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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 9
Noblesville Boom unveils team mascot during public scrimmage
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Noblesville Boom, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, unveiled its team mascot, Bobby the bobcat, at a free public scrimmage Nov. 4 at The Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville.
“Bobcats are one of the few wildcats native to Indiana,” stated Ryan Grant, president of business operations for the Noblesville Boom. “Fast, agile and full of energy, Bobby embodies everything the Boom represents and his name is a tribute to the great Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard, whose passion, leadership and love for the game helped define Indiana basketball. We can’t wait for him to become a familiar face at every game and community event, bringing smiles and excitement wherever he goes.”
Bobby the bobcat wears a navy Noblesville Boom jersey — No. 00 — and has brown fur with cyan ear accents. According to Noblesville Boom officials, Guardian Angel Restoration is the presenting partner for Bobby the bobcat, who will appear at Noblesville Boom home games, community events and fan experiences throughout the season.
The Boom’s first regular-season home game was Nov. 8. For more, visit NoblesvilleBoom.com.
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The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
The Noblesville Boom mascot Bobby the bobcat. (Photos by Jessica Todd)
Noblesville Boom player Kyle Guy warms up before the scrimmage.
Bobby the bobcat with fans before the scrimmage. Noblesville Boom players gather before the scrimmage.
Bike program launches NFD collecting food, toys
news@currentnoblesville.com
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Hamilton County Health Department, has announced the launch of a new Bike Share program at Strawtown Koteewi Park at 12308 Strawtown Ave. in Noblesville.
Bike racks are at the White River Campground along the Steve Nation Trail and at the Taylor Center of Natural History.
The program is designed to promote recreation and wellness by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activity in Hamilton County’s largest park.
“The Bike Share program adds another layer of opportunity for our visitors to experience Strawtown Koteewi Park,” stated Chris Stice, director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation.
Jason LeMaster, administrator of the Hamilton County Health Department, applauded the launch of the program.
“Active living and outdoor recreation are key to improving community
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Noblesville Fire Department is seeking assistance from the community to ensure local families have a joyous holiday season.
The fire department is accepting donations for its annual food and toy drive to benefit approximately 125 families in Noblesville. This year marks the 48th anniversary of the program.
health,” LeMaster stated. “Partnerships like this help make physical activity more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
Bikes can be rented at $1.50 per 30 minutes using a smartphone app or onsite kiosk, and users are encouraged to bring their own helmet. The program supports Hamilton County’s ongoing efforts to promote healthy living and enhance park experiences.
For more, visit tinyurl. com/43n2xahh.
“The success of our annual food and toy drive is a testament to the compassion that defines this community,” NFD Chief Matt Mitchell stated. “For nearly five decades, (the community’s) generosity has helped bring warmth and joy to countless families.”
NFD has partnered with Kroger for food needs and Meijer for toys. It also is accepting community donations of canned goods, nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys from now through Dec. 5. Deliveries to families will be Dec. 13.
Secure online donations also can be made at HamiltonCountyCF.org/ donate/.
Donation drop-off locations:
• Downtown at 9th Street and Maple Avenue: 135 S. 9th St.
• South Harbour: 400 South Harbour Dr.
• The Wellingtons: 2101 Greenfield Ave.
• North and East Harbour: 20777 Hague Rd.
• The Meadows: 10170 E. 191st St.
• Hazel Dell: 16800 Hazel Dell Rd.
• Behind Ruoff Music Center: 15251 Olio Rd.
• Noblesville City Hall: 16 S. 10th St For more, contact the NFD at 317-7766336, extension 0.
Making
Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel
Laurel S. Patient
From left, Administrator of the Hamilton County Health Department Jason LeMaster, Director of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Chris Stice and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Bruce Oldham with the new bikes. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation)
Firefighters organize donations during a previous food and toy drive. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Hash)
Harlem Wizards coming to city
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Harlem Wizards, a professional basketball team that performs a variety of basketball tricks, will play against Noblesville Schools staff members in the Noblesville High School gymnasium at 7 p.m. Nov. 22.
The event is a fundraiser for the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, which invests in Noblesville Schools through grants, scholarships, strategic partnerships and volunteer support.
Adriann Young, CEO and president of NSEF, said the Harlem Wizards typically play at Noblesville Schools every other year.
“It’s kind of a Noblesville Schools tradition,” Young said. “It’s something that has been going on for a while, and it’s a huge hit with families.”
According to the Harlem Wizards website, the team often participates in fundraising events. Last season alone, it played in more than 450 communities across the nation while raising more than $3 million for schools and nonprofits.
The team also visited schools in the district earlier this month.
“When they came to the schools, they were talking to the kids and doing tricks in the cafeteria, which is always fun,” Young said. “They played with them and got everybody excited about the game.”
Young said the game is always a popular attraction.
“I encourage people to get their tickets before ( game day) because we might sell out,” Young said. “(The Harlem Wizards are) so fun. They’re extremely talented. We have representation from every school, and every kid in Noblesville Schools can go and see someone from their building. It’s a really great community builder for the whole district.”
Ticket prices vary. For more, visit pretix.eu/ harlemwizards/noblesvillein11-22-25-07-00pm.
SMC, CITY OF NOBLESVILLE PARTNER TO PLANT 45 TREES
to celebrate
100th anniversary with a community tree planting event last month. As part of the centennial celebration, more than 25 SMC employee volunteers and city parks staff planted 45 new trees throughout Forest Park. The tree planting is part of SMC’s annual Day of Service program, which engages employees in volunteer projects that promote environmental stewardship and community well-being. For the City of Noblesville, the event adds to a series of centennial activities honoring Forest Park and ensuring it continues to thrive for the next 100 years.
Harlem Wizards player Tyler Cronk visits Noblesville Schools students. (Photo courtesy of Adriann Young)
The City of Noblesville and SMC Corp. of America partnered
Forest Park’s
(Photo courtesy of SMC Corp. of America)
NPA launches campaign
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Noblesville history, has announced it is kicking off Giving Tuesday early with the launch of its Preserving Our Neighbors Campaign.
Giving Tuesday is usually observed each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, when nonprofits invite supporters to contribute to their missions. Joshua Glassburn-Ruby, NPA’s executive director, said instead of asking for donations for the NPA this year, the organization is raising funds that will go directly to local food partners to provide meals for residents in need.
“It’s a realization that preservation isn’t just about saving the past or protecting our historic structures and districts,” Glassburn-Ruby said. “It’s also about finding ways to preserve the future. That means protecting the people who live in our community.”
Glassburn-Ruby said between 7,000 and 8,000 Hamilton County residents rely on food assistance. The campaign concludes Dec. 2 on Giving Tuesday. The
organization raised more than $1,000 in the first three days of the campaign.
Glassburn-Ruby said the NPA is speaking with the Noblesville Township Trustees to determine which local food partners need the most help.
“The one thing that I know is this needs to be a weekly disbursement.
Every Friday we will write a check to a local organization or group and deliver it,” Glassburn-Ruby said.
Glassburn-Ruby said he initially had concerns about shifting the focus of the Giving Tuesday campaign.
“This is such a divided topic at the moment, but the truth is, as a nonprofit organization, we are not political,”
Glassburn-Ruby said. “This is just about standing on a united side, which is the side of humanity. So, if we were to lose any donors or there are people who disagree with this, I say thank you to them for standing firm in their beliefs and opinions.”
Despite his initial concerns, he believes the campaign will help several families in the community during the holiday season.
For more, visit tinyurl.com/ PreservingOurNeighbors.
IPF presents fundraiser
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Parkinson Foundation, a Noblesville-based nonprofit that serves people with Parkinson’s disease and their families, will present its Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s fundraiser at 8 a.m. Nov. 15 at The Picklr Noblesville, 9847 Cumberland Point Blvd.
Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance and other bodily functions.
The event is a pickleball tournament with women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles. All proceeds benefit the Indiana Parkinson Foundation.
“We started the event three years ago,” IPF Executive Director Kim Williams said. “It came to fruition when a lady came to us who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She noticed how, for her, pickleball helped improve the physical symptoms she was experiencing. She came to us with this idea not only to help raise funds for the
Indiana Parkinson Foundation, but to help raise awareness so more people know about the programs and services we’re offering.”
This is the first year the event will be held at The Picklr, an indoor facility that opened in January.
“Being that it is so close to our home base, we just thought it would be a great location where people from our programs could come and watch or play,” Williams said
Williams said start times for play vary throughout the day.
“There are different groups, and within the men’s, women’s and mixed play groups there are different playing levels,” Williams said. “As each different group starts, I will speak to each about what we do and the role we play in helping those with Parkinson’s.”
Registration is closed, but anyone interested can call 317-550-5648 to be put on the waitlist. Spectator admission is free.
For more, visit indianaparkinson. org/p4p.
Vanquish Shower Mold!
NHS boys team places 2nd in state cross country finals
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
For the second consecutive year, the Noblesville High School boys cross country team finished runner-up at the IHSAA state finals.
The occasion also marked the seventh straight state finals appearance for the Millers.
The Millers had four runners in the top 100 and had all seven harriers place, good enough for 129 points. They finished second to champion Columbus North Nov. 1 with 58 points at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute.
Noblesville coach Bill Kenley lauded the Millers’ effort.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our boys’ performance,” Kenley said. “All our guys showed great courage, and as in any big moment, there’s a lot of pressure. They were ready for the moment.”
NHS senior John Libs was the team’s top runner, taking third place, six seconds behind winner Calvin Seitz of Springs Valley and runner-up Noah Bontrager of Westview.
Libs’ finish was the best-ever for an NHS runner.
Other Noblesville runners who placed were junior Banner Barnes, ninth; senior Cooper Click, 28th; sophomore Isaiah Vohs, 34th; senior Noah Melton, 132nd; junior Jack Rush, 139th; and junior Matt Huseman, 157th.
“John led the race briefly,” Kenley said. “Banner had the courage to make a big move when it mattered most, and Cooper led us with some race strategy the night before.”
Second place at state capped a fine year for the Millers, who started the season by winning the Hamilton County Meet. They also won the Hoosier Crossroads Conference meet, then took second behind Columbus North at the Nike Twilight Meet in October.
“Blake Dircksen is our coach who writes our training (schedule), and he’s one of the very best around,” Kenley said. “One important aspect of coaching high school distance runners is not pushing them too hard. It’s a fine line, and Dircksen is a master at keeping them fresh while they train hard.” Barnes, Vohs and Rush are set to return next season for the Millers.
“If our youngsters can be as committed as (our seniors), we’ll make another run at a championship,” Kenley said.
“Most importantly, our cross country community is close to a family atmosphere. We take care of each other. It goes beyond sports. The friendships our guys make doing hard things together will last all their lives.”
The Noblesville High School boys cross country placed second in the state finals. (Photos courtesy of Noblesville athletics)
Senior John Libs with the state runner-up plaque.
NOBLESVILLE SCHOOLS EARNS RECOGNITION FOR FOOD SERVICES
Schools Nutrition and Food Services has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with four Healthy Meal Incentive recognition awards, honoring efforts to improve the nutritional quality of school meals and engage students and families in nutrition education. Noblesville Schools received the second-highest number of awards in the state. Noblesville Schools’ awards were for Innovation in Nutrition Education for connecting classroom, cafeteria and community learning around healthy eating; Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals for introducing scratch-made recipes featuring local agricultural products and student input; Breakfast Trailblazer for expanding nutritious breakfast options made from scratch with local ingredients; and Lunch Trailblazer for improving school lunch nutrition through sodium reduction and student engagement.
Pictured is Noblesville Schools School Nutrition Manager Shawnae Stidham. (Photo courtesy of Marnie Cooke)
DISPATCHES
Diabetes Awareness Walk — In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, the Noblesville Lions Club will present a Diabetes Awareness Walk from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 15. It begins at shelter 1 at Forest Park, 701 Cicero Rd. The walk is free and open to the public. Riverview Health will provide free health screenings at the event, and a diabetes educator and registered dietitian will be available to answer questions and share tips for managing and preventing diabetes. The club also will offer healthy snacks for participants.
Musical — Noblesville High School will present its fall musical, “School of Rock,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 20, 21 and 22. There will be an additional showing at 2 p.m. Nov. 22. The musical is open to the public and tickets are on sale now at search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/ accounts/nhscpo/buy-tix.
Noblesville
REMODELERS BATHROOMS BATHROOMS SCREENED IN PORCH
BATHROOMS BATHROOMS
Council OKs development
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Common Council approved a 55-and-older residential development, Encore at Linden Walk, at its Nov. 4 meeting.
The development, which will be on 99 acres at the southeast intersection of Prairie Baptist Road and 156th Street, was first introduced to the council Sept. 9. It received a unanimous favorable recommendation Oct. 27 from the Noblesville Plan Commission.
THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR PRESENTS
Encore at Linden Walk, which will have 210 lots, will be the first of David Weekly’s Encore 55-and-older neighborhoods in Indiana. It will have a centralized amenity area with a clubhouse and greenspace and outdoor amenities like a swimming pool, sports court and trails.
1,800 to 3,000 square feet, and prices will range from the mid-$400,000s to mid-$500,000s.
David Weekly’s Encore series includes up to 25 different home elevations for buyers to select from, and all homes will be ranches. It also will feature two lot size options. Different home elevations and lot sizes will be intermixed throughout the community.
Home square footage will range from
The land is in Wayne Township and zoned agriculture subdivision through Hamilton County, with the City of Noblesville having zoning jurisdiction. With the approval, the land is being annexed into the City of Noblesville because it is contiguous to the Gatewood development that was annexed by the city earlier this year.
The next common council meeting is at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.
Holiday parade to return
news@currentnoblesville.com
The City of Noblesville has announced that the third annual Holiday in Lights parade, presented by Gaylor Electric, will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
Featuring soloist Bruno Sandes with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Featuring soloist Bruno Sandes with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
The Palladium
Friday, December 19 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 20 at 3 PM
Sunday, December 21 at 3 PM
Schrott Center for the Arts
Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM
“Last year’s Holiday in Lights parade lit up our historic downtown and we can’t wait to make this year even brighter,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “I look forward to seeing our community along the route to spread holiday cheer and show support to our downtown businesses.”
The parade route will start at 16th and Harrison Streets and travel south on 16th Street to Logan Street, turn right on 9th Street and turn right on Harrison Street to end in Ivy Tech’s parking lot. The parade route will have a sensory-friendly zone along Harrison Street between 10th and 12th Streets.
To encourage holiday spirit, participants will be presented with the Merry & Bright Award, Holiday Spirit Award and Jingle Bell Rockstar. City departments also will compete for the Most Spirited City Department Award. Santa
Claus will be the last entry in the parade and participants should not include him in their float.
Registration is $25 per entry and will be accepted until Dec. 1. Parade forms can be completed online and entry fees will be waived for all nonprofit and youth organizations that want to participate.
Parade check-in will start at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Hamilton County Ivy Tech Community College campus.
For more, visit noblesville. in.gov/798/Holiday-in-Lights-Parade.
Home elevation example for Encore at Linden Walk. (Rendering courtesy of Noblesville Common Council meeting documents)
Parade map for the Dec. 6 Holiday in Lights parade. (Map courtesy of the City of Noblesville)
Safety center work begins
news@currentnoblesville.com
Hamilton County officials broke ground Nov. 3 on a new $32 million Public Safety Training Center near 160th and River Road in Noblesville.
The facility, funded through county-issued bonds, will provide police, fire and emergency responders with a shared space to train and prepare for emergencies.
“This is one of the most important public safety investments our county has ever made,” stated Steve Dillinger, president of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “As Hamilton County continues to grow, so does the need for well-trained, well-equipped first responders. This facility will allow them to train together, strengthen coordination and ensure they’re ready for whatever emergency situations may arise.”
According to a news release from the county, the project site will be redeveloped into a modern training complex featuring approximately 20,000 square feet of classroom and indoor training space; a five-story fire training burn tower; SWAT and tactical training ar-
eas; multiple shooting ranges; and an Emergency Management Agency training area.
“This will be one of the best facilities in the Midwest — if not in the country,” stated Jim Barlow, the county’s new training center coordinator and former Carmel police chief. “We react the way we train. This center will give our first responders the tools and space they need to serve our residents even better.”
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months.
Program receives $25K
news@currentnoblesville.com
Organizers of the Noblesville Bridge of Flowers, a bridge decorated with florals on Logan Street in Noblesville that opened in 2021, recently received a $25,000 grant from the Thomas P. and Sondra D. Sheehan Charitable Foundation, a fund of the Hamilton County Community Foundation.
The donation will assist in the purchase of flowers for the bridge.
“We are excited to receive this support from the Thomas P. and Sondra D. Sheehan Charitable Foundation for the operating expenses of the Noblesville Bridge of Flowers,” stated David Riddle, chief financial officer for the Bridge of Flowers. “Now that the infrastructure on the Logan Street Bridge is complete, the seasonal expenses to purchase flowers is an ongoing expense.”
Riddle said the Noblesville Bridge of Flowers is a volunteer-run program seeking funding to purchase flowers and labor to maintain the flowers. With donations like the one from the Thomas P. and Sondra D. Sheehan Charitable
Foundation, individuals and businesses get a plate of recognition on a donor wall on the bridge.
According to Tracey Sheehan, Tom and Soni Sheehan’s daughter and board chair of the Sheehan Charitable Foundation, the Noblesville Bridge of Flowers is an example of a local organization her parents believed deserved support.
“Every grant we provide reflects the values my parents cherished: compassion, community and a dedication to helping others,” Sheehan stated. “It is a privilege to carry on their legacy by supporting organizations that are making a meaningful impact in our community.”
According to the Noblesville Bridge of Flowers website, the bridge was envisioned by Dick Gordon, a Noblesville resident who died in 2024. The project was inspired by his daughter, Sylvia Gordon, who encountered a similar bridge in Massachusetts and saw the potential for Noblesville’s new pedestrian bridge.
For more, visit NoblesvilleBridgeOfFlowers.com.
Santa Claus
You’re invited to enjoy a merry little afternoon with David Weekley Homes in our Grantham communities! Join us in Grantham to take your photo with Santa, and meet live reindeer in The Lakes at Grantham, all while enjoying sweet holiday treats and exploring our beautiful model homes.
Sunday, December 7 th 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Photos with Santa 2:30-4:30 p.m. – Meet reindeer
Grantham model home
Lakes at Grantham model home
From left, Hamilton County Commissioners
Mark Heirbrandt, Christine Altman and Steve Dillinger at the Nov. 3 groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Byron Settles)
Outside hitter helps lead Shamrocks to special season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School outside hitter
Georgia Bresnahan missed her junior volleyball season following surgery on both knees in the summer of 2024.
“It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through, having to sit out from volleyball,” she said.
“I’ve had injuries before, so it was easy to get down because I had to sit out again. But I think it helped me for the better because I’m stronger because of it. My love for the sport kind of grew because I realized how much I missed it. It kind of helped drive me to be better than I was before.”
The 5-foot-10 Bresnahan helped lead the Shamrocks to a 26-2 record. Class 4A No. 2 Westfield lost to No. 1 Fort Wayne Carroll in five sets Nov. 1 in the IHSAA Class 4A semistate opener at Rochester High School. Westfield won only its second regional in school history.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET GEORGIA BRESNAHAN
Favorite athlete: Brazil’s outside hitter Gabriela Braga Guimarães
Favorite TV show: “Modern Family”
Favorite vacation spot: Arizona
Favorite subject: Math
Bresnahan was the season leader for the Shamrocks in kills.
“She is someone who has been a glue for us,” Westfield coach Sean Keeve said. “She’s one heck of a teammate, one heck of a quiet leader. She deserves a lot of recognition for our success this year. Georgia filled some big shoes, playing six rotations for us. (She) generally never came off the floor. She was a big back row attacking option for us.
She held her own on serve receive and did a great job defensively.”
Keeve said Bresnahan was reliable in stressful situations.
“She was never afraid to do the right thing when the moment called for it, and that’s something that’s pretty hard
EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN WESTFIELD
to replace,” Keeve said.
Bresnahan, who became a varsity starter as a freshman, said she has made the most improvement with her strength over her prep career.
That helped propel the Shamrocks’ success this season, along with the team’s bond.
“Our team is so close together,” she said. “We’ve had to go through some hard games together, and those kind of prepared us to get further into the tournament. Our wins helped build our confidence, and we gained more and more confidence as the season went on.”
Bresnahan has committed to play for NCAA Division I Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
“I really love the coaches,” she said. “They are super kind and welcoming. I feel like I can progress as a volleyball player and person on the team. The girls are really sweet. I’m excited with the level of play on the team as well. I think we can accomplish some cool things.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com
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Westfield High School outside hitter Georgia Bresnahan led the team in kills. (Photo courtesy of Justin Sicking Photography)
Bresnahan
COMMUNITY
Guerin Catholic captures Class 2A state title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
With a state title on the line, Guerin Catholic High School senior goalkeeper Ryan McGrath couldn’t help thinking of his late father.
“Honestly, (the) first (penalty kick), I was crying in the goal,” he said. “It was a really emotional moment for me. I wanted to get the job done because I know he’s up there watching me.”
McGrath composed himself to help the Golden Eagles win the IHSAA Class 2A state championship Oct. 31 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.
The 2A No. 2 Golden Eagles edged Bishop Chatard 1-0, winning 12-11 in penalty kicks. It set a record for most penalty kicks in IHSAA state finals history. The Golden Eagles (18-4) won Class A titles in 2013 and 2014.
McGrath’s father, Chris McGrath, was the Golden Eagles’ coach from 2016 until his death from COVID-19 complications at age 53 in 2021.
“Ryan dedicated the season to his dad,” said Guerin coach Jim Alvarez, who was an assistant under Chris McGrath. “Ryan’s a great kid. To be able to coach him and see him put so much into this season, he embraced it.”
McGrath, a Noblesville resident, even stepped in and made a penalty kick himself.
“I’m happy I converted mine, but I really wanted to save one at the end of the day,” he said. “I really wanted to get it done.”
Golden Eagles senior Christian Zermeno converted his penalty kick right before McGrath’s save.
The Golden Eagles had topped Chatard 4-2 Sept. 6. This time, the Trojans held Guerin scoreless in regulation and two seven-minute overtimes.
Alvarez said the Golden Eagles said a prayer all season to have the courage to be great.
“It doesn’t mean you do great things, it means you (do) the little things to get there,” Alvarez said. “It’s about the process. We practice PKs, but these are high school boys and you never know
when they step up and take a kick what is going through their mind.”
Alvarez said that the penalty kicks were by far the most in a game he’s coached.
“I think the longest I’ve coached a game in PKs is six,” he said. “You’re just hoping either they miss or the goalie makes the save. Ryan finally made the save. It was not easy on the coaches, but it was awesome. Kudos to Chatard. They played their tails off. We probably outshot them 3-to-1 but couldn’t put them away.”
McGrath suffered a cut on his forehead after jumping up for a save and hit a pole. He briefly left in the second half while Tommy Bobay took his place.
“(Bobay) had to come in cold and he made one really good save during that time,” Alvarez said. “That’s pressure.”
Alvarez credited senior leadership for the championship.
“We’ve had good teams the last couple of years but haven’t been able to take the next step,” he said. “One thing we focused on is being a team, not a group of individuals. No matter who was out there, a freshman or sophomore, the seniors continued to push.”
Golden Eagles senior Chris Jurewicz, who didn’t play because of an injury, received the Mental Attitude Award for Class 2A boys soccer.
“I felt bad for him,” Alvarez said. “He had a hip injury and came back two weeks ago. He was playing significant minutes before (the injury). I felt bad for kids like that who couldn’t get in (the game), but he’s a great kid and he’s all about the team.”
For the season, senior Will Scheu led Guerin with 23 goals, followed by Zermeno with 19.
Guerin Catholic boys soccer team celebrates its IHSAA Class 2A state title. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
McGrath
United Way of Central Indiana, a nonprofit that addresses poverty in central Indiana, has announced it has awarded $350,000 in grants to five Hamilton County nonprofits to help meet residents’ basic needs and improve the education, financial stability and well-being of families.
The grants come from United Way’s Basic Needs and Family Opportunity Funds. The organization awards the funds twice a year – once for organizations accredited with United Way and once for nonprofits outside its accredited network. The Basic Needs Fund focuses on safe and affordable housing, healthy food access, transportation and health services. The Family Opportunity Fund supports integrated programming that serves youth and adults in the same household.
The Hamilton County nonprofits receiving grants are:
• Alternatives Inc: $50,000 Basic Needs
• Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville: $75,000 Basic Needs
• Children’s TherAplay: $50,000 Basic Needs
• PrimeLife Enrichment: $50,000 Basic Needs
• Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County: $125,000 Basic Needs
In all, United Way of Central Indiana is awarding $17.3 million in grants to 71 nonprofits across the region. This round of grant funding was open to nonprofits in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties that are accredited with United Way of Central Indiana. Funding contracts begin Jan. 1, 2026.
“Now more than ever, this funding is critical to helping our partners meet the growing and changing needs of our community,” stated Shannon Jenkins, United Way’s vice president of impact. “Nonprofits continue to face increased demand and shifting resources, and these grants help support their efforts to deliver essential services and create opportunities for the individuals and families they serve.”
COMMUNITY
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS
Noblesville superintendent discusses finances, future planning
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Schools is celebrating 100 years of the Millers and embracing continuing changes throughout the district.
Noblesville Schools
Superintendent Dan Hile touched on academic achievements, school finances, construction and future plans during his State of the Schools address Nov. 4 in the newly expanded academic wing of Noblesville High School.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Hile recognized the support Noblesville Schools receives from community partners and organizations.
“(The Noblesville Rotary Club) has donated (more than) $16,000 over the last few years to our Noblesville High School Robotics Team, and this is just one example,” Hile said. “We have so many partners who support our students, including workforce development, career fairs, internships and many social support services as well.”
Hile also recognized the partnerships that assist with student mental health. The district has partnerships with the City of Noblesville, Aspire Indiana Health and Community Health Network.
“Our counselors and social workers had over 25,000 individual and group sessions and lessons in our schools last year,” Hile said. “This continues to be something we take very seriously in Noblesville and will continue to serve in the years ahead.”
COMING SOON
At Hile’s 2024 State of the Schools address, he announced the creation of the Noblesville Schools Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have demonstrated service, support, accomplishments or contributions to the school community. Soon, the school will create a Hall of Fame Courtyard near the Noblesville Schools Community Center at 1775 Field Dr.
“We will be holding an official in-
duction for the eight individuals in the Class of 2025 in April, and right now, we are taking nominations on our website for the upcoming Class of 2026,” Hile said.
Noblesville Schools also is partnering with the Noblesville Preservation Alliance and the City of Noblesville to restore a historic bell that formerly sat at the Second Ward School in what is now Seminary Park.
“After doing some research, we’ve learned that the bell is likely from at least the 1850s, but it’s very possible it could even be older than that,” Hile said. “There’s a lot of working ideas going on right now with the city to give it a permanent home in Seminary Park so that our entire community has the chance to enjoy this amazing landmark.”
An athletic building also is being built at Noblesville East Middle School, as well as a new softball locker room facility at NHS. Hile said the district also is doing general maintenance at schools, such as updating air handler units at NHS.
FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES
Because of the state’s new property tax law, Senate Enrolled Act 1, Hile said the district is facing a challenging financial climate.
“At Noblesville Schools, this will have an impact of several million dollars to our annual budget in the wrong direction, just because of the way that the property tax collections will change in the years ahead,” Hile said.
The district’s enrollment also is declining, he said.
“At the end of the day, our senior class is outpacing our kindergarten class,” Hile said. “In the state of Indiana, the majority of our funding that pays for teacher salaries and education comes from the student funding formula (a method for allocating educational money based on student needs). This is something we are watching very carefully, and we’re making some decisions in the district (about) how to manage that if that trend were to continue in
the years ahead.”
The district’s referendum funds expire in 2026. Hile said the community ultimately will decide whether to vote for another referendum.
“That is something that the board will have to make a decision of whether they ask the question, and then truly the decision rests with all of our taxpayers and voters right here in Noblesville Township,” Hile said. “This is a critical piece of our funding. It supports so many programs for our children and all sorts of other things, and we’re so blessed by that. But that, of course, is a financial challenge, because that does provide some uncertainty for our school corporation.”
Hile also discussed financial wins, including decreasing the tax rate for the seventh consecutive year; maintaining an AA credit rating; approving a new teacher contract; and the launch of a new financial website, noblesvilleschools.org/community/ dollars-ense-financial-information.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Hile recognized recent staff and student achievements, including Noblesville Schools School Resource Officer Jason Shonkwiler being named the Indiana SRO of the Year and being appointed by Gov. Mike Braun to serve on the Indiana Secured School Safety Board; the launch of a new awards program which honors all support staff; a staff retention rate of 92 percent; the Marching Millers performing at Ruoff Music Center; among others.
“In 1925, the Noblesville Milling Company offered the school system new athletic jerseys if (the school agreed to call themselves) the Millers,” Hile said. “That company no longer exists, and yet, here we are. We’re still the Millers 100 years later. I just wonder what (those athletes) would think if they could fast forward to today and see all the experiences that we’re giving students here at Noblesville and how we’ve grown. We do not take our community support for granted.”
Rendering of the future Hall of Fame Courtyard. (Renderings courtesy of Noblesville Schools)
ON THE COVER: Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dan Hile delivers the State of the Schools address. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Hile
Softball locker room coming to Noblesville High School.
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Spring Mill home in Carmel underwent a stunning transformation, turning two everyday spaces into a seamless blend of function, organization and timeless design.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Reimagined the layout to improve flow and maximize every inch of usable space
• Added custom cabinetry with brass hardware for a bold, elevated look
• Introduced white quartz countertops and herringbone tile flooring for a bright, refined finish
• Balanced the dark cabinetry with warm wood accents and open shelving
• Combined beauty and practicality through thoughtful storage, integrated laundry features and cohesive design details
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.
Steakhouse marks milestone
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Nesst of Noblesville, a steakhouse specializing in steaks, chops, crab cakes, burgers and Balkan fare, recently celebrated its five-year anniversary.
The restaurant at 917 Conner St. in downtown Noblesville opened Nov. 1, 2020. Owner Sladan Stanisic, a Westfield resident, said he has been in the restaurant business most of his life.
“My first restaurant job was when I was just shy of 17 years of age overseas in former Yugoslavia,” Stanisic said. “When I came to the United States in 1998, I went straight into the restaurant business, and that’s all I’ve done. My dream was always to have my own restaurant. That’s what led to me opening The Nesst.”
Because the restaurant opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanisic said the last five years have been challenging yet rewarding.
“I was very much aware when I was opening the restaurant that it was going to be tough, but with my wife alongside me and family members and friends,
we slowly started overcoming those challenges,” Stanisic said. “Obviously, the Noblesville community was a huge help, because without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
Stanisic looks forward to what’s ahead for The Nesst.
“Over the last two months, we have been brainstorming and working on the menu, so we can hopefully find a way to offer even better value to our consumers, so they are able to visit us more often,” Stanisic said.
For more, visit thenesstofnoblesville. com.
The Nesst of Noblesville at 917 Conner St. in downtown Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Sladan Stanisic)
Noblesville resident makes acting debut in CCP play
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gregory Roberts was seeking to complete a bucket list item.
“I turned 50 in February,” Roberts said. “I’ve had a list in my head of things I was either too lazy, too busy or too broke to pursue. Community theater was at the top of the list, and right beneath that was playing Centre Court at Wimbledon. I found that to be infinitely more difficult.”
The Noblesville resident makes his acting debut in Carmel Community Players’ production of “Four Weddings and an Elvis,” which runs Nov. 14-26 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. Roberts plays Fist, a felon.
“I feel like everyone here seems like a seasoned actor,” Roberts said. “I’m just trying to keep up and not be a weak link. I found everyone here is really supportive, especially (director) Nicole (Amsler), who has given me a lot of autonomy to figure out this character on my own, doing a little ad-libbing and a little improv. She has been supportive of the changes I’ve made. That has put me at ease. Memorizing the lines has come easier to me.”
Roberts has found a niche.
“This has been the most fun I’ve had in my life,” he said. “I wish I had done this 25 years ago.”
Amsler pitched the script of “Four Weddings and an Elvis” to Carmel Community Players. The plot centers on Sandy, who owns a wedding chapel in Las Vegas.
“There are four different weddings that take place over time, and the last one brings everyone back together,” Amsler said. “The first vignette is about a revenge marriage. The second one is about Hollywood has-beens that do a publicity stunt. The third is
about an ex-con marrying a mild-mannered postal worker and her ex-con boyfriend shows up, trying to break the marriage up. Elvis does make a surprising cameo.”
Amsler said she has worked with some of the cast before and some are good friends.
Veronique Duprey, an Indianapolis resident, plays Sandy.
“The challenge is I’m pretty much always on stage, so it’s a little bit demanding,” she said. “It’s a fun role. Sandy is a little bit quirky, a little bit sarcastic. But really, she is a romantic at heart and hopes she sees true love unfold in front of her.”
Duprey said she wasn’t familiar with the play but enjoyed the script.
“I thought it was really funny,” she said. “Sometimes, comedies in theater are not my style, but I thought this was clever, funny and really sweet.”
Duprey’s daughter, Audrey, also is in the play. They were in a play together when Audrey was younger.
Kelly Melcho, an Indianapolis resident, plays an ex-con, Fiona.
“She is so much fun,” Melcho said. “She shows many faces. As soon as she arrives, she shows this tough exterior. She has this, ‘Don’t mess with me’ attitude, and as soon as she sees her fiancé, it’s, ‘Hey, baby.’ She is enraptured with him, but you find later how insecure she is and how defensive she is of him and their relationship. She is trying really hard not to swear and trying to improve herself.”
The show is Melcho’s first with Carmel Community Players.
Jacob Bradford, an Alexandria resident, also is making his CCP debut, playing her fiancé.
“What I like about this role is you see growth in him,” he said. “I play this mild-mannered guy who learns to stand up for himself and stand up for his wife in a respectful way. It’s cool to watch him grow.”
Bradford, 34, has been acting since he was 10 years old.
“I’ve been trying to find new theater groups and actors to work with,” he said.
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘TOOTSIE’
“Tootsie” runs through Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Now That’s Funny: A Comedy Night” is set for Nov. 13, followed by “Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” Nov. 14, and “Dueling Pianos” Nov. 15 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘FOUR WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS’
Carmel Community Players presents “Four Weddings and an Elvis” Nov. 14-23 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘RIGOLETTO’
Indianapolis Opera’s presentation of “Rigoletto” is set for Nov. 14-16 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indyopera.org.
SAMARA JOY
Samara Joy will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
AN EVENING WITH JOHN LEGEND
John Legend’s “Get Lifted” 20th anniversary tour will stop at the Fishers Event Center at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
HENDRICKS LIVE!
Hendricks Live! presents “Rumors ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute” at 8 p.m. Nov. 14; and Love Dawn 2025 SF9 Live Fantasy #5 is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
The cast of Carmel Community Players’ production of “Four Weddings and an Elvis.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Roberts
ENTERTAINMENT
Vocalist set for series
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jessica Hawkins loves the uniqueness of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s Mélange Series.
The series features a vocalist, dancer and visual artist simultaneously creating art. Hawkins, a vocalist and Fishers resident, will make her debut in the series with performances at 5 p.m. Nov. 15 and 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at The Florence at the Academy of GHDT in Carmel.
sual artist.
Hawkins said she has sung in cabarets before, but most of those performances consisted of three to five songs with other acts in between hers.
“What I am most looking forward to with the Mélange performances is seeing how the collaboration of the three different art forms come together,” Hawkins said. “I have seen some of the past Mélange Series, and each one is so unique. Each artist, and combination of artists, will create a different tapestry of sight, sound and movement. It is intimidating to not know the exact result but also very exciting.”
Vivien Mickels, a Noblesville High School graduate who lives in Lapel, is the dancer and Mayra Espino is the vi-
“This is quite a challenge for me to create a 60-minute program with a good mix of songs and dialogue between the numbers,” she said. “My decision-making skills have certainly been getting a workout. Having a dancer and visual artist to equally bring the audience into this experience is also a new and thrilling treat for me. “
Hawkins said the dancer and artist won’t know her musical selections before they hear them during the first performance.
“I certainly tried to pick songs that would be danceable with varying styles and tempos, as well as songs that together would make a cohesive theme,” Hawkins said. “I have incredible respect for artists that can perform any kind of improvised art.
“For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Hawkins
Joy to make Carmel debut
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Samara Joy has sung her entire life. However, she wasn’t exposed to jazz in a meaningful way until college.
“In high school, I sang a couple of (jazz) songs, but I wasn’t really interested in the tradition,” said Joy, who graduated from State University of New York’s Purchase College. “I wasn’t immersed in it as much. In college is where I pretty much heard Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald for the first time and really listened to Betty Carter, Carmen McRae and Abbey Lincoln.”
Joy quickly embraced making her own interpretations of jazz standards and her star rose quickly. She will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Joy, 26, won five Grammy Awards by age 25. She won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2023 and Best Jazz Artist in 2023 and 2025. She won Grammys for Best Jazz Performance in 2024 and 2025.
of things that I’ve been working on for the most recent album as well as new arrangements that haven’t been recorded quite yet,” Joy said. “I think as a performing artist, I find the most joy in not only finding new ways to make older material sound fresh for a new audience but also trying out completely new songs and seeing how they kind of land with different people. So, I’m excited for that opportunity.”
Samara Joy will perform at the 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the the Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of AB+DM)
Texter’s “Then again...”
Stockpile
Timber wolf 14. Prefix for “call” or “cop”
15. Portillo’s hot dog topper
16. Mideast ruler
17. Powered up
19. “Puppy Love” singer
20. Its clue is: “Estimate phrase”
21. Colts QB who helped the team score on their first 10 possessions of the season (see 38-Across)
23. Indianapolis Indians
pitching stat
24. Brief excursion
26. Catch some rays
28. Yank’s Civil War foe
29. Humdinger
33. Geist quacker
34. Word of warning
36. Tiny
37. Kuaba Gallery display
38. “Keeping up with the ___”...and a hint to the surnames of 21- and 50-Across
39. Pacers org.
40. X-ray alternative
41. Hole for a shoelace
42. “Hamilton” role
43. Vonnegut’s “Jailbird,” e.g.
45. HS proficiency test
46. California wine valley
47. Tummy trouble
49. Participated in the Mini-Marathon
50. Colts CB named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week last season (see 38-Across)
53. Watch sound
57. Black-and-white cookie
58. Cruise ship
61. Chess piece
62. Indiana Ballet Conservatory skirts
63. Sports org. with headquarters in White River State Park
64. Simple
65. Online cash-back deal
66. Clothing DOWN
1. Estimate phrase
2. Arcadia, Atlanta or Cicero
3. Off-Broadway award
4. Share a workspace, in modern lingo
5. Inverted “e”
6. Not now
7. Help
8. ___-mo
9. Vishnu worshiper
10. Crude shelter
11. Downtown Indy hotel: ___ Severin
12. Monon Trail transport
13. Spoken
18. Wine bottle plug
22. South American mountains
24. Reis, Nichols or Aronstam, e.g.
25. Humbled
26. Donkey
27. Tarkington play part
28. Break a promise
30. Confess
31. Indy Zoo striped beast
32. Twelve months
33. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a ___.”
34. Young fella
35. No longer working (Abbr.)
38. MCL’s jiggly dessert
42. Money business
44. Graveside words
46. Salt, to a chemist
48. Slang for a $100 bill
49. Washer cycle
50. It might begin: “Knock knock”
51. Indianapolis Opera solo
52. Cravings
53. High-strung
54. Empire that built Machu Picchu
55. Close
56. Snatch
59. Wrigley Field player
60. IND flight info
ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
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