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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XVI, No. 10
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FEBRUARY & MARCH DINE IN DEALS!
HSE board delays vote on committee-attendance policy
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A proposed policy that would allow Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees members to observe district-level meetings such as contract negotiations was postponed again following a lengthy March 11 discussion.
The policy has been in the works since last fall by the board’s policy committee. It came before the board previously, but was sent back for revisions following concerns that the language could lead to micromanaging. The most recent postponement was the result of concern that the language could require district committee meetings to be open to the public. Board members asked for a legal opinion before voting.
The policy, as presented March 11, would allow board members to monitor committee meetings that address
In other matters, the HSE School Board heard a presentation from Apex Benefits, a health benefits management company. Apex and the district signed a three-year contract without a competitive bid process or board vote in 2024, which has been a topic of discussion. Apex Chief Strategy Officer and co-owner Jim Harenberg and district Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown presented details about the services Apex provides. Harenberg said HSE’s self-funded health insurance plan had been experiencing significant increases, mostly due to high-cost claims from plan members with significant medical concerns.
matters that will eventually come before the board. Besides collective bargaining, such meetings include insurance committee meetings between district administration and teachers’ representatives; curriculum adoption committees; and ad-hoc budget reduction committees.
The proposed policy calls for board members to be appointed by the board president to observe specific committee meetings and to provide advanced notice of attendance to the superintendent.
“The role of a board member … will be as a non-voting silent observer,” the policy states. “Members will not have the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarifying information on the proceedings being observed. No recordings of the meeting observed may occur and any personal notes taken may not be shared. A board member’s presence is for the purpose of observation only. All information observed in any
He said Apex team members helped the district manage the cost increases.
“We help all of our clients with benefits, design, procuring and managing all aspects of your health and welfare benefits and a number of other services, including strategic planning, financial reporting and forecasting, vendor selection, negotiation and management, insurance brokerage, wellness, programming and benefits communications,” he said.
“The initial 18 months of our engagement with HSE, we’ve completed our assessment with a resulting action plan to address some inconsistencies. We implemented strategies to create cost containment and savings opportunities.”
eligible meeting is strictly confidential. Board members may not disclose observed information publicly and may not selectively share information with individuals outside of the board. Board members may discuss observations in executive session only, and only when permitted by (state law).”
Hamilton Southeastern Education Association union president Tyler Zerbe told the board that HSEA supports the policy because it allows board members to gain insight into the contract negotiations process. He did express concern that part of the policy could open those meetings to the public.
After board members voted to postpone action on the issue, Interim Superintendent Matt Kegley, who was formally appointed to that role in a unanimous vote March 11, said a legal opinion is pending and the matter will come back to either the policy committee or to the full board.
When the implementation part of the process was completed, Brown said the ongoing contract transitioned from $20,000 a month starting July 1, 2024, to about $7,200 a month starting June 30, 2025. He estimated that working with Apex saved the district about $1.6 million in pharmacy costs alone over the past year.
The board will vote in April on continuing the contract with Apex through the 2026-27 school year at the $7,200 monthly rate.
The next HSE School Board meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 15 at the district’s central office building, 13485 Cumberland Rd.
116th & I-69, Geist Marina or 79th & Sunnyside
Kegley
APEX PRESENTATION
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Byron H., patient
New state law affects Fishers rental caps
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A state bill that prohibits rental caps like those recently adopted by the cities of Fishers and Carmel was signed by Gov. Mike Braun March 12, although the two local governments can continue to enforce the caps through January 2028. The new law was included in House Enrolled Act 1210, a 400-page tome that also includes language incentivizing data centers and addressing how governments provide public notices, among other items.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, who spoke against the rental-cap language when the bill was still going through the Statehouse, said the city will continue to enforce its rental cap while it can.
“And then, we’ll monitor the Legislature and we’ll continue to try to work to see if we can’t get the language changed so we can continue on,” he said. “But, either way, even if we can’t, our intention is to maintain the registration even if we have to do away with cap.”
Fishers’ rental ordinance, approved in April 2025, calls for all residential rental properties in the city to be registered. As of late January, the city reported 95 percent compliance with the registration requirement. The ordinance also places a 10 percent cap on rental properties within neighborhoods.
Fadness said March 16 that the city also is following potential federal legislation that could limit the ability of large corporations to buy residential property as investments, which was the primary driver for Fishers’ rental cap.
“So, we’re trying to understand the lay of the landscape with the federal government as well,” he said. “It’s kind of a fluid situation at the moment.”
Another Indiana bill that Fadness and city officials had been concerned about was HB1001, which would have severely limited local control over zoning. But amendments before it was signed by the governor March 4 mean minimal impact to Fishers.
Fadness
City to fund HSE upgrades, athletic director’s salary
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Fishers City Council and Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees met in joint session March 11 to approve an interlocal agreement focused on school and community athletic facilities and personnel.
The agreement, approved unanimously by both bodies, states that the city will fund about $3.6 million in improvements to district-owned athletic fields. The agreement also establishes a new City-District Athletic Director position, with the salary paid by the city and benefits paid by HSE. The new director, longtime Hamilton Southeastern High School Athletic Director Jim Self, will start May 1.
includes city-owned parks. Through the interlocal agreement, the city will use about $3.6 million of that for improvements to HSE Schools athletic fields.
“We want to take a big step forward and say, ‘I don’t view HSE fields differently than I view the city’s fields,’” he said. “And, if we’re looking at it that way, and we prioritize that way — boy, we can make some really smart investments and increase our capacity and improve the experience for all of our kids, whether they’re representing a Royals or Tigers jersey, or whether they’re playing for Mudsock, or whether they’re playing for any other youth system.”
The planned HSE field improvements include:
Mayor Scott Fadness said the two governments have cooperated for many years on a variety of initiatives, such as the city’s educator innovation grants, outdoor education programs at the Agripark and public safety programs. The new agreement takes that cooperation a step further.
“One of the areas that the city has really been focusing on recently is ensuring that we’re pushing the envelope on every aspect of quality of life here in our community,” he said. “As you know very well, running the school system — and I see it every day — one of the things that’s near and dear to folks here in our community is youth athletics and athletic programs, and we want to make sure that Fishers continues to remain at the highest level in terms of facilities and experiences for our kiddos here in our community.”
Fadness said that the council approved about $10 million to upgrade infrastructure for youth athletics, which
• Fishers High School — One new artificial turf field with lighting; upgrades to four existing natural grass fields through aeration and top dressing; construction of a pedestrian crosswalk connecting Sand Creek Intermediate School to Fishers High School
• Hamilton Southeastern High School — One new artificial turf field with lighting; upgrades to existing plateau fields through aeration and top dressing
HSE Assistant Superintendent of operations Brian Roush said that in addition to the new and refurbished fields, the new athletic director will be a valuable addition for the district.
“We’ll have a districtwide athletic director who will be able to mentor and support our lay coaches, our head coaches — all the way down to the Mudsock youth program — and really sort of build an old-school program,” he said.
Improvements at both schools are scheduled to begin this spring with a late summer completion date.
DISPATCH
Fishers basketball coach takes new job — Garrett Winegar is leaving his job as Fishers High School’s basketball coach to become a coach with Iowa United Prep, a Des Moines school which plays on the Nike EYBA Scholastic circuit. Winegar had a 132-25 record in six seasons with Fishers, including a IHSAA Class 4A state championship in 2024 and 4A state runner-up finish in 2025. The Tigers were 24-1 this season, losing to Carmel 50-49 in the sectional championship. Winegar will coach the freshmen and sophomores for Iowa United. Former Indiana University player Keith Smart will coach the junior and senior squad.
BATH
Fadness
New private school planned
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A former pool clubhouse at Legends of Geist off Cumberland Road in Fishers is slated to become a private elementary school for about 30 students in the first year, eventually expanding to about 170 students.
The Fishers City Council reviewed a special exception in first reading March 16 for the proposed Central Christian Academy facility at 10601 Cumberland Rd.
Jessica Dickinson, representing Central Christian Academy, said the school will start with kindergarten and firstgrade students, adding one grade level per year with a maximum anticipated capacity of 170 students.
The existing structure will be expanded over three phases, she said, and the pool will be filled in. Dickinson said all drop-off and pick-up activity will happen within the school’s parking area to minimize traffic impact on Cumberland Road. She added that the petitioner is working with the city to continue to provide parking for staff at the nearby
Fishers Fire Department Station 94. Councilor John Weingardt said he would be interested in a traffic study to see what impact the new use would have.
“That’s in my district, right by where I live,” he said. “So, one of the things we need to really think about is traffic through that area — 106th and Cumberland is a very busy intersection. This is going to be a different use than what it was before. Originally it was, you know, a place to go swim in a clubhouse. Now, it’s going to be something that’s going to be utilized during peak traffic hours.”
The proposed school is scheduled to return for final council approval April 20.
Central Christian Academy plans to renovate a former pool clubhouse off Cumberland Road to house a new elementary school. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
COMMUNITY
Meet the District 37 candidates
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Joel Levi, a pharmacy technician at Riverview Hospital, and Lauren Cole, who works in clinical trials for multiple myeloma studies, are running for the Indiana House District 37 seat in the May 5 Democratic primary election. Republican incumbent Todd Huston is unopposed in the primary.
Levi and Cole answered the following questions from Current:
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE?
Levi: I’m running for Indiana House District 37 because I love this community and want our kids to grow up safe and supported. I want to create a better future for my children and future generations. As a dad and health care worker, I’m ready to be a voice for all Hoosiers.
Cole: I believe that the state government should work for everyday Hoosiers. Our district deserves leadership that is willing to listen, values transparency and accountability, and is willing to invest in the community first. I stepped forward because I care deeply about this community and want to build a future where everyone in District 37 has the opportunity to succeed.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENT(S)?
Levi: I’m an everyday hardworking Hoosier. I’m a husband, father and health care worker with a son in public school and a daughter in daycare. I see our public school budgets dwindling and child care costs rising. I understand the real pressures normal Hoosiers face every day.
Cole: I bring a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to listening first. I am a community-focused candidate who believes representing my district well means bringing thoughtful, evidence-based solutions and a willingness to work with others to solve problems.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?
Levi: Strong public schools, safe com-
munities and affordability. We must fully fund our public schools and be careful about expanding vouchers. Indiana should require background checks on private gun transactions. And to tackle rising utility bills, we must invest more in solar and wind energy to help bring costs down.
Cole: My top priorities are strengthening public education, increasing transparency and accountability in our government, and improving affordability for Hoosier families. When we invest in our schools, encourage the government to work openly and responsibly and support working families, we build a stronger and more resilient community.
WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Levi: Voters ask me if a Democrat can win in Hamilton County. I believe I can by focusing on what families care about most — strong public schools, safer communities and affordability. My campaign is rooted in authenticity, civility and compassion, and I hope they see the heart I bring to these issues.
Cole: I want voters to know that I am running because I believe in doing the right thing. I believe in listening to my community and working toward practical solutions that will improve everyday life in a measurable way. I am committed to representing this district with integrity, and with respect for all opinions.
SENATE ENROLLED ACT 1 (2025) CHANGED PROPERTY AND LOCAL INCOME TAXES, RAISING CONCERNS ABOUT A 2028 “FISCAL CLIFF.” HOW WILL YOU NAVIGATE THESE BUDGET CHALLENGES?
Levi: Indiana once limited business property tax breaks to $80,000 to support small businesses. SEA1 raised that cap to $2 million, directly cutting tax revenue public schools rely on. We should amend and lower the exemption fairly so we can properly fund our schools and protect local budgets.
Cole: Property and local income tax changes, like those raised with SEA1, must be carefully evaluated to ensure that our communities remain financially stable while protecting taxpayers. I support reviewing the long-term impacts and making responsible adjustments if needed so schools and essential local services do not suffer.
Levi Cole
Longtime volunteer key to 500 Festival Parade success
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Al Wurster’s passion for the 500 Festival Parade began at an early age.
“When I was 8 or 9 years old, I went down to the parade to help my uncle sell programs,” he said. “The programs used to (feature) the floats, the history, that sort of thing. So, that was my first taste of being at the parade.”
The 63-year-old Zionsville resident became a volunteer with the seating committee in 1987.
“I worked my way up to chair of the parade and then moved on to the 500 Festival board for eight years,” he said. “I started with that role in the fall of 1999, with the first race being the 2000 (Indianapolis 500) race. My last race and time on the board was 2007, the year after I was chairman of the board in 2006.”
Wurster has remained involved with the parade, serving as track liaison coordinator. He also serves on the 500 Festival Foundation board.
“It’s a great community event,” Wurster said. “The biggest event the
500 Festival does is the Mini-Marathon, and the second one is the parade. I’m engaged in logistics and where to stage things. I don’t get to see a whole lot of the fans because the fan experience starts at North Street and Pennsylvania Street, where I am. I see the first section of the crowd. But to see the kids and the energy there is really cool.”
As track liaison, Wurster helps get the 33 Indy 500 drivers from the drivers’ meeting at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the parade in Indianapolis.
“I coordinate the activities that happen at the track,” he said. “The staff does a great job getting the buses, beverages and snacks. The board gets everybody loaded up and we get the Borg-Warner Trophy (transported). We have a motorcade police escort to the parade route.”
After getting the drivers there, Wurster said he parks his car and heads to the starting line of the parade to work with longtime volunteer Chris Rehme to make sure everything is in order.
“I’ll absolutely do it as long as they’ll have me, as long as I don’t screw up,”
Lawrence Township Schools Early Childhood Education NOW ENROLLING FOR
Wurster said of volunteering.
Laura Bliss, vice president of operations for the 500 Festival, said Wurster’s contributions are major.
“Al’s dedication to the 500 Festival has been unwavering for decades,” Bliss said. “From his time on our board of directors beginning in 1999 to his continued involvement on the Parade Committee today, he has remained deeply committed to the success and tradition of the parade. His passion for the 500 Festival and our community truly embodies the spirit of this event.”
Wurster has attended all but two Indy 500 races since 1987, and one of those
was 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic that kept fans from attending.
Prior to moving to Zionsville 2 1/2 years ago, Wurster lived in Noblesville. Wurster is a commercial general contractor for Wurster Construction, a family business based in Indianapolis.
“I’m third generation and my son (Max) is fourth generation,” he said.
FOND MEMORY
One of the neat things Al Wurster experienced while serving on the 500 Festival board was taking celebrities around the track for a parade lap before the race.
“One year I had actor Patrick Dempsey around the track,” Wurster said. “I knew he was on a TV show, ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ but I didn’t know he went by the nickname ‘McDreamy.’ And as we were going around the track, everybody was yelling ‘McDreamy.’ He was just getting the biggest kick out of that. He was a great guy. There’s a lot of great people I’ve gotten to meet.”
Al Wurster is a longtime 500 Festival Parade volunteer. (Photo courtesy of Al Wurster)
Author shares love of Indy 500
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
In 1973, former Indianapolis resident Ray Hartjen bought “Thirty Days in May: The Indy 500” by Hal Higdon through his local Scholastic America catalog. The book chronicled practice sessions and the challenges that led up to the 1970 Indianapolis 500, and highlights racing legends like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt.
“Reading that book, it just captured my young imagination,” Hartjen said. “Back in the ‘70s, racecar drivers were kind of like astronauts, and it was a tremendously dangerous sport. Fatalities were not uncommon. They were daredevils. I just became a super fan; I reread that book two to three times a year for a decade.”
Fast forward more than 50 years, and Hartjen, 61, is now the author of his own Indianapolis 500 book, “The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” His book touches on racers and their strategies, how teams and drivers prepare for the race, and the “drama that makes the Indy 500 one of the most unpredictable events in motorsports.”
her a box of his books for future lesson plans.
On March 5, he spoke with the class virtually to share how he became a writer and, of course, his love for the Indy 500.
“The students really enjoyed hearing about his book and learning about his experiences both as a writer and with the Indy 500,” Harris said. “They were highly engaged and very eager to ask questions throughout the conversation. It was a wonderful experience for them, and we are now excited to begin reading the book and continue learning more about the Indy 500.”
Hartjen said he wrote the book, published by New York-based Morgan James Publishing, to inspire the next generation of Indy 500 race fans, but also in honor of Higdon and the book that inspired his love of racing all those years ago.
In the years since he first became enthralled with the race, Hartjen relocated to California. He connected with Fishers Elementary School fourthgrade teacher Rachel Harris through a former high school classmate and sent
As the school year inches closer to the May 24 race, Harris wants to use the book in future lesson plans.
“My hope is to read the majority or some of the book to my students as it gets closer to the Indy 500 time,” she said.
Besides “The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Hartjen has written a handful of other books, which can be found on Amazon or through his website, rayhartjen.com/store.
Fishers Elementary School students in Rachel Harris’ fourth-grade class video chat with author Ray Hartjen. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Harris)
Hartjen
Everwise Credit Union Opens New Branch for Zionsville-Carmel Community
Everwise Credit Union is expanding to serve the ZionsvilleWest Carmel community with its fifth full-service branch in Hamilton County and its 19th branch in the greater Indianapolis region. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on April 21 at 10920 North Michigan Road.
The new branch reflects Everwise’s ongoing commitment to our members and community-focused service, offering convenient access for commuters and families traveling between neighborhoods, downtown Indianapolis and surrounding communities.
Situated along Michigan Road, the branch is intentionally placed to serve growing families, professionals and small businesses whose lives and work frequently cross city and county lines.
“As communities like Zionsville grow, the needs of the people who live and work there continue to evolve,” said Jay Gendics, Chief Banking Officer at Everwise Credit Union. “Having a presence here allows us to meet members where they are and support them with the financial services they rely on.”
Inside, members will find modern digital banking tools and a team focused on one-on-one financial guidance, helping members build long-term financial confidence, whether they are purchasing their first home, refinancing an auto loan or preparing for retirement.
In an era defined by digital banking, Everwise aims to be digitally convenient and humanly accessible.
“Banking has always been personal,” Gendics said. “Technology should make things easier, not replace genuine connection. Digitize the process, but never the relationship.”
Comfortable seating areas, private consultation rooms and integrated digital tools in the branch allow members to move seamlessly between technology and personal interaction. Members can stop in to ask questions, explore options or gain clarity about their next step with Everwise’s experienced professionals.
With a long history of supporting local schools, nonprofits and small businesses in local communities, Everwise is also looking forward to establishing stronger roots in Zionsville and West Carmel.
The organization invests more than $1 million annually into local initiatives including supporting lifelong learning through financial education and scholarships. Everwise’s annual “Day of Giving” mobilizes employees to support local non-profits through hands-on service.
Millers senior softball player ready for leadership role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.comi
Noblesville High School senior softball player Haley Schatko wants to end her prep career with a flourish.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me to show my leadership as a senior,” Schatko said.
“I think everything that we’ve been working on in the offseason is going to prepare us for the level of competition that we’re going to be playing this season. I think the competition in Hamilton County is amazing, and we’re really going to get pushed as a team. The team with better chemistry and better overall training is going to come out on top, and I think we’ve really prepared ourselves for that.”
Millers coach Deke Bullard said Schatko is a positive influence.
“Haley is a great vocal leader who encourages her teammates in practices and games alike,” said Bullard, whose team opens the season March 25 at West-
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET HALEY SCHATKO
Favorite TV shows: “The Bachelorette” and “Love Island”
Favorite musicians: Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
Favorite subject: Biomedical inovations
ern. “She pushes them to be better and keeps the mood light and fun. As a senior, Haley will have the responsibility to step up and lead from the senior-level position. We will be looking for her to foster and help her younger teammates succeed at the varsity level.”
Bullard said Schatko will play shortstop, third base and catcher.
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Noblesville High School senior Haley Schatko batted .463 last season.
(Photo courtesy of Julie Montgomery)
Schatko said her goal every season is to win a state championship.
“I think we have a lot to prove after losing in regionals,” she said. “I think we want to prove we can go further.”
Schatko batted .463 with 11 doubles, six home runs and 33 RBIs last season. She hit .292 with five doubles and one home run as a sophomore. She hit .333 in 14 games as a freshman.
“I just want to be the best athlete I can for our team,” she said. “I hope I have a good hitting season again and a good defensive season. Last season was definitely one of my best stretches of hitting.
The (stretch was) amazing and that’s a big thanks to my hitting coach, Justin Glass. He’s an awesome instructor and I think I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s prepped (me) for more of the mental size of hitting and making adjustments.”
Schatko travels to Fort Wayne once or twice a week to work with Glass during the offseason.
“He transformed my swing so much,” she said. “It’s a lengthy drive, but it’s worth it.”
Schatko, who will play for Indiana University next season, was recruited as a catcher. She has been a catcher for her Indiana Magic Gold travel team
As a junior, she caught only one game and played every other game at third. She played catcher nearly every game for the Millers as a sophomore before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in the first game in the sectional.
“That took me out until mid-July,” she said of the injury. “I think it taught me a lot and I learned a lot sitting to the side and watching my teammates grow.”
Schatko’s older sister, Bella, a 2023 NHS graduate, is a junior infielder for Earlham College’s softball team.
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IN FISHERS
Schatko
Club supports internet safety
news@currentinfishers.com
Fishers Century Club members voted March 10 to use the club’s first-quarter donations to support a new initiative called “Not Today,” launched by the Fishers Kiwanis Club.
The initiative focuses on raising awareness among youth about the threat of online predators, according to a FCC news release. It was inspired by tragic cases involving youth, including one in Fishers.
“Not Today aims to reach young people where they spend a lot of time — online,” the news release stated. “Through targeted marketing, produced content, digital outreach and partnerships with micro-influencers, the program will work to educate youth about recognizing dangerous online behavior and encourage them to alert trusted adults or authorities when concerns arise.”
The program was one of three presented to FCC members. After it was chosen to receive the quarterly donation — which usually totals about $3,000 — Not Today organizers asked that the two other groups each receive $500 from those funds. The other organizations were
Indy Honor Flight and Indy Vet House. FCC member Ned Campbell then offered to donate an additional $1,000, ensuring the winning organization still received the full amount.
Fishers Century Club is a men’s philanthropic organization that meets quarterly to hear presentations from three charities before voting to select a winning cause.
FCC members will celebrate the group’s fifth anniversary at 5:30 p.m. June 23 at The Club at Crosspoint, 9800 Crosspoint Blvd. Community members interested in networking and supporting local charities are encouraged to attend. For more, visit fisherscenturyclub.com or visit facebook.com/ fisherscenturyclub.
HEPL to host YA author
news@currentinfishers.com
Hamilton East Public Library’s Fishers branch, 5 Municipal Dr., will host New York Times bestselling author Kwame Mbalia for an author presentation, set for 6 p.m., March 24.
Mbalia wrote the bestselling “Tristan Strong” series, the first installment of which received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, according to HEPL. Mbalia also co-authored “Last Gate of the Emperor” with Prince Joel Makonnen, published by Scholastic; and is the editor of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling anthology “Black Boy Joy,” published by Delacorte Press.
Carolina, Mbalia stated that he survives on dad jokes and Cheez-Its.
“We are excited to host Kwame Mbalia at the Hamilton East Public Library,” HEPL Systemwide Program Coordinator Allison Kartman stated. “Kwame’s works mainly focus on middle-grade readers, and his Tristan Strong and Jax Freeman series will please any Percy Jackson fan who enjoys tales of gods, legends and mythical tales. Author visits are always a great way for kids and families to connect with the people behind their favorite stories and learn more about the process of writing and becoming a published author.”
Besides writing, Mbalia is a publisher for Freedom Fire, his imprint created in collaboration with Disney Books. His most recent middle-grade adventure, “Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek,” a Freedom Fire title, was released in 2024.
A graduate of Howard University and a Midwesterner now living in North
The free event is open to the public. Registration is not required but is encouraged to help library staff prepare. After the presentation, Mbalia will be available to sign books.
LoudMouth Books have a selection of titles for purchase, starting at 5:30 p.m.
For more about Mbalia’s presentation, visit hamiltoneastpl.org.
Fishers Century Club members had it’s first-quarter meeting March 10. (Photo courtesy of FCC)
Mbalia
COMMUNITY
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH
Fishers senior launches career in stand-up comedy
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers resident Rita Beck used to hide behind her mother’s skirts when meeting strangers, but said she quickly grew out of that phase and has been a “ham” for most of her life.
“I enjoy making people laugh, for sure,” she said. “Making people laugh — it’s kind of a stress reliever.”
Beck — retired since 2014 from Rita’s Backyard Tea Room and Garden Center — recently put her sense of humor to work and started performing as a standup comedian at various venues in the Greater Indianapolis area.
It all began with an introductory comedy class, hosted by The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It was fun, but, you know, I really didn’t do anything with it,” she said. “In October of this last year, they had another one — introductory — and I thought, ‘Well, I’ve been introduced already, but I’ll do it again.’”
Beck officially caught the comedy bug during her second class. After she graduated, a friend who lives in a retirement community suggested a comedy show at the community, and Beck organized a group comprised of fellow comedy class graduates. That led to another show, and then more shows.
The Witty Committee Comedy Troupe now has performed in various private venues as well as at Jamaican Breeze restaurant on Keystone Avenue, Trax BBQ in McCordsville and Pickle on Penn in Carmel.
“It’s just something that I’m really, really enjoying,” Beck said. “I get to be creative. I meet new people — it’s a lot of good stuff.”
Beck said her goal is to organize at least two shows per month for Witty Committee members. And, she said it’s not difficult to come up with new jokes for all those shows.
“Nothing’s funnier than life, right? Nothing’s funnier than people watching people do silly things,” she said. “One of my favorite comedians is Jeanne Robertson. She doesn’t say she’s a comedian —
she’s a humorist. She watches people.”
And people provide all kinds of comedy material.
For example, while enjoying a cinnamon roll at Just Judy’s off north Binford Boulevard, the server told Beck about her husband buying her a $90 manicure, which included a hot stone hand massage.
“For $90, you’re going to have to rub me everywhere,” Beck joked when the server left — and yes, that bit might make it into a future comedy set. “And my friends will say things when we get together, just say funny things that they maybe don’t think is funny, but strikes me as funny. And if I think it’s funny, I’m pretty sure somebody else is going to think it’s funny, too.”
Beck and the rest of the Witty Committee perform “clean” comedy, she
added, but that doesn’t mean it’s for all ages — there is plenty of innuendo, just no cursing or R-rated humor.
“I’ve been to a lot of open mics where it was just vulgar,” she said. “It’s not my style and all of my comedians in my Witty Committee group feel the same way, and that’s why I chose them. So, that’s what we strive for, so that you can come out and not be embarrassed, or just cringe.”
Beck — who didn’t want her age revealed but is willing to admit she’s a longtime member of AARP — said she’s attended plenty of open-mic nights that made her cringe, so she decided to organize “clean” open-mic opportunities, which the Jamaican Breeze has agreed to host. Open mic allows anyone to get up and practice performing in front of other comedians and/or test out new
INTRO TO STAND-UP
The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel’s Intro to Stand-Up Comedy class returns in September. The class meets weekly for four weeks.
Taught by professional comedian Mat Alano-Martin, the class provides information about the history and evolution of standup comedy, as well as joke mechanics, writing for stand-up and performance theory and practice, according to the Center website.
“Over the course of the class, students will write and practice a 5-minute routine, which they will perform for friends and family at the graduation show,” the website states. “This class is perfect for anyone wanting to improve their presentation skills or those wanting to cross ‘performing as a stand-up comedian’ off their bucket list.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org/ learn/adult/intro-to-stand-up-comedy.
material.
“I’ll be helping other comedians and helping myself to get better — and I’ll be able to find some more comedians that might fit in our group,” she said. “And they’re giving us the room because we did our show there and they liked us.”
She hopes to expand the open-mic opportunity into a regular comedy night, but in the meantime, she’s booking gigs at area senior communities and other venues in the north Indianapolis area. Beck added that it’s a good thing she’s not counting on comedy to fund her retirement — so far, it’s not even paying for gas. But it’s a fun, rewarding hobby that keeps her active and engaged.
“How would I meet people sitting home? You’ve got to get out there,” she said. “I have a lot of friends that go, ‘You drive all that way by yourself?’ Yeah, until I can’t — then there’s always Uber. There’s always a way, right? I find it’s a way to stay relevant. So many times, senior citizens are just unseen and unheard — but I don’t think I’ll ever be unheard.”
For more about the Witty Committee, call 317-572-8218 or email comedybywitty@gmail.com.
Rita Beck, center, a Fishers senior citizen, and her Witty Committee comedy troupe. (Photos courtesy of Rita Beck)
Rita Beck during a recent stand-up comedy performance.
ON THE COVER: Fishers resident Rita Beck performs a stand-up comedy routine. (Photo courtesy of Rita Beck)
Illusionist brings ‘Mansion’ to Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
There is one constant during a performance by illusionist Rick Thomas
“My show is centered around my ‘Mansion of Dreams,’” he said. “I wanted to create an evening where I invite the audience into my home or mansion and take them from room to room throughout my ‘Mansion of Dreams’ and show them how my dreams become a reality. I do the same in reverse by sharing with the audience how they can follow their dreams as well. The theme of the show is ‘Nothing happens until you dream.’”
Thomas will perform at 8 p.m. April 4 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Thomas has received the highest recognition in the industry, the Illusionist of the World, presented by the World Magic Awards.
“I’m not a guy up there doing tricks,” Thomas said. “This goes far beyond magic and it’s a relationship that audiences will never forget.”
Thomas, who has won Entertainer of the Year and Show of the Year awards in Branson, Mo., has been a professional illusionist for 45 years.
“I was in Las Vegas for 20 straight years, and I had the most successful show for families in the history of Las Vegas,” he said. “I received a key to the City of Las Vegas.”
About 13 years ago, singer Andy Williams died and Thomas was asked to take over the 2,000-seat Moon River Theatre in Branson. Thomas now performs in the 700-seat Americana Theatre in Branson.
“I decided to go out there for one year and help them out,” he said. “Now, it’s our 12th year anniversary and I call Branson home. I know why Andy Williams called it home. He left Hollywood and never returned. It’s a beautiful part of the country. It gives me a chance to raise my family as I so desire and I get to tour the world be-
cause Branson is closed about three or four months a year.”
Thomas said he recently performed in England and Florida.
Thomas was the magician for Disneyland Hotel for two years when he began his career.
While in Las Vegas residencies at different casinos, he performed two shows a night for six nights for about 50 weeks a year.
“I (perform) about one month a year now in Las Vegas just to keep my name in Vegas,” he said. “But what’s funny about Las Vegas is, the longer you are there, the less of the world knows who you are. There are entertainers in Vegas who have been there for ages and outside of the Vegas community, if you’re not out there touring and traveling beyond Vegas, you al-
most disappear.”
Thomas has conducted five world tours in more than 50 nations.
“I know I did the Ohio State Fair and the Indiana State Fair when I was younger,” he said. “So, I did a lot of fairs in the industry before I started doing the big theaters. I had a lot of fun doing the fairs, and presenting a show in that atmosphere taught me a lot about how to handle crowds that weren’t particularly there to see your show.”
Thomas said the Palladium size of 1,600 seats is perfect for his show. He said he usually visits the venue the night before the show and discusses with cast and crew the setup for the next day.
For more, visit rickthomas.com and thecenterpresents.org.
‘PRETTY WOMAN’
“Pretty Woman” runs through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Now That’s Funny: Joey Villagomez” March 26, followed by Morgan James March 27-28 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SCARLET LETTER’
Civic Theatre’s production of “The Scarlet Letter” runs through March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘THE
DROWNING GIRLS’
Main Street Productions’ presentation of “The Drowning Girls” runs through March 29 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘AND
THEN THERE WERE NONE’
The Carmel Apprentice Theatre will present Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” March 27 to April 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
THREE ITALIAN TENORS
“Direct from Rome: Three Italian Tenors” is 7 p.m. March 29 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Connick set for Carmel concert — Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, composer and actor Harry Connick Jr. and his band are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. July 20 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. Tickets are on sale at TheCenterPresents.org.
Illusionist Rick Thomas will perform April 4 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Rick Thomas)
GHDT reprises ‘Exodus’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre returns to one of what Executive Director Gregory Hancock calls perhaps his alltime favorite piece that he created.
“Exodus” is set for 7 p.m. March 27 and 5 p.m. March 28 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
This is the third time “Exodus” has been performed. The last time was in spring 2022.
“It is also an important piece, and more relevant than ever with our world in so much chaos,” Hancock said. “It is a cautionary tale about not learning lessons from the past, but it is also filled with hope, strength and freedom. When I created ‘Exodus,’ the most important moment was when the mother sets her child adrift on the river and sacrifices her happiness so her child could be saved and have a better life. The piece is driven by this sacrifice for love.”
Hancock said his adaptation was inspired by the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament, but the setting is the modern world.
“It includes the contemporary plagues of desecration of the Earth, gun violence, racism, war, poverty, crime, social media, government, selfishness and death of the firstborn,” he said. “Some of the plagues are difficult to watch and perform due to the content, but art is intended to challenge at times. The Moses character is named The Chosen and is represented as female. This was a choice I made due to the sacrifice of her mother and my personal experience of having a strong, independent, powerful mother who sacrificed for me. While there are many hardships
represented in ‘Exodus,’ it is ultimately a story of love and sacrifice of a mother and the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity to find beauty and hope amid sorrow and despair.”
Hancock said the production contains powerful and athletic choreography.
“Images of the river, the Burning Bush and the voice of God are all represented through humans, which makes for incredible visuals through the fulllength piece,” Hancock said. “If audiences have not experienced a GHDT performance, ‘Exodus’ is a perfect entry being a full-length story piece driven by an epic story, powerful imagery, stunning music, dramatic lighting and costuming and tour-de-force performances from dancers. Presented a week prior to Passover, ‘Exodus’ reminds us to remember and learn from our past.”
“Exodus” features eight company dancers, 20 additional dancers from throughout Indiana and seven young dancers. Company dancer Olivia Payton will reprise her role as The Chosen, and company dancer Thomas Mason will reprise his role as The Oppressor.
For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Olivia Payton returns in the role of The Chosen in Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s production of “Exodus.” (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moody)
PUZZLES
16. Fishers N-S Road
17. ___ State Park (featuring water under the bridge)
19. Bad blood
20. Non-Rx
21. Herb that tastes like licorice
23. Wagering option, briefly
26. Secretary of State Rubio
30. Plow guy
31. ___ fatale
33. Zionsville Farmers’ Market corn unit
34. Smart-alecky
35. Arctic floater
36. Two-thirds of AOL
38. ___ State Park (featuring a big drop of water)
42. “Enough!”
43. Rapper on “Law & Order: SVU”
46. Group of plotters
50. IU conference foe
51. Delight
52. Connect
53. Front-wheel alignment
55. Nutritional fig.
56. Capital of Colombia
58. Point to pick
60. Tehran’s land
61. ___ State Park (featuring a water source not found in a waterbed mattress)
68. Stick with it!
69. Attention getter
70. Untidy
71. Boilermakers’ list of games, for short
72. Stately splendor
73. Battery terminal Down
1. Texter’s “incidentally”
2. ___ and aah
3. Lanka lead-in
4. Palindromic boy’s name
5. “Let’s get together”
6. Tuna type
7. AFC South, e.g.
8. Squeeze (out)
9. Soft ball brand
10. Eye part
11. Some skirts
12. Indiana State Prison long-term residents
13. Like a varied “crew”
18. Hoosier Dome sponsor, for awhile
22. Ford flop
23. Switch position
24. Business card abbr.
25. BSU hotshot
27. Lease
28. Caribbean music
29. Hole in the head?
32. Pacers Hall of Famer Daniels
36. Frequently, in verse
37. ___ King Cole
39. Part of an archipelago
40. Abner’s adjective
41. Evidence of an old wound
44. IND gate info
45. Mad Hatter’s drink
46. Ark measures
47. Winter coat
48. Galoot
49. Made amends
51. Puzzling situation
54. Brown County lodge
57. Letters of urgency
59. IRS employees
62. Chao Vietnamese Street Food soup
63. Sleep acronym
64. Little devil
65. Monument Circle music grp.
66. ‘60s psychedelic
67. Alkaline cleaner
Answers on Page 19
Public Notice
Patch Development, 6950 E. 96th Street, Fishers, Indiana is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction activities associated with the HQ3 project at 9786 Masters Road, Fishers, Indiana. Runoff from the site will discharge to Heath Ditch – White River. Please direct questions to Patch Development at (317) 213-3006 or ALEX@PATCH-DEVELOPMENT.com. For more information regarding the CSGP, please contact the IDEM Stormwater Program staff.
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
Clinical Architecture, Carmel, IN is seeking a Client Service & Informatics Specialist perform the following duties: Communicate client milestones/timelines to support team; Support implementation of company software solutions and demonstrate case-specific functionality; Guide client through data loading and modeling, and assist with data management goals; Coordinate with Development, Product Management and QA teams; Test new software releases; Creating client playbook and outlines of workflow for training and troubleshooting. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics or closely related field and a background in Pharmacy. Send resume to brooke_buehler@ clinicalarchitecture.com #LI-DNI
OUR STEAKHOUSE IN YOUR BACKYARD
SEASONING STRAIGHT FROM THE ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE KITCHEN. JUST ADD A GRILL.
