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By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield’s comprehensive plan has not been released but a presentation was made at the Feb. 23 Westfield City Council meeting that previewed some of the principles that guided the process.
Adam Carr of Urban3, an Asheville, N.C,-based. consulting firm specializing in the fiscal side of urban planning, made the presentation. The plan is expected to be revealed during the March 9 council meeting.
“We intentionally have this Urban3 presentation prior to the introduction of a comprehensive plan itself because it provided the framework of what is forming the decisions associated with a comprehensive plan map and the place types that will be introduced,” Westfield’s Executive Chief of Community and Economic Development Jenell Fairman said.
Carr said Urban3 based its analysis on Westfield’s assessed value per acre. Urban3 took each parcel in Westfield and applied the assessed value per acre standard to determine its value. Carr
said townhomes at 208 Midland Trace Loop had the highest assessed value at $14.6 million per acre.
“Higher density development typically results in a net positive scenario for the city,” Fairman said. “What generally happens is, when you have very rural areas of a city or town, the amount of infrastructure that is required to support each property is really high relative to the number of investments within that property.”
Fairman said that doesn’t mean Westfield will target rural areas for development but would focus on specific areas that maximize revenue potential.
“(That) is close to our downtown, near Grand Park, near the trails, where you can have more walkable developments and people can really take advantage of the amenities that are near their residents,” Fairman said.
Carr also said that 83 percent of Westfield’s land value is in single-family homes. Six percent is commercial land; 4.4 percent is multifamily homes, 3.7 percent is the “missing middle,” or housing that bridges prospective home owners from rental to home ownership; 1.3 percent is industrial and 1.3 percent is undefined.
According to Urban3’s data, average value per acre by land use is $2.1 million in “missing middle” housing, $1.3 million in multifamily housing, $800,000 in single family homes, $300,000 in industrial and commercial land and $80,000 in agricultural land.
“I’m shocked that those townhomes are our best assessed values in the city,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said. “It’s a national problem that we have a missing middle right now. I know we as a city have fought a lot of the townhome developments that come before us, and I just think we have to rethink this.”
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
A change in how stop signs would be posted at the intersection of 186th Street and Eagletown Road ignited a social media backlash. Hamilton County Commissioners later changed the original plan just west of Westfield’s city limits.
The intersection, which has been a two-way stop with stop signs on 186th Street, will become a four-way stop — a change from the original plan Hamilton County had published on its official Facebook page Feb. 11.
The Facebook post stated that the stop signs would be removed from 186th Street and placed at Eagletown Road starting Feb. 17 — the reverse of how the intersection had been signed. Several residents, including Westfield City Councilor Victor McCarty, questioned the original decision in comments on the Facebook post. The lack of notice of the change was cited by some residents. Others asked whether the
County Commissioners in favor of a four-way stop. (Photo by Todd Golden)
intersection could be signed as a fourway stop.
“This should 100 percent be a fourway stop instead of switching which direction stops,” McCarty posted. “The traffic and speed people drive have increased significantly over the years. As the City Councilor who represents the district closest to here and has lived on/ near 186th my whole life, I would appreciate it if someone from the county highway department could reach out
to me to explain what went into this decision.”
McCarty stated that an email was forwarded to him from the City of Westfield about the decision. McCarty said the email stated there was increased traffic at the intersection but not enough to warrant a four-way stop.
Later, on Feb. 15, the Hamilton County Facebook account indicated that the stop sign change was “put on hold until further notice” and that the plan for the intersection would be decided at the Feb. 23 Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting.
According to McCarty, during executive session, it was determined that there would be a four-way stop placed at the intersection. He announced that the four-way stop would be installed during the Feb. 23 Westfield City Council meeting.
Efforts to reach the Hamilton County Highway Department for comment were unsuccessful. No timeframe was given on when the signage would change.
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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XIX, No. 6
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COMING SPRING 2026 We are just off the Monon Trail!
Map of the Westfield Police Department’s districts implemented for its new policing model.
(Courtesy City of Westfield)
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Police Department is increasing its presence in neighborhoods through a new district model that went into effect last month.
WPD Chief Shawn Keen said officers will be encouraged to attend neighborhood gatherings and other community events to build trust in their districts, reflecting residents’ desire for an increased presence through a survey.
“During a 12-hour shift, especially once the weather breaks a little bit more, is to have more engagement in those neighborhoods,” Keen said. “Whether that’s in the form of a walk patrol or to just get out and to talk to people in those neighborhoods.”
WPD will have four police districts. It previously had five, and officers patrolled throughout the city. With the new model, officers will focus on their districts.
“I think (the previous) model was probably OK when the community was smaller,” Keen said. “But now, you’ve seen 8 percent (population) growth annually for the last several years. We really had to go to a more modern method of policing.”
There four districts are:
Districts 1-2: District 1 is in the northwest area of the city, District 2 in the northeast area. Grand Park Boulevard,
186th Street, Tomlinson Road, Cox Avenue and Oak Ridge Road form the east-west boundary between the two districts. Ind. 32 is the southern boundary. City limits are the boundaries in the other directions.
Districts 3-4: District 3 is in the southwest area of the city, District 4 in the southeast area. Oak Ridge Road is the boundary between the two districts.
Keen said as neighborhoods grow and are built in the northwest portions of Westfield, the districts are divided west of U.S. 31 to take that growth into account.
Officers bid on which district rotation they would like based on seniority. They are in the districts for three months.
Keen said that’s part of the initial rollout. If it’s successful, officers could be assigned to districts more permanently.
Keen said the new model won’t change the day-to-day routine for officers, who can respond in emergencies outside their districts. However, the default is for officers to remain in their districts.
“I still expect the same quality of policing services that you’ve seen before,” Keen said “I just expect that you’re going to see more of it in the neighborhoods. Maybe that presence wasn’t there as much (before) and that’s what the public’s going to notice.”
For more, visit westfieldin.gov/ police.
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Kenneth Guy, in conjunction with the Westfield Police Department, was arrested Feb. 17 by the Hammond Police Department in connection with a January drug overdose death in Westfield.
Guy, 33, a Hammond resident, was extradited to Hamilton County and is charged with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony. He is being held in the Hamilton County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Authorities have not released the name of the deceased.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the WPD and Westfield Fire Department responded to the report of an unconscious male Jan. 27 at the 500 block of Fayette Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the result of a suspected drug overdose. Preliminary toxicology reports indicated that fentanyl and THC were in the victim’s blood. Final toxicology results are pending.
The WPD’s Special Investigations Unit, in coordination with the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, determined that the deceased allegedly purchased narcotics in Chicago.
According to the affidavit, a relative of the victim provided a phone number to WPD that was traced to Guy. The WPD traced Guy and the victim’s movements via surveillance cameras in both the Westfield and Chicago areas.
The WPD obtained a search warrant for cellphone pings and established a pattern of Guy’s daily routine, including where he stayed overnight in Hammond.
Upon Guy’s arrest, investigators multiple cellphones, drug packaging materials, suspected narcotics and approximately $1,500 in cash at Guy’s residence. A seized phone was allegedly used to facilitate the narcotics transaction connected to this case.
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Since 2017, Marci Derado has been the Westfield Washington Schools Director of Early Learning and in charge of the Virginia F. Wood Early Learning Center. She is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year, leaving behind a legacy of vision and leadership, according to WWS officials.
“Marci’s impact on the teachers, staff, and especially the children at the Early Learning Center have been extraordinary,” WWS Superintendent John Atha said. “She has created a culture where early childhood education is not only valued but deeply understood. That means a safe, nurturing and developmentally strong start to their educational journey.”
Among other honors, Derado, 65, recently won the Westfield Washington Schools Award of Distinction.
“Marci’s genuine care for her staff and the families we serve make her such an effective leader,” said Caylie Dicken, assistant director of Early Learning Programs. “She balances empathy for staff personal struggles with accountability and professionalism.”
Derado has worked in public education for 38 years and had a simple plan for making the Early Learning Center successful.
“We don’t want (it) to feel like an elementary school,” Derado said.
“We want it to feel like home for our children.”
When Derado started, early learning programs were spread among the district’s elementary schools. Under her leadership, the Early Learning Center was given its own space as part of the WWS complex at 19500 Tomlinson Rd. The center was completed in 2022.
“The conversation was, ‘How many rooms can we free up in elementaries by building a freestanding space?’” Derado said. “We were able to free up 21 classrooms in our elementaries.”
Derado said the Early Learning Center has 25 classrooms with room for nine more. It serves more than 400 students.
“It brings me joy to see our little guys every day coming in and out of the building, walking in and out of classes,” Derado said. “And there’s so much growth that happens with our little guys that every day is an adventure.”
In retirement, Derado said she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with her husband, Nick. She is proud of her role in creating the Early Learning Center.
“I walk into this building and say, ‘I helped create this, I helped develop the culture here.’ Our teachers will tell you that we have a really great culture,” she said. “People hardly ever leave, because we respect them. So, I’m really proud of that.”
Portion of Monon Trail to close —
Beginning March 3, the Monon Trail will be closed from 156th Street to 169th Street through the end of the year. This is to complete work for the tunnel underneath 161st Street. Signs will be installed this week reminding users about the closure and a pedestrian detour route will be signed. The detour route is 156th Street to Oak Ridge to 169th Street.
Brush and tree clearing for the project must be completed by April 1 to comply with Indiana bat protections. Inspectors will be on-site to ensure work stays within the project limits.
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Festival Princesses include three Westfield residents — The 500 Festival recently announced the 33 Indiana women selected to serve as 500 Festival Princesses throughout the 2026 season. The Princesses represent 19 Indiana colleges and universities, 21 cities across the state, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75. There were selected from hundreds of applicants for their academic excellence, community engagement, exceptional leadership, and pride in their Hoosier heritage. This year’s class includes three Princesses from Westfield, Melanie Gutierrez, Cameron Noe and Hannah Pensyl. Noe and Pensyl are Westfield High School graduates while Gutierrez is a graduate of Early College High School at Midland College. From Hamilton County, four Princesses are graduates of Noblesville High School, Megan Broviak, Jackie Lawrence, Emma Pearce and McKinley Underhill. Brownsburg High School graduate Sruthika Gangisetty and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School graduate Paola Perillo Parra, an Indianapolis resident, also were selected.
Westfield collegiate academic honors — Here are Westfield residents who received academic honors at colleges for the 2025 fall semester as reported to Current. Ohio University: Kendall Hickey, dean’s list.
ILADD seminar — Independent Living for Adults With Disabilities (ILADD) will host an Information Seminar in the Ascension St. Vincent Community Room 207 at the Zionsville Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 5. Those interested in attending can reach out to Program Director Erika Thomison at ethomison@ iladdinc.org or visit iladdinc.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School sophomore
Connor Maddox had some strong motivation from his disappointment in last year’s IHSAA state finals.
Maddox was fourth in the 106-pound class, losing in semifinals and third-place match.
“Every day last summer, I would think about those two heartbreaking losses,” he said. “I didn’t want to ever experience that again. I was ready to go this time and wasn’t going to let that happen again.”
flip. “My body has been banged up, so I’ve been trying not to do anything that might (cause injury) outside of wrestling.”
Maddox gave credit to his Westfield coaches and fellow wrestlers for becoming the school’s first state champion in the sport.
“It’s impossible to fail when you have the people around me that I do,” he said. “It’s incredible how everything came together and I was able to stay unbeaten. “I’m super incredibly grateful to be a part of the program they have.”
Maddox completed a 34-0 season with a technical fall victory of 17-2 over Delta’s Karson Kahalekoma in the 106-pound state championship match Feb. 21 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“I’m so incredibly humbled to be part of something like this,” he said. “It’s awesome.”
Maddox celebrated with a back flip after winning.
“I haven’t done anything like that in months,” Maddox said of the back
Maddox said opponents came in with a defensive game plan in his four state finals victories.
“I know my offense is better than anyone’s defense here,” he said. “I got to keep coming and they are not going to be able to stop me,”
Westfield High School coach Tom Griffin said Maddox has been special all season.
“He’s been on a mission all year,” he said. “The future is bright.”
news@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield announced Feb. 18 that the Park Street Improvement Project is scheduled to begin in May.
The project is intended to make Park Street safer, enhance its walkability and be better suited to host future events and festivals.
To reduce the impact on local businesses, Park Street will remain partially open during construction. At least one lane will remain open and access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
Planned upgrades include:
• Changing the traffic direction to east to west (instead of west to east) to improve downtown traffic flow and reduce left turns
• Adding flush curbs to improve pedestrian access and support future event set-up
• Installing brick pavers and updating streetscape features (landscap-
ing, trees, and more)
• Creating parklets for additional seating and gathering space
• Adding new decorative catenary lights to enhance the look and feel of the street
• A future phase of the project will add a new plaza connecting Park Street to the Midland Trace Trail, along with a parking garage at Park and Poplar Streets.
For more, visit westfieldin.gov/ parkstreet.
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Ascension Medical Group had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 19 for its newest care facility in Westfield — the Ascension St. Vincent Westfield hub.
Lyndsey Ambler, COO of Ascension Employed Clinician Network; Stephan Masoncup, chief strategy officer, Ascension St. Vincent; and Westfield Mayor Scott Willis officially opened the facility at 17300 Westfield Blvd., inside the Westfield Medical Office Building.
The facility offers primary care, specialized pediatrics and cardiology in one building. Primary care is offered now, while pediatrics and cardiology sometime in the summer.
“One of our top priorities and strategic goals is to increase access to our communities, and this will be our first adult primary care in the city of Westfield,” said Ambler, a Westfield resident. “So, that’s super exciting to have a location that can see adults, can see pediatrics and (has) cardiology of the future.”
Masoncup hopes the hub will be a central facility for all medical needs.
“Dedication to health and healing really moves and lifts up the community, and we are so proud to be part of that continued effort,” Masoncup said. “We are going to have primary care, which is what we’re opening today, but that’s the first step in a multistep commitment to Westfield that we’re establishing.”
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Ambrose On Main, a development under construction on the east side of downtown Westfield, will have a major anchor for its prime commercial space.
CENTURY 21 Scheetz will occupy the premier commercial space in the 6,000-square-foot development at the corner of East Street and Ind. 32. The announcement was made Feb. 19.
CENTURY 21 Scheetz’s move into the Ambrose On Main building is part of its strategic expansion. The office will be a hub for more than 50 residential real estate agents and house sales support and management staff.
“We are excited to expand our footprint into Westfield and be a part of Ambrose on Main,” stated Tracy Hutton, CEO of CENTURY 21 Scheetz. “Westfield continues to be one of Central Indiana’s most dynamic and desirable communities, and this new office allows us to better serve our clients while being part of a vibrant and growing downtown environment.”
The office will be one of 10 in the Indi-
Rendering of the completed Ambrose On Main development, with CENTURY 21 Scheetz as its commercial anchor. (Courtesy of City of Westfield)
anapolis area for CENTURY 21 Scheetz and the third in Hamilton County, with locations in Carmel and Fishers.
Ambrose On Main will include 87 apartments and 13,000 square feet of commercial space. It’s projected to be completed later this year.
“We are proud to welcome CENTURY 21 Scheetz to Ambrose on Main,” stated Kent Ritter, CEO and founder of Hudson Investing, the developers of Ambrose On Main. “Their decision to expand into this development reflects the strength of the Westfield market.”
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School junior Camden Moore is better known for his production on the diamond, but this season, he is making an impact on the basketball court, too.
Moore, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame to play baseball, averaged 13 points per game on 49 percent shooting for the Eagles (13-10) heading into the March 3 Class 4A sectional opener against host Noblesville. The 6-foot-5 forward also averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“Cam has made a big jump over the last year,” Eagles coach J.R. Howell said. “He has become a more consistent scorer, ball handler and leader. His ability to drive the ball and finish around the basket as well as the ability to step back and knock down a deep three make him hard to guard. Also, with his size, he can be a difficult matchup for other teams because of his ability to play around the perimeter.”
Moore said he’s made the most im-
Favorite athlete: Jayden Daniels
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”
Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen
provement this season as a scorer.
“The biggest thing for me is my scoring ability,” he said. “I didn’t really expect to be as much of a scorer as I have been so far. My shooting, my finishing (drives) and just kind of hoping to kind of control the offense are my biggest strides since last season.”
Moore started the 2024-25 season on junior varsity but moved into the starting lineup on varsity by the end of the season.
“I would shoot it a little bit, play good defense and help to rebound,” said Moore, who averaged 2.4 ppg last sea-
son. “I didn’t really score too much or have a huge impact on the offense. This year has been completely different.”
Moore has needed to score more as the Eagles graduated many of their top scorers from the 2024-25 season.
“We play well as a team and have definitely surprised some people,” he said.
Moore’s father, Quinn Moore, played baseball and basketball at the University of South Alabama. He then transferred to Indiana University, where he played baseball in 2000-01. Moore is coached in baseball by his father in the Indiana Bulls system. He gave up AAU basketball in 2025.
Although his future is in baseball, Moore said he loves both sports.
“If I had the opportunity to play both sports in college, I would definitely do it, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he said.
The right-handed Moore, who pitches and plays third base, didn’t pitch much last season because of arm trouble.
“I plan to pitch a pretty good amount this season,” said Moore, who batted .291 for the Eagles. “My arm feels good right now.”
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Melt The Trail runners get ready to race, with eventual winner Henry Winkelman (bib 8818) heading the group Feb. 21 at Grand Junction Brewing Co. (Photo by Brittney Dial Testin)
By Brittney Dial Testin news@youarecurrent.com
The 12th annual Melt the Trail winter 5K race, which began and ended at the Grand Junction Brewing Co. Taproom at 1189 E. 181st St., took place Feb. 21.
Runners made their way through Westfield on the Monon Trail over the bridge at Ind. 32. Westfield Welcome presented the race.
“It’s our 12th annual race. We do it every year here at Grand Junction brewery. We had about 545 registered this year,” said Laura Engledow, community event coordinator for Westfield Welcome. “I think this might be our largest one yet. We have age groups from zero to 75. It’s a fun community event that is getting bigger each year. I love seeing people come out on a cold Saturday, running with us and being with us in the winter. It’s just a fun event.”
A total of 502 participants posted official times.
Henry Winkelman of Noblesville was the top male finisher with a time of 16 minutes, 12:68 seconds. The top female finisher was Taushah Crawford-Oliver or Carmel with a time of 20:33:48.
Other runners included the Running Acorns, a third- and fourth-grade girls running group focused on building confidence.
“They choose this as their culminating event. The class journals, they team build, they think about mindfulness, it isn’t just running for an hour,” said Tracy Mann, whose daughter, Jordan, is in the Running Acorns. “It’s a funny age where already no matter what you do, no matter what you’re letting them watch or not watch, they start to doubt themselves a little bit. “There’s statistics
that show that girls who are athletes continue to be high level executives, continue to be offered job interviews first. Women who were athletes tend to offer jobs to those who were athletes. The resilience of athleticism carries further.”
Westfield Welcome’s next event is the Shamrock Drop scavenger hunt March 14 at Grand Junction Plaza. For more, follow ‘Westfield Welcome’ on Facebook.
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Westfield Collective, an entertainment-based dining destination at 751 E. 181 St., is projected to open early this month. The goal, co-owner Mike Ewers said, is to create an atmosphere of community.
“I feel like we just don’t gather like we used to,” Ewers said. “When I was growing up, we knew our neighbors a lot better than we do now. People are so busy. Where is that place where people come together and gather?”
Westfield Collective, which is projected to have a soft opening during the second week of March before a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April, is Ewers’ spin on bringing food, drink and entertainment options under one roof. It is his second Collective location. The first opened in the Cincinnati area last year.
Westfield Collective is a 4.5-acre complex with six restaurants, two full-service bars, a bourbon and tequila bar and two self-pour walls for beer, wine and cocktails. The interior of the complex features a 25-foot LED TV.
Although alcohol is served, Westfield Collective is intended for all ages.
Westfield Collective also will have six outdoor beach volleyball courts and four indoor courts. It is an enhancement of the ibeach31 business at 751 E. 181st St. that opened in 2018.
“It’s really exciting to our (beach volleyball) players that have followed us, that have supported us,” said Katie Conner, founder of iBeach31 and beach director of Westfield Collective. “They can’t wait to have restrooms and parking and food and drink. The amenities are amazing. It’s just going to help enhance our product.”
Ewers, a Cincinnati native, was inspired to start the collective concept after he purchased a similar property in Belize called the Truck Stop.
“We saw that sense of community while people were there on vacation,” Ewers said. “There was such an energy around it, I wished we could have this in our hometown here.”
Ewers and his wife Heather opened Liberty Collective in Liberty Township
in suburban Cincinnati in the summer of 2025. They always planned to expand to other markets.
“What’s unique is being able to bring in a collective of restaurants with the outdoor entertainment, indoor entertainment, but also in the suburbs,”
Heather Ewers said. “Food halls are fairly common in downtown cities, but being able to bring a food hall to the suburbs where people are truly living just gives them some great options.”
There will be a diverse choice of
restaurants inside Westfield Collective, including the District Creamery & Sweets, Bristol’s Burgers Beef and BBQ, Roberto & Miguel’s Handcrafted Mexican, Zaria Italian Eats and Pizzeria, Ms. Leilei’s Chicken and Fork & Fire.
Customers can order at tables using QR codes.
“We were trying to avoid waiting in five different lines,” Heather Ewers said. “By ordering off of the QR code, you’re able to get a slice of pizza and some egg rolls and whatever you’d like
From the outdoor decks at the Westfield Collective, Grand Park Sports Campus can be clearly seen just to the north. Westfield Collective’s owners hope that Grand Park provides a steady stream of customers to its restaurant and entertainment options.
“Westfield, on its own, is a great community, but then you put (Grand Park) on top of it, and it’s just such a great opportunity for us to bring this in and have a community that we can serve, but then also this large group of visitors that are
coming in throughout the year,” Westfield Collective co-owner Mike Ewers said.
Westfield Collective is the first “eatertainment” — the term used in the Grand Park master plan — establishment on Grand Park Boulevard north of the Ind. 32 business corridor.
“It’s going to (be) a real nice destination, not only for the tourism side, but also for our residents, because I know they have a lot of programs that our residents can take advantage of,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said.
all in one transaction.”
Westfield Collective also will offer a variety of experiences and classes.
“We really lean into our programming,” Mike Ewers said. “We really tried to lean into these experiential opportunities, so things like cookie decorating classes, wine tastings and sourdough classes. I think it just speaks to the need for people to want to get out and do more. (They want) to go and spend it in a place where they’re going to get an experience along with their dining.”
Beach volleyball is a core concept at Westfield Collective. Conner always wanted to pair her beach volleyball business with a year-round entertainment concept.
“Their model has been connected to beach entertainment, adding that little ancillary piece of the collectives. So, we partnered in this project and brought this under one umbrella,” Conner said. For more, visit westfield-collective. com.
Commentary by Larry Greene
This basement transformation in Carmel turned previously open and underutilized space into a stunning custom wine room designed for both storage and experience. The new addition blends architectural detail with functional design, creating a refined destination within the home.
• The enclosed wine room converts underutilized square footage into a dedicated space for collecting and entertaining.
• Custom wood racking provides organized bottle storage while creating a balanced design.
• A barrel-vault wood ceiling adds warmth and craftsmanship, enhancing the classic cellar look.
• An arched glass door offers a striking focal point while keeping the room visually connected to the basement.
• Updated lighting and finishes elevate the surrounding area, turning a once plain basement into a sophisticated retreat.
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.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Civic Theatre is taking a unique approach to its production of “The Scarlet Letter.”
Instead of using a child performer, Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon uses a puppet to play Pearl, a 4-yearold child. The play runs March 13 through March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“The Scarlet Letter” is based on the historical novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 17th-century Boston. Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for adultery by being forced to wear a Scarlet “A.” Pearl is Prynne’s child from the affair.
“Pearl and I are kind of one and the same,” Bohannon said. “I’m moving her around, but I will not be hidden for the production. I will be saying her lines and she is an extension of me. The goal is to have all the other actors not look at me and just focus their energy and their attention on the puppet.”
Bohannon said she has performed some puppet improv but nothing with a whole-body puppet.
“I’m on my knees most of the time,” said Bohannon, who has already gone through several knee pads during rehearsals. “It’s very physical. I’m coming up with creative ways to move her around in the most realistic way I can.”
Bohannon said she has settled on a light and airy voice for Pearl.
“It’s kind of childlike and innocent, but with a direct tone of voice,” Bohannin said. “I think it feels very real.” Pearl is on stage nearly 75 percent of the time.
“Emily has made my life very (easy),” said Emily Tzucker, the play’s director. “She is so creative with coming up with great solutions and acting choices for the puppet.”
Tzucker, who is directing “The Scarlet Letter” for the first time, said the puppet is a Japanese-style Bunraku puppet.
“I’ve directed quite a few produc-
tions of books that have been adapted into plays or what we call classic theater when you think of Shakespeare or that sort of thing,” she said. “So, I feel like I’m still at home directing this kind of piece.”
Tzucker said the cast of six is a perfect fit for the Studio Theater. Civic Theatre typically presents one show a year in the smaller Studio Theater, and the rest are in The Tarkington.
“Since it’s a brand-new adaptation that’s very modern, it’s only 90 minutes,” she said. “It’s very fast-paced and a lot more conversational. It almost feels like a thriller and romance in a way.”
The cast wears period costumes in Kate Hamill’s adaptation. Prynne is played by Indianapolis resident Brittany Magee.
Indianapolis resident Evangeline
Puppeteer Emily Bohannon, left, and Brittany Magee examine Pearl, a puppet. Magee plays the role of her Pearl’s mother, Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter.”
(Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
Bouw performed in Civic Theatre’s “The Great Gatsby” in February while making the puppet. The puppet is made from vinyl, plywood, upholstery and insulation foam made from elastic and wooden balls. Bouw said it took approximately 60 to 70 hours to create.
“I’ve done a lot of different kinds of puppets, but this is the first style of this type of puppet I’ve done,” she said. “My background is in theater and sculpture. I love 3D art, so anytime I can get to do this sort of work, I love it. It’s such a blessing and wonderful.”
Bouw said the puppet has a handle on the head, torso and arms.
“That creates a juggling act for (Bohannon) to create when and where those handles are grabbed,” Bouw said. “She is making the inanimate object come alive.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” March 5, followed by Dueling Pianos March 6 and singer/songwriter Andie Case March 7 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Carmel Community Players’ production of “The Spitfire Grill” runs through March 8 at Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
The Belfry Theatre presents “Vanities” March 6 through March 15 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
Trumpeter Chris Botti will perform at 8 p.m. March 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Jerome Collins will perform his “Journey to Motown and Beyond” show at 8 p.m. March 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Francaise” concert is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents “Mixed Rep” at 4 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It took Tony Trent’s one visit to Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tenn., to realize he wanted to mirror that experience for a fundraiser.
“The owner of the Bluebird Cafe invited me down there to experience it,” Trent said. “We learned how it’s done and the owner helped us to get two songwriters to come.”
Award-winning songwriters Wendell Mobley and Lee Thomas Miller will perform March 14 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
The “Stories Behind the Songs” concert will benefit the Tyler Trent Foundation. The dinner is set for 6:30 p.m. with the concert set at 7:30 p.m. Tyler, a Purdue University sports superfan from Carmel, drew national attention for his support of Purdue and courage while battling a rare bone cancer. He died Jan. 1, 2019, at age 20.
The Tyler Trent Foundation is dedicated to continuing Tyler’s mission to support cancer research and improve the lives of others.
Mobley has written No. 1 songs for Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts. His work is credited with shaping the modern country sound blending storytelling with popular radio melodies. Miller has written No. 1 songs for Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. His songs are widely recognized for vivid imagery, authenticity and lasting emotional impact.
“They sit in the middle of the stage and tell the stories of how they came up with these amazing songs and talk about their lives and the people they’ve entertained with,” Trent said.
In addition, the event will be the debut of a song Tony Trent wrote about his son’s impact.
“There is a gentleman from my church who is coming to sing it for me,” Trent said. “I’ve been working and thinking for a long time. When Tyler was sick, I had the idea for creating a song called ‘A Son and a Savior.’ So, I’m going to tell my story of how I came up with the song.”
For more, visit tylertrentfoundation. com.
Cross to perform at Palladium — Known for timeless hits like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” singer-songwriter-guitarist Christopher Cross will make his debut at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in June. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office. The concert is part of the “Printing Partners Encore Series” and the 2025-26 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions. In 1980, Cross released his self-titled debut album, which featured the No. 2 single “Ride Like the Wind,” and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for the No. 1 single “Sailing.” He co-wrote “Arthur’s Theme” for the movie “Arthur,” another No. 1 hit that won the Academy Award for Best Song.
IWS concert set for March 7 — The Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Française” concert is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The first movement begins with a slow introduction followed by an allegretto in sonata form. The second movement highlights the addition of a solo flute. The scherzo that follows is based on a hunting theme and leads into a lively finale in the fourth movement to close the symphony. Charles Gounod composed “Little Symphony for Winds” in 1885. Commissioned by his friend Paul Taffanel — flute professor at the Paris Conservatoire — Gounod wrote the piece for a wind octet plus an added flute part in honor of Taffanel. The work draws inspiration from Mozart’s wind serenades and stands as a hallmark of French Romantic wind repertoire. The concert also will feature chamber ensembles performing additional works by French composers and music from the same period. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Shelley Young will experience an entirely different side of theater.
The Brownsburg resident, who is accustomed to being on stage, will be a crew member for the first time on the production of “Funny Girl” March 6-22 at Footlite Musicals at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis.
“I believe I have been in approximately 24 musical productions within California, Utah and Indiana — seven of them at Footlite,” Young said. “I know how integral the crew is to the success and flow of a great production and Footlite is a wonderful community. My role on the crew for ‘Funny Girl’ will initially be learning about the behind-the-scenes running of the curtain, scene changes, stage setup and assisting cast members with quick changes.”
“I’m very excited to assist and support in this way,”
Katie van den Heuvel, who lives on the north side of Indianapolis, is the choreographer and an ensemble performer for the production, which is loosely based on the life of comedian-singer Fanny Brice.
Young
“It has definitely been a learning experience for me to choreograph this amount of ensemble,” said van den Heuvel, who grew up in Noblesville and was homeschooled. “It has especially been fun and satisfying to see the tap number come together since several of the ensemble had little to no tap history before.”
Beth Swayze, a north Indianapolis resident, is the producer. She typically produces one or two shows per year for Footlite Musicals. This is her first time being involved with “Funny Girl.”
Young will assist the stage manager.
“I have experienced the magic of putting together a musical only from the cast side of things up to now,” she said.
“I do love the show, especially the music, but I really enjoy the opportunity to engage with the many facets that bring a show to life,” Swayze said. For more, visit footlite.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
University High School senior Sophia Cahn is ready for her final Mixed Rep with Central Indiana Dance Ensemble.
CIDE will present Mixed Rep at 4 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I am most looking forward to spending my last Mixed Rep with the people I love so much and embracing our time on stage,” the Carmel resident said. “I love that the repertoire this year is so diverse while still maintaining classical elements. It spans from neoclassical ballet to ‘Swan Lake.’”
Cahn said her favorite piece is “No. 4 Saint James Place.”
“I love this piece for the beautiful piano music, and most importantly, the connection I feel with my friends while dancing it,” she said. “This piece can be challenging because of its length and the stamina needed for the end section.”
Cahn is the choreographer for “Flite.”
“I have always wanted to choreograph, and when the opportunity arose to do an emerging piece, I was very excited,” she said. “One challenge that I faced was my fear of failure. This was my first time choreographing and so there was a lot of room for mistakes. But with that (came) growth. I am overall very happy with my piece.”
Park Tudor School junior Katie Fuhrmann, a Carmel resident, said her favorite role is as Odette in the excerpt from
“Swan Lake.”
“This role is extremely challenging as it requires a lot of control, strength, stamina and gracefulness,” Fuhrmann said. “But being able to perform it on stage is truly a dream come true. So many preprofessional dancers never get the variety and range of performance opportunities that CIDE gives us, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Fuhrmann said she is eager for the countless hours of rehearsals to pay off on stage.
Carmel Latin School senior Natalie Keyser, a Noblesville resident, said her favorite piece is “Big Swans Variation” from the “Swan Lake” excerpt.
“I love the waltz music and the classical, elegant quality of the choreography,” she said. “The biggest challenges for me in this piece are matching my partner, Sophia Cahn, with the correct timing and positions, as well as building enough stamina to perform well.”
Keyser choreographed “Life and Death” for Mixed Rep.
“I have always wanted to choreograph my own piece and I was really inspired by the music that I chose,” she said.
“The biggest challenge for me was being able to actually create choreography based on the steps that I envisioned with the music.”
Keyser looks forward to performing in her last Mixed Rep as a “Big Swan.”
“Especially since (the seniors) performed this same excerpt in my first year of Mixed Rep (in 2019),” she said.
For more, visit cidedance.org.
This spring, we are offering themed 6-week sessions for students grades 1-8. Each session will focus on developing creative skills while using songs and other materials related to the theme.
May 5 May 5
The communities served by Current Publishing are comprised of highly educated and, predominantly, issues-focused residents. As a candidate for election to public office, it’s arguably the best audience in the state to which you can state your campaign’s case. As has been the practice in elections past, Current is using a level playing field with respect to pricing. Any candidate wishing to advertise may do so at Current rates customarily reserved for advertising placements of between 13 and 26 times a year. You are entitled to use the rates below one time or more to connect with our audience. Thank you for your consideration, and good luck on the campaign trail.
Editor,
I can’t believe what (Westfield Mayor Scott) Willis said at the State of the City. “To pay for the services I provide you,” “You’re a drain on the system” and “quality of life we’re providing.” Is he serious? “He” doesn’t provide “us” anything. His employees do and we citi-
zens pay for it. He’s an elected representative of the people. He’s not Napoleon benevolently bestowing services to the masses.
He owes the community an apology for his arrogant and disrespectful statements.
Ara Wade, Westfield
Editor,
The Current’s Feb. 10 article “Area high school students stage walk-out protests,” mentions the Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines (1969). The crux of Tinker provided that neither teachers nor students “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,” as long as school activities are not disrupted.
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Seems just about everyone from administrators and teachers to students had forgotten the last part of the provision from Tinker. When hundreds of students walked out of high schools in Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville to protest ICE activities, they absolutely disrupted the activities of those schools and the learning process. The learning process is most important. When schools favor activism over academics the students fail two-fold. They fail to learn the facts about the issues they are protesting, and they also lose valuable class time for all subjects being missed in favor of a walkout.
One Zionsville student quoted in the
Current article compared ICE activities to what she learned in school about the Holocaust. That’s disturbing. Either the teacher knows little about the Holocaust or is indoctrinating the student by intentionally teaching history incorrectly. Schools are raising social justice warrior illiterates. They can’t locate on maps the countries involved in their protests. Schools should discuss and debate these issues and causes — as an extracurricular current events club. No class time is missed, and for those students for whom this is important, they will make the time. They will actually learn about vital issues, while reading and debate skills will improve, both of which will help their futures.
Sanford Horn, Westfield
This week’s commentaries by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker and humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.
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Rose-Hulman Institute
16. Blown away
17. Pal
18. Clarifying words
19. Chris Wright winter weather prediction
20. Indiana town and county separated by 145 miles ($10)
22. Legendary sharpshooter Annie
24. Amend a Current
25. IU Health workers
26. Corporate shake-up, for short
29. Peanut butter choice
33. Rock back and forth
36. Yours and mine
38. “Enough already!”
39. Bucks, on a Pacers scoreboard
40. Lacking a time stamp
42. Colts QB mistake
43. Unwritten tests
45. Oklahoma city
46. Fastener
47. Mensa material
49. “In God we ___”
51. Snooze
52. Hen pen
54. New Year’s eave decoration?
57. Johnson County city ($100)
61. Doofus
62. White River wader
64. “Piece of cake!”
65. Stellantis car brand
66. Old witch
67. Religious ceremony
68. Connery, who played Indiana Jones’ father
69. ___ in on (neared)
70. Spoiled kid DOWN
1. Ind. neighbor
2. Workplace safety org.
3. Decorative feather
4. Like some Easley wines
5. Tobacco chewer’s target
6. Carmel HS prom rental
7. Yemen’s capital
8. Indiana State Fair barn sound
9. Church councils
10. Seymour’s county ($20)
11. Delinquent GI
12. PC key
13. Whirlpool
21. Falsehood
23. Combat-ready
27. Ill-mannered
28. Marion’s county ($50)
30. Norse god
31. Actress Fey
32. URL starter
33. Urban haze
34. Telegram
35. Country singer
Jackson
37. Cookbook direction
40. Customary
41. Like Purdue graduates
44. State park in Spencer County ($5)
46. Fire tenders, in a way
48. Indiana House floor address
50. Stephen, to Herb Simon
53. Unadorned
54. Wedding exchange
55. Manage
56. Mental flash
57. Gift tag word
58. Artist Magritte
59. Ratio words
60. Putin’s refusal
63. Miracle-___ ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
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