Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 30
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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69
Noblesville Schools names Teachers of the Year
Noblesville Schools has named four educators its 2025 Teachers of the Year.
EDUCATION
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Noblesville Schools Marnie Cooke said the teachers were nominated by their principals and were selected for the honor by a committee of administrators. They represent different academic levels, with two teachers chosen at the elementary level to reflect the fact that 50 percent of Noblesville Schools teachers are in elementary schools.
“Noblesville Schools employs approximately 700 teachers,” Cooke stated. “Selection focused on master teachers who excel at putting Noblesville Schools’ mission and vision into action and whose accomplishments align well with the Indiana Department of Education’s state Teacher of the Year criteria.”
Taryn Hassler, a teacher librarian at Noble Crossing Elementary, was named an Elementary Teacher of the Year and the
overall district winner. Cooke said Hassler is known for creating transformative learning experiences that impact students and families at NCE.
“Taryn extends learning far beyond the classroom,” Cooke stated. “Her creativity, boundless energy and passion for interactive learning shine whether she’s creating an archaeology dig, transforming her space into a museum or giving a cooking demonstration. Taryn has reimagined the power of the library to excite students, inspire curiosity and make connections with the community.”
Tricia Schreck, a fifthgrade teacher at Stony Creek Elementary, also was named an Elementary Teacher of the Year. Cooke said Schreck is passionate about improvement and consistently challenges herself and her students to grow.
“(Tricia) is the go-to colleague at her school for advice, support, friendship and innovative ideas,” Cooke stated. “When she’s not in her classroom, she can be found leading 4-H, cheering on students in their extracurricular activities and being recognized by former students as a favor-
ite teacher.”
Dean Mueller, a math teacher at Noblesville East Middle School, was named the Middle School Teacher of the year. Cooke said Mueller is a highly respected leader who everyone listens to.
“(Dean) blends math expertise with genuine care and connections to his students, resulting in powerful learning outcomes,” Cooke stated. “(He) is full of energy, focuses on solving problems and is quick to try new professional learning in his classroom and throughout the math department he chairs.”
Samatha Orr, a special education teacher at Noblesville High School, was named the High School Teacher of the Year. Cooke said in Orr’s classroom, every student feels valued, respected and supported.
“(Samantha) creates an environment where students can thrive regardless of background or ability,” Cooke stated. (She) uses hands-on activities, innovative technology and creative problem solving to push her students to grow both academically and personally (and) approaches every situation with determination and creativity.
The winners will be honored at a recognition dinner this month. As the overall district honoree, Hassler will also participate in the state Teacher of the Year competition.
Local officials get look at new 4-H buildings
news@currentnoblesville.com
Local leaders and community members received a first look at the newly renovated 4-H Exhibition Building and Llama Barn at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds April 28. The project marks the first major upgrade to the site in more than 25 years.
RENOVATIONS
Hamilton County Director of Communications Tammy Sander said the improvements are part of Phase 1 of a three-phase redevelopment plan designed to modern-
ize and expand the 40-acre campus. The newly renovated buildings will open to the public June 1.
Renovations to the Exhibition Center include, a new roof, new flooring, new restrooms and improved audio/visual capabilities. The Llama Barn renovation features 2,117 square feet of additional space, new restrooms, a catering prep area, large air fans, heating and cooling upgrades, and improved audio/visual capabilities.
The signature piece of Phase 1 is a new Bicentennial Pavilion.
Orr Schreck
Hassler Mueller
The expanded interior of the Llama Barn at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds at 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
Basketball coach working her ‘dream job’
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Donna Buckley, a wellness teacher and the girls varsity basketball coach at Noblesville High School, recently marked 17 years at NHS.
TEACHING
A Noblesville resident, Buckley said coaching and teaching at NHS has been her dream job since childhood.
“I grew up about 40 minutes from (Noblesville),” said Buckley, who was a four-sport athlete at Clinton Central High School. “I used to go to the state championship game every year with my basketball team, and I watched the (Noblesville) teens of the ’80s make their run for state titles. I would always think, “When I grow up, I want to go there.’”
Buckley, who attended Taylor University and previously coached basketball at Fort Wayne South and Greenfield Central high schools, said her favorite part about her job is working with kids. She instructs in the weight room and teaches an advanced health class about substance abuse.
“Even after all these years, I look forward to going into the classroom daily,” Buckley said. “In the weight room, it’s awesome to see how kids train and help them get better. The students I coach are like my adopted family.”
Brooklyn Grayson, an NHS senior who played basketball for Buckley all four years, recently honored Buckley during Teacher Appreciation Night.
“I know I am a better person, player and leader after being part of Coach Buckley’s program,” Brooklyn said. “Everyone deserves a Coach Buckley in their lives.”
Brooklyn Grayson, left, and coach Donna Buckley talk at a basketball game. (Photo courtesy of Callie Grayson)
Teen accepts ballet contract
news@currentnoblesville.com
En Pointe Indiana Ballet pre-professional dancer Joey Moore is headed to Missouri to further his ballet career.
Moore, 18, signed a 2025-26 traineeship contract with Kansas City Ballet in Kansas City. He has been studying classical ballet since age 10 at En Pointe Indiana Ballet in Noblesville.
Moore said he is honored to receive a professional contract from the Kansas City Ballet, which En Pointe officials said he received after months of an extensive audition tour across the United States. Moore noted that several companies extended offers, but the Kansas City Ballet felt like the perfect fit and a place where he could continue to grow in his artistry.
“This is a dream come true,” Moore stated. “As a small child, I remember watching my aunt and uncle, Pollyana Ribeiro and Robert Moore, perform as principals at prestigious companies in Boston, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. They have been my biggest inspirations. It is so fulfilling to
know my hard work has led to my dreams and the beginning of a professional career in the ballet industry.”
Moore participated in his last dance with En Pointe Indiana Ballet as Basilio in “Don Quixote” at the beginning of May. En Pointe will partner with Indy with Kids for a free workshop in May for young gentlemen interested in exploring dance. Moore will be on hand to demo, talk about his dance journey and answer questions. A date will be announced soon at enpointeindiana. com.
OBITUARY
Jeffery Lane Young passed away March 31, 2025 in Pinellas Park, Florida. He was born September 30, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Jeff was a 1969 graduate of Noblesville Senior High School. He was an honors graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, Texas. He graduated from Faith Bible Seminary in Spokane, Washington.
Jeff is a USAF veteran who served in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Jeff taught and coached a number of sports in the Lockhart Texas School District. Upon returning to Indiana, he spent a number of years in the landscaping industry employed by Kirkpatrick Nursery and Landscape Co. of Fishers, Indiana. He pursued his interest in gardening, growing award winning record size pumpkins and watermelons.
Jeff was an ordained pastor at Strawtown Community Church and Noblesville Fellowship Baptist Church. He was a guest pastor at other area churches. He helped many souls come to Christ in fellowship with Jesus. Jeff was loved by family and friends as he ministered to their spiritual needs wherever he was. A favorite quote he shared with many was “Is the life I am living worth the price Jesus paid for my redemption?” May
we all continue to ask ourselves that question in honor of Jeff’s love and friendship. In the mid 2000s, Jeff retired to the Naples, Florida area. In late 2018 as the result of a fall, he suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury which radically changed the trajectory of his everyday life. He carried on each day as best he could from that point forward.
Jeff was predeceased in death by his parents, Harry H. and Nellie Frances (Honey) King Young, his brother, Tracy A. Young, his grandparents, Nelson and Mattie Blevins King, and Omer D. and Ollie PearcyYoung and several Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his brother, Harry W. Young (Jody), sisters, Sharon Kane Young Pitluk, Jamie R. Young Guilkey (Robert), and nephews, Joshua Matlock, Ryan Guilkey (Tatiana), niece, Lauren Guilkey Larner (John), Aunts, Barbara Stapleton Young, Ann Robinette Young, and Joy Ely Mills (Jim), as well as many loving cousins. Jeff loved people and we hope that he is remembered well.
He will be interred beside his parents at the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens on Allsionville Rd.
Private services are pending.
Joey Moore will continue his ballet career at Kansas City Ballet. (Photo courtesy of Joey Moore)
COMMUNITY
Nonprofit allows teens to explore automotive industry
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Fast Lane Automentoring, a nonprofit at 1337 Pleasant St. in Noblesville designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore the automotive industry, recently began offering new classes.
The organization, which started a year ago, works with teens in Hamilton and surrounding counties to equip them with life skills and hands-on experience in the automotive, machining and industrial trades.
Cameron Perkins, a 1974 Noblesville High School graduate on the FLA’s board of directors, said students can participate in various free programs.
“Our first class was last summer, and we had three students come through a beta course,” Perkins said. “We also had nine students complete a course in March, and then two weeks ago, we started two more classes with six students.”
The new classes are Automotive 101 and Automotive 201.
“Automotive 101 teaches basic skill sets like learning shop tools, learning how to do an inspection on a car, checking all the fluids, maintenance and changing a tire,” Perkins said. “We also go through basic engines for engine type, transmissions and electrical.”
Automotive 201 is a more advanced program that teaches more hands-on skills.
“On a local level, two other board members and I are car guys, and we wanted to give back to the community,” Perkins said. “We wanted to support young men and women in Hamilton and surrounding counties to introduce them to what automotive businesses offer and the skill sets for them to start.”
FLA will have a booth at the Arcadia Main Street Spring Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17, where people can learn more about the programs. For more, visit fastlaneautomentoring.org.
New mural coming to downtown square
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A new mural will soon be on display in downtown Noblesville.
Westfield resident and 2019 Noblesville High School graduate
Alison Solverson is painting the mural, which will be on the lower level of the East Bank Apartments at 490 Maple Ave.
Solverson said she learned about the opportunity after seeing a post on the Noblesville Chatter Facebook page.
“One of the gentlemen that works for East Bank Apartments made a post in Noblesville Chatter looking for an artist, and he said he wanted something that encapsulated the essence of Noblesville,” Solverson said. “I messaged him and told him I had some ideas.”
The design features several items that represent the city, including the historic courthouse, peonies, Potter’s Bridge and sheet music for the Noblesville fight song. Solverson expects to complete it before the May 17 Indiana Peony Festival.
Solverson, who also is a tattoo artist, said this is her first time painting a mural.
Two of her friends and fellow Hamilton County residents, Peyton Risden and Gina Pegan, are helping her complete the painting.
“The arts and music are a big part of Noblesville’s foundation,” Solverson said. “We have a lot of great and talented art and music teachers, but even for the people in Noblesville, the arts are a huge part of the city.”
Drawing of the final design for a new mural at 490 Maple Ave. (Drawing courtesy of Alison Solverson)
David Weekley Homeowner Molly Brammer
accept their first place trophy at The Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando.
(Photo courtesy of Nicole Smith)
Local cheerleading team wins first world championship
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A competitive cheerleading team from ICE Allstars in Westfield recently brought home first place from The Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando, an international championship for competitive cheerleading.
SPORTS
The organization’s Level 6 team, ICE Golden Girls, competed at Worlds April 2627 in the XSmall Senior All Girl Level 6 division. The Golden Girls have been competing at Worlds since 2019, but this is the first time they have won.
There are several ICE Allstars facilities across the U.S. Nicole Smith, the Westfield location’s director and co-owner, said ICE Allstars in Westfield has four Worlds teams. The Golden Girls are the only team that has won trophies, or globes, at the competition.
“This is the Westfield location’s ninth time at Worlds,” Smith said. “Last year, the Golden Girls brought home bronze, (in 2023) they brought home silver and (in 2022) they brought home bronze.”
Smith said this year’s journey to Worlds was different because nine of the 16 athletes on the team are seniors.
“Most of this year’s group of girls have
been in our gym since they were very young,” Smith said. “Most of the girls were on the team when we got the other globes, so it was like a redemption year. It was definitely a bittersweet ending with winning and losing so many seniors that we’ve had in our program for so long.”
The girls made several sacrifices to get to the World title, such as practicing on weekends and missing spring break vacations.
“Winning Worlds was an unforgettable experience,” said senior Sienna McGowan, a Carmel resident. “This year’s journey was full of challenges along with small victories that all contributed to the world champion title we had been working toward since the first practice.”
For Smith, winning first place was a “sigh of relief.”
“The competitive cheerleading world is very tough,” Smith said. “We’re competing against gyms that are in Miami, Fla., and California, and they recruit athletes to come cheer for them. We don’t do that. We do things the old-school way where these are kids that we’ve raised in the gym. It makes the championship even more sweet knowing that it was our kids that have worked so hard for all these years.”
For more, visit indy.icecheer.com.
ICE Golden Girls
Annual bed race returns May 30
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The annual Bed Race, held each summer to raise funds for youth summer camp scholarships for the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks & Recreation programs, returns to Noblesville at 7 p.m. May 30 on 9th Street between Conner and Logan streets.
FUNDRAISER
Abigail Stutesman, BGCN director of club operations, said the race started in 2010 in partnership with the parks department.
“It came out of needing an event that didn’t just do fundraising, but was specific to scholarships for families,” Stutesman said. “We were finding that families (needed) financial help during those out of school times. Each year our requests have increased due to the amount of cost that summer programs require.”
Teams of four to five people construct a themed bed for the race and compete in a double-elimination bracket. There are awards such as cash and concert tickets for first place, runner-up, fastest time and People’s Choice.
“Beds are an odd little idea, but we were thinking of something that’s family oriented,” Stutesman said. “We don’t have the ability in Noblesville to do a regatta, so honestly, it came out of nowhere. We originally started the bed race with hospital beds and eventually evolved into actual beds because we knew this was going to be an event that stayed with us.”
Registration is $50 and open until May 29.
For more, visit bgcni.org/index.php/ bed-race.
Nonprofit plans 2025 efforts
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Members of Keep Noblesville Beautiful, a nonprofit established 18 years ago, have had a busy year planning beautification efforts and assisting with city projects.
VOLUNTEERING
“The nonprofit is modeled after the Keep America Beautiful program,” KNB Chair Darren Peterson said. “Several people are interested in helping, mostly with plantings and trash cleanup.”
KNB started the year with a highway cleanup on Ind. 37 with help from high school students. To date, it has provided more than 10,000 volunteer hours to the community and completed 78 large-scale projects.
KNB also assists the Indiana Peony Festival in preparation for the May 17 event.
“KNB begins and ends the year helping the Indiana Peony Festival plant flowers around the square and peony rhizomes in the fall as part of the Indiana Peony Trail project,” KNB interim Executive Director Ann Lemma said.
The nonprofit has several initiatives planned for the rest of 2025, such as installing new sculptures and gardens.
“It gets people out and builds community,” Peterson said. “It’s really motivating to see people working and improving their community.”
For more, visit keepnoblesvillebeautiful. org.
Read the full story at youarecurrent.com.
Attendees watch the 2023 Darlington Bed Race. (Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville)
Volunteers plant flowers in downtown Noblesville in preparation for the Indiana Peony Festival. (Photo courtesy of Keep Noblesville Beautiful)
Ex-Noblesville
news@currentnoblesville.com
Former Noblesville resident Maximiliano Pilipis, an early adopter of Bitcoin, was recently cleared of all criminal and civil charges in relation to an alleged yearslong operation of AurumXchange, an unlicensed virtual currency exchange.
Current first reported on the story in the Nov. 5, 2024, issue of Current in Noblesville. Pilipis, who now lives in Florida, faced five counts of money laundering and two counts of willfully failing to file a tax return.
Pilipis’ lawyers, Barnes & Thornburg attorneys in the White Collar, Compliance and Investigations practice, said the Department of Justice began investigating Pilipis in 2010, but he was not indicted until 2024 when prosecutors seized or froze nearly all his assets.
The charges were dismissed after his lawyers successfully argued that Pilipis’ business was not subject to registration requirements under the regulations in effect at the time, and therefore, no criminal conduct occurred.
Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson, a senior district judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, granted the motion to dismiss the indictment in an order issued Feb. 13, 2025, finding that AurumXchange was not subject to registration requirements at the time it operated, according to Pilipis’ lawyers.
After initially appealing the dismissal, the DOJ withdrew its challenge and moved to dismiss both the criminal and civil forfeiture case. On April 23, 2025, Magnus-Stinson granted those motions and dismissed the criminal and civil cases. Barnes & Thornburg is working to secure the return of Pilipis’s assets.
Pilipis said it’s the end of a difficult, multiyear process.
“It is personally impactful, but it is also a meaningful moment for the Bitcoin community and for others working to innovate with integrity in emerging spaces within uncertain legal or regulatory environments,” Pilipis stated. “I’m appreciative of the Barnes & Thornburg team’s tireless dedication to my defense.”
Blueprint for Improvement: Basement bar
Commentary by Larry Greene
This north Carmel basement bar underwent a striking transformation, evolving from a cluttered, traditional setup into a sleek and moody entertainment hub. The goal was to create a more refined and functional space for hosting with a bold yet timeless aesthetic.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Rich navy cabinetry replaced the dated cherry wood, introducing depth and modern elegance.
• Brushed nickel hardware and globe pendant lights bring in contemporary contrast.
• White quartz countertops and a subtle tile backsplash offer a clean, sophisticated foundation.
• Integrated wine storage, open shelving, double drawer fridge and upgraded finishes make this bar both handsome and highly functional.
• A deep navy accent wall and layered lighting design create an inviting, lounge-like atmosphere perfect for evening gatherings.
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.
Noblesville restaurant offers brunch, dinner and tequila
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila, a restaurant that blends traditional Mexican flavors with an American twist, recently opened at 188 Westfield Rd. in Noblesville under the Federal Hill Apartments.
RESTAURANT
Proprietor Hugo Zavala owns two other restaurants, Mornings Breakfast & Brunch and Los Agaves, and combined the concepts of both to create Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila.
“I have a breakfast and Mexican restaurant, so I thought why not combine the concepts,” Zavala said. “I noticed in Noblesville there’s not many breakfast or Mexican (restaurants) in the Federal Hill area, so I chose to bring the concept there.”
The menu features options ranging from brunch to dinner, such as eggs benedict, tacos and ceviche. It also offers alcoholic beverages like margaritas, cocktails and mimosas.
“Our full menu is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., so people can have eggs benedict news@currentnoblesville.com
for dinner or tacos and tequila for breakfast,” Zavala, a Carmel resident, said. Zavala wants to expand the restaurant to other locations and plans to have live music in the future.
“This is a concept that I really like because it combines my two favorite things — breakfast and tacos,” Zavala said. “I love the layout, and I got all my inspiration from Tulum, Mexico. I definitely want to keep growing this brand.”
For more, visit bocadobt.com.
Wawa to open May 22
A Wawa fuel center and convenience store on the corner of Ind. 32 and Hazel Dell Road will open May 22.
NEW BIZ
Wawa and city officials will participate in a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. at 5890 Midland Pointe Blvd.
The store will sell food, beverages and fuel, among other items. At the grand-opening celebration, Wawa officials will share information about its history and culture and announce community partnerships.
Two other Indiana stores will open this month in Clarksville and Daleville.
“We are excited to enter the state of Indiana with our first three stores opening all in the month of May,” stated Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “We look forward to bringing our unique brand of fresh food, beverages and convenience to the state and to furthering our commitment to providing the community with not only a new level of convenience but a strong,
committed community partner.”
Jennifer Wolf, external public relations supervisor for Wawa, said Wawa offcials plan to open up to 10 Indiana stores in 2025. She said in the future, Wawa plans to build and open eight to 12 stores per year in Indiana, with plans to open up to 60 stores in the state.
Wolf said that Wawa will invest more than $7.5 million in building each store and employ, on average, 140 contractors and local partners. Each store will employ an average of 35 associates, with Wawa expecting to create 2,000 new, long-term jobs.
For more, visit wawa.com.
Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila is at 188 Westfield Rd. in Noblesville under Federal Hill Apartments. (Photo courtesy of Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila)
Wawa will open May 22 at 5890 Midland Pointe Blvd. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wolf)
Align Pilates Indy now open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Lori Livingston opened a new fitness studio, Align Pilates Indy at 470 Lafayette Rd. in Noblesville, May 10. Livingston, a Fishers resident, said she opened the studio in Noblesville because there were no other studios offering reformer Pilates, a form performed using a specialized piece of equipment, near the city’s downtown.
WELLNESS
“I picked Noblesville because it’s up and coming,” Livingston said. “I worked for two different studios in Fishers, which were fantastic, but the waitlists were extremely long, and they weren’t able to accommodate all their members who were driving from places like Noblesville, Carmel and Westfield. I tried to pick somewhere that didn’t have anything.”
Livingston began taking Pilates classes seven years ago after giving birth.
“Getting back to running and lifting weights was too much, so I took a class at a local studio and it was a game-changer for me,” Livingston said.” It helped me lose the baby weight and regain my strength and flexibility. Once I started learning, I wanted to teach. I love helping people get stronger and move their bodies. Sometimes going to a big gym is intimidating, so doing
things 1-on-1 is key.”
She said she opened her own studio so people could challenge themselves.
“In franchise studios, there’s a lot of rules, and it is hard to help people continue to grow when you can’t make things harder and challenge them,” Livingston said.
Align Pilates Indy offers several class and membership packages for Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, mixed equipment, general strength and barre.
“Pilates caters to everybody, whether you’re recovering from an injury, just had a baby or you’re an athlete,” Livingston said.
“I’m just hoping people in and around Noblesville will come and move with us.”
For more, visit alignpilatesindy.com.
KIDDIE ACADEMY NOBLESVILLE CELEBRATES STEM GRAND OPENING
The reformers at Align Pilates Indy at 470 Lafayette Rd. (Photo courtesy of Lori Livingston)
Children and families explore Kiddie Academy Noblesville, a child care center, May 3 for its grand opening STEM Adventures open house at 16040 Cabin Hill Dr. The event included a party with a dinosaur story time, a dino dig station and dinosaur limbo. Children also had the opportunity to see a life-size dinosaur, play in a dino ball pit, get their face painted and visit vendors such as Freedom Medical Center, AJ’s Photography, Amazing Athletes and Once Upon a Tinsel. (Photo courtesy of Bob Dubois)
CONSUME
1933 Lounge in Carmel features sophisticated, welcoming design
Compiled by Zach Ross
The new 1933 Lounge in Carmel features an interior design that blends sophistication with a welcoming atmosphere, according to Craig Huse, CEO and co-owner of parent company Huse Culinary. In a recent Q&A, Huse detailed the vision behind the space, the intentional layout and key design elements that aim to create a distinct yet inviting experience for patrons.
What was the overarching vision or design concept for the interior of the 1933 Lounge?
Our vision for the 1933 Lounge in Carmel was to blend timeless sophistication with the welcoming warmth of a neighborhood retreat. We wanted to create an environment that felt both elevated and approachable – a place where guests could relax with a handcrafted cocktail or enjoy a full dining experience in a setting rich in character and detail. Shea Design out of Minneapolis helped bring that vision to life through classic materials, thoughtful finishes and a layout that invites guests to settle in and stay awhile.
While you have two other locations with this restaurant concept, the Carmel location feels distinct. What feeling did you aim to evoke in customers through the interior design?
With Carmel, we wanted to lean into the building’s high ceilings and comfort with polish. As guests walk in, they’re met with natural light, layered textures and an immediate sense of intimacy. It’s refined but not intimidating –familiar but special. Each 1933 Lounge has its own personality, and in Carmel, the design evokes a sense of calm sophistication that fits both the community and the space itself.
Could you describe the layout and flow of the space? The different areas within the restaurant feel cohesive yet retain their character?
The layout was very intentional. We created distinct zones – the bar, a multiuse private event/ dining area, patio, and dining and cocktail lounge
Natural light fills the dining and cocktail lounge areas of the 1933 Lounge in Carmel. The design includes layered textures and intentional sightlines throughout the space. (Photos by Curious Courtney’s Photography)
The centerpiece of the bar at Carmel’s 1933 Lounge is a customdesigned light fixture created by Bloom Lighting Group of Montreal. The fixture, measuring over 12 feet in diameter and weighing
was assembled on-site.
Peterson’s steakhouse focuses on quality Wild Eggs features new adult beverages
By Leila Kheiry
Joe Peterson didn’t have any restaurant experience when he founded Peterson’s steakhouse about 26 years ago. He said his wife questioned his sanity at the time, but the experiment has worked out well, with the Fishers restaurant maintaining its quality and popularity over the decades.
Peterson, who owns Crown Technology just across 96th Street from the restaurant, used to travel regularly for work, so he often ate in restaurants. That gave him the customer’s viewpoint of how the business should operate.
“My contention was to give people what they are looking for — good food, good service, good ambiance,” he said. “And treat them the way you want to be treated. Many times, I’d take customers out to be entertained and it was like (the restaurant was) doing me a big favor. People are spending $70, $80, $90 check average — you’ve got to have something half decent for them and make them feel like they got their money’s worth.”
Peterson said he recruited an experienced chef as a partner, and they hired a good sous chef and manager to help get the new venture off the ground. Peterson’s steakhouse opened in 1999 at 7690 E. 96th St. in Fishers, the site of a former Frisch’s Big Boy.
“We had our ups and downs, but never have we fallen on bad times, except COVID,” he said. “Everybody went through that. We won a lot of awards — the Wine Spectator awards — and people come here for wine dinners and really appreciate it.”
He said the secret to success is caring about customers, and if the restaurant gets something wrong, to make it right immediately.
“But we don’t have that many complaints. We get a lot of compliments and are kind of spoiled a little bit, but we would never take it for granted,” he said. “I always keep trying harder and harder.”
Peterson said he’s more interested in maintaining a good reputation than making money and has never been tempted to expand beyond the single restaurant bearing his name.
Peterson’s daughter, Carrie Benko, who oversees day-to-day operations at the restaurant along with her job as president of Crown Technology, noted that the restaurant’s staff is a big part of its success. They are well trained, and many have been there for a long time, providing quality, consistent service to customers.
Peterson’s is open for dinner six nights a week and, although certain favorites are always on the menu, the offerings change every spring and fall. Executive Chef David Foegley, who previously was an executive and corporate chef with Huse Culinary — owners of St. Elmo, Harry and Izzy’s and 1933 Lounge — has worked at Peterson’s for about nine years.
He makes a lot of steaks, of course, but Foegley said he also enjoys “tinkering” with the menu and focusing on Midwest regional ingredients.
“Duck in Indiana is one of the biggest things that is produced,” he said. “So, I’m doing a duck pot sticker with a ginger broth (and) I’m doing a grilled pork chops with a guava barbecue.”
Those items and more, including chicken and cornmeal waffles with hickory syrup and a “fire and ice” seafood tower, are featured on the new spring menu. For more, visit petersonsrestaurant.com.
By Mark Ambrogi
The Wild Eggs restaurant in Carmel can now serve its specialty alcoholic drinks in addition to beer and wine.
Wild Eggs opened at 1438 Main St. with a two-way license in 2016 serving beer and wine.
Michelle Heffernan, vice president of marketing for Wild Eggs, said a couple of months ago the restaurant had the opportunity to acquire a three-way license for beer, wine and liquor.
“We have been hoping for the three-way liquor license for a long time,” Heffernan said.
Drinks include several different mimosas with sparkling wine and orange juice. Flavors include pomegranate, strawberry lemonade, orange pineapple and peach.
Wild Eggs also offers Wild Screwdrivers, a Bloody Mary called Proud Mary, Tequila Sunrise with orange juice and Bluegrass Sunrise with cranberry juice and Wild Eggs’ homemade lemonade.
There also are four varieties of Spirited Coffee — Iced Vanilla Latte with vanilla coffee liqueur; Chocolate Kiss with coffee liqueur; Nutty Irishman with hazelnut liqueur; and Choc of the Morning with vodka.
Wild Eggs in Carmel is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Wild Eggs has seven restaurants in Indiana, including Carmel, Fishers, downtown Indianapolis, Avon and Greenwood.
Nationally, Wild Eggs has 17 restaurants, including 15 corporate owned. There is one franchisee with two locations in Lexington, Ky., that is working on opening a third location in July.
Perterson’s in Fishers specializes in steaks and Midwest ingredients. (Photo by Leila Kheiry
Wild Eggs in Carmel now offers Bloody Mary drinks. (Photo courtesy of Wild Eggs)
Happy Hour Offers
Half Price Select
Bar Apps & Cocktails
Hamilton County businesses join viral chocolate craze
By Jessica Todd
The Dubai chocolate craze has arrived in Hamilton County.
Dubai chocolate, a chocolate bar typically consisting of chocolate, knafeh and pistachios, was first created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai in 2021. It was popularized over the last year after videos promoting the treat went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok.
Several Hamilton County businesses, such as Yafa Golden Coffee in Noblesville, Melt n Dip in Fishers and Noga International Market in Westfield began selling versions of Dubai chocolate within the last year.
Yafa Golden Coffee, a familyowned coffee shop and bakery at 14160 Mundy Dr., offers several treats inspired by the viral chocolate, including croissants, strawberry cups, cheesecake and chocolate bars.
“It all started with the bars,” Assistant Manager Abdullah Ali said. “Dubai chocolate bars started going crazy in the Middle East, and through TikTok, it reached America.”
Ali said the business opened in the summer of 2024, and Dubai chocolate helped draw customers.
“The demand wasn’t super high at first, but once we started pushing it out through our social media pages, it was like boom,” Ali said. “In our treats, we use premium pistachio cream, fresh strawberries, Belgian chocolate and knafeh — shredded dough.”
Noga International Market at 3026 Ind. 32, a grocery store offering baked goods, coffee and international foods, also sells Dubai chocolate. The store’s owner, who simply goes by the name Bebo, said posting about it on social media also drew crowds to the small market.
“Social media was not an environment we knew about, but once we saw Dubai chocolate getting popular, we started selling small and large Dubai chocolate bars and posting on Facebook about it,” Bebo said.
Bebo said customers come in every day requesting the bars, which he makes fresh daily with pistachios and pistachio paste, crispy knafeh and a mixture of milk and dark Belgium chocolate.
“We could barely cover the demand,” Bebo said. “Most of the regular stores in Indiana sell the chocolate bars made in a factory, which are made with cheap products and are super thin. Ours are made fresh and have a thick layer of the filling.”
Melt n Dip at 9840 E. 116th St. also has had several videos go viral on social media for its Dubai chocolate strawberry cups — a combination of strawberries, Belgian chocolate, creamy pistachio butter and crunchy knafeh. No one from the restaurant responded to requests for comment.
For more, visit yafagoldencoffeeusa.com, facebook.com/p/NogaInternational-Market-Westfield-100088365364987 and meltndip.com.
Dubai chocolate offerings at Yafa Golden Coffee in Noblesville. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Noga International Market in Westfield sells small and large Dubai chocolate bars. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Patio season is our favorite season at Harry & Izzy’s!
Our wraparound terrace features a pergola roof, full outdoor bar, and cozy lounge seating—perfect for everything from sunny afternoon sips to leisurely dinners. Stop by for a drink or stay for the whole meal. Either way, your seat’s waiting.
Versatile vocalist to perform in Live at the Center series
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sadie Johnson has been trying to figure out how to categorize herself, genre-wise, and she hasn’t been able to yet.
The singer-songwriter has been constantly writing songs the past several months.
“There is a lot of my jazz influence coming out,” Johnson said. “That’s what I primarily played with when I was 11 or 12. I hit the jazz hard. Always the blues roots coming in. It’s a nice mix of that with soul, sultry vocals. I want to get to a new Aretha Franklin-type vibe.”
Johnson, who sings and plays the guitar, will make her Live at the Center series debut at 7:30 p.m. May 21 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I am definitely looking forward to this series show and working on getting into more of these type of venues,” she said. “It’s going to be very cool.”
Johnson, who recently moved from Indianapolis to Nashville, Tenn., formed a new band in Nashville.
“We’re working on a bunch of new music,” she said. “We’re kind of figuring out what the next chapter is musically for me. It is a very funky and jamming kind of stuff. I’m excited to show the Indy and Carmel area what I’ve been working on for the last several months.”
Johnson graduated from Bloomington North High School in December 2014, a semester early, to go on a Blues Caravan/ Girls with Guitars tour in 2015 for Ruf Records.
Johnson, a Marietta (Ohio) College graduate, helped start a music therapy program at her college.
“So, I’m also a music therapist, which is really cool,” Johnson said.
Johnson moved to Indianapolis in 2022 when she served an internship at Riley Hospital for Children. Then she decided she wanted to perform more.
“I would gig a lot of solo shows for the years I was in Indy, playing originals but also a lot of covers, making them my own,” she said.
Johnson also played frequently with bands in the Indianapolis area.
“It was electric stuff, then more acoustic stuff,” she said. “Genre-wise, it’s kind of like Norah Jones meets Jimi Hendrix. It’s very strange.”
Johnson said she will perform some acoustic songs and strip them down a bit for the Live at the Center show.
“One of the incredible ways you can reach an audience is stripping it down, acoustic and vocals,” Johnson said. “But I’m also bringing up a really great drummer, a bass player and another guitarist. Just rocking it out and getting super funky and debuting a bunch of new tunes.”
Johnson has returned to the Indianapolis area for some shows but has not yet performed in Nashville.
“I’ve just been writing, writing and writing,” she said.
Johnson’s EP “Natural Distractions”
came out in 2023. She has been working on new recordings.
In 2010, Johnson began performing with her older sister, Samantha, in the Sad Sam Blues Jam band. The Sad name is short for Sadie and Sam is short for her sister’s name.
“It kind of disintegrated when we both went to college,” Johnson said. “Sam married Nick Harless, who is a fantastic Texas blues, kind of rock musician in Anderson and Indy area. Every once in a while, she plays with him, but she’s a full-time mom and helps to run his business. We get together once a year at my parents’ house and play for my mom and dad.”
Johnson is putting her music therapy skills to use in Nashville with music classes for parents, caregivers and babies.
“It’s continuing child development through music and play,” she said. “Hopefully, in the next year I’ll begin a job as a music therapist.”
Tickets are $10 for the Live at the Center show. A free livestream is available at thecenterpresents.org.
‘CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’
“Church Basement Ladies” runs through May 18 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party” is set for May 15, followed by “Murder Mystery Night: Midnight at the Masquerade” May 16 and “Dueling Pianos” May 17 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents “Beauty and the Beast” May 17-18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
‘NOCHES CALIENTES!’
Indiana Wind Symphony presents “Noches Calientes!” at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
DISPATCH
ICC high school season-finale set — What is old becomes new again as the Indianapolis Children’s Choir performs the final concert of its 39th season. Singers from the choir’s high school division will perform a concert entitled “Dawning” at 4 p.m. May 18 at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. The choir will present movements from major works that take historical text and set the words to increasingly modernized musical styles. “The juxtaposition of genres and texts both old and new was what we really wanted to focus on when putting together this concert,” stated Joshua Pedde, ICC executive artistic director. “It was an important way for us to end the Sounds of Progress concert season as we look towards the organization’s 40th anniversary and shed light on what’s to come for us and for these amazing singers.” For more, visit icchoir.org.
Sadie Johnson will perform in the Live at the Center series May 20 in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Sadie Johnson)
IWS features Latin pieces
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jay S. Gephart’s first season as Indiana Wind Symphony’s music director ends with a Latin flourish.
The IWS presents “Noches Calientes!” at 4 p.m. May 18 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“It’s a wide range of Latin music. It’s not the same style over and over again with different pieces,” said Gephart, who replaced founder Charles Conrad, who retired after the 2023-24 season. “We start off with a very standard Latin (fast-paced march) called ‘Amparito Rose,’ a very standard march played throughout the country by concert bands.”
“When Sheldon wrote it, it was at the request of a district in Florida where this individual was living,” Gephart said.
Gabriel Musella’s “Don Ricardo” is another Latin march set for the first half of the program. It was written to honor band director Richard Crain from Spring, Texas.
Gephart
The next piece is “Fete-Dieu A Seville” from a suite from “Iberia” by Isaac Albeniz. Another featured piece is “Danzas Cubanas,” which was written by Robert Sheldon to honor Latin band director Ubaldo Montesino, who lived in Florida.
“(Crain is) one of the big names of the band world. He was the president of Midwest Clinic for a number of years,” Gephart said.
The first half closes with Arturo Maquez’s “Danzon No. 2.” The second half opens with “Tex Mex on the Riverwalk” from “San Antonio Dances” by Frank Ticheli. That is followed by Henry Mancini’s “It Had Better Be Tonight” from “The Pink Panther.”
The second half also includes “Mambo Greats,” a medley of four familiar mambos.
The concert closes with “En Cafecito’ by University of Oregon band director Dennis Llinas, whose parents were Cuban and Colombian. The title refers to a small coffee drink, which Gephart said is similar to an expresso loaded with sugar.
For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble Artistic Director Ashley Jacobs found the perfect fit to close its season.
CIDE will present “Beauty and the Beast” for the first time May 17-18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performances are 7:30 p.m. May 17, and 1 and 4 p.m. May 18.
favorite scenes to dance are the two pas de deux (dance duet). The only problem that I have encountered is probably the pantomime, because it is new to me.”
Carmel High School junior Stella Roudebush plays Mrs. Potts.
“I am really looking forward to dancing with all of my friends and interacting with them as their characters,”
Robbins Roudebush
“As we planned our 25th anniversary season, we knew we wanted to add a fresh storybook ballet to our repertoire — something timeless, magical and new,” Jacobs said.
Audrey Robbins plays the role of Belle.
“I’m most looking forward to being able to bring the character of Belle to life on stage,” said Robbins, a homeschooled high school junior from Carmel. “While I love the entire ballet, my
Roudebush said. “I love the scene when Belle comes to the castle for the first time because it represents every character’s personality so well. There is a lot of acting in this ballet and I have been challenging myself to make the character come to life.”
Along with handling choreography, Paul Tillman plays the role of the Beast.
“I’ve had tons of fun creating this ballet,” said Tillman, a Westfield resident. “Starting from scratch allows you to have some creative liberties with the telling of the story. For more, visit cidedance.org.
Tillman
CCP sets 2025-26 schedule
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
PERFORMANCES
The Carmel Community Players’ 202526 season schedule offers a mix of plays, including comedies and dramas, from different points in history.
“Despite exploring different time periods, each show feels current and relevant in their own way,” CCP Artistic Director Hannah Janowicz said. “We are thrilled for the privilege to open the season with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ as the book will soon celebrate its 65th anniversary.”
Star production for younger performers of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” is scheduled for June 12-21. The season then closes with “Native Gardens” Aug. 7-16.
Janowicz
“I’m especially eager for ‘Native Gardens,’” Janowicz said. “The script is delightfully funny, honest and a breath of fresh air — pun intended,” she said. “‘Men on Boats’ will be one to look out for as well --history with a twist, and ironic as the cast is meant to be composed of anyone but actual men.”
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is set for Sept. 12-21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. That will be followed by “Four Weddings and an Elvis” Nov. 14-23 at The Cat.
The 2026 portion of the schedule opens with “The Spitfire Grill” Feb. 27 to March 8 at The Switch Theatre in Fishers. The last three productions are at The Cat. “Men on Boats” is set for April 27-26. The Rising
One thing new this season is that Carmel Community Players is replacing one of the Saturday evening performances with a Saturday matinee. The second weekend will have a 2:30 p.m. performance instead of a 7:30 p.m.
“We’ve had fantastic ticket sales with our Sunday matinee performances in the past couple of seasons,” Janowicz said. “We’re hoping the addition of a Saturday matinee expands viewing options and can accommodate those unable to attend evening performances.”
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
New dinner theater opens
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel resident Paul Parnell figures there is nothing better than a dinner and a show in the same venue.
MUSICAL
The Downtown Dinner Theatre opened May 2 with “Imagination,” which runs through May 18 at the Murat Shrine Center in Indianapolis. The Dinner Theatre is a partnership between the Murat Shrine of Indiana and On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment.
beautiful theater with a lot of seating and a lot of space. Dinner is included in the price of the ticket with soft drinks and meal. Then you take the elevator upstairs to the Arabian Room.”
Parnell
The two nonprofits will host a season of six shows at the 250-seat theater.
“It’s pretty exciting because we had been in a place in Greenwood for a while, which was not a good fit for what we’re doing,” said Parnell, who serves as a music director with On-Stage Live!. “A good portion of the people attending our shows were from Indianapolis and the Carmel/ Westfield area. This is much more convenient and it’s in a historical building that is just beautiful. (Murat Shrine Center) spent over $100,000 in renovating. It’s a
Parnell said the only other dinner theater in the area is Beef & Boards on the north side of Indianapolis.
Parnell has composed two songs for “Imagination” and is performing in the show.
“I was not in the original cast, but one of our original members had a commitment and had to drop out,” he said. “So, I scrambled to learn lines and songs. (The musical’s story) is to remind people we started with a full imagination as a child, but as we get older and situations don’t always go the way we imagined they would, we kind of lose our imagination. If I can think about it and work out a plan, I can make this happen.”
Parnell has produced On-Stage Live! shows in the past.
“The Christmas show we do every year is all original Christmas music,” he said. For more, visit downtowndt.com.
LIFESTYLE
*Principal/base metal?
15. Gray Eagle Golf Club club
16. Mud Creek Players play parts
17. Not for 18. Bugle call
19. *Show/a gift?
21. *Unite/a farm machine?
24. “Days of ___ Lives”
25. Service charge
26. Scoundrel
27. White River angler’s aid
28. “___ be an honor”
AUTO AUCTION
29. Element with the shortest name
30. Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian
31. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
33. Tic-tac-toe winner
34. Small valley
35. One of two words spelled the same, but pronounced differently...and a hint to the starred clues
39. Designer Chanel
42. Luau instrument, briefly
43. ___-friendly
45. Indy Film Fest mo.
46. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
47. Ryder Cup side
49. Lingerie item
The following will be sold for charges on: 05/19/2025 10 AM AT 17110 RIVER RD, NOBLESVILLE 2005 HYU KMHCG35C45U341765 $2257.00 1997 LEX JT8BF22G7V0039672 $2236.00
The following will be sold for charges on 05/26/2025
10 AM AT 17110 RIVER RD, NOBLESVILLE 2005 DOD 1B3ES56C45D118293 $2240.00
52. “You ___ worry...”
54. WFYI network
55. ___ for
tat
56. *Null and void/shut-in
58. *Guide/a behavior
60. Take the bait
61. Norway’s capital
63. Tennis great Arthur
64. University of Evansville athletes
65. *Rip/an eye drop?
66. Wranglers alternatives
67. Great American Ball Park team
68. Some Colts linemen
69. Prefix for “while” Down
1. Fasten with a click
2. Build up, as interest
3. Provide special treatment for 4. Back talk
5. Mars or Mercury 6. Leased
7. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel
8. Banking initials
LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC AND
INDIANAPOLIS POWER & LIGHT COMPANY D/B/A AES INDIANA NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE CHANGE
IN BOUNDARY LINES
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) and Indianapolis Power & Light Company d/b/a AES Indiana (“AES Indiana”) hereby give notice that on April 30, 2025, a Joint Petition was filed with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for approval to modify service area boundaries between Duke Energy Indiana and AES Indiana associated with an area along the north side of East 96th Street between the White River and River Place Drive in Fishers, Indiana located on U.S.G.S. Facet Map P-16-1 in Hamilton County, Indiana pursuant to Ind. Code § 8-1-2.3-6. Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President
9. Hired assassin
10. Spirited horses 11. Newsworthy
12. Trap
20. Pay taxes online
22. Hunter constellation
23. Panache
29. In addition
32. Butler frat letter
33. Wash. neighbor
34. Letters on some Ed Martin trucks
36. ___-frutti
37. Barely make
38. Crave
39. “Pretty please?”
40. Wedding reception amenity
41. Fissure
44. Less acute
46. Hedger’s word
47. Naked
48. Clues for a bloodhound
50. Investor’s dream
51. Verify
53. So last year
57. Overdo the TLC
59. Brickyard 400 winner Earnhardt
62. Jim Banks or Todd Young (Abbr.) Answers on Page 23
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