Th ur s d ay s , M a y 7–Se p t e m b e r 3 . 5 – 8 p.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union St. presented by Community Health Net work
M OV I E S IN T H E P L A Z A
Ma y 27; J un e 10, 2 4 ; Jul y 22 ; A u g u s t 15 . 7:3 0 p.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union St.
C R E E K S T O M P S
Th u r s d ay s, Ma y 28 –J uly 3 0 . 10 –11 a.m.
Grand Junction Pl az a | 225 S. Union St. presented by Williams Creek Management
J A M S AT T H E J U N C T I O N
May 29 ; J une 26 ; J uly 17; Aug u st 7, 21, 28 . 7–9 p.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union St.
D O N U T T R A I L
Ma y 30 –J une 7 Westfield Trail System presented by The Farmers Bank
K IDS S U M M E R S E R I E S
Tu e s d ay s, J une 2–J u l y 28 . 9:30 –11 a.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union St.
OW L P E L L E T DISSEC T I O N S
June 3, 17; July 15 . 10 –11 a.m.
Grand Junction Plaza | 225 S. Union St.
F I T NESS I N T H E PA R K
June 1, 8, 15 . 6 –7 p.m.
Grand Junction Plaza | 225 S. Union St.
F I S HING W I T H F R I E NDS
Sat urday, June 6 . 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Simon Moon Park | 30 4 4 E. 171st St. presented by Williams Creek Management
W IF F L E BA L L AT T HE P L A Z A
June 10, 24 ; July 8, 22 . 10–11 a.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union St.
TOU C H-A- T R U C K
Wednesday, J une 17 . 4:30 –7:30 p.m.
Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus (Lot F) | 19000 Grand Park Blvd.
SENSORY N AT U R E WA L K
Saturday, June 20 . 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Midland Trace Trail
Between Simon Moon Park & Hazel Dell Elementary
A M E R IC A 2 5 0 I N W E STF I ELD
R E D, W H I T E , & B LOO M FA R M E R S M A R K E T Thursday, July 2 . 5 – 8 p.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union Street
F R E E D O M PA R A D E & KICKOFF CONCERT
Fr iday, July 3 . 6–9 p.m.
Grand Junction Pl a z a | 225 S. Union Street presented by Meijer
W E S T F I E L D RO C K S T H E 4T H Saturday, July 4 . 4–10:30 p.m.
Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus | 19000 Grand Park Blvd.
Don't miss out this summer! westfieldin.gov/events
Under $10 Lunch Special
DORA proposal sparks council debate
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
A pair of resolutions that will allow outside vendors to operate inside Westfield’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area at several Grand Junction Plaza events sparked a spirited debate during the May 11 Westfield City Council meeting. The resolutions passed 5-2, with Councilors Jon Dartt and Noah Herron casting dissenting votes.
step up and start supporting the brickand-mortar businesses (downtown), specifically on Park Street,” Dartt said. “The businesses on and around Park Street have suffered yearly during State Road 32 construction.
The first resolution allows Vino Mobile Bar to operate within the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area during the 2026 Farmers Market season and at the May 16 Westfield International Festival. The second resolution allows Fishers-based Hollow Head Brewing, MashCraft Fishers to operate during July and August’s Jams at the Junction and at December’s Westfield In Lights.
After the vote, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said he had made calls to local businesses about interest in a similar mobile setup in the DORA, but none were interested. Dartt said he knew of two businesses, which he didn’t name, that opposed approval.
“We are at a point where we need to
Parade float call out — The City of Westfield will celebrate America 250 with a community parade July 3 full of local organizations, businesses, performers, and patriotic spirit. The application portal to enter a float into the Freedom Parade, presented by Meijer, is now open and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. May 22. To learn more, visit westfieldin.gov/576/ America-250-in-Westfield
WWS new student registration — New student registration has begun for
They are going to continue to suffer a bit with the reconstruction of Park Street … I’m not against other businesses coming into Grand Junction Park. I think it helps drive more variety for the consumers who visit the Farmers Market and other events, but I don’t think now is the right time to do that.”
Willis took issue with Dartt’s comment.
“From a consistency standpoint, are we saying no food or beverage at any of these events because we’re taking away business from businesses in brick and mortar?” Willis said. “I don’t think that’s consistent with what we’ve done up to this point as a city. I think from a liability standpoint, we take on liability by all of a sudden picking winners and losers here.”
Willis insisted his administration supports downtown businesses.
“It’s insulting to me that you would
DISPATCHES
Westfield Washington Schools students who are new or who are starting in WWS in Pre-K or kindergarten. If registering multiple students, complete one registration first to add others. Students who attended WWS in the last year should not fill out this form. Visit wws.k12.in.us/ parents/kindergarten-and-new-student-registration-2026-2027 to register.
Williams Creek partners with Parks on environmental events — Williams Creek Management is partnering with
say we haven’t supported those businesses since I’ve been mayor,” Willis said. “We have paid for multiple parking garages. We’re investing millions of dollars into Park Street to help them capture more business, quite frankly, making it much more pedestrian friendly and more accessible to residents. … These businesses came in before I was mayor, before you guys were councilors, and they took the risk to go and put a business in a place that had no infrastructure. That’s on them, that’s not on us. But we have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to help them be successful and to say otherwise is very insulting, quite frankly.” Other councilors noted that the resolutions were restricted to DORA participation by the applicants, which had already been approved to participate in the Grand Junction Plaza events by the Westfield Parks and Recreation department. Without DORA approval, those businesses could still sell alcohol, but sales and consumption would have to take place inside cornered off areas. Based on past practice, those areas would be constructed at the expense of the parks department.
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the City of Westfield’s Parks and Recreation Department for upcoming events focused on outdoor recreation, sustainability, and ecological stewardship.
• Creek Stomps will take place every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. May 28 to July 30 at Grand Junction Plaza and Wetland Amphitheater .
• Fishing with Friends will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 6 at Simon Moon Park
For more, visit williamscreekmgt.com/ about-us/
Advertise your business If you’re interested in reaching the Westfield market (16,019 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Westfield advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.
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COMMUNITY
Davis is WFD’s first female engineer
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Since childhood, Westfield Fire Department Engineer Katie Davis had always dreamed of being a firefighter. What she didn’t dream of being was a trail blazer.
On May 5, she became the WFD’s first-ever female engineer.
“I guess I didn’t realize how much it meant until I earned this promotion,” Davis said. “I saw it written down on a Facebook post, and I was like, ‘Wow, that is quite the accomplishment.’”
WFD Chief Rob Gaylor said Davis, who has been with WFD since March 2024, earned the promotion. Engineers drive, operate and maintain fire apparatus.
“She is the first female engineer, but she’s a firefighter,” Gaylor said. “We don’t see male and female in the organization. They’re a firefighter in the organization. And it may sound cliche, but she comes in and we’ve got a standard, and it’s not based on gender, it’s the standard. And you come in and you meet that standard and good things happen.”
Davis, 24, said her role is vital to making sure fire runs are timely and efficient.
“I would argue that the engineer has one of the most important roles,” Davis said. “The first (priority is) a safe arrival to the scene. It’s my job to figure out where we’re going and how we’re going to get there and that includes getting there safely. Then, depending on what the call type is, what do I need to do to best equip my crew to do their job
safely? So, if it’s getting water to them through hose lines, or whatever it is, knowing what they need and how I can best help them (is the job).”
Gaylor said he has seen an increase in females who want to be firefighters.
“By and large, it’s a male-dominated career,” he said. “But I will say, over the last five or six years, we’ve had more women apply, more women be successful on meeting the same standard and be very successful in the process.”
Davis embraces being an example for aspiring female firefighters.
“If I would have seen that as a little girl, I would have thought, ‘Wow, that’s really cool that I could do that when I grow up,’” she said. “That’s what I hope, is that little girls and young women see that and they realize that they can do it too.”
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Westfield Fire Department firefighter Katie Davis, right, and WFD Fire Chief Rob Gaylor. Davis is WFD’s first female engineer. (WFD Facebook photo)
SAFETY, MEET STYLE
The new Westfield Police Department badge was introduced during the first week of May. (Image courtesy of WPD)
WPD unveils new badges
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
To reflect its growth, Westfield Police Department officers began wearing new badges month.
The WPD is moving into a new headquarters in 2027.
“As our department continues to grow and evolve, we are proud to introduce a newly designed police badge,” WPD Assistant Chief Billy Adams said. “Our previous badge featured the current police headquarters building at its center. With our new headquarters under construction, this presented a meaningful opportunity to update our badge to better reflect who we are today, and where we’re headed in the future.”
Adams said the new badges reflect the following changes:
• The oval shape is a variation of the protective shield, signifying a commitment to duty and the officer’s role in protecting the community. The continuous, rounded design is also often associated with the concept of a “whole” force working together.
• The border design is based on the fasces, or ancient Roman symbol of authority.
• The sunrays represent warmth, energy and inspiration.
• The top rocker displays the officer’s rank.
• 1834 is when Westfield was founded as a town.
• In the center is the Westfield Town Marshal badge, which was worn by David Brown, the last WPD officer had killed in the line of duty.
• The bottom ribbon will dictate each officer’s individual employee number.
The badge also includes the American flag, a bald eagle, the Indiana state flag and state seal.
COMMUNITY
Schaaf HQ, tax abatement approved by council
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
A new building for Westfield-based Schaaf CPA Group and a tax abatement for the property was approved unanimously by the Westfield City Council during its May 11 meeting.
Westfield-based Schaaf CPA Group will construct an accounting office at 302 N. Union St., a few blocks from its current office at 111 N. Union St. It will be built on vacant land between the Westfield Playhouse and Christ United Methodist Church.
The two-story building with 9,000 square feet of space was originally presented to the council during its March 23 meeting and was later given a favorable recommendation by the Advisory Plan Commission.
The tax abatement will have a 10-year window, with the percentage of deduction declining 10 percent each year until the abatement runs out.
Westfield Director of Economic De-
velopment Chuck Haberman said the assessed value of the land the Schaaf building will be built on will increase from $76,000 to $1.35 million. From a property tax standpoint, since that land is currently owned by the adjacent Christ United Methodist Church, it generates no tax revenue for the city but will when the Schaaf building is built.
Councilor Jon Dartt recused himself from votes on the building as the tax abasement because he is a Schaaf client.
199th St. project moves forward
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
A proposal to rezone a 7.5-acre portion south of 199th Street near Horton Road for a 14-home infill development was unanimously approved by the Westfield City Council May 11.
The Advisory Plan Commission gave it a favorable recommendation May 6.
The parcel is between the Chatham Hills and Aberdeen at Westfield subdivisions. It would be amended to the existing 199th Street and Monon planned unit development, which was approved in September 2025 for north of 199th Street. It originally called for 120 homes to be built north of 199th Street, but only 105 are now planned.
The land to be added to the PUD south of 199th Street would include 14 homes that were not built in the northern portion. Onyx+East is the developer.
Some opposition to the plan was expressed by nearby residents at the original March meeting, but a letter-writing campaign reached the APC and City Council in the final week of the approv-
al process.
Rendering of the 199th and Monon development. (Screenshot from APC agenda packet)
Opposition was raised about filling in woodland with a subdivision. Some residents also have raised concern about the tree buffer, protection from light pollution among existing residences and trail access.
The development will allow for 199th Street, which has two 90-degree curves where the development will be built, to be reworked to make the curves less severe.
A new headquarters and a tax abatement for Schaaf CPA Group was approved by the Westfield City Council May 11. (File photo)
DISPATCHES
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Miller named director of land by David Weekley Homes — David Weekley Homes recently named Chris Miller, Indianapolis director of land. An Indianapolis native with more than 20 years of experience in real estate acquisitions and development, Miller will manage strategic land growth and market opportunities for the company’s local division. “I’m excited to contribute to our growth in the Central Indiana market and bring more homes to buyers in the greater Indianapolis area,” Miller said. For more, contact Miller at 582-2434 or visit davidweekleyhomes.com.
Movies in the Plaza begins May 27
— Westfield’s Movies In The Plaza is set to begin on select evenings from May to August at Grand Junction Plaza. The free summer series will feature outdoor movie nights featuring popular films for all ages. Movies will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Here is the 2026 schedule:
• May 27: “Lilo & Stitch” (2025)
• June 10: “Ghostbusters” (1984)
• June 24: “Kicking & Screaming”
• July 22: “Brave”
• Aug. 15: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”
Sensory Nature Walk — The Westfield Advisory Council on Disabilities and the City of Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities have partnered to host the second annual Sensory Nature Walk. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 on the Midland Trace Trail between Simon Moon Park in Westfield and Hazel Dell Elementary School in Noblesville. Participants may park and access the trail from the three designated areas listed below and can walk as much of the 2-mile route as they wish. Parking will be available at:
Police officers will assist with traffic control when the walk crosses over Gray Road and Carey Road. No bicycles are to be used during this program. In the event of inclement weather, the walk and all other booths and activities will be moved inside Hazel Dell Elementary. To learn more, visit westfieldin.gov/wacd
Miller
Students recognized by WYAP
news@youarecurrent.com
Ten Westfield Washington Schools students were recognized May 6 during the Westfield Youth Assistance Program’s 16th annual Youth Recognition Breakfast, presented by the City of Westfield.
“This event is about recognizing the strength, resilience, and determination these students have shown through difficult circumstances. Their stories are a reminder that growth is not always measured by perfect outcomes, but by the courage to keep moving forward,” stated Kayla Arnold, the city’s director of communications.
Students honored were:
• Matthias C., a kindergarten student at Washington Woods
• Levi M., a first-grade student at Carey Ridge
• Grayson S., a first-grade student at Shamrock Springs
• Camila Q., a second-grade student at Monon Trail
• Jean C., a third-grade student at Monon Trail
• Myles B., a fourth-grade student at
Westfield Washington Schools students are recognized May 6 during Westfield Youth Assistance Program’s 16th annual Youth Recognition breakfast. (Courtesy of WYAP)
Shamrock Springs
• Galilea G., a fourth-grade student at Washington Woods
• Lily P., a fourth-grade student at Carey Ridge
• Rori K., a tenth-grade student at Westfield High School
• Camden S., an eleventh-grade student at Westfield High School
Additionally, WYAP presented Kiersten Wettschurack, a senior at Westfield High School, with the 2026 Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship.
WMS band receives ISSMA Award
news@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Middle School band program has received the Indiana State School Music Association All Music Award for the third consecutive year. To qualify for the award, the ban received gold ratings in a solo and ensemble contest, a jazz organizational contest and a concert organizational contest. To earn the ISSMA All Music Award, programs must meet rigorous criteria across multiple performance areas. WMS students consistently demonstrate excellence through solo and ensemble performances, jazz band competitions and concert band events, earning top ratings while performing at advanced levels.
“We ask our students to be musicians,” WMS band director Sarah Rivers stated. “They’re not just looking at the markings and playing notes. They’re understanding the flow of music. They’re growing their understanding and improving sight reading.”
DISPATCHES
Westfield Memorial Day ceremony — The City of Westfield will conduct a ceremony in remembrance of the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation during its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. May 20 at the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial at 401 N. Union St. The outdoor event is free and open to the public, though registration is requested. To register, visit westfieldin. gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/192.
From left, Westfield Middle School band members Abigail Graham, Luke Miller, Sophia Ball and Timothy Ellis are part of the WMS band that won the Indiana State School Music Association All Music Award for the third consecutive year. (Courtesy of WWS)
WHS recognized as Model PLC at Work School
news@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School has been recognized as a Model PLC at Work School, a distinction for schools that demonstrate sustained enhancement in student learning over at least three years.
A Professional Learning Community, or PLC, means educators work together and in teams to analyze student data, align instruction and respond to student needs in real time.
“This work happens every week during dedicated collaboration time where teams focus on student learning and next steps,” WHS principal Alicia Denniston stated.
Model PLC at Work Schools is a distinction determined by Bloomington-based professional development company Solution Tree.
From common assessments and data-driven discussions to built-in
support like CORE time, teachers are working together to ensure every student can learn, grow and succeed.
“Becoming a Model PLC School is the pinnacle of our school improvement efforts, not because of the recognition, but because of what it represents: sustained impact on student learning and a system where adults are working together to get better every day,” stated John Atha, WWS superintendent.
The recognition reflects years of intentional work and a shared commitment to:
• High levels of learning for every student
• Strong collaboration among educators
• Continuous improvement in teaching and learning
WHS joins Maple Glen Elementary which achieved the Model PLC distinction in 2025.
2026 SUBARU OUTBACK
LEASE FOR
Siblings to open new business in familiar building
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Siblings John and Sara Sidery plan to open an Olympus Wealth Strategies office at 108 N. Union St. in downtown Westfield. It is expected to open sometime in August.
36 month lease, 10,000 miles per year, $4,344 due at signing, MSRP $37,293, VIN# JF2BUPAD9TY527680, on approved credit. Expires May 31, 2026.
Westfield natives who recently moved back to the city, John founded Olympus Wealth Strategies in Little Rock, Ark., and looks forward to opening the Westfield office.
“We have fond memories growing up walking literally one block from our house to the office back when the pop in was over there and the pharmacy was right there,” he said. “And we have fond memories going up there.”
The Siderys grandparents, Bettieann and Jack Ahern, established an American Family Insurance business in the building at 108 N. Union St. Later, the Siderys’ father, Dave, joined the business and was an insurance agent from 1984-2003. He and his wife Pam operated the business from the same building.
The building will be remodeled and have a new facade.
“We’re in the wealth management business,” John said. “Under the Olympus Wealth Strategies umbrella, we handle asset management to help people invest their money. We also handle tax planning. We handle partner for estate planning, or we coordinate with different banking strategies, and we’re
able to fold a lot of this in-house, where we truly believe we deliver a slightly different product than maybe some other people, whether it be in town or in the county, which is true holistic wealth management.”
Keeping the generational line going, parents Dave and Pam will be involved with Olympus Wealth Strategies, too. Pam will work in administration, and Dave will help in a business development officer capacity.
“We’re a very tight-knit family and this is something that is more than just a business choice. It really is like a passion project,” said Sara, the firm’s chief marketing officer. “We’re really excited to kind of carry the (family) legacy forward and do it in a way that kind of has those more like old-school values but exists in the current times where maybe people feel like maybe they’re just a number to somebody.”
Rendering of the Olympus Wealth Strategies office at 108 N. Union St. (Courtesy of John and Sara Sidery)
Siblings Sara Sidery and John Sidery plan to open Olympus Wealth Strategies in August at the same downtown Westfield address as the insurance business their grandparents and parents operated. (Photo by Todd Golden)
COMMUNITY
Park Street Improvement Projects begins
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
Ground was broken May 8 on the Park Street Improvement Project, which is expected transform Park Street between Poplar and Mill streets into a showcase for existing and future businesses.
“The vision is we’ll have is to shut the roads down on the weekends and the evening hours where people come into the streets,” Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said. “You have tables set up, you can eat, you can see live bands. It will be a really cool place for people to hang out.”
Nyla’s, The Italian House and Chiba are among the restaurants on the street. Broad Ripple Seafood Market recently moved into the Park Street space that was formerly Greek’s Pizzeria.
“The private sector led the way, which is what you want, and now the government’s going to come alongside and add some amenities to really build out this space,” Willis said.
The project is intended to enhance walkability and host events and festivals. Construction is led by Indianapolis-based FA Wilhelm Construction.
A restaurant is planned for the northwest corner of Park and Mill Streets. Housing projects by developer Old Town have already been approved on the west side of Park Street near Poplar Street in what is now a gravel parking lot. A courtyard is planned between two buildings that will have access to the nearby Midland Trace Trail.
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.
Valet service will be discontinued to reduce traffic through the construction zone. Public parking will be available on the west end of Park Street in a temporary parking lot and in The Union garage and in on-street spaces on Mill, Jersey, and Union streets.
Planned upgrades on Park Street 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.
Ground is broken on the Park Street improvement project. From left, Lauren Wall, City of Westfield Economic Development Department, Courtney Albright, Westfield Chamber of Commerce president, Brandon Keller, Operations Manager F.A. Wilhelm Construction, Westfield City Councilor Victor McCarty, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis, David Borden, Crossroads Engineering, Carl Kincaid, REA and Chris McConnell, Director of Westfield Parks & Recreation. (Photo by Todd Golden)
• Installing brick pavers and updating streetscape features (landscaping, 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.
Guerin Catholic pitcher develops into strikeout king
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Guerin Catholic High School senior pitcher Tate Troxell has become an imposing figure on the mound.
“Tate has continued to get stronger, and he works very hard to keep his body in great shape,” Golden Eagles baseball coach David Schrage said. “He has consistently been our No. 1 pitcher and averages close to two strikeouts per inning. His out pitch is his slider, and his fastball is in the 90s-plus (mph).”
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Troxell has a 4-0 record with a 1.31 earned run average and 48 strikeouts in 26.2 innings for IHSAA Class 3A No. 2 Guerin Catholic. He had an 8-2 record with a 1.00 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 56 innings in 2025. He is ranked the No. 3 right-hander and sixth overall college recruit in Indiana by Perfect Game USA.
“I stayed consistently hitting 90 mph (my) junior year (and) was up to 94 in the summer of 2025,” said Troxell, who wants to add 10 more pounds by next season.
He started playing baseball when he
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was 4 years old.
“I played basketball and football in middle school but stopped after that,” he said. “I’ve always pitched from when I was able to in travel ball but found my love for it in 13 (and-under travel ball) and really worked on it from then.”
Troxell said he improved the most during his junior season.
“I really learned what worked well for me, not only pitching but how crucial the weight room was and getting my body in shape and mobile,” he said.
Guerin Catholic lost to Jasper in last year’s Class 3A semistate championship game.
“It was our first time getting exposed as a team to high stakes baseball, win or go home,” he said. “We made a good run but fell short of our goal. It has only made our team more hungry for a state title, as we know we are capable of making it there with the right mindsets.”
Troxell, who committed to the University of Alabama before his freshman season, said he had multiple scholarship offers. His other two top college choices when he committed were University of Mississippi and Texas A&M University.
“I fell in love with the campus of Alabama and pretty much knew right away this is where I wanted to go,” said Troxell, who will report to Alabama in early July. “I felt very welcomed by not only the coaching staff but the community in Tuscaloosa. It has such an electric culture feel, where all sports are notorious for winning. My (goals) before getting there are to win a state championship with Guerin Catholic and finish off my high school career on a high note. I also want to get myself in the best position and shape upon my arrival at Alabama.”
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Guerin Catholic High School senior pitcher Tate Troxell will play for the University of Alabama next season. (Photo courtesy of Ethan Klen)
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YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTION
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
SKYLAKE Adventures, an amusement park just north of Westfield in Sheridan, is scheduled to open June 4.
The park, designed to be an all-season attraction, will open in phases. Phase 1 is the opening of a water park.
When completed, SKYLAKE will encompass 126 acres and include a 65-foot-tall, 600-foot-long tubing hill; a 40,000-square-foot central pavilion; and a treetop ropes course. Suites and on-site event space also will be available.
“It’s very important (to be all-season),” said Tom Bolster, Hamilton County Tourism’s executive vice president of sales, marketing & sports. “In our strategic plan, year-round tourism is one of our focuses.”
Westfield’s most visited attraction is the Grand Park complex, but much of its activity takes place during warm-weather months at the vast assortment of athletic fields.
“We brought this (SKYLAKE concept) to (Hamilton County Tourism) a few years ago and had discussions about what this was going to look like,” SKYLAKE co-founder Sean Howard said. “Their response back was, ‘This is amazing. It’s going to be great. But what could you do for us in the colder seasons?’”
SKYLAKE and Grand Park announced a partnership in March.
“Grand Park creates amazing memories every weekend; SKYLAKE allows us more time with families as they will stay in the area longer. More time together equals more family memories,” stated Brad Hauter, vice president of marketing and communications for Grand Park Sports & Entertainment.
For SKYLAKE, the relationship with Grand Park was highly sought.
“This was always a vision that we had, right? We knew the proximity to Grand Park,” Howard said. “(Grand Park) wants to market (SKYLAKE), so now they feel like they’re going to get more tournaments in return,” Howard said.
SKYLAKE will feature its water-based attractions — centered on a 6-acre lake with white sand beaches — during its
June 4 grand opening. The lake has multiple water slides, including a 40-footby-40-foot X-tower in the center of the lake that will have several slides Aqua cabanas will be available for rent.
The park is currently served by twolane Dunbar Road leading north from Ind. 38. Howard said there are plans in the works to expand Dunbar Road by 2028. He wants to beautify the area inside the park once patrons enter.
“We’ve got to have turn lanes put in, egress and ingress roads put in on that kind of stuff,” Howard said. “All of that will be done here in the next couple months prior to us being open.”
Howard embraces Sheridan and the proximity to U.S. 31, which will allow for ample signage.
“Sheridan just felt special,” Howard said. “It was just the right location, being on (U.S.) 31 with 70,000-plus cars a
SPORTS ICON ROOMS
Eventually, SKYLAKE Adventures plans to have 18 to 20 suites when the park is completed. Co-founder Sean Howard said the suites will be themed on Indiana sports icons.
“Those are going to be deemed sports icon rooms, and (the icons) all have to come from the state of Indiana,” Howard said.
Howard has local icons in-mind.
Westfield native Braden Smith, who recently capped a storied career on the Purdue University men’s basketball team, will be recognized. Howard said his suite will feature memorabilia from Smith’s career to this point.
SKYLAKE intends to have other Indiana icons featured with memorabilia from their careers.
day. It’s something we just couldn’t pass up.”
SKYLAKE plans to hire more than 200 team members leading up to the grand opening.
“We want to make sure that our pay rates are competitive, that we can offer really good training in-house,” SKYLAKE General Manager Ben Peacock said. “We want to make sure that when people come and work here, they’re not just coming here because they just need a summer job. They really wanted to aspire to be at SKYLAKE, to go back to college and then come back here again.”
Tickets are now available for purchase. General admission is $55 for those 10 and older and $50 for children aged 4-9. Pre-paid parking is $15. For more, visit skylakeindiana.com.
ON THE COVER: Rendering of the water portion of SKYLAKE Adventures just north of Westfield. In the background is a 600-foot tubing hill. (Courtesy of SKYLAKE)
SKYLAKE amusement park set to open in June
Aerial rendering of SKYLAKE Adventures in Sheridan. (Rendering courtesy of SKYLAKE)
SKYLAKE co-founder Sean Howard, right, with Westfield native Braden Smith. SKYLAKE will eventually feature sports-themed suites. Smith is one of those who will have a suite devoted to him. (Courtesy of SKYLAKE)
Spread word about access
Commentary by Tracey A. Wilkinson and Ashley H. Meredith
Access to health care only matters if people actually know their options.
Here in Indiana, birth control is already available directly from participating pharmacies. Pharmacist prescribing of contraception was signed into law in 2023 and is already happening in communities across the state. Yet many Hoosier women still don’t know this option exists, or assume it isn’t realistic for their lives. When information isn’t clear or widely shared, access can remain out of reach, even when services are already in place.
That gap in awareness matters — especially in Indiana.
Nearly half of pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and Indiana is no exception. At the same time, large parts of our state are rural or semi-rural, where access to reproductive health care can mean long drives, limited clinic hours and months-long waits for appointments. For many Hoosiers, especially those without a regular provider, health care decisions are
shaped by geography, work schedules, and cost — not by a lack of responsibility or interest in care.
When those barriers exist, people turn to the places they already know and trust.
For many women across Indiana, that place is the local pharmacy — whether it’s in a small town, a suburb or a neighborhood in Indianapolis.
At participating Indiana pharmacies, trained pharmacists can prescribe certain forms of birth control, including pills, patches and rings. For women 18 and older, this offers a realistic option that doesn’t depend on traveling long distances, taking unpaid time off work or waiting months for an appointment. This approach doesn’t replace doctors or clinics. It expands access in a state where flexibility matters.
Tracey
A. Wilkinson is an associate professor of pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Ashley H. Meredith is a clinical professor of pharmacy practice at Purdue University.
BATH REMODEL
possibilities for your next chapter! Our upcoming independent living expansion will include...
• Terraces 2: sophisticated one- and two-bedroom + den residences
• e Flats: two unique oor plans and personal garage parking
• e Commons: a community hub featuring pickleball courts and a covered waterfront patio
Reserve your
Santana set for high-energy tour with Doobie Brothers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carlos Santana understands his good fortune.
His Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Santana, has been refining its Afro Latin blues rock sound for nearly 60 years.
“It’s been a long life filled with blessings, miracles and a lot of incredible and positive opportunities,” the legendary guitarist said.
Santana will join the Doobie Brothers on the “Oneness” tour, which includes a 7 p.m. June 21 concert at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center.
Santana said the band has a strong chemistry with the Doobie Brothers.
“It’s alchemy with both bands with the resonant vibration, frequency and sound that both bands bring, especially when we jam together,” he said. “We both bring the audience unity, harmony, oneness and a high-inspirational energy. We give people a deep sense of self-worth. People get up and dance, cry, laugh, and they go home and they make love because we ignite all the energy in the show. So, we tested it before (with the Doobie Brothers in 2019), and it works. We were trying it again at a different level, and this time it’s with Mr. Michael McDonald, because last time he wasn’t there but now he is.”
After a nearly 40-year absence, McDonald rejoined the Doobie Brothers in 2019 for their 50th anniversary tour and has remained with the group. At 78, Santana maintains an ambitious schedule.
“I learned a long time ago to balance my life, so I don’t have one interview that I remember that I can read back and I said this is my last tour,” he said. “I have never said that, and I will never say that. I do say I am rolling up my sleeves. I’m ready to go on the road and bring unity, harmony and oneness.
It helps that Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, is the band’s drummer.
“When I look back and see the drummer, and she has this incredible divine smile, I just melt like ice cream,” he said. “I’m very grateful to God and to (singer-musician) Lenny Kravitz, because of Lenny Kravitz I discovered Cindy. Cindy is not only an incredible human being, a tremendous drummer, but she’s my wife, she’s my lover, she’s my partner.”
Santana has had a residency at the House of Blues in Las Vegas since 2012.
“The House of Blues is more like a laboratory to create a different kind of chemistry,” he said. “We try different African songs, different music from Bob Marley, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton. On the road, we like to see crowds all the way to the rafters. I’m always
keeping an eye on those who know how to do it extremely well, like AC/ DC and Bad Bunny. It’s inspiring to see unity, harmony and oneness, all-inclusiveness. Those are the real artists like Michael Jackson and Prince. They bring this energy that people are not afraid to rub shoulders and smile with each other.”
Santana’s 2025 album, “Sentient,” includes new music, previously unreleased and revisited collaborations with Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Miles Davis and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
“The thing about Santana that I learned since the ‘60s is we have room to include everyone we love,” Santana said. “I learned a lot from (record promoters) Bill Graham and Clive Davis about presenting yourself and leaving a willingness to play with everyone who gets in front of you and complement, that’s the key word. It’s not to compete or compare, it’s to complement.”
Santana burst through during the Summer of Love in the San Francisco music scene in 1967 and performed at Woodstock in 1969.
“I’m encouraged that I’m living in a time where I’m watching humans evolve to the next level of graduation,” he said. “I have never seen so many billions, not millions, billions of people marching together for one particular cause, whether it was a cause of ‘No Kings,’ or a cause for ‘No ICE,’ but it was literally billions and billions of people in America and around the world. That is encouraging to me as a hippie. I saw that, naturally, because we used to protest Vietnam. But to see it on another level in 2026, it’s really inspiring and encouraging to see that we as human beings are learning to not be afraid of one another and (show) a willingness to embrace and accept the fact that we really are all one.”
For more, visit ruoffmusiccenter.net.
‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’
“Singin’ in the Rain” runs through May 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
NORTHSIDE EXCHANGE
The Local Mix Music Series will feature Northside Exchange at 7:30 p.m. May 20 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
‘JOINED AT THE HEAD’
The Belfry Theatre presents “Joined at the Head” through May 24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.
‘ROMEO & JULIET’
Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents “Romeo & Juliet” at 7 p.m. May 22 and 4 and 7 p.m. May 23 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
‘SWAN LAKE’
Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s production of “Swan Lake” is set for 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 23 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit my-ballet.org.
DISPATCH
Red Barn Theatre to celebrate season opening — The Red Barn Summer Theatre will host an outdoor celebration of the beginning of 58th season 4 to 7 p.m. May 31 in Frankfort. The entertainment starts at 4 p.m. with music from 5 to 7 p.m. The season opens with “The German Tropics,” set for June 10-14, 17-21. “Wait Until Dark” follows June 24-28, July 1-5 (dark July 4) and season concludes “Something Rotten!” July 9-12, 15-19. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Santana will perform June 21 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Erik Kabik)
Area vocalists featured
editorial@youarecurrent.com
Forty of the nation’s most talented high school vocalists have been selected to participate in the 2026 Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive that immerses young performers in the gold standard of storytelling through song and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars, entertainment professionals and leading arts educators.
Now in its 17th year, the Songbook Academy is the flagship education program of the Great American Songbook Foundation. The 2026 Songbook Academy will take place July 11-18 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The program includes workshops, masterclasses, and performance opportunities that help participants hone their vocal and stage skills, particularly in song interpretation, while building friendships and professional connections that last a lifetime.
Finalists include seven from Carmel High School: Sadie Cohen, Aarthi Eswaran, Grady Griffin, Ian Jones, Annabelle Kim, Krishaa Motycka, and Han-
nah Sevening, Other finalists include Jacob Cintron, Westfield High School; Clara Keiper, Zionsville Community High School and Soren McLaughlin, Noblesville High School.
The panel selected 40 students from 29 cities and 13 states to participate in the 2026 program.
Songbook Academy Week features three public performance events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, for in-person audiences and livestream viewers worldwide.
Songbook Foundation founder and five-time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein and a soon-to-be-announced celebrity guest mentor will offer real-time feedback to 10 randomly selected participants July 13 during the Public Masterclass. Then, July 16, the Songbook Showcase will feature all 40 students in solo performances, along with special appearances by Feinstein and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez. The week culminates July 18, with the Songbook Academy in Concert with all 40 singers.
Tickets for all three public performances are on sale at thesongbook.org.
IWS celebrates America
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony Music Director Jay Gephart wanted the 2025-26 season’s final concert to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
“But we’re also reminded of the very special holiday of Memorial Day that is that weekend,” he said.
The IWS’s “American Tapestry” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. May 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“We have a guest soloist and two guest vocalists singing with us in the concert, so I think it’s going to be a spectacular Memorial Day weekend concert,” Gephart said.
Guest soloist Kelleen Strutz will perform George Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” on piano. Cherrssa Lawson, who joined the IWS for a holiday concert in December 2024, is one of the vocalists. Lawson will present a gospel performance of
“The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Briton Weise will sing “God Bless the USA.” The first act opens with “Fanfare 250’ that was composed for the anniversary by Noah D. Taylor.
The second piece is “American Overture for Band,” with IWS founder Charles Conrad as conductor. Conrad is making his first appearance on stage with the symphony since retiring following the 2023-24 season.
Gephart said the second half of the concert features Taylor’s powerful arrangement of George Root’s “The Battle Cry of Freedom.”
There will be an audience participation piece titled, “The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-Along.” The lyrics will be in the concert program.
Conrad will receive the James B. Calvert Award, which recognizes an outstanding music educator from Indiana, at the conclusion of the concert. IWS has presented the award since 2004. For more visit indianawindsymphony.org.
WESTFIELD WESTFIELD OPEN NOW
Strutz Conrad
14. Tide type
15. Award won by the Colts in 2025 for “Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year”
16. Geist dock
17. French military cap
18. NBA greats Archibald or Thurmond
19. Noblesville Church of Christ
22. ___ gin fizz
23. Hoosier State Relays race segment
24. Went berserk
27. Neanderthal
31. Lotion additive
32. Missing
33. Kimono sash
34. Fishers boutique
38. ___ of 39-Across
39. 38-Across of ___
40. Tech support caller
41. Does a cobbler’s job
43. Parisian cafe
45. Travel itinerary abbr.
46. Easy pace on the Monon Trail
47. Westfield restaurant
51. River Glen Country Club pocketful
53. All-inclusive
54. Some hip-hop tunes
56. Boone County Fair barn sounds
57. Nary a soul
58. ___ out a living
59. Invisible emanation
60. Govt. agents
61. Family rooms DOWN
1. Cartographer’s creation
2. Higher Grade Smoke Shop buy, briefly
3. Prophet
4. Many a handcuffed person
5. Remove a tangle
6. Christopher of “Superman”
7. California wine county
8. “I, the Jury” introduced his signature detective, Mike Hammer
9. Go back on a promise
10. “___ can you see...”
11. Appropriate
12. Allure Salon hair coloring
20. Col. Lilly
21. Pry bar
24. Repair bill line
25. Central Park Skatepark jump
26. Spiritual selves
27. Mimic
28. Damp
29. “Li’l ___”
30. TNT part
32. PU transcript figs.
35. Propelled a gondola
36. Indy Zoo behemoth
37. Assembled
42. Texas city in “Friday Night Lights”
43. Full of chutzpah
44. Charged particle
46. Ruth’s Chris streak
47. Stern
48. Tiny bit of matter
49. Do an autumn chore
50. Pop the cork, e.g.
51. WTHR sked abbr.
52. ___ de cologne
55. Air-escaping-from-atire sound
ANSWERS ON PAGE 17
LEGAL NOTICE FOR BIDS:
Project Name: City of Westfield – Park Street
Improvements Bid Packages: Site Furnishings, Modular Stage System
Documents Available: May 5, 2026
Bids Due: June 3, 2026, at 2:00PM
All interested bidders can contact Ariana Binder at ArianaBinder@fawilhelm.com for information on accessing the Bidding Documents.
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
RAMEY’S
Full-time receptionist needed for busy law firm located in Carmel. $20+/hour depending on experience. Previous experience working in the legal field required. Health, dental, vision, and 401k available. Send resume to cyount@hovdelaw.com. No phone calls or walk-ins accepted. Carmel area law firm needing Legal Assistant experienced in personal injury & medical malpractice. 5+ years of experience preferred. Must be reliable, have a positive attitude, understand legal & medical terminology, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Salary at top of scale commensurate with experience, 401k with matching, fully paid health, dental, and vision benefits. Send resume to cyount@hovdelaw.com. No phone calls or walk-ins accepted.
exceptional service to our clients. We are seeking a motivated and organized individual to fill the role of Agency Administrative Support. If you are passionate about administration and thrive in a fast-paced setting, we would love to hear from you.
Seasonal Landscaping and maintenance position. Two available. Location: 146th St & Towne Rd. in Carmel
• Perform general landscaping duties including mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing
• Maintain lawns and garden beds by mowing grass to specified heights and ensuring a neat, professional appearance
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, edgers, and leaf blowers
• Assist with seasonal tasks including mulching, weeding, pruning shrubs, and debris removal
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team in various weather conditions
• Ensure job sites are left clean and customer-ready after each visit with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
$15/hr, flexible hours with adequate notice. Email resumes to: kreg.fisher@gmail.com
DELIVERY & WAREHOUSE
RESIDENTIAL DOOR & TRIM
SUPPLIER HIRING FOR DELIVERY & WAREHOUSE POSITIONS. COMPENSATION STARTING APPROX $20/HOUR INCLUDING BONUS. APPLY IN PERSON AT:
SHANNON DOOR COMPANY 599 3RD AVENUE SW CARMEL, IN 46032
NOW HIRING
Automotive Window Tinter Pay Negotiable. Work available 7 days a week Apply via email: dan@dansdetail.com
Position Summary: As an Agency Administrative Support, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our agency. You will provide administrative assistance to various departments, ensuring efficient workflow and contributing to the agency’s success. Your attention to detail and proactive approach will help maintain our high standards of service.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist with day-to-day operations, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and organizing documents.
• Provide support in preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• Handle incoming calls and emails, directing them to the appropriate departments or personnel.
• Maintain accurate records and databases, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to support various projects and initiatives.
• Order office supplies and manage inventory.
• Assist with the preparation and organization of agency events and meetings.
Qualifications:
• Proven experience in an administrative support or similar role is preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of discretion and attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field is a plus, but not required.
Why Join Us:
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunity for professional development and career advancement.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. If you are an administrative professional with a passion for organization and efficiency, we want to hear from you. Please email resume to: scott@wifsinc.com, trina@wifsinc.com
