn’t moving, and we were continuing to get inquiries for services,” Sparks said. “After speaking with families and being unable to help them, we decided it was time to expand. We also had some staff looking for career advancement, and to do that for them, we needed to expand our services to other areas.”
WePlay ABA and Language Academy is an ABA therapy provider for children with autism spectrum disorders. It provides 1-on-1 and group ABA therapy funded through medical insurance. The staff tailors the daily schedule to each child’s specific needs.
“Some of our kids come for close to eight hours a day, while others come for four to five hours a day,” Sparks said. “Throughout their therapy day, they are working 1-on-1 with a registered behavior technician who is implementing their individualized treatment plan goals, which target the core deficits of autism. We teach skills like social communication, social interaction, increasing daily living and self-help skills and increasing appropriate leisure play skills.”
Sparks said there is no age cap for children to join, but the academy’s therapy is geared toward early learners.
“If we feel we can give children an opportunity to grow and expand their language, in particular, then we will definitely serve them,” Sparks said. “We know there is a need for quality ABA therapy. We love what we do and are invested in improving the lives of the members in the community by helping not only our clients thrive and succeed but also spreading awareness and inclusion opportunities for our clients into the community.”
There is currently no waitlist at the Noblesville location. For more, contact info@ weplayabaacademy.com.
DISPATCHES
GoFundMe — A GoFundMe fundraiser was recently created for a Noblesville senior who was the victim of an online scam that cost him around $90,000. In January, Edward Coover unknowingly clicked on a link that gave hackers access to his computer, leading to a series of interactions with individuals posing as representatives from Microsoft and Chase. Trusting these scammers, he withdrew funds and deposited them into bitcoin ATMs, only to realize too late that they had been defrauded. The funds raised through the GoFundMe will help rebuild Coover’s savings and support efforts to educate others about similar scams. For more, visit gofundme.com/f/ support-elderly-victim-of-90000-microsoft-chase-scam.
Health department implements ordinance — The Hamilton County Health Department has implemented a body art and eyelash extension ordinance to ensure safe and sanitary practices for residents who get piercings, eyelash extensions and other legal body art. The ordinance mandates all body art and eyelash extension facilities, including the artists and operators, maintain sanitary premises and equipment, hold appropriate licenses and use only jewelry that meets specified materials and hygiene standards. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1925/ Health-Department.
New board member — Riverview Health recently welcomed Connor Sullivan as the newest member of its board of trustees. Sullivan serves as the county attorney for Hamilton County, the executive director of the Hamilton County Redevelopment Commission, the executive director of the Hamilton County Community Development Corp. and the chairman of the Hamilton County Visitor and Tourism Commission.
Brody and Briggs Batten Battle Ride — A fundraiser will be held June 7 at 654 S. 9th St. in Noblesville for Brody and Briggs Gray, two Franklin brothers battling a rare neurodegenerative disorder called Batten disease that affects the body’s ability to break down and eliminate cellular waste, causing a build-up of proteins, sugars and lipids. Fundraising activities will include food, bounce houses, raffles and more. For more, call 317-379-4990 or 317-410-9728.
COURSE OF ACTION
Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities explores new ways to grow mission
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities begins its second year, it is exploring more ways to accomplish its mission of serving the disabled community.
Established in 2023 and launched in 2024, the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities works to increase community awareness of challenges faced by people with disabilities. This year, council members are working to create events and collaborate with advisory councils in other cities to aid more people with disabilities.
“The Advisory Council on Disabilities was formed so we could be a voice and recognize the needs in our community for accessibility and inclusion so that people can inclusively work, live and play here in Noblesville,” said Jennifer Weiss, an Advisory Council on Disabilities member.
Weiss said in its first year, the council gathered information by working with community members and city departments to learn the needs of the disability community, such as providing more access to resources and enhancing curbs, walkways and parks to be more accessible.
Last year, the council hosted disability resource fairs to provide options for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Local organizations that provide resources for people with disabilities set up booths to explain what they offer.
“We hosted two resource fairs, and both were well attended,” said Jennifer Sell, an Advisory Council on Disabilities member. “The resource fairs are an opportunity to bring various resources together in one place in the community to see what is available right here within Hamilton County.”
Future events, such as looking into opportunities to connect with disability councils in nearby communities like Fishers and Westfield, are planned.
“We’re looking at how we can collaborate with some of the other disability councils that have been around for a lot longer than we have,” Weiss said. “We are figuring out how to join forces, link arms with our neighbors and tap into similar resources. We can learn a lot from them
regarding what they have identified as helpful for their communities.”
Weiss said one idea is to host a nature walk with the Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities on the Midland Trace Trail.
“The event is still in the developing stages, but because (the trail) connects both of our communities, we’re looking at doing a nature walk or discovery walk. That’s one thing that we’ve specifically honed in on.”
Sell said the council also wants to host an event for caregivers this fall as an opportunity for those who give time and effort to caring for their loved ones a chance to treat themselves to a day out or a day off.
“The time frame we’re looking at is when school starts,” Sell said. “For parents of school-aged children, the back-to-school season is such a stressful time. Caregivers are selfless individuals and deserve the chance to have a day or even a few hours all about them.”
Council members are appointed by the mayor and common council. Amy Shinneman, an advisory council member who has muscular dystrophy, said the council’s mission aligns with her advocacy efforts.
“As an advocate for people with disabilities, I like to concentrate my efforts in areas where I feel real and lasting changes can be made,” Shinneman said. “Working together as a team, I think we can help improve the lives of those living with disabilities.”
The advisory council meets once a month. It is designing a logo sticker that
Attendees at a disability resource fair hosted by the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities.
for people with disabilities, Weiss said the public can get involved by submitting requests for inclusive options in the Noblesville Parks & Recreation’s five-year master plan.
“As we grow as a community, we want to have things in place so we don’t have to go back and do them over,” Weiss said. “Knowing that people with all kinds of disabilities live in our community, we want to attract those people to come here to live, work, play and enjoy all the amazing parks and trails Noblesville has to offer. So, incorporating accessibility into that five-year master plan is a big deal.”
local businesses can put in the entrance of their business to show they are accessible and disability friendly.
“We are working on the criteria for businesses to qualify to place the sticker in their windows,” Sell said. “We hope that, over time, businesses will consider hosting sensory-friendly nights and other accessible programming for shoppers.”
As the council continues to advocate
For more about the Advisory Council on Disabilities, visit noblesville.in.gov/department/division.php?structureid=342. To submit input on Noblesville Parks & Recreation’s five-year master plan, visit engagepros.mysocialpinpoint.com/noblesville.
A PERSONAL CONNECTION
Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities members Jennifer Weiss and Jennifer Sell know what it is like to care for a child with disabilities and advocate for inclusivity in the community.
Sell is the executive director and founder of Same As U, a nonprofit whose mission is to serve adults with disabilities in a college-like setting. She also has a daughter with Down syndrome.
“(Same As U launched) five years ago, and today we serve a little more than 100 adults with all types of disabilities,” Sell said. “Our age range right now is 18 to 52, and it’s an academic setting, but at the same time, it doesn’t matter to us. When people with disabilities exit the school system, the next steps aren’t as clear as it is for someone like us. So, it’s been a fun journey to be on.”
Weiss founded BeeFree, a food manufacturing company, 15 years ago. Her
son is on the autism spectrum, and once diagnosed, the family adopted a gluten-free diet that led to the creation of BeeFree.
“We made a business out of making ready-to-eat snacks that are convenient and gluten-free,” Weiss said. “After my son graduated high school and went to look for a job, we realized some of the challenges that there are for people with disabilities. From there, we formed a nonprofit autism job training center, BeeFree Bakes. We’ve been self-funded for three years, and now we have gotten the support of Indiana and a couple of other organizations in Hamilton County, so we’re getting ready to do it on a bigger scale where we can serve more people.”
For more about BeeFree and BeeFree Bakes, visit beefreegf.com. For more about Same As U, visit sameasu.
ON THE COVER: From left, Jennifer Sells’ daughter Jessica and Jennifer Weiss attend a disability resource fair. (Photo by Matthew Doudt Photography)
(Photo by Matthew Doudt Photography)
A&B Farmhouse now open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A&B Farmhouse, a furniture, home decor and gift store, celebrated its grand opening at 601 Connor St. in Noblesville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 28.
RETAIL
A&B Farmhouse, which also has a store in Brazil, was established in 2020 by Andy Stone and his former partner Brandon Sneath. Stone said they wanted to open a store where people could walk in and feel like they were at home.
“In houses I’ve had in the past, people would come over (and ask where I got things), so (Brandon) and I wanted to create something where you could purchase anything in the store, and it feels like home,” Stone said.
A&B Farmhouse started in Brazil, Sneath’s hometown. Stone said the store drew customers from across Indiana, and he wanted to open a second store closer to Indianapolis and his family, who live in Hamilton County.
“I’ve been through Noblesville a lot, and I’ve always loved this downtown experience,” Stone said. “It’s a small-town feel, but there’s 75,000 (people) here. I stood in
front of this building and was like, ‘This is it. This is what I’ve been looking for.’”
The store has products ranging from candles and wall decorations to comforters and furniture.
“We are a bigger city, but we still have a hometown feel,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said at the grand opening. “We love stores that reflect that.”
Customers also can shop for A&B Farmhouse items online. For more, visit abfarmhouse.com.
Dutch Bros coming to Noblesville
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Dutch Bros Coffee, a drive-thru coffee business, is opening its first Indiana location in Noblesville.
OPENING
Dutch Bros Coffee, which serves a variety of handcrafted beverages such as specialty coffee, nitrogen-infused cold brew, teas, lemonades and sodas, was founded in 1992 in Grants Pass, Ore., where it’s headquartered..
According to planning documents, Dutch Bros Coffee will be 950 square feet with double drive-thru lanes to accommodate up to 17 vehicles in the queue. The business also will have a separate covered service window for walk-up customers. Site improvements include a new trash enclosure, landscaping and a pedestrian path to 146th Street.
Local operator Julius Chancellor said the shop, at 14560 Mundy Dr., is on track to open in the second half of the year.
“We are beyond excited to be introducing Dutch Bros to a brand-new communi-
ty,” Chancellor said. “Our team is stoked to serve the beautiful Noblesville area and the amazing people that make it so special.” Chancellor said Noblesville’s charm made the city appealing for the business’ first Indiana location.
“We’re always expanding into new communities, and we’re really excited to get into Noblesville,” Chancellor said. “It’s just such a cute town, and we’re excited to get to know people there and serve the community. The people drew us to Noblesville the most.”
Chancellor also said he looks forward to creating more jobs in Noblesville.
“We hire locally,” Chancellor said. “We have people that transfer from out of state, but it’s not our whole crew. We’re excited to set up interviews, get to know the community and bring new people into Dutch Bros to serve their community. That’s one of the coolest parts about what we do — we hire the community, and then they get to serve their family and friends.” For more, visit dutchbros.com.
A&B Farmhouse owner Andy Stone welcomes guests to the ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 28. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Thai Sushi House opens downtown
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Thai Sushi House, which serves sushi and authentic Thai food, opened Feb. 26 at 59 S. 9th St. in Noblesville.
DINING
Formerly located in Fishers, owners Jeine Singal, Kanlaya Browning and Supaporn Winterberg opened Thai Sushi House in 2015. Browning said the restaurant had to move because the City of Fishers entered into an agreement for a new development at Thai Sushi House’s former location.
“We had to find somewhere to relocate and found this spot in downtown Noblesville,” Browning said. “We love the Noblesville community. It is a charming town, and we’ve had a warm welcome from people here. Hopefully, former customers from Fishers will come here to support us, as well as people in Noblesville.”
The menu includes shrimp tempura, rice noodle soup, sushi rolls and stir-fry, among other dishes.
“The idea for the restaurant came from liking the idea of combining Thai food and sushi so people can have a variety of choices,” Browning said. “Our most popular menu items are pad thai, drunken noodles, red curry and our cherry blossom sushi roll.”
Thai Sushi House serves alcoholic beverages and tea and has a small kids’ menu.
“As Hamilton County residents, this is our dream,” Browning said. “Our dream was to start a restaurant, work there and make good food for customers. We are so excited that we could buy this new place, and hopefully, this is going to be our new home.”
Thai Sushi House is open seven days a week. For more, visit thaisushihouse.com.
Lineup announced for 2025 McComb Pella Parade of Homes
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis recently announced builders participating in the 2025 McComb Pella Parade of Homes April 25-27 and May 2-4.
EVENT
The parade-style event showcases the latest in-home design, new construction and innovation representing the growth and diversity of the central Indiana housing market. Homes showcased in the Parade of Homes are located across five geographical areas, ranging in price from $250,000 to $4 million.
Participating builders are Arbor Homes; BBG Construction; Beazer Homes; Bridgenorth Homes; David Weekley Homes;
Del Webb; Diyanni Homes; D.R. Horton; Drees Homes; Duke Homes; Epcon Communities; Estridge Homes; Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity; Integra Builders; J.R. Lazaro Builders; Joyner Homes; Lennar; M/I Homes; Old Town Design Group; Olthof Homes; Onyx & East; PulteGroup; Silverthorne Homes; and Taylor Morrison.
“We are excited to present a diverse lineup of builders for this year’s Parade of Homes,” BAGI Chief Operating Officer Drake Branda stated. “This event offers a unique opportunity for the community to experience firsthand the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs that these builders bring to the Indianapolis area.”
For tickets, visit bagi.com/ parade-of-homes.
Thai Sushi House at 59 S. 9th St. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
30 N Rangeline Rd. | Carmel, IN 46032 | 317- 993-3011
- Saturday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
884 Logan St. | Noblesville, IN 46060 | 317-674-8573
- Saturday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Orthopedic provider opens new office
news@currentnoblesville.com
Central Indiana Orthopedics has announced plans to open a Zionsville location this month.
PHYSICIANS
The office — 625 S. Main St. — is the provider’s central Indiana location. The Zionsville office provides on-site casting and X-ray services and specialized care for upper and lower extremities; joint replacement; and sports medicine.
The health care team and their specialties include Dr. Brian L. Badman, shoulder surgery; Dr. Aaron M. Baessler, shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine; Dr. Brian E. Camilleri, hip arthroscopy, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, knee replacement; Dr. Jonathan S. Chae, sports medicine, general orthopedics; Dr. Adam W. Lyon, foot and ankle surgery; and Dr.
Colin T. Penrose, hip and knee replacement surgery.
“Our team is committed to improving the quality of life for patients, and that includes enhancing convenience,” President of Central Indiana Orthopedics Dr. Steven Herbst stated. “We look forward to serving more Hoosiers and bringing the exceptional care we’re known for to the Zionsville area.”
Appointments can be scheduled at ciocenter.com/Zionsville or by phone at 800-622-6575.
Founded in 1950, Central Indiana Orthopedics was founded in 1950 as an independent orthopedic practice treating patients with bone, joint and muscle injuries and conditions. Besides Zionsville, the provider has offices in Fishers, Anderson, Muncie and Marion, and serves as team physicians for Anderson University.
Grants help expand health services in Hamilton County
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Health Department has awarded more than $3.2 million in Health First Indiana grants to local partners since the program’s launch in 2024.
FUNDING
just about fixing teeth — it’s about restoring confidence, improving nutrition, and maintaining social connections.”
Tammy Sander, the county’s communications director, said the funding comes from Senate Enrolled Act 4, which provides funding to local health departments for evidence-based programs in its communities.
Sander said the clinic recently treated a victim of a violent assault whose mouth was wired shut. Unable to afford dental care, the wires prevented him from speaking, eating and brushing his teeth for two years. Trinity’s dentists removed the wires and developed a treatment plan to help restore his oral health.
Trinity Free Clinic in Carmel is among the recipients of grant dollars in Hamilton County. HFI grant dollars have allowed the clinic to expand its free dental services, doubling the number of low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents it serves.
The clinic also has used funds to purchase a dental scanner and mill to provide same-day crowns and dentures.
“Unfortunately, stories like these are not all that uncommon,” Wischmeyer stated. ”We’ve met people denied promotions and demoted to lesser positions due to poor oral health. We recently helped a teen who wouldn’t eat lunch at school because she was too embarrassed to take out her (poorly) functioning retainer in front of her friends. These are, in some cases, life-changing procedures.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the funding from the Health First program,” stated Mel Wischmeyer, executive director of Trinity Free Clinic. “We’ve seen firsthand how life-changing dental care can be for children and adults alike. For many, it’s not
HFI funding has enabled the health department to enhance local programs in mental health, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention and emergency preparedness.
For more, visit hamiltoncounty. in.gov/1858/Health-First-Hamilton-County.
A lot of holes in this doughnut story
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
I witnessed a miracle at our church on a recent morning. Unitarians do not, as a rule, believe in miracles, although starting our service on time is about as close as we ever get.
HUMOR
Each Sunday, a select group of congregants (a word few of us ever use) are assigned to bring snacks for the worshippers (another seldomly used word). We often get a wonderful selection of treats, including deviled eggs (the only time we think about the devil) and angel food cake, a term only applied to the children of our members, who we dearly love.
So, what was the miracle? Becky, one of the new members, brought a box of Dunkin’ Munchkins, and three of those tiny morsels were jelly-filled.
So, what in heaven’s name was the miracle? The miracle was that I had been asking for jelly-filled doughnut holes for the past several years at more than five Dunkin’ locations in Indianapolis, but they were never available.
I have a history of loving certain prod-
ucts that the manufacturers stopped making. I was hooked on Hebrew National Light Franks. They were also 100 percent kosher. If they were only 99 percent kosher, they would not be kosher. Yes, that’s the way it works. By the way, I can’t remember now if they were called “lite” or “light,” franks, but I am usually rite about spelling mistakes.
My list of disappointments is endless.
Meijer stopped making its coleslaw at the deli counter. It was the only slaw I enjoyed.
My hopes were shredded. And Kroger stopped making its cucumber/tomato/ onion salad. Then, Marsh stopped making … everything.
I called Hebrew National headquarters. They didn’t have a complaint department. They called it the kvetching hotline. Not a single person had a clue why they stopped making light franks. They do make “reduced fat” franks, but they reduced the fat too much, and I was reduced to not buying them. One woman gave me some double-talk about trying a different product.
“What about our bologna?” she asked. I had already heard enough of her baloney, so I hung up.
Disappointed that Munchkins weren’t
available, I went to each location and asked why they didn’t carry them anymore. Here are the responses I got.
They were not very popular, so we stopped making them.
They were too popular, so we always ran out. That made customers angry.
There was too much labor involved. You know, getting that jelly in the dough. And some of our employees hated needles.
I called Dunkin’ headquarters in Canton, Mass.
The man I talked to injected into the conversation the phrases “Spherical Delight,” “Balls of Heaven” and “Marvelous Morsels.” He told me that there was only one person at Dunkin’ headquarters who knew absolutely everything about these tiny doughnuts. So, next time I’m in the Boston area and want to know more about Munchkins, I’m off to see The Wizard.
Discover the ideal solution for homeowners in and around Hamilton and Boone Counties seeking assistance with their projects. This comprehensive guide will publish on March 25 and it connects you with the perfect company to bring your visions to life. Reach all 131,191 households in Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield, and Zionsville through U.S. Mail at a single, affordable price. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your offerings to a wide audience and help homeowners bring their projects to fruition.
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.
For advertisings opportunities by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
Comedian Shillue benefits from popularity of ‘Gutfeld!’ show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Tom Shillue understands his good fortune of being a regular on a hit late night show.
Shillue, who appears on “Gutfeld!” on FOX News, will be a special guest on ‘Gutfeld Live ’25’ at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Fishers Event Center. Shillue and fellow comedian Jamie Lissow, a frequent “Gutfeld!” guest, will start the two-hour show with their stand-up routines.
Political satirist Greg Gutfeld, who also is a co-host of “The Five” on FOX News, then joins Shillue on stage.
Shillue, 58, has been in the comedy business since 1991.
“It took me about a decade to get going,” he said. “I did my first TV appearance on Conan O’Brien in 1999. I did a Comedy Central special in 2003.”
Shillue also appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and then “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“I was also working on Comedy Central (on ‘The Daily Show’) but it didn’t really translate to selling that many (stand-up comedy) tickets, but when I started doing ‘Red Eye’ with Greg, I started getting fans out to the club, who were fans of ‘Red Eye,’” he said. “When I took over ‘Red Eye,’ that was fantastic for the audience, but nothing compares to what ‘Gutfeld!’ has become in the last 18 months or so. I go out to clubs and I sell out and it’s really remarkable. The ‘Gutfeld!’ audience is very loyal.”
Shillue performs on average one weekend a month with solo shows and another weekend with Gutfeld.
“It’s basically a Q&A, but I’m the emcee,” Shillue said. “I’m not as much asking Greg questions as I am guiding him through a series of slides of different things, his colleagues at Fox, his dog. We kind of talk about them in a funny way. It’s personal stories and political stuff, too. He runs through different politicians.
We basically talk about whatever is going on in the world today. Greg likes to keep it loose. It’s the opposite of me with my stand-up. I write it ahead of time and I come out and deliver the jokes and Greg comes out and I have to roll with the punches.”
Shillue keeps his performance schedule light.
“If I’m out there two weekends a month, that is enough for me because I have the Fox News gig,” he said. “Jamie does an amazing number of dates. He’s on the ‘Gutfeld!” show and then he’s out doing the clubs because he makes his living doing the clubs. Since I’m on Fox with Greg all week, I don’t need to be a road warrior.”
Shillue previously did a show three hours a day on Fox News radio for two years. He now regularly appears as a guest or co-host on Fox News radio shows.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
CIVIC THEATRE
Comedian
Tom Shillue will be a special guest on ‘Gutfeld Live ’25’ at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Event Center)
“They keep (me) busy,” he said. “They always find me stuff to do at Fox.”
Shillue said his Joe Biden imitation was in frequent demand on “Gutfeld!” the past several years.
But Shillue said live performing is his first love, especially stand-up routines.
“I’m a storyteller,” he said. “I tell longform stories (on solo shows) about my family.”
Shillue no longer does commercials, but still does voiceovers. He wrote a book called “Mean Dads for a Better America,” in which he discusses his childhood, his family and the traditional values he embraces.
“It’s a memoir about growing up in the ’70s in a conservative Irish Catholic town,” said Shillue, who grew up in Norwood, Mass. “It’s funny stories about growing up.”
For more, visit tomshillue.com. For tickets, visit fishersevencenter.com.
Civic Theatre presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” from March 14 to 29 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Kevin Cole’s “Have Fingers — Will Travel: My Unbelievable Songbook Journey” is set for March 14, followed by “Dueling Pianos” March 15 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
COMEDY AT THE CAT
St. Pat’s Comedy at The Cat, featuring Dave Dugan, is set for 7:30 p.m. March 14-15 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
HANK RUFF AND THE HELLBENDERS
Hank Ruff and the Hellbenders will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 11 in the Live at the Center series at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 in person or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
‘APPALACHIAN SPRING’
Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present “Appalachian Spring” at 7 p.m. March 16 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
DISPATCH
ATI Lab Series reading set — Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series returns with “Kannon Gets the Wiggles” at 2 p.m. March 15 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The show is by Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields. The music is by Rolin Mains and the lyrics are by Drew and Mains. The show is adapted from the book “Sometimes I Get the Wiggles” by Andee Cooper. For more, visit atistage.org.
Indianapolis Opera celebrates 50th anniversary with gala
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Opera CEO David Starkey jokes that it’s taken 50 years for the organization to plan its 50th anniversary — but such a celebration does take a lot of careful planning, especially in the opera world, where everything is grand and extravagant.
MUSIC
This year’s anniversary season was designed to honor the Indianapolis Opera’s longtime supporters and alumni.
“Those 50 years are all built upon legacy families and there are many of them … that have been around from almost the very beginning,” Starkey said. “And then, as the opera company grew over Its years, it engaged, it hired, it promoted young and established singers that basically created their careers here in Indianapolis and went on to sing literally all over the world … that sung in the major opera houses of Europe and the United States — the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera, Chicago, San Francisco.”
Many of those alumni will return for the Indianapolis Opera’s March 22 gala performance, set for 7:30 p.m. at the Hilbert Circle Theater, 45 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The gala also will feature the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Starkey said it’s been about two decades since the two organizations partnered on an artistic project.
Indianapolis Opera’s Principal Conductor Alfred Savia will conduct the gala performance. He previously worked with the Indianapolis Symphony and regularly returns as a guest conductor for symphony performances.
“He’s leading up an extravagant array — we’re going to have 15 singers from all over the world that have come up through this opera company (performing) with the Indianapolis symphony, with our opera chorus of nearly 50, in the Hilbert Circle theater, and singing an extravagant gala of opera’s most popular and illustrious selections in a grand and extravagant way,” Starkey said. “This is bigger than any kind of opera concert the city (has) ever had.”
Some of the arias concert attendees will hear include the famous duet from Puccini’s “Tosca,” performed by Angela Brown and Jim Cornelison; selections from Pucci-
ni’s “Madame Butterfly”; and pieces from Wagner’s “Die Walküre.”
“We’re going to have five tenors sing an original version of ‘Nessun dorma,’ the famous tenor aria that was made famous by Luciano Pavarotti,” Starkey said. “You know, there used to be the famous Three Tenors, (Plácido) Domingo, (José) Carreras and Pavarotti? Well, we’re going to up it to five tenors.”
“Nessun dorma” is from Puccini’s opera “Turandot.”
Starkey said he’s humbled by the number of former Indianapolis Opera singers who were willing to return for the gala.
“I had no idea who could say yes and almost every single person has said yes in some form of fashion… that we invited because they were over the moon to come back and celebrate the company that established their career,” he said, adding that longtime former IO Artistic Director Jim Caraher was returning to the podium for the gala. “They’re coming back to celebrate him, too — that’s been a big part of the response, and he deserves it in a massive way.”
The lineup of performers can be viewed online at indyopera.org/50th-anniversarygala-cast.
Audience members can choose to attend just the performance, but organizers also have planned a gala dinner preceding the concert at the neighboring Columbia Club. Tickets for the dinner include premium seats at the concert, valet parking and a post-concert reception drink. Starkey said the dinner will honor many of the IO’s longtime supporters, including some that have been with the organization since its first decade.
For more, visit indyopera.org/50thgala concert.
The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Soprano Angela Brown in a 2009 production of “Ariadne.” (Photo courtesy of Denis Ryan Kelly, Jr.)
Pianist to share stories, music
By Mark Ambrogi marK@youarecurrent.com
Kevin Cole has worked with many of the greatest songwriters in Great American Songbook history.
CONCERT
So, it’s fitting he will share those stories at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Feinstein is the founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation.
The seven songwriters are George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, Hugh Martin and Marvin Hamlisch.
Harburg wrote the lyrics to many standards as well as all the songs for the film “The Wizard of Oz,” including “Over the Rainbow.”
“Kevin Cole: Have Fingers — Will Travel” is set for 7:30 p.m. March 14. It is part of the Don Farrell Presents shows at Feinstein’s. Cole had worked with Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founder Farrell on “Forever Plaid” and participated in the ATI Lab Series reading of “Mr. Confidential” in 2022.
Cole and Harburg collaborated on a song that was intended for Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Harburg died in 1981, and the song never got to either Sinatra or Bennett. Farrell will sing it in the show.
“I was only 18 when I wrote the music,” Cole said. “I’ve sang it in my solo shows, but it will be nice to hear someone else sing it.”
“I had the experience of working with the great songwriters from a very early age,” Cole said. “As I tell the story of each one of the seven songwriters that have influenced my life or career, I play something that either I played for them or collaborated with them, so it’s all integrated together the story and music.”
The only one of the songwriters that Cole, 66, didn’t meet was Gershwin, who died in 1937. However, when Gershwin scholar Edward Jablonski heard Cole play at age 15, he told Cole he played like Gershwin. Jablonski and Cole are both from Bay City, Mich.
For more, visit kevincolemusic.com. For tickets, visit feinsteinshc.com.
fore “chi”
42. Cosmetician Lauder
44. Butler homecoming gatherings
46. “Jane Eyre” author
48. Indie Coffee Roasters order
49. Gruesome
52. Pigpen
54. Beatle bride
55. Mount McKinley, formerly
58. Swift: “Everything ___ Changed”
61. Fishers HS swimming team relay-race segments
63. Indy hospital, briefly
65. Feud fight?
66. Chicago-to-Westfield dir.
67. West Africa country
68. Nimble
69. Tummy muscles
70. Patronize 39-Across
Down
1. “Hey, over here!”
2. Guitar kin
3. Where to watch some Colts highlights
4. “Eureka!”
5. Deed
6. Smile
7. Depositor’s holding (Abbr.)
8. City known as “The Palm Springs of Washington”
9. “Thar ___ blows!”
10. Mayhem
11. Fever guard Wheeler
12. Shoulder muscles, for short
17. Black out
21. French Foreign ___ 23. Pal
25. Atlantic catch
26. Mayberry boy
27. Carmel ___ & Design District
28. Emcee
30. Back of a Geist boat
31. Speck in the ocean
33. Cyberhandle
35. Instead, to a texter
36. Actress Turner
37. Spanish ayes
40. Breakfast cereal
43. Flow’s partner
45. Frosty
47. Black Sea port
49. Influences
50. Slightly ahead
51. IMS owner Penske
53. Bit of color
56. Aviation accident agcy.
57. Keystone and College (Abbr.)
58. Pacers foe
59. “___ and the King of Siam”
60. RBI or ERA, at Victory Field
5 Wrenches
1 Indiana’s “City of Friendship and Pride”
62. Cunning 64. When doubled, a dance
Answers on Page 23
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