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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XIX, No. 10
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Westfield are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Council OKs 765-acre Ironstone PUD
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Nearly six months after it was proposed in October 2025, the Ironstone planned unit development was approved by the Westfield City Council during its March 23 meeting.
Ironstone passed by a 4-3 vote. Councilors Jon Dartt, Chad Huff and Kurt Wanninger and Council President Patrick Tamm voted yes. Councilors Joe Duepner, Noah Herron and Victor McCarty voted against.
Duepner cited density for his no vote.
“I’m not antigrowth. I’m not antidevelopment by any means, but I’m also going to be responsible,” Duepner said. “And to me, I believe this is just packing in homes as tight as we can get them. For that reason, I just can’t get on board.”
McCarty, also a member of the Advisory Plan Commission, opposed the PUD from the start, citing percentage of constructors, the large number of apartments and townhomes, the location of amenities, tree preservation and constituents’ opposition, among other concerns.
“In the seven years that I’ve served on APC, the 160 residents who attended the neighborhood meeting, and 100plus messages through this process are the most negative feedback a development has received during my time on APC,” McCarty said.
Other councilors cited their support.
“You’re never going to make anybody happy on a big development like this,”
Huff said. “It just touches too many properties. With that being said, in my opinion, there’s been very (few) asks that weren’t met by the developer.”
Tamm strongly supported the PUD.
“We can complete over 13-plus intersections (with) roundabouts. The growth actually pays for growth,” Tamm said. “(With) 30-plus projects (over the same acreage) … you do not have the ability to plan. You do not have the ability to run or plan for infrastructure, for water, for roads or utilities … We have the opportunity to be proactive or continue to be reactive. If you want to continue to be reactive, vote no. If you want to be proactive and actually have an infrastructure plan that can pay for itself, this is the vote. It’s as simple as that.”
Infrastructure improvements, such as widening of roads, would be made ahead of the construction.
“I’m giving future developers forewarning (infrastructure improvements) are going to be a requirement going forward on all developments,” Wanninger said. “The days when subdivisions were
Rendering of Foundry Park greenspace planned for the Village subdivision planned for the Ironstone development in northern Washington Township. (Rendering from City Council agenda packet)
built — Osborne Trails, or even Chatham Hills for example — that led to a small county line road. That’s going to stop in the future.”
First introduced during an Oct. 27, 2025, council meeting, the 765-acre development will be split into three subdivisions — the Lakes, the Reserve and the Village — as well as the Horton Mixed Use Block, a development in what is now the downtown crossroads in Hortonville.
Ironstone is being developed by Platinum Properties. Home sizes range from townhomes to 1,200- to 3,000-squarefoot single-family homes. The number of homes has been reduced from the original plan, partly to account for tree preservation. The plan calls for 1,500 single-family homes and 230 townhomes.
Jon Dobosiewicz, a land use specialist with Nelson and Frankenberger, who has represented Platinum Properties, said the development would be on a 10-12-year timeline when construction begins, which is planned for the beginning of 2027.
SKYLAKE partners with Grand Park
news@youarecurrent.com
SKYLAKE Adventures and the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus announced a partnership March 19. It is “designed to enhance the tournament experience for the millions of families who travel to Hamilton County each year for youth sports,” according to the announcement.
SKYLAKE is an adventure park in Sheridan just north of Westfield city limits. It is expected to open this summer.
According to a press release, the partnership will “extend the visitor experience beyond the playing fields, giving traveling families new opportunities to
relax, explore and enjoy the community between games.”
“Tournaments often involve downtime between games, and rather than have families leave the area, we want them to discover more of what Hamilton County has to offer,” stated Brad Hauter, vice president of marketing and communications for Grand Park Sports & Entertainment. “Our goal has always been to position Hamilton County as a premier sports tourism destination. By partnering with SKYLAKE, we’re giving teams and their families another reason to stay longer and come back again.”
SKYLAKE features a 6-acre lake with white sand beaches, a water obstacle course, rentable aqua cabanas and wa-
ter slides.
Grand Park has 31 multi-purpose fields, 26 baseball diamonds and the 377,000-square-foot Community Health Network Events Center with three indoor full-sized synthetic fields, office space and a full-service restaurant and bar.
“Hamilton County is already on the map because of Grand Park as a premier sports destination, and we’re excited to extend the stay of visiting families while creating a hub for competition and fun right here in central Indiana,” stated Sean Howard, co-founder of SKYLAKE Adventures.
For more, visit skylakeindiana.com and grandpark.org.
Everything you need for the perfect spring break is right here in Westfield. Spend your days playing with your kiddos at our parks, exploring scenic trails, and discovering local favorites. Stop by Rivet Co ee Bar & Roastery for a hot cup of co ee, then grab a cheesy bite at BlackSheep Pizza for lunch. After you fuel up, treat yourself to a new favorite find at Something Splendid or soak up the sunshine on the Great Lawn before unwinding with a drink in our Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for those 21 and older. Ready to sip, stay, and play? Scan the QR code or visit DiscoverWestfieldIN.com to learn more!
Author pens new book
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield resident Marlene Pedigo is a longtime Society of Friends minister who has come across many stories of women that she felt weren’t being told.
“I started reading all this about these New Testament women, and I’m like, ‘How come these stories in the New Testament are never told?’,” Pedigo said.
“‘Why are people not preaching about this? Why do we still have churches that won’t let women speak or who won’t let them preach, or won’t let them have leadership positions?’”
To spread the word about stories of women in her faith, she wrote the book “Simple Joy,” which is about the historical women of her faith she’s encountered through her studies and how their lives influenced her own life. The book was published by Friends United Press. The Society of Friends also are known as Quakers.
An Iowa native, Pedigo earned her doctorate at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and began digging into the historic women of the Society of Friends. Her husband Steve is the former pastor of the Westfield Friends Church.
Pedigo began compiling information for the book about 40 years ago. She began working on it in earnest after she and her husband retired.
The book weaves Pedigo’s personal stories with those of women she wanted to chronicle. It alludes to biblical verses that reinforce the theme of the chapters.
At the suggestion of a parishioner, Pedigo also researched the history of women in the Hamilton County Society of Friends, and some of their stories are
included in the book.
“So much of what has become here with how the Friends believed in education and that women had rights, and all these kinds of things have played into the development, I believe, of Hamilton County,” Pedigo said.
Pedigo said the records at the Westfield Friends Church, which was established in 1834 and which was formative in the founding of Westfield itself, were invaluable in unearthing the stories of the women of the faith in Hamilton County.
Sarah Hiatt, who was involved in the antislavery movement and the Underground Railroad that ran through Westfield before emancipation, is included in the book
“She was on a committee with the Judiciary of Friends to address issues of slave rights in the state of Indiana,” Pedigo said.
Lydia Tomlinson and Drusilla Wilson also were ministers or elders in the Society of Friends in what is now Carmel and Westfield. They also are included in the book.
“Simple Joy” is available at online sellers such as Amazon.com.
Westfield author Marlene Pedigo’s with her book ‘Simple Joy.’ (Photo by Todd Golden)
New pro football team to play at Grand Park
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Grand Park Sports & Entertainment announced March 24 that it will be the home of the Indianapolis Capitols professional football team.
SAFETY MEETS STYLE
The Capitols will play in the newly formed Continental Football League, or CoFL, a revival of a league that existed from 1965 to 1969 and which included the original Indianapolis Capitols franchise.
Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus will be the Capitols’ venue for roster selection, training, fan engagement and home games.
“When we learned this historic franchise would be coming back to market as part of the Continental Football League’s relaunch, we were intentional about positioning Grand Park as the right long-term home,” stated Greg Stremlaw, co-CEO of Grand Park Sports & Entertainment. “This partnership aligns with our vision to grow the game at every level while creating meaningful new experiences for fans and opportunities for our community.”
The Capitols have announced a fourgame home schedule on their social media platforms, but dates are not yet available. The head coach is Hal Mumme, who is best known for his time as head coach at the University of Kentucky from 1997-2000.
The CoFL, formed in 2025, plays in the summer with a championship game July 19. The Capitols will play in the Northern Division.
The other Northern Division teams are the Cincinnati Dukes, Michigan Arrows and Ohio Valley Ironmen, a team based in Wheeling, W. Va., where the Continental League also has its headquarters.
The Southern Division has three teams from Texas: Tall City Black Gold (Midland, Texas), Texas Syndicate (Austin, Texas) and San Antonio Toros.
The original Capitols, who played at Bush Stadium, won the 1969 CoFL. The franchise played in two other leagues in the 1970s before it folded in 1979.
Additional details regarding the Capitols’ inaugural season schedule, ticket information, and community initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.
Denari named grand marshal
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
When the City of Westfield informed Indiana Pacers’ TV announcer Chris Denari he was chosen to be the grand marshal of the city’s Fourth of July parade, he was delighted but self-deprecating.
“I kept thinking, ‘Shouldn’t you be calling Braden Smith?’,” said Denari, referring to the standout Purdue point guard who also is from Westfield. “I was definitely flattered to be named the grand marshal. I don’t do what I do for awards or nominations or special things like that, but for them to reach out, it’s a nice reflection of my career and what I’ve accomplished.”
“Westfield was a great place for our family,” said Denari, whose father, Bob, coached basketball at WHS. “I met my wife there. We’re high school sweethearts. Westfield is very important to us.”
Denari has participated in many community events as a representative of the Pacers, but he’s never been a grand marshal before. He isn’t sure what to expect, but he may include his extended family as part of the celebration.
Lebanon man dies in Westfield crash DISPATCH
news@youarecurrent.com
One man was killed and a juvenile was injured in a two-vehicle accident March 23 in Westfield.
Dale Cooper, 76, of Lebanon died after the crash at 161st Street and U.S. 31 at the roundabout on the west side of the exit.
The Westfield Police Department and the Westfield Fire Department received the emergency call at 9:26 p.m.
Denari, who has been the Pacers’ TV play-by-play voice since the 2006-07 season, moved to Westfield when he was a junior in high school and graduated from Westfield High School in 1979. He met his wife, Terry, when they attended WHS and one of his adult sons, Wilson, lives in Westfield with his family.
“I think my 4-year-old grandson, Archer, would get a kick out of it,” Denari said. “When you ask Archer what his gramps does, he simply says, ‘Gramps works at the big basketball place.’ I’m looking forward to it, and whatever they have in mind for me, I’m very happy to do it.”
The parade is part of a three-day Fourth of July celebration, christened Westfield 250, as the city pays homage to the 250th celebration of the United States. More about Westfield’s July 4-related events can be found at westfieldin.gov/america250.
According to WPD Assistant Chief Billy Adams, the vehicle driven by Cooper entered the roundabout and struck another vehicle, occupied by an unidentified adult male and juvenile male. The juvenile suffered a broken arm and was transported to a hospital. The adult complained of pain, but was released at the scene.
The cause of the accident is unknown and is under investigation by WPD.
The Carmel fire and police departments, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Noblesville Fire Department and the Sheridan Police Department also responded.
At the same time, there was an additional accident on southbound U.S. 31 just south of the 161st exit near 151st Street, but according to Adams, it was unrelated to the other accident and was “minor.”
Kickoff to May contest — The 500 Festival and STAR Financial Bank have launched the 2026 Kickoff to May Contest. Themed “Racing Through History,” the challenge offers Hoosiers 18 and older a chance to win a prize pack valued at more than $1,000. It includes Indianapolis 500 Carb Day passes, 500 Festival Parade VIP tickets and a $250 Huse Culinary gift card. To enter, participants must answer three trivia questions at resources.starfinancial.com/ star-500-festival by 11 a.m. April 29. For more, visit 500Festival.com/Kickoff.
No Gimmicks, Just Growth
Denari
� Say Goodbye to maintenance
Now is your time to connect with the people, places and things you enjoy most. Learn more about the Village Cooperative of Westfield – a community coming soon specifically for Active Adults (62+)!
See below for details about our upcoming FREE informational seminar or to learn more…
DISPATCHES
WEF scholarships application open — The application is now open for The Westfield Education Foundation scholarships. The deadline to apply for scholarships is April 1. The scholarships will be awarded during the Westfield High School awards ceremony May 19. The link to apply for scholarships is https://tinyurl.com/47jttz9z. Follow on Facebook @WWSEducationFoundation for updates and highlights on scholarship opportunities. To learn more about starting a scholarship, visit wwswef.org or email knotta@wws.k12.in.us.
The Village Cooperative of Westfield is a new community for active adults (62+) who want home ownership and no maintenance or worries! Discover the advantages of carefree living...
Informational Seminar Thursday, April 16th at 1pm
learn more about your
WYAP Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship — The Westfield Youth Assistance Program application for the third annual Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship is now available. The Memorial Scholarship is in honor of WYAP Early Intervention Advocate Christine Brown, who passed away in August of 2022. Brown’s family, the board of directors, and generous donors have established the Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship with one annual $5,002 scholarship. Brown worked with 502 youth over her ten years with WYAP. The annual scholarship is open to all current and former graduates 25 and under who attended Westfield Washington Schools or resided in the township. Prior involvement with WYAP is not a requirement for the scholarship, and a complete list of scholarship eligibility requirements can be found on the scholarship application page. The application deadline for the scholarship is April 1. The recipient will be notified by April 20 and invited to attend the WYAP Youth Recognition Breakfast at IMMI May 6. The scholarship application is available at westfieldyap.org
Nature Walks extended into April — The Westfield Parks and Recreation Department’s Nature Walk series has been extended into April. Nature Walks are an easy-to-moderate 2-mile guided walk across the Central Midland Trace Trail. Walkers will learn about Westfield’s past, its future, and more about the plans for Simon Moon Park. The event is free and open to participants of all ages. Friendly dogs on a leash are permitted. To register, visit https://shorturl.at/m7d7D
COMMUNITY
Autism center presents ‘reptile adventure’
By Brittney Dial Testin news@youarecurrent.com
A sensory-friendly reptile adventure for children with autism and their families was held March 14 at the Bierman Autism Center in Westfield.
The event offered children with special needs an opportunity to safely meet lizards and snakes.
The Bierman Autism Center at 16414 Southpark Dr. in Westfield provides ABA therapy and uses a play-based learning model through playful exploration to build essential life skills.
“Autism is a spectrum, so every child is unique in their own needs and what skills they need,” said Rachel Zvareck, clinical director for the Bierman Autism Center. “Our goal is to teach them those skills and catch them up so they can move on to their next setting. Each kiddo’s treatment plan is personalized. It is unique to them and their needs. They are with their therapist 1-on-1 throughout the day.”
The center hosts 34 children, from the age of first diagnosis — which can be earlier than 2 — to age 10.
Handlers spoke with the kids and let them touch different reptiles, such as lizards and a hognose snake. Reptile-themed crafts and other sensory-friendly activities and snacks were available throughout the event.
“What we want is to provide events not just for the families here at Bierman, but any family in our community, so they feel they have somewhere to go,” Zvareck said. “Sometimes, families can be nervous to take their children
looks at a
during the
March
out to community events, especially places like the zoo, which can be very overstimulating, loud, crowded, and that can be intimidating for a family with a child with autism. We created these events, we try and hold them about once every quarter. It’s supposed to be a safe place where families can experience things that other kids experience.”
For more, visit biermanautism.com/ location/westfield-in/.
A child
lizard
Bierman Autism Center reptile adventure
14. (Photo by Brittney Dial Testin)
Senior forward proves to be key addition for Tigers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.comi
Senior forward Kai McGrew fit in nicely with the Fishers High School boys basketball team.
McGrew transferred from Lawrence North High School in April 2025 for his final season. He was originally granted limited eligibility under the old IHSAA transfer rules to play on the junior varsity team. Upon appeal, he was granted full eligibility.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with how Kai integrated into the team,” said former Tigers coach Garrett Winegar, who recently announced he will take a new coaching job next season with the Iowa United prep school team. “He was extremely coachable and he was a great teammate. He was the best big man in the state this year and he made our team better. Kai’s growth from June 1 to the end of the season was as big as anyone in the state. He improved his ball handling, post footwork, passing, game IQ and ability to make plays in a variety of actions — zooms, ball screens as a handler and screener. The sky is the limit
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET KAI MCGREW
Favorite musician: Lil Baby
Favorite movie: “Homefront”
Favorite athlete: Kevin Durant
Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas
Favorite subject: English
for him at the next level, and we are excited to continue to watch him grow.”
The 6-foot-8 McGrew averaged 15.4 points per game on 58 percent shooting and 6.8 rebounds. As a junior at Lawrence North, he averaged 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His sophomore year he averaged 10.8 ppg.
“My post footwork and finishing have improved (along with) my ability to play in different actions like zooms and ball
Fishers High School senior forward Kai McGrew averaged 15.4 points per game this past season. (Photo courtesy of Fishers High School athletics)
screens and make decisions with the ball,” McGrew said.
McGrew said he adjusted quickly to his new team
“Just being open to learning and accepting any role the coaches gave me to help the team win,” McGrew said.
“Fishers has a great culture and the coaches and players accepted me.”
The Tigers were 24-0 before being upset by Carmel 50-49 March 7 in the IHSAA Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School.
“We had a goal of winning a state title and we are all disappointed we didn’t achieve it, but I am proud of what this group accomplished,” McGrew said. “Although the desire was to go farther, you can look back and see how special it was to go 24-1, given some of the team’s injuries.”
McGrew played his freshman year at a high school in Colorado before the familey moved.
“The competition and intensity were higher in Indiana,” he said.
McGrew played football growing up but switched to basketball in seventh grade. He is still weighing his college options and has plans to visit Central Michigan University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State, Sacramento State and a few others. Other schools that have offered scholarships are Mississippi State University and Louisiana Tech University.
To schedule an appointment, call:
APPROACH
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Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together as Audiologists in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical/ENT audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. Kira and Ali will spend the time to explain the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their benefit company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe this makes the difference in you feeling comfortable with your individual hearing loss action plan.
W WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO IMPLEMENT OUR NEW DIGITAL HEARING ASSISTANT, MICHAEL, WHO
WILL BE ANSWERING OUR PHONES AND HELPING ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND GET YOU SCHEDULED FOR APPOINTMENTS! PLEASE TALK TO HIM AS YOU WOULD ALI OR KIRA! Kira and Ali are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing, hearing loss and the link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Dr. Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.”
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. T They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035 P Phone 317-731-5386 Email info@meridianaudiology com Website: www meridianaudiology com
VonBlon
Wyss
COMMUNITY
BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE
Comprehensive plan focuses on five central themes
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
By design, the City of Westfield’s comprehensive plan is a large blueprint for the next 40 years of development. It was approved by the Westfield City Council by a 6-1 vote during its March 23 meeting.
“This is a guide to this council and all future councils, and it could be amended in the future,” Councilor Joe Duepner said just before the vote. “It doesn’t mean what is in that plan is exactly what is going to go. Future councils might decide otherwise.”
The plan focuses on five themes: Economic development, housing, quality of place, transportation and utilities.
Per economic development, a goal is to increase the number of residents who work in Westfield by 5 percent per year and not have a single employer account for more than 25 percent of total employment. Another goal is to increase the number of jobs in industries like medical devices, biotechnology, information technology, agribusiness and sports technology.
To accomplish those objectives, the plan calls for innovation districts, defined as “geographically concentrated areas where leading companies, research institutions, startups and entrepreneurs cluster together in a compact, mixed-use environment” and flex industrial development.
Destination development, which would create specialized districts to attract shoppers and visitors, also is emphasized in the plan. Westfield’s Grand Junction Plaza is an example.
“We want to look at having entertainment, recreation restaurants, experiential type retail that come here and draw not only our Westfield residents, but also the tourism from the folks that come in for Grand Park,” said Cynthia Bowen, a partner at Rundell Ernstberger and Associates, the firm that assisted Westfield on the plan, during the March 9 plan introduction.
On the housing front, a goal is to increase housing density and encourage mixed-use development along trails, downtown and in designated villages.
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis has
heard much from constituents on the pros and cons of density.
“Density gets a bad name, right?” Willis said. “You may want a house that’s an acre lot, but we have residents who want a house with no lots. If you go and look at some of our most popular recent developments, top of the list is Harmony. That’s zero lot lines, zero yards, with a focus on amenities in the community as a whole. So, density doesn’t have to be a bad thing … Density creates walkability. And if you want a little pocket commercial development with coffee shops and ice cream shops and things like that in your community, that’s created through density.”
The plan’s quality of place aspect emphasizes creating desirable areas in the community by creating park areas, increase attendance at community events and volunteering.
Agritourism would focus on Westfield’s rural areas. Willis said agrihoods could be coming to Westfield soon.
“An agrihood is a residential development that, from the outside looking in,
Rendering of an
a development
be
looks very rural, has community gardens and farm farmland and horse pastures,” Willis said. “But in the middle, it’s dense and it has a little town core. It supports this agriculture theme, and I’m really excited about this. I think it’s going to be wildly popular in Westfield.”
The plan’s transportation piece calls for maintenance and modernization of the street network; design standards to include “traffic-calming tools” on streets such as improved signage, curved streets and chicanes to slow traffic in residential areas; and create a comprehensive trails plan. A feasibility study is proposed for a shuttle or trolley service between Grand Park and downtown.
Willis said the Grand Park District could provide the impetus for a trolley system.
“The big picture vision is, as these hotels build out, the trolley system connects the hotel district to Grand Park and even runs into our downtown area,” he said. “You could literally park your car on a Thursday night and never get
back in it until you leave Westfield.”
Much of the utilities theme centers on water management in coordination with Citizens Energy Group. Maintenance of existing infrastructure and prioritization of green infrastructure are important pieces of that puzzle.
Willis said the LEAP district being built in Lebanon also is a reason for Westfield to focus on water management.
“The LEAP district certainly changed the narrative around utilities,” said Willis, who has a degree in environmental engineering and a minor in hydraulics. “It’s something I am passionate about, something I have a little bit of a baseline knowledge of. We’re really digging into that. It’s something that is an absolutely critical piece of Westfield’s growth.”
ON THE COVER: Grand Junction Plaza in downtown Westfield is an example of a destination development, an important part of economic development as written in Westfield’s comprehensive plan. (Photo from comprehensive plan packet)
(Above) Map of the “place types” that will serve as guides for future Westfield development. (Screenshot from City Council agenda packet)
(Below)
agrihood,
that could
coming to Westfield. Agrihoods are mentioned in Westfield’s comprehensive plan. (Photo from comprehensive plan packet)
BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Zionsville kitchen was reimagined into a light, refined space, blending classic detailing with improved functionality and a seamless connection to surrounding living areas.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Thoughtfully reconfigured layout to enhance flow and everyday livability.
• Expanded island with seating, integrated sink, and generous prep surface.
• Custom cabinetry in soft green and white for a timeless, layered aesthetic.
• Quartz countertops paired with a subtle backsplash for understated elegance.
• Statement range framed by a custom hood for architectural interest
• Updated lighting with tailored pendants to elevate warmth and ambiance.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
kitchen
Anderson to play Fishers Event Center
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Country singer Clayton Anderson figures sharing a stage with a good friend for a good cause is a great idea.
“I’ve been friends with Chase (Rice) for a while and that sounds like fun,” Anderson said. “It’s for such a great cause that it’s really hard not to want to be a part of. Everyone is passionate about wanting to do good, so that was a huge motivation.”
The Bev Hartig Huntington’s Disease Foundation presents the 17th annual “Evening of Inspiration: Chasing A Cure” at 8 p.m. April 18 at the Fishers Event Center. Huntington’s disease causes nerve cells in the brain to decay and affects a person’s movements, thinking and mental health.
Anderson and his band will open for Rice. The friends have written music together. Anderson said the Fishers Event Center is an outstanding music venue.
“I’ve seen a concert there myself and the sound is incredible,” he said. “I’ve been to a lot of volleyball games and seen an Indy Fuel game.”
A 1999 Bedford North-Lawrence High School graduate, Anderson spent several years in Nashville, Tenn., before moving to Indianapolis more than a year ago.
Anderson opened Clayton’s Country Bar in September 2025 in downtown Indianapolis, 49 S. Meridian St.
“We’ve been so blessed people have been coming from all over — Illinois, Ohio, Michigan,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun. The most awesome part of the whole thing is there are so many great bands and it’s great to give people that want to play country music a place to play. Nashville is expensive anymore. I don’t know if I was starting out there again (if) I could go down there and do it. It’s nice to keep our musicians here in Indiana.”
Anderson said he has made guest appearances with the bands at his bar.
A huge sports fan who played basketball in high school, Anderson’s song “Indiana” was played at the College
Football Playoff national championship game and Peach Bowl. He played the huge Indiana University pregame party in Miami before the Hoosiers beat the University of Miami in the title game.
“That was about 7,000 IU fans gathered together. That was pretty cool,” said Anderson, who attended IU. “I went to every single bowl game. I’m going to have to get a second or third job if we are going to keep this football stuff up. It was worth every penny. I stayed long enough at IU to be a doctor, but I don’t have a piece of paper (for a degree), just a doctor of good times.”
Two of Anderson’s songs have been used for College World Series baseball telecasts.
“I had a Ford truck national commercial, which was cool, although I’m a Chevy guy, so that’s kind of weird,” he said. “They paid the bill, so that’s all right.”
“Nothin’ But Net” was played on ESPN college basketball broadcasts.
“That’s probably the worst song I’ve ever written,” he said. “It just happened to work out for TV.”
Anderson, who has been working on new music, said he will play a selection of songs from his career during the
April 18 concert.
“I got caught in a record deal scenario and finally got out of it and can put new songs out finally,” he said. “It’s the worst feeling in the world being trapped. I might play a couple new ones but mostly play the hits, the good songs I got from all the records we’ve put out.”
“Right Where I Belong,” which was featured in the movie “Miracles from Heaven,” is always on the setlist. Anderson said that is probably his most popular song.
One special memory for Anderson was playing at Farm Aid in 2023 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.
“As a farm kid from southern Indiana and with so many family farmers in the state, that was a huge honor to be part of it,” he said.
Anderson is set to become a father for the first time in June.
“I’m a homer for Indiana, so I want to have my roots here,” he said. “If I have to go to Nashville for business, I’ll go, but I want to go all in on Indiana. I’m using my guys from Indiana to record music.”
For more, visit fisherseventcenter. com.
‘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 “The Magic of David Ranalli” April 3, followed by “Sweet Caroline, The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” April 4 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘MANSION OF DREAMS’
Illusionist Rick Thomas will bring his “Mansion of Dreams” at 8 p.m. April 4 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘AND THEN THERE WERE NONE’
The Carmel Apprentice Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” through April 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
The Police drummer set for spoken-word appearance — The Police drummer Stewart Copeland’s U.S. spoken-word tour is set for a 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 appearance at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s presentation is called “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood and Other Adventures.” The presentation includes rarely seen photos and videos and a Q&A. Tickets starting at $35 are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at 1 Carter Green.
Country singer Clayton Anderson will open for Chase Rice April 18 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Clayton Anderson)
ATI presents goaloriented ‘26-’27 season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Actors Theatre of Indiana has clear goals for its 2026-27 season.
“We started with over 40 titles and whittled it down to these final four,” ATI Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell said. “We wanted to find some regional and world premieres. We were so pleased with the success of our Lab Series developing new works, we wanted to make sure that was part of our main stage season as well. We wanted to build on the shows that people have loved in the past, especially the last couple of seasons, and we wanted to showcase some Broadway legends.”
Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, Murrell and the ATI board decided on the four productions set for the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The season opens with “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ‘70s Beehive Musical” Sept. 4-20. The show is the sequel to “Beehive,” which opened ATI’s 2025-26 season.
“Many people said as they left the show that they would love to see that with ‘70s music,” Murrell said.
As ATI was presenting “Beehive” last season, the writing team had a world premiere of the sequel in Upstate New York. Murrell said ATI asked if it could stage the Indiana regional premiere of the sequel.
“We’re bringing back the entire cast with the exception of one from last year’s ‘Beehive,’” Murrell said.
That music featured an all-female cast singing songs from the 1960s. The sequel features music by Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Debbie Harry, Gloria Gaynor and Pat Benatar, among others.
That show will be followed by “Little Shop of Horrors” Oct. 23-Nov. 8.
“It’s obviously a Broadway classic and a parody of sci-fi horror films of the ‘50s,” Murrell said. “We had the success of ‘Young Frankenstein’ last year as a tie-in to Halloween. There is nothing more classic horror Broadway than ‘Little Shop.’”
The guest director will be DJ Salis-
bury, and Murrell will play the shop owner. Joey Boos will play the lovesick Seymour.
“He’s phenomenal, he is Seymour,” Fitzgerald said. “We are so thrilled to have him on the stage for our season because we’ve been trying to get him, but he’s a busy man.”
The 2027 portion begins with the world premiere of “The Maltese Falcon: A Musical Nightmare” Jan. 29-Feb. 14.
“We actually put this through our Lab Series (in 2024), our series of new works, and it’s now ready for licensing,” Murrell said. “We’ll be doing the first fully staged production of it. After we’re done, other theaters will be licensing the show.”
Murrell, who is directing the musical, said it’s a farcical take on the Dashiell Hammett novel and the 1941 movie with Humphrey Bogart playing Detective Sam Spade.
“He’s wrestling with his conscience and the truth, and the whole play takes place the night before the deposition of the killing of his partner,” Murrell said. Fishers resident Devan Mathias will play Spade’s long-suffering assistant, Effie. Indianapolis resident Eddie Curry, a Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre regular, also is in the production.
The season will conclude with Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” April 23-May 9, 2027. The production will feature co-founder Fitzgerald along with the two other ATI co-founders, Cynthia Collins and Don Farrell. Fitzgerald will play actress Desiree Armfeldt.
“It’s a beloved score and it’s set in 1900 Sweden,” Murrell said. “It’s a Broadway classic and features the classic ‘Send in the Clowns.’ The story explores the entangled love affairs of Desiree and the men who love her.”
Richard J. Roberts, who has directed many ATI shows, will be the director.
“What an incredible cast we have. We got everyone we wanted,” Fitzgerald said.
The ATI Lab Series’ free reading will be a musical adaptation of “The Man Who Would Be King” Oct. 4 at Carmel Clay Public Library. The second Lab Series reading is not set yet.
For more, visit atistage.org.
Fitzgerald Murrell
12. Kooky
13.
14.
15. New ___, Ind.
17. Hangs a left
18. Sleep, informally
19. Lose air or fizz
21.
22. Devoted 23. Deep distress
27. New ___, Ind.
31. Ratio involving ht. and wt.
32. “Phooey”
34. Brawl
35. Upper limit
36. Chaos
38. Monument Circle music grp.
39. Get the better of
42. White River wader
44. FYI kin
45. New ___, Ind.
47. Archenemy
49. Indiana House Rep. Harris Jr.
51. Crooked Stick Golf
Club instructor
52. Repetitive chant
54. Come again?
58. Blue Ribbon brewer
59. New ___, Ind.
61. Skateboarding leap
62. Sculptor’s subject
63. Son of Seth
64. Brandish
65. Observe
66. Family room DOWN
1. Rider of the lost ark
2. Civil rights org.
3. Morgue ID
4. Mayberry boy
5. Did the Mini-Marathon
6. Butler frat letter
7. Indie, often
8. Aspiring
9. Taj Mahal local
10. Litter’s littlest
11. Paris preposition
12. CD forerunners
13. Chic
16. Preparation
20. Lab eggs
23. Appliance brand
24. Vetoes
25. Persian for “king”
26. New ___, Ind.
28. Hamilton County Court cover of a kind
29. Twig digs
30. “Yikes!”
31. BSU VIP, briefly
33. Had on
37. Vie
40. Knife or fork
41. Like surveyors’ charts
43. Courage
46. Blunder
48. Dirty
50. Grassy areas
52. Timbuktu’s land
53. Competent
54. Take an IndyGo bus
55. Of sound mind
56. Privy
57. Colts scoring stats
58. Impact sound
60. Color quality
ANSWERS ON PAGE 19
Junk email
Tom Wood Nissan SUV
Hawks, on a Pacers scoreboard
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 careers@clinicalarchitecture.com #LI-DNI
Roadway Project Engineer at SJCA, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN, Job #RDEPRMSV021826
Civil engineering projects – design of roadway and small structures; design roadway & traffic signal plans, roadway lighting, signing, curb ramp, pedestrian pathway; maintenance of traffic & traffic management; analysis and prepare reports of roadway, bridge & small structure projects; prepare engineering assessment reports for projects.
Req. Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; 12 months of experience in traffic or civil engineering; experience in MicroStation or AutoCAD. TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF INDIANA AND THE MIDWEST REQUIRED.
For full description and requirements of position, see https://sjcainc.com/careers
Qualified Candidates: Mail resume and cover letter including job code #RDEPRMSV021826 to HR Manager, SJCA, Inc. 9102 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46260 NO RECRUITERS
Bridge Project Engineer at SJCA, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN, Job #BREPRMSW022026
Civil Eng projects – design & quantity estimation of structures which includes bridges, buildings, retaining walls, etc.; bridge repair and rehab design; structural analysis; and load rating and inspections.
Requires MS in Civil Engineering or a related field; experience in bridge design, bridge inspection, bridge load rating (AASHTOWare BrR software) and AASHTO Code. TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF INDIANA AND THE MIDWEST REQUIRED.
For full description and requirements of position, see https://sjcainc.com/careers
Qualified Candidates: Mail resume and cover letter including job code #BREPRMSW022026 to HR Manager, SJCA, Inc. 9102 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46260 NO RECRUITERS
INSIDE:
GALAXY COATINGS
ADDS FLAIR TO CONCRETE
Local concrete sealant company grows footprint across five markets
STANDBY SYSTEMS ENSURE RELIABLE ENERGY
Why a standby generator matters for your home or business
STANDBY SYSTEMS ENSURE RELIABLE ENERGY
Why a standby generator matters for your home or business
editorial@youarecurrent.com
Power outages are a reality in Indiana. Between severe storms, winter ice, aging infrastructure, and unexpected utility disruptions, losing power is no longer a rare inconvenience — it’s something homeowners and business owners increasingly plan for. That’s where a standby generator becomes more than an upgrade. It becomes a layer of protection.
A standby generator is a permanently installed power system that automatically restores electricity to your home or business within seconds of an outage. There’s no manual setup, no scrambling in the dark, and no waiting to see how long the outage might last. The system senses the interruption, turns on automatically, and keeps essential systems running until utility power is restored.
For many people, the value of a standby generator goes far beyond convenience. It’s about safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
In homes, power outages can disrupt daily life quickly. Heating and cooling systems shut down. Refrigerators and freezers stop running. Sump pumps can fail, increasing the risk of basement flooding. For families with young children, older adults, or anyone who relies on medical equipment, losing power can become stressful — and even dangerous — in a short amount of time.
A standby generator helps keep those critical systems running. Lights stay on. Heating and cooling continue to operate. Essential appliances remain powered. Instead of reacting to an outage, your home stays functional and protected.
Businesses face even higher stakes. Power interruptions can mean lost revenue, interrupted operations, damaged equipment, and safety concerns for employees and customers. Restaurants risk food spoilage. Offices lose productivity. Medical facilities and public services depend on continuous power to operate safely. For business owners, a standby generator provides continuity. Operations can continue, systems stay online, and customers aren’t left in the dark. That reliability can make a significant difference during extended outages when restoration times are uncertain.
Another important factor is predictability. Power outages don’t follow a convenient schedule. They often happen overnight, during severe weather, or when
temperatures are at their most extreme. A standby generator removes the guesswork. Because it activates automatically, there’s no need to be present or take action when an outage occurs.
There’s also a common misconception that generators are difficult to maintain or overly complex. In reality, standby generators are designed for long-term
use with manageable maintenance requirements. Regular inspections and service keep the system ready year-round, much like routine care for a vehicle. When properly maintained, a standby generator becomes a dependable, set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Ultimately, installing a standby generator is about planning ahead. It’s an investment in resilience — protecting your home, your business, and the people who rely on them. Rather than waiting for the next storm or outage to highlight vulnerabilities, many Indiana homeowners and business owners choose to prepare in advance.
Midwest Generator Solutions has proudly served Indiana communities since 2017. As a family-owned company founded by Master Electrician and U.S. Air Force veteran Shawn White, we specialize in professional standby generator installation, service, and long-term maintenance. Our certified team is here not just for installation — but for ongoing support.
Reliable power isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about confidence. And when outages happen, that confidence makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a site assessment and see what dependable standby power can look like for your home or business at midwestgeneratorsolutions.com/request-an-appointment.
Midwest Generator Solutions is a veteran-owned business that specializes in standby generator installation and maintenance. (Photos courtesy of Midwest Generator Solutions)
A standby generator provides an automatic layer of protection for an Indiana home. These systems are designed to restore power within seconds of a utility disruption. (Photos courtesy of Midwest Generator Solutions)
GALAXY COATINGS ADDS FLAIR TO CONCRETE GALAXY COATINGS ADDS FLAIR TO CONCRETE
Local concrete sealant company grows footprint across five markets
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A family-owned flooring company has expanded significantly since it opened its central Indiana store five years ago, now providing businesses and residents in four states with a colorful, waterproof coating for
concrete garage floors, patios, pool decks, kitchens and more.
Galaxy Concrete Coatings owner Jim Williams said the business’ concrete coating process starts with a three-layer product that fills in any cracks, seals and cures the porous concrete surface that’s already there.
“Then the second layer is a color — a flake color,” he said. “You can choose 16 colors I think we have, or we can do custom colors as well. And then we top coat it in a clear, polyaspartic. This whole process takes only a day.”
Williams said the closest competition — epoxy floor coatings — takes several days to apply and is less
durable.
Galaxy has seen a lot of success since it started in late 2019 and now is in five markets. The Indianapolis store is its flagship location, with additional stores in Cincinnati, Denver, Phoenix and Tucson.
Williams said he previously owned an exterior house coating business and liked working in the home remodeling industry. His daughter wanted to start a business with him, and they looked for something similar that they could do together.
“She did the research and found the manufacturer (Penntek Coatings), and we visited with them, and that’s when we started Galaxy,” he said.
Williams said there are other concrete sealant companies in the Indianapolis market, but they vary in quality and durability.
“Our base coat is 99.1 percent solids — obviously can’t be 100 percent, because you wouldn’t be able to move it then,” he said. “You can go as low as 70 percent solids in a base coat. So, what that basically does is, you’re setting a thinner coat on the concrete, so it makes it less durable and you have a higher percentage chance of it delaminating.”
In addition to indoor surfaces, Galaxy Concrete Coatings can seal outdoor areas such as pool decks and patios. (Photo courtesy of Galaxy Concrete Coatings)
Williams said the biggest benefit of a concrete coating is that it transforms what might be just a storage space into a part of the home.
“People start using their garage more,” he said, giving one example. “It’s got some functional use, like for family gatherings, large dining or a man cave where you’ve got a TV and a couple chairs.”
It also provides a durable surface that’s easy to clean if someone spills oil
Galaxy Concrete Coatings provides a colorful, polyaspartic sealant for residential concrete floors, including garages. (Photo courtesy of Galaxy Concrete Coatings)
MOWER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
or a pet has an accident.
Williams stressed that Galaxy is a locally owned family business that strives to be part of the community through donations to local nonprofits and reliable customer service.
“It’s a company they can trust to not only do the job right initially, but if there’s a need or an issue with the product, we’re going to be there to service it,” he said. “They can have absolute faith in us.”
For more, visit galaxyconcretecoatings.com.
For many homeowners, the perfect home starts with the perfect piece of land. Whether it’s a wooded lot, open acreage, or property you’ve owned for years, building on your own homesite offers the opportunity to create something truly personal.
THAT’S WHERE EXECUTIVE HOMES COMES IN.
Executive Homes specializes in “On Your Lot” custom home building, giving homeowners the flexibility to build where they want without sacrificing quality, design, or experience. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, the process is guided by what the team calls the Executive Waysm, a proven approach focused on clarity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
It begins with a design consultation, where ideas take shape, and the vision for the home is established. From there, the team works through site evaluation, conceptual design, and detailed planning to ensure the home fits both the property and the homeowner’s lifestyle. Every step is intentional, helping clients feel confident in both the process and the final result.
Building on your own lot comes with unique considerations, from grading and utilities to positioning the home for the best views and functionality. With more than three decades of experience in Central Indiana, Executive Homes brings the expertise needed to navigate these details seamlessly.
Throughout construction, homeowners stay closely connected with the team, ensuring transparency and communication every step of the way. The result is a custom home that not only reflects personal style but is built with the quality and attention to detail that stands the test of time.
For those ready to build on their own land, Executive Homes offers more than just a builder. They offer a trusted partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life, built the Executive Waysm.
Humbled by community support, HVAC provider emphasizes quality and giving back
Commentary for Current Publishing
Airtron Indianapolis is deeply honored to be recognized as a Gold Winner by Current Publishing, an award made even more meaningful because it was voted on by the customers and communities, we are proud to serve.
This recognition is not something we take lightly. It reflects the trust our customers place in us every day when they invite us into their homes and rely on us for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. We are incredibly grateful for that trust, and for every vote, recommendation, and kind word that contributed to this honor.
At Airtron, we live by a golden rule, and that is to do the right thing, deliver quality work, and stand behind it. This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, our technicians, installers, customer service representatives, and leadership, who show up each day committed to doing their best for our customers. We are also proud of our longstanding relationships with many
of the Indianapolis area’s largest homebuilders. Their continued confidence in our work speaks volumes and reflects a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and delivering the best possible experience to new homeowners.
We also recognize that being part of a community means more than providing a service. It means giving back. We are proud to support Pink Ribbon Good (PRG) and their mission to serve individuals and families battling breast and gynecological cancers. Our pink truck, which many in the community have seen on the road, is more than just a vehicle, it’s a symbol of awareness, support and our commitment to making a difference beyond HVAC.
To our customers, partners, and community members: thank you. Your support inspires us to continue improving, growing, and serving with integrity. We are truly grateful and look forward to continuing to earn your trust for years to come.
Precise diagnostics and attention to detail are part of the “golden rule” at Airtron Indianapolis, which was recently named a Gold Winner by Current Publications. (Photo courtesy of Airtron)
