Comprehensive plan moving forward
Page 2
Whitestown man charged in shooting
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Two homes earn Century Structure designation
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BUILDING COMMUNITY
Page 11 Marching Eagles soar to State Championship Pages 16-23 Shops gear up for small business weekend
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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 35
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Opinions
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I know, I know. I always overeat when I’m nervous.
Comprehensive plan moving forward
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville’s updated comprehensive plan remains in draft form as town officials and contractor HWC Engineering continue to make tweaks based on feedback from the public.
HWC Engineering Community Planner Adam Peaper presented the draft to the Zionsville Plan Commission Nov. 17. The draft is the result of 18 months of data collection from a steering committee, focus groups, multiple open houses, stakeholder meetings, an online survey and a public presentation earlier this month. If adopted by the Zionsville Town Council, the plan would serve as a guide for Zionsville’s future.
“The purpose and intent of the comprehensive plan is to provide a longrange guide for both development, but also preservation and broader community investment within the town,” Peaper said. “It’s used by (the town) as you are tasked with making decisions regarding future development. But we also see it as an important tool for property owners to understand the future of the community (and) making decisions about transportation, utility and other community investments.”
Peaper said the input recognized the need to diversify the town’s tax base while finding appropriate areas for commercial development, industrial development and housing.
“We have tried to balance a number of diverse viewpoints and diverse interests through this process,” he said. “Ultimately, this translates to maintaining, pursuing and then maintaining, ultimately, a long-term balanced development mix.”
During a public hearing Nov. 17, several residents commented on the draft.
Ed Kiernan, a 48-year resident of Zionsville, expressed concerns over maintaining the town’s Tree City designation, particularly in travel areas like Starkey Road.
“Zionsville is unique because we pay
attention to nature,” he said. “We care about the wetlands; we care about the animals; and we care about the trees. (Starkey Avenue) can never be more than a two-lane highway and make it make sense. (Zionsville) needs to protect its uniqueness, not destroy it. Some of those trees are 20, 40 feet tall. It’s oldgrowth trees. And I take it personally, because some of them are as old as I am. And that’s saying something.”
Greg Holbrook, a resident of rural Zionsville, said he was concerned with a proposed office and innovation district on 1100 E.
“I get office and innovation on Ind 32. I get office and innovation on Michigan Road. I don’t get office and innovation on 1100 E.,” he said. “I know it’s a zoning classification, and this isn’t zoning, but something to recommend would be something like Ag Equestrian. That would be something that people could develop it into. That would be, I think, compatible with the airport, and it would be compatible with the existing neighbors.”
Julia Schultz, a resident of the Traders Point Rural Historic District, said she is concerned about rapid growth.
“I’m really disappointed in that this growth is on such a fast pace and it is changing the face of Zionsville,” she
said. “I’m not opposed to growth — I am opposed to growth that changes the face of the town. This is really a unique town. It is an amazing town. (We) keep hearing this is the future, this is what’s coming. It isn’t coming unless we allow it. We make the decisions here. We should be listening to the people that are paying the taxes. Not people that don’t live here, that have inherited properties and want big developers just to come in and change it.”
According to Peaper, state law requires a comprehensive plan to include a statement of objectives for future development, a statement of policy for land use development and a statement of policy for the development of public ways, lands and utilities.
“We certainly think this plan meets those minimum requirements,” he said. “Beyond that, the comprehensive plan is prerequisite to the zoning ordinance and should be used to inform zoning subdivision control and other development regulations.”
The draft will return to the plan commission Dec. 15. The final draft is expected to be forwarded to the Zionsville Town Council for consideration in the first quarter of 2026.
To view the draft plan, visit uniquelyzionsville.com.
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
The Town of Zionsville is near the end of an 18-month process to update its comprehensive plan. (File photo)
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UsedCookingOilCollection
Happy Thanksgiving from TriCo Regional Sewer District
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH • 10AM-2PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH • 10AM-2PM 7236 MAYFLOWER PARK DR., ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077
Don’t Let Your Turkey Oil Go Down the Drain — Recycle It Instead!
If your Thanksgiving plans include deep-frying a turkey, you’re in for a crispy, golden treat — and several gallons of leftover oil once the feast is finished. But before you think about pouring it down the drain, stop! Used cooking oil can harden and clog your pipes, leading to messy backups and expensive plumbing repairs.
between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29 at TriCo’s Water Reclamation Facility, 7236 Mayflower Park Drive in Zionsville. The event is free for all residential customers.
Whitestown man charged in shooting death
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
Thankfully, there’s a simple and environmentally friendly way to handle it. TriCo Regional Sewer Utility is offering a free collection event so you can safely recycle your used cooking oil and keep your plumbing — and local waterways — in great shape.
You can drop off your oil
TriCo will accept cooking oils such as canola, corn, olive, peanut, sesame, sunflower, and vegetable oil. Please note that motor oil, transmission fluid, or any other automotive or synthetic oils will not be accepted.
By recycling your used cooking oil, you’re helping prevent costly sewer blockages and keeping local waterways clean. It’s an easy, responsible way to wrap up your Thanksgiving celebration — and your pipes will thank you for it!
Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood announced Nov. 17 that Curt Andersen, 62, of Whitestown has been charged with one count of voluntary manslaughter in the Nov. 5 shooting death of María Florinda Ríos Pérez De Velásquez. She was killed when Andersen allegedly fired a single shot though the front door at his home on Maize Lane in Whitestown.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Andersen told Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department investigators that he had awoken to “a commotion” at his front door and believed someone was trying to enter the home. Andersen said after seeing people on his front porch, he retrieved his 9 mm handgun from a lockbox and fired a shot at the door from the stairs. According to the document, Andersen “didn’t announce himself or say anything to the two individuals prior to firing the round.”
Andersen called 911 after firing the shot.
According to court documents, Velásquez and her husband, Mauricio Pérez-Velásquez, were employed by A&A Quality Cleaning, LLC, and had arrived at the wrong home to perform cleaning services. The couple were supposed to clean a model home in the neighboring Windswept Farms subdivision.
Mauricio Pérez-Velásquez told investigators they did not use any force to enter the home or bang on the door, but
his wife tried for 30 seconds to one minute to use keys provided by the cleaning agency to open the door. According to the probable cause affidavit, “investigators confirmed that the front door was locked at the deadbolt and the handle, and there was no sign of forced entry.”
Eastwood said the case does not fall under the legal protections of Indiana’s Stand Your Ground law. According to the law, a person is justified in using reasonable force — including deadly force — against any other person and does not have the duty to retreat “if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person’s unlawful entry of/or attack on the person’s dwelling.”
Eastwood said the law did not apply in the Nov. 5 incident because Andersen did not have enough information to make such a determination.
“It is our contention that (Andersen) did not have a reasonable belief that (this) type of force was necessary,” he said.
Eastwood also addressed rumors on social media that Andersen is a current or former member of law enforcement.
“That is categorically and absolutely false,” he said. “Curt Andersen has no affiliation with any local police department. To our knowledge, he has never been a police officer and there is no evidence of any connection to law enforcement agencies or personnel.”
Voluntary manslaughter is a Level 2 felony. Andersen’s next court appearance is expected to be Friday.
DISPATCHES
Toy Drive — Local Menards stores are serving as toy drive drop-off sites through Dec. 15. Each store has a drop box near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped presents.
Winter market opens — The Whitestown Winter Market at the Whitestown Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr., will take place once a month from 9 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays. Vendors will offer farm goods, baked items, handmade crafts and other items, accompa-
nied by live music. Upcoming market dates are Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 7 and March 7.
Parks Foundation receives matching donations — The Zionsville Parks Foundation’s 2025 Annual Fund campaign has received two $25,000 matching gifts, which means every donation through Dec. 31 will be matched up to $50,000 to benefit Zionsville parks and green spaces and fund nature education. For more, visit zparksfoundation.org/donate.
Andersen
COMMUNITY
A historic home at 40 South Third St. is one of the newest Century Structure Program homes. From left are Ralph Stacy, Century Structure Committee, Sally Zelonis, Mike Sandy, Century Structure Committee, Mark Zelonis. (Photo courtesy of Sullivan Munce)
Two homes earn Century Structure designation
By Devon Dean news@currentzionsville.com
Two more homes in downtown Zionsville have joined the Century Structure Program, a designation offered by the SullivanMunce Cultural Center.
Constructed in the mid-1800s, the homes at 40 South Third Street and 190 West Walnut are the latest additions to the program.
SullivanMunce History Committee Chairman Mike Sandy’s property on West Pine was the first to receive the designation
“Living in an old home truly becomes a love affair over time,” Sandy said.
Zionsville has earned a reputation as a destination for historic architecture, and the SullivanMunce Center helps preserve that legacy by recognizing residential and commercial structures.
“There are 22 buildings along Main Street that are at least 100 years old,” Sandy noted. “Right now, 21 of them have received the Century Structure Designation. Each one has a plaque to display on the building.”
Sandy estimates more than 300 homes across Zionsville could qualify for the program but stressed that receiving the designation doesn’t restrict interior renovations.
“Some of these 100-year-old homes have completely transformed inside,” he said. “Many originally had eight or nine tiny rooms, but today, people prefer open layouts. Interiors are just going to change naturally over time as electrical systems evolve and homeowner tastes change.”
He noted the example of a Greek Revival home.
This Week’s Market Magic!
“That doesn’t mean the house has to look exactly as it did the day it was built,” he said. “Homes are almost like living things and they evolve as times and needs change. Additions and modifications are part of that story. The key is the home should still feel and look much like it did originally.”
Part of the fun, Sandy said, is uncovering a home’s hidden history during the designation process.
“I love it when homeowners discover surprises like a horse trough in the attic. Why was that there? We have at least three homes in the village with them,” he said. “In one case, contractors replacing a rotted floor found a 60-foot-deep hole filled with corn cobs. Others have found photos of cows grazing in their front yards or even shoes in the walls, which was a superstition once thought to bring good luck to the family in the home.”
Today, 62 homes and commercial buildings in the Village hold the Century Structure Designation, with 12 more in progress thanks to SullivanMunce volunteers. Homeowners can research their property history independently, work with assistance, or have the center manage the process from start to finish. Homeowners wanting to participate can apply for one of two designations: the Century Structure Designation for homes at least 100 years old or the Heritage Home Designation for those 75 years or older. Both programs recognize and encourage preservation efforts that retain the Village’s historic charm. Anyone interested in pursuing a designation can find more details on the SullivanMunce website, sullivanmunce.org.
The Market will be open November 26 and 28-30, closed November 27 for Thanksgiving. Free to attend, free parking, no tickets required.
Werkstatt (Workshop)
Meet our German artisans while they work!
• Nov. 26-30, Maria von Mücke, Hand Carved & Painted “Jumping Jacks”
Kinderecke (Kids Corner)
Enjoy crafts for all ages!
• Nov. 26, Fabric Tree Ornaments
• Nov. 28, Lebkuchen Heart Necklaces
• Nov. 29-30, Snowman Advent Calendars
Spielhaus (Play House)
Meet-and-greets and magical shows.
• Nov. 26, 6-9 p.m., Market Magic Show
• Nov. 29, 12-5 p.m., Roz Puppets
• Nov. 30, 12-6 p.m., Santa Sundays
Winter Pavilion
Experience authentic German entertainment.
• Nov. 28, 7-9 p.m., Jennie DeVoe
• Nov. 29, 7-8:45 p.m., Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans
Special Events
• Nov. 26, 4-6 p.m., Sankt Martinstag
November 22 - December 24
L Plan your visit today. Scan to view the full schedule.
CARME
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Jessica P., patient
Christmas in the Village kicks off
By Devon Dean news@currentzionsville.com
Christmas in the Village returns to Zionsville the weekend after Thanksgiving. The annual parade and tree lighting to usher in Santa Claus’ residency will take place beginning at 5 p.m. Nov. 29.
“Events like these are really kind of built around enhancing visitor experiences to downtown Zionsville,” Zionsville Chamber Assistant Director Chris Woolridge said. “We want people to experience the charm and the Hallmark-like features the town has to offer.”
Thanksgiving weekend also includes Small Business Saturday, a nationwide event encouraging people to shop local and help keep revenue in Zionsville.
Other notable events in December include the return of Santa Selfies, Ladies’ Night and the Christmas Crawl. Officials also added village carriage tours every weekend in December.
“Riders can download an app and lis-
ten to the stories behind the businesses and homes that make up historic downtown Zionsville,” Chamber Executive Director Mike Hanlon said.
Both Hanlon and Woolridge said they could not present a monthlong celebration without local businesses stepping up.
“Our relationship is paramount when we do these events. The chamber is a team of two,” Woolridge said. “The Christmas in the Village committee is made up entirely of business owners, which is who we serve at the chamber.
It really does take a village in this case.”
Christmas in the Village runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. The parade on Nov. 29 kicks off at Eagle Elementary School and ends near Old National Bank on Main Street, with the tree lighting at the corner of Pine and Main to immediately follow.
Street parking is available throughout downtown Zionsville, but Woolridge advises parade attendees to arrive early and dress for cold weather.
MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS
In addition to the Christmas in the Village celebration, Zionsville holiday events include:
• Santa House Selfies: Get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the corner of Cedar and Main from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21
• Ladies’ Night: Women are invited to dine and shop from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 in downtown Zionsville and partake in local sales.
• The Christmas Crawl: A social and culinary event for 21 and older, set for 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18. Participants are invited to dress up in their most outrageous holiday finery for an “Ugly Sweater” competition at 8 p.m. at select locations throughout the Village. For more, visit zionsvillechamber.org/christmas-in-the-village.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive for Christmas in the Village in Zionsville.
(Photo courtesy of the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce)
SCouncil reviews stormwater management
By Devon Dean news@currentzionsville.com
Zionsville’s stormwater infrastructure maintenance cost just under $1 million a year, and the town has started to explore ways to cover state-mandated costs. One potential consideration by a yet-to-be-formed stormwater board is a new fee dedicated to stormwater management.
During a presentation at the Nov. 17 Zionsville Town Council meeting, Zionsville Department of Public Works Director Lance Lantz said it costs about $943,000 annually for the town to keep up with Indiana’s mandated “Minimum Control Measures,” which include creek and pond cleanup, construction-site inspections and public education.
The program is funded through the town’s portion of the motor vehicle highway fund, fees and fines, and local property taxes.
“Earlier this year, you had funded a study at the request of the mayor, where we engaged Christopher Burke to develop a possible scenario on what a user-based fee utility would look like,” Lantz said, noting that it could be a flat fee, a per-acre fee or a fee based on impervious surface area. “This is a very common revenue source in the state of Indiana. There are 120 cities, towns and counties (that use it) and across the board, it’s about a $6.51 per month fee.”
Lantz said a dedicated utility fee could free the $943,000 in annual stormwater expenses from the property-tax levy, and that tax money could then pay for other services, such as public safety employees or road improvements.
That kind of change is still in the exploratory stages.
“The next step would be that the mayor, working with this board, would appoint a stormwater utility board,” Lantz said. “That board would then take several months to take testimony from staff, considerations, needs and review things. … Part of the job of that board would be to determine a justified fee.”
Lantz said any fee, if one is proposed, would require a public hearing and would come before the council for a final review and vote.
Leila Kheiry contributed to this report.
COMMUNITY
ZCHS Marching Eagles soar to state championship
By Devon Dean news@currentzionsville.com
The Zionsville Community High School Band recently performed on one of the largest stages in the state. After winning the Indiana State School Music Association Scholastic Class A Championship Oct. 25, the Marching Eagles helped open the Nov. 8 Open Class Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium before a packed house.
For Band Director Tom Landrum, the Oct. 25 victory and the special recognition Nov. 8 mark the culmination of a collective effort to craft a captivating field show.
“It was an incredible feeling for everyone involved,” said Landrum, who praised the hard work of students, staff and parent volunteers. “These students put in a lot of hours and hard work to be the best they could be.”
The theme of this year’s field show centered on how today’s lives are in constant motion. Titled “Divergent,” Landrum explained that his interpretation of the word is, “how life can go in many different directions, sometimes all at once.”
The show featured an eye-catching visual element: Nine 12-foot spinning arrows to symbolize the change of direction throughout the show.
“Color guard members would rotate the arrows to different directions and then move the arrows to different places on the field throughout the show,” he said. “The arrows indicate to the audience we’re going up, we’re going down, we’re going to the right, we’re going to the left – all different directions – and the drill charts showcase
that movement.”
Landrum said every detail of the field show was planned to keep the theme front and center, right down to the color scheme.
“On a color wheel, yellow gold is opposite purple,” he said. “So, our uniforms were based on those colors. The arrows were based on those colors, as well as the flags for the color guard.”
Even the music itself wove a story of movement in many different directions, with pieces by Bach interspersed with the legendary “Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield, made famous in the film “The Exorcist,” mixed with Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” and Diana Ross’ disco classic, “Upside Down.”
The band and color guard performers spent months rehearsing and working through the intricacies of the eight-minute performance.
“During those eight minutes, the students are seldom standing still,” Landrum said. “Even when they are standing in one place, they’re still moving with some type of choreography.”
The ZCHS band previously took top honors in 2016 and finished in the top three of the Scholastic A division multiple times over the last decade. ISSMA divides bands into six divisions – Scholastic A and B, and Open Class A through D – based on school size and the number of performers. Scholastic Class B Champions Wawasee High School also performed at Lucas Oil Stadium ahead of the Open Class Finals.
Landrum expressed gratitude to the school system, which funded a trailer to help the band move its equipment with ease throughout the competition season.
Zionsville Marching Eagles perform Nov. 8 at Lucas Oil. (Photo courtesy Tom Landrum)
HOLIDAY FILM SCREENING & WHITE CHRISTMAS ARTIFACT DISPLAY THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SAMANTHA FISH, CEDRIC BURNSIDE AND JON SPENCER: SHAKE ‘EM ON DOWN TOUR WED, DEC 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS: A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JEROME COLLINS: REWINDA JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
CHRIS THILE FRI, APR 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
SNARKY PUPPY: SOMNI TOUR 2026 SAT, APR 25 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS
DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN
LET’S SING TAYLOR: AN UNOFFICIAL LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW SAT JAN 17 AT 2PM & 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NEKO CASE: NEON GREY MIDNIGHT GREEN TOUR THU, JAN 22 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL
MAR 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JOSHUA HENRY: GET UP STAND UP FRI, MAR 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS WORLD TOUR FEATURING SONGS OF ENIGMA
AN EVENING WITH JAKE SHIMABUKURO FRI, MAY 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS: THE NUMBER ONE TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY, PERKINS, LEWIS AND CASH THU, MAR 19 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET
FEB 14 AT 8PM |
& MENCIAS PALLADIUM DIRECT FROM ROME: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS SUN, MAR 29 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ILLUSIONIST RICK THOMAS SAT, APR 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
COMMUNITY
ZIONSVILLE DECEMBER EVENTS
LADIES NIGHT
An evening of shopping and dining is scheduled for 5 to 9 pm. Dec. 11 in the Village. Participating businesses will have “Ladies Night Specials.”
CHRISTMAS CRAWL
The annual Christmas in the Village Christmas Crawl is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18, geared toward shoppers 21 and older. Participating businesses will have seasonal specials, and an ugly sweater contest is planned for 8 p.m.
TOY DRIVE
The Whitestown Fire Department invites the community to join in its Operation Toy Drive, running through Dec. 14. To help, residents can donate new, unwrapped toys costing less than $50 each for toddlers through preteens; or gift cards from Meijer, Walmart or Amazon. Donations can be dropped off at Whitestown Fire Station 271, 2965 S. 575 E.; Whitestown Fire Station 272, 6800 S. Indianapolis Rd.; Whitestown Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr.; Lowe’s Home Improvement, 6711 Whitestown Pkwy, Zionsville; and select town events — the Winter Market, Merry at Main and Santa’s Workshop.
LUMINARY WALK
Zionsville Parks and Recreation has scheduled a luminary walk for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Creekside Nature Park, 11001 E. Sycamore St. Walkers — including the four-legged variety — are invited to experience a winter walk by candlelight.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Christmas in the Park returns to Zionsville, set for 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Elm Street Green, 165 N. Elm St. Par-
ticipants 12 and younger can complete Elf Boot Camp missions and become one of Santa’s elves, attend Elf Academy and learn about animals in winter with the Zionsville Nature Center, enjoy a campfire treat, visit with Santa and his reindeer, and other seasonal activities. Registration is required. For more, visit zionsville-in.gov/726/Parks-Recreation.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Santa’s Workshop at Whitestown’s Main Street Park, 4286 S Main St., will be open Saturdays, Dec. 6 through Dec. 20. Special holiday guests, including Santa, will change each week.
WINTER MARKET
Whitestown Parks and Recreation will host winter markets throughout the win ter months at the Whitestown Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr., including one set for 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 13.
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
• Zionsville Town Council: 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 15 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Board of Zoning Appeals: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Parks Board: 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Safety Board: 8 a.m. Dec. 15 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Plan Commission: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Redevelopment Commission: 9 a.m. Dec. 16 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Community Development Corp.: 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at Zionsville Town Hall
• Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees: 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the central office board room, 900 Mulberry St.
DISPATCHES
Holiday drive for Riley Cheer Guild — Worthington Design & Remodeling is collecting new, unwrapped donations for the Riley Cheer Guild at Riley Children’s Hospital. The Riley Cheer Guild provides comfort items, toys and activities to children and families at the hospital. Donations of small toys, art supplies and games for all ages are accepted Dec. 1–12 at the Worthington showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr., Suite 100, Carmel, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Food, candy, latex and handmade items cannot be accepted. Full guidelines are at RileyCheerGuild.org. For more, contact Worthington at 317-846-2600.
FriendsGiving to benefit foster kids
— Indiana-based nonprofit Foster Success has launched its annual FriendsGiving awareness and fundraising campaign. To support Indiana teens and young adults transitioning out of foster care. For more, visit fostersuccess.org.
COMMUNITY
BUILDING COMMUNITY
By Marney Simon news@youarecurrent.com
When the Zionsville Town Council approved Maple Lane Club of Bradley Ridge — a mixed-use planned unit development on 181 acres on the northeast corner of U.S 421 and 200 S — it wasn’t just a rubber stamp for another residential development.
The approval paves the way for Watch Us Farm — a Zionsville-based nonprofit job training program for adults with intellectual disabilities — to grow into a campus to provide jobs, housing and a sense of community for its workers.
The PUD is developed by Henke Development Group and includes six use blocks, including the Watch Us Farm use block in the southeast corner of the development. The block concept plan includes a hub building, greenhouses, a textiles center, orchards, open fields, athletic fields and up to 24 residences.
Watch Us Farm founders Janice and David Agarwal said the campus will center on community — with availability for gatherings and events in and around the hub, the orchards and the athletic fields; a safe living environment inside the available residences; and vocational opportunities with the greenhouse, textile shop, classes and internship opportunities.
“The hub building is going to be an event center with vocational training (centered) around the food and hospitality industry,” Janice Agarwal said. “One of the biggest problems we have is employers asking what happens when something goes wrong. We want to be able to send people out and attain success right from the beginning. We know everything that can go wrong and we can fix a lot of that in training.”
Agarwal pointed to similar communities across the nation in Utah, South Carolina, California, Minnesota and Texas that provide opportunities not only for adults with intellectual disabilities, but for their families and their communities.
“You can’t do an isolated campus,” she said. “We’re very integrated. That’s where Henke came in — understanding that the (use blocks) will be
(Below) Watch Us Farm is one of six use blocks in the Maple Lane Club of Bradley Ridge development, approved Nov. 3 by the Zionsville Town Council. (Image courtesy of Henke Development Group)
intertwined.”
Henke Development Group partner Betsy Henke Garfield said the development represents a “think bigger” planning strategy to allow for something unique in Zionsville.
“This does not work on its own — it needs community,” she said. “It needs people to be there and living close to where loved ones are learning to live and work. And, most importantly, it needs services that this community has, and that’s why we know it will be very successful.”
Agarwal said families who have a child with an intellectual disability have few options when those children grow up. The Watch Us Farm model provides a community to embrace those adults
while supporting the mission to service and empower adults with intellectual disabilities to earn and keep jobs in Zionsville.
“Once we’ve developed this model, we can move it. We can have other places in Boone County. We can do Hamilton County. We can do anything in the state,” she said. “The key is that Zionsville is going to lead on this. IU Health gave us a grant for Boone County for vocational training, which means that kids coming out of high school — whether they have or don’t have any kind of intellectual disability — may be able to do vocational training. That’s such a positive thing. I’m really excited about that part because then we’re going to be working together in a group
ABOUT WATCH US FARM
Watch Us Farm launched more than 10 years ago in rural Zionsville with a hydroponic greenhouse. The greenhouse helps adults with intellectual disabilities by providing jobs that run the gamut of operating a greenhouse — growing, sorting and selling produce; and cleaning up and operating machinery.
Founders Janice and David Agarwal have an adult son with intellectual dis-
abilities. The couple was inspired to begin the organization to support families like their own by providing not just job training, but paying jobs that provide a service. Besides the greenhouse, the organization has a textile workshop where workers learn to create handwoven blankets, shawls, table runners, placemats, rugs and greeting cards.
Learn more at watchusfarm.com.
and it doesn’t make a difference whether you have a disability or not. What makes it special is … we’re going to start taking the stigma and the stereotype away.”
Agarwal said the residences will each house two to three people living independently with skills learned through Watch Us Farm programs.
“People need to learn how to be more independent, how to have the skill set. And you only learn that by doing it,” she said.
Agarwal said the expanded campus also fills a gap for families that isn’t often recognized — meeting the needs of other family members.
“I always talk about siblings,” she said. “We need to have fun activities so they can come out and see that there are other kids in the same situation they are. And for a family, that’s a big deal. At our (events) we have families come out and the mom is just crying and saying thank you, not because of what we did for the kid with a disability, but because of how much fun the siblings had.”
Ultimately, Agarwal said Watch Us Farm is designed to create successful outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. She said the organization teaches job skills and interpersonal skills that ultimately help workers find success both personally and professionally.
David Agarwal said workers and the organization benefits from additional opportunities for the adults who participate in Watch Us Farm programming.
“As we’re getting better at developing these service lines, we’ll still always be donor-supported, but we’re actually getting revenue neutral,” he said. “There were a couple weeks over the summer that our greenhouse production actually covered our salary, and from a treasurer’s point of view, that was very cool. It was very neat to see.”
The organization is planning a capital campaign to support the new campus. Watch Us Farm expects to break ground on the hub by summer 2026, possibly earlier on the greenhouses.
ON THE COVER: Watch Us Farm in Zionsville is expanding services for adults with intellectual disabilities. (File photo)
Watch Us Farm plans new campus in Zionsville
(Above) Watch Us Farm founder Janice Agarwal with some of the textiles created by adults with intellectual disabilities. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Local shops gear up for Small Business Weekend
By Devon Dean news@currentzionsville.com
Thanksgiving weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the hectic holiday shopping season, with many global retailers relying on the days leading up to and directly after Thanksgiving for a significant share of their annual revenue.
For Zionsville, it’s also a chance to shine a spotlight on locally owned businesses. Zionsville is once again hosting Small Business Weekend Nov. 28–30, with shops open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Moody’s Butcher Shop at 20 East Cedar St. has long been a go-to butcher shop and small grocery in the community.
“Small Business Saturday really reminded us why we love what we do at Moody’s,” said Jennifer Imes, director of marketing. “It’s not just about supporting our own local butcher shop — it’s also about celebrating the incredible small food businesses we partner with across the state.”
Imes noted that Moody’s selection of locally crafted seasonings, sauces, breads, desserts and more is a major
part of what makes the shop special.
“Days like this help shine a light on how much these small businesses mean to us and to our community as a whole,” she said.
Moody’s is running a special on gift cards for Small Business Saturday.
“We are doing a buy $100, get $20 gift card offer, both in-store and on e-gift cards,” said Marketing Coordinator Ri-
ley Fenoglio. “We also have our regular weekly promos running that weekend.” Fenoglio emphasized how meaningful the weekend will be for both businesses and shoppers. “Supporting your local economy and putting your dollars back into your own community, you can really make a difference,” she said.
“Participating in things like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday lets us give customers a break, whether that’s cost savings or extra perks for choosing us instead of larger corporations.”
Just a couple of blocks down the street is My Sugar Pie at 40 E. Pine. Owner Kelly Maucere said the shop will offer a sweet Small Business Saturday deal: buy one slice of pie, get a second half off. Shoppers can choose from a wide selection.
“We have over 50 different kinds of pies, but we’re trying a seasonal menu to test new flavors for this time of year,” Maucere said. “For Christmas, we’re doing an apple cranberry pie, and we also have chippy pumpkin pie, which is like a pumpkin pie with a fresh whipped
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Quinn Bensi Jaime McKeever Alicyn Robb Wendy Schulte
Moody’s Butcher Shop offers locally cured meats and more. (Photo courtesy of Moody’s Butcher Shop)
HOLIDAY FILM SCREENING & WHITE CHRISTMAS ARTIFACT DISPLAY THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SAMANTHA FISH, CEDRIC BURNSIDE AND JON SPENCER: SHAKE ‘EM ON DOWN TOUR WED, DEC 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS FRI, DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LET’S SING TAYLOR: AN UNOFFICIAL LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW SAT JAN 17 AT 2PM & 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NEKO CASE: NEON GREY MIDNIGHT GREEN TOUR THU, JAN 22 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL SAT, JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS: A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JEROME COLLINS: REWINDA JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JOSHUA HENRY: GET UP STAND UP FRI, MAR 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS WORLD TOUR FEATURING SONGS OF ENIGMA SAT, MAR 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS: THE NUMBER ONE TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY, PERKINS, LEWIS AND CASH THU, MAR 19 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET FRI, MAR 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FROM ROME: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS
AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ILLUSIONIST RICK THOMAS SAT, APR 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CHRIS THILE FRI, APR 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN FRI, APR 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SNARKY PUPPY: SOMNI TOUR 2026 SAT, APR 25 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE SAT, MAY 2 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH JAKE SHIMABUKURO FRI, MAY 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
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cream edge and chocolate chips mixed into the filling and sprinkled on top.”
Maucere added that this year has been especially challenging for small businesses in the Village as surrounding communities continue to grow.
“Whitestown is growing. Westfield is growing. Carmel is always growing, and we’ve kind of stayed the same,” she said. “Which is charming. People can come down to our little village and find unique boutiques and small businesses you can’t find anywhere else. Take my shop, for example — it’s the only loca tion we have.”
Zionsville Chamber officials say the goal of Small Business Weekend is to encourage the community to support their neighbors who own and operate Village businesses.
“We really embrace our individuality, especially compared to big department stores and large chains,” Maucere said. “We have all these parks where families can gather and do things with their kids, whether it’s softball, baseball or soccer. Just whatever brings people together. The more businesses that are open and the more people who come to downtown Zionsville, the better it is for all of us.”
More information on Small Business Weekend is available on the Zionsville Chamber website at zionsvillechamber. org/small-business-weekend.
MORE ZIONSVILLE OPTIONS
• Scenthound, 61 Boone Village, 317559-3556, scenthound.com
• Kern Brothers Shoes, 57 Boone Village Center, 317-873-5756, face book.com/kernbrosshoes
hardware.com/store-details/18525
• CBD Advantage, 213 S. Main St., 317-344-2987
• Arched Studio, 260 S. 1st St., Suite 10, 317-514-7292, archedstudioinc. com
• Art IN Hand Gallery, 211 S. Main St., 317-733-8426, artinhandgallery.com
• Baker’s House, 365 S. Main St., 463348-2299, zionsvillesourdoughsupply.com
• Black Dog Books, 115 S. Main St., 317-733-1747, BlackDogBooksIN. com
• Blossom Yoga + Pilates, 30 S. Elm St., bloominglifeyoga.com
• Blooms by Dragonfly, 176 S. Main St., 317-973-1788, bloomsbydragonfly. com
• Brick Street Bridal, 40 N. Main St., 317-344-0116, brickstreetbridal.com
• CV Art and Frame, 110 S. Main St., 317-873-2976, cvartandframe.com
• Duo Boutique, 150 S. Main St., 317873-9999, duo.boutique
• E-Boom Electric Bicycles, 47 S. Main St., 317-340-4156, eboomelectricbikes.com
• Frances + Parke, 98 S. Main St., 317-
• Schakolad Chocolate Factory, 53 Boone Village, 317-872-9000, Schakoladindianapolis.com
• Great Lakes Ace Hardware, 25 Boone Village Center, 317-873-5255, ace-
grass-fed whey protein, coconut but ter, almond milk, cacao nibs, raw cacao and banana. It offers a nutritious option for shoppers looking to refuel during Small Business Saturday.
PURE GREEN FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE
My Sugar Pie in downtown Zionsville is offering special pies during the holiday season (Photo courtesy of My Sugar Pie)
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Holiday rinks are open
Residents have several local winter skating experiences to choose from
news@youarecurrent.com
The 2025 holiday season is officially here, with outdoor ice rinks in Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield now open for skating. From the immersive German market atmosphere at Carter Green to the unique ice ribbon trail at Grand Junction Plaza, residents have several distinct winter experiences to choose from as the rinks kick off their winter schedules.
THE ICE RINK AT HOLLIDAY PARK
Location: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis (just south of the Hamilton County line)
Dates: Nov. 29-March 1, 2026
Hours: Public skating hours vary throughout the season; typically, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends and 2:30 p.m.6 p.m. on weekdays, with extended holiday hours.
Cost: $14 per person (includes skate rental); children 4 and under are free.
For more: hollidaypark.org/rink
THE ICE AT CARTER GREEN
Location: 10 Carter Green, Carmel (at the Christkindlmarkt)
Dates: Open through Feb. 1, 2026
Hours:
• Wednesday – Thursday: 4-9 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Christmas Day.
For more: theiceatcartergreen.com
THE ICE RIBBON AT GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA
Location: 225 S. Union St., Westfield
Dates: Open through Jan. 3, 2026
Hours: Sessions are timed (typically 90 minutes); check the website for daily time blocks.
Cost: $12 for ages 11 and up; $10 for ages 10 and under (includes skate rental).
For more: theiceatgrandjunction.com
FUEL TANK AT FISHERS
Location: 9022 E. 126th St., Fishers
Hours: Daily public sessions; check the live schedule online. “Cosmic RockN-Skate” sessions with a live DJ and light show are typically Friday and Saturday nights.
Cost:
• Public Skate: $12 admission + $3 skate rental.
• Cosmic Skate: $14 admission + $3 skate rental.
For more: indyfueltank.com/ publicskating
ICE PLAZA AT FEDERAL HILL COMMONS
Location: 175 Logan St., Noblesville
Dates: Open now through Jan. 5, 2026
Hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 5-9 p.m.
• Friday: 5-10 p.m.
• Saturday: Noon-10 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon-9 p.m.
Cost: $13 for ages 13 and up; $11 for ages 12 and under (includes skate rental).
For more: noblesvilleparks.org
The ice rink at Holliday Park opens Nov. 29. (Photo courtesy Holliday Park)
Holiday arts season brings classics, concerts to the stage
news@youarecurrent.com
From the timeless tradition of “The Nutcracker” to high-energy holiday pop concerts, the 2025 performing arts season is officially in full swing across Central Indiana. Theaters and concert halls in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville are offering a diverse lineup of seasonal entertainment, ranging from local community productions to nationally touring acts.
A Beef & Boards Christmas 2025 –Nov. 28-Dec. 31 (times vary) at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis. For tickets visit beefandboards.com
A Christmas Carol – Dec. 5-22 (select dates) at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis. For tickets visit beefandboards.com
Indiana Wind Symphony: Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes – 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecen-
terpresents.org
Indiana Ballet Conservatory: The Nutcracker – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Civic Theatre: A Christmas Story, The Musical – Dec. 5-27 (times vary) at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit civictheatre.org
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir: Festival of Carols – 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 3 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Perform-
Continued on Page 23
Continued from Page 21
ing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Christmas at the Playhouse: Holiday Shorts by Mark Harvey Levine – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse, 220 N. Union St., Westfield. For tickets visit westfieldplayhouse.org
Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays – 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Christmas with Lorie Line 2025 – 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Perform-
ing Arts, 4 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Dave Koz & Friends – 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Amy Grant, CeCe Winans & Michael W. Smith: Christmas Together – 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St., Fishers. For tickets visit fisherseventcenter.com
Mud Creek Players: 4X’MAS – Nov. 20-Dec. 6 (times vary) at Mud Creek Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For tickets visit mudcreekplayers.org
Wizards of Winter – 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Arena at Innovation Mile, 14157 CJ Way, Noblesville. For tickets visit ticketmaster.com
Carmel Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops – Spirit of the Season – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Hendricks Civic Theatre: A Seussified Christmas Carol – Dec. 5-7 (times vary) at Hendricks Live!, 200 W. Main St., Plainfield. For tickets visit hendrickslive. org
Expires 4/30/25
Commentary by Larry Greene
This charming Carmel home near Woodland Country Club gained new life with a front porch addition designed for comfort, character and year-round enjoyment.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The new covered porch creates a welcoming entry and gathering spot for family and friends.
• Classic columns and stone-wrapped bases add architectural detail and timeless curb appeal.
• A stamped concrete walkway and spacious seating area enhance both style and function.
• Warm lighting and natural textures make the porch feel inviting in every season.
• This addition beautifully blends with the home’s exterior, bringing lasting charm and value.
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.
A cozy Carmel porch addition
Performers return in lead roles in Civic Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Story’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Parrish Williams will get another turn as the Old Man in “A Christmas Story: The Musical.”
The New Palestine resident reprises his role in Civic Theatre’s production Dec. 5-27 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Zionsville resident Mikayla Koharchik, who plays his wife, also played the same role in Civic’s 2022 production. Carmel resident Emily Rogge Tzucker returns as director.
“There are definitely things I wanted to tweak in my performance,” Williams said. “I was glad to get the second opportunity to do it, plus to get to work with (Koharchik and Tzucker). I learned I liked the show. I knew the movie, but I didn’t know the stage show. None of us knew the songs or the additional things that are different from the movie. I think we’ve been able to fine-tune things, maybe a lot more than we did the first time because we already had a base of understanding what the show was about.”
Williams said the interactions have improved, especially with Koharchik.
“It just comes with experience and familiarity,” he said.
Koharchik agreed it helps broaden the performance.
“It’s just because your relationship deepens and you build more trust with each other, then you can go deeper with the characters and their relationships,” Koharchik said. “I was really proud of the show we put on three years ago, but it’s fun to explore the characters in a new way.”
Two new actors portray the couple’s boys. Preston Blair, a Carmel seventh-grader, plays Ralphie Parker, and Colin Davis, a Carmel fifth-grader, plays the younger brother Randy. The story centers on Ralphie’s quest to get a BB gun for Christmas.
Evan Cohen, a Carmel eighth-grader, plays Scut Farkus, the older bully. He played Grover Dill in Civic’s previous production.
Williams said he watches the movie every year.
“My dad loves it, so I like to watch it at least once a year with him, generally on Christmas Eve,” he said. “I almost have the movie memorized.”
Koharchik said she doesn’t really love the movie but does love the musical. She said the relationships on stage between the characters seem to stick out better.
Williams said the show expands what goes on in the family dynamic.
“It’s odd to say because usually everything is truncated in a musical version of a movie, but I don’t think that happens in this show,” he said.
Returning to a Civic role isn’t unusual for Williams. He has played Moonface Martin in “Anything Goes” twice
and Santa Claus in “Elf” three times. Koharchik said she has reprised roles before, but this is the first time at the same theater with some of the same cast members.
Tzucker is enjoying the experience.
“I love returning to a show because you get to do some things the same, but you get a lot of new people or you get people with a new perspective,” Tzucker said. “So, it makes you understand the story in a way you hadn’t the first time, and the first time was good, too. This story, for me, is such a wonderful story about celebration, ritual and family.”
At each rehearsal, Tzucker asks a cast member to share a memory from a holiday celebration
“I love the musical and the movie,” she said. “I think the musical has a lot more love and a little bit more heart. The movie is very funny and silly.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘A BEEF AND BOARDS CHRISTMAS!’
“A Beef and Boards Christmas!” runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Tim Wright & Steel Petals is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and at 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
‘JINGLE & SWING’
The Fishers Community Chorus and Mudsock Jazz Combo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Fishers Art Center Theater. For more, visit fisherschorus. org.
‘BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT’
Carmel Apprentice Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” Nov. 28 to Dec. 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, vist thecat.biz.
Reilly returns as ATI executive director – Actors Theatre of Indiana announced the return of Jim Reilly as executive director. Reilly previously held this position from 2012 to 2023. Reilly, who retired from ATI in December 2023, replaces Brian Frost. A long-time patron and supporter, Reilly first joined ATI in 2011 as a consultant before moving into the executive director role. The Actors Theatre of Indiana Board of Directors thanked Frost for his leadership during the past two years.
From left, Preston Blair, Parrish Williams, Mikayla Koharchik and Colin Davis appear in “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty Photography)
‘Winterfest’ returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock understands how many different performances of “The Nutcracker” are out there.
So, the GHDT created “Winterfest” in 2024. The show will return Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11-14 at The Florence in The Academy of GHDT in Carmel.
“Even though GHDT’s ‘Nutcracker’ is a contemporary reimagining of the holiday classic, the market is simply saturated with ‘Nutcracker’ productions, so we decided to present ‘Winterfest” for a while, to give audiences an alternative entertainment option that still maintains a global and cultural focus, as GHDT ‘s ‘Nutcracker,’” Hancock said. “We hope to someday bring GHDT’s heart-warming production of ‘The Nutcracker’ back to the stage, but we are excited to share ‘Winterfest’ with audiences now.”
Hancock said this year’s “Winterfest” features some new music and choreography.
Audrey Springer performs “We Need a Little Christrmas” at Winterfest. (Photo by Lydia Moody)
“Casting is different from last season, so it is always fresh to see dancers in different roles,” he said.
Hancock said the show celebrates the global holidays of Saint Nicholas Day, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Saint Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Hanukkah and Christmas.
“There are some quick costume changes that are a bit challenging, but GHDT is known for rapid costume changes, so just part of our usual job,” Hancock said.
For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Foster, McPhee to perform
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
David Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee, are the ultimate power couple.
A producer, composer, arranger and musician, Foster has won 16 Grammy Awards. McPhee, the 2006 “American Idol” runner-up, has performed on Broadway, TV shows and in movies.
Foster and McPhee will perform some of their hits along with holiday favorites at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel.
They have toured together for about five years.
“It was not really necessarily something we thought was going to be long term,” McPhee said. “But after COVID, people were excited to go back to seeing live shows. We just kind of keep going and staying on the road.”
This is their second Christmas tour.
“People definitely want to hear all the great songs that David wrote and produced for Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and even Michael Bublé,” McPhee said. “So, we will weave a lot of the holiday spirit in our regular show, but people can expect a real holiday spirit show.”
Foster said it’s interactive.
“I love to go to the audience, get people to sing and just like to have fun, because when I go to a concert, I want the artist to interact with me,” he said. McPhee said she and Foster interact with each other as well.
“It’s kind of a cabaret style where you feel really intimate and you get to hear personal stories that weave into the songs and just in a much bigger venue than cabaret style,” McPhee said.
Foster said his theory is people don’t want to hear new Christmas songs.
“They want to hear the standards,” Foster said. “They want to hear ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’ I did write a song years ago called “Grown-Up Christmas List” and we’ll do that. Other than that, it’s all songs you know and love.”
Holiday film exhibit set
editorial@youarecurrent.com
Visitors will have a rare chance to see authentic artifacts from the 1954 film “White Christmas” when the Great American Songbook Foundation presents a free holiday exhibition Dec. 1-20. The display in the Traditions Senior Communities Songbook Gallery in the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, will feature iconic and rarely seen materials exploring the artistry, design and cultural legacy of the classic holiday musical, which featured songs by Irving Berlin and lead roles for Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby. Alongside treasures from the Foundation’s own Songbook Library & Archives, the exhibition will include historical items on loan from Rosemary Clooney House Museum in Augusta, Ky., which preserves the beloved star’s longtime home and celebrates her legacy.
During the exhibition, the gallery will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Saturdays, except Dec. 4-5 when the gallery will be closed for a special event. Admission is free, and guests can reserve tickets in advance or obtain them on arrival. Reservations may be made online at TheSongbook.org/ WhiteChristmasDisplay, by phone at 317-843-3800, or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.
The exhibit coincides with a holiday film screening at 7 p.m. Dec. 4, hosted by the Songbook Foundation in partnership with Allied Solutions Center. The event at the Palladium will feature a live talkback and Q&A with Clooney’s daughter Maria Ferrer Murdock, sharing stories and insights about her mother’s remarkable life and career. Tickets for the screening are $10 per person and $5 for military personnel, available at TheSongbook.org/ WhiteChristmas.
David Foster and Katharine McPhee will perform Dec. 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center in Carmel. . (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center))
ENTERTAINMENT
Holiday tradition returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kenny Shepard loves the family feel of “A Beef and Boards Christmas!”
“I think the show has remained a family show since Doug Stark began it years ago. My friend and choreographer, the late Ron Morgan, always called it a show with ‘TV revue-show energy for everyone in the family,’” Shepard said. “Songs can come and go and come back again in a reinvented way, but family and a feel-good energy is still at the heart of it all.”
The Christmas revue is set for Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
Shepard, who is the co-host with Deb Wims, has been performing in the show for 26 years, starting in its second year in 1994.
“This year, my former Ball State student, AnnaLee Higgins, is choreographing the show with her husband Dan Bob Higgins, and it’s a real full-circle moment,” said Shepard, a former Fishers resident who now lives in the Geist area. “AnnaLee and Dan Bob are great
courtesy of Beef & Boards)
friends now, and after years of telling her where to go and what to do on stage, it’s fun to sit back and let her take the helm.”
Shepard was living in New York when he heard Beef & Boards was staging an annual revue.
“I missed the first season (in 1993), but I thought, ‘I have to be part of this, so I can be home for the holidays each year,’ and that’s exactly what happened,” Shepard said.
Shepard said performing “The Christmas Waltz” is one of his favorite parts of the revue.
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
McLaughlin set to return
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Jon McLaughlin, performing in Carmel is always a homecoming.
The Anderson native, who is based in Nashville, Tenn., lived in Carmel for two years after his marriage in 2005.
The “McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
or I get to sit at the piano and watch the crowd.”
McLaughlin has been friends with Allen, who also lives in Nashville, for several years. Allen joined McLaughlin on the 2023 tour.
McLaughlin
The occasion marks the third consecutive year McLaughlin has brought his holiday show to the Palladium.
McLaughlin will be joined by vocalist Morgan James for the first time, along with 2009 “American Idol” winner Kris Allen and singer-songwriter David Davis.
“My favorite thing about the show is bringing out somebody and saying, ‘You’ve got to hear this person,’” McLaughlin said. “I either leave or go to the side stage and look at the crowd as they hear this person’s amazing voice,
“I was a huge fan before we became friends,” he said. “I see him on a weekly basis, but I don’t always hear him sing. Every time I hear him sing it’s, ‘Dang, this guy is good.’ You forget how good he is.” Davis joined the tour last year.
“I want them to do their own songs, pop out and do some vocals, take a verse here and there,” McLaughlin said. “It’s going to be a little more immersive.”
McLaughlin said 90 percent of the show will be Christmas music. McLaughlin released his latest album “Scenarios” in late October.
“I’m definitely going to have play one of the new songs,” he said. “Since the album just came out, I’m riding high off it.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard perform during a previous “A Beef & Boards Christmas!” (Photo
Life is a balancing act
Commentary by Terry Anker
As we move into adulthood, most of us humans come to understand that most of life is a combination of things. Rarely can we find a single person at fault for a conflict, a single action responsible for an outcome or a single decision responsible for a life direction. Still, too often we foster the imagined notion that our preferred movement alone is sufficient to overcome the requirement of balance. Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in our battle between mind and body. Some, hoping to remain cozily ensconced next to the fire, hope that intellect is the path to a life best lived. For others, the journey is paved with blisters, sore muscles and the thrill of victory to guide us to our best selves. Assuming that both are critical to an ideal existence, how do we find an equilibrium, especially when it challenges our own proclivities? The question has flummoxed leaders and philosophers for centuries. Even in our own times, Lord Baden-Powell, progenitor of Scouting America,
outlined the 12 points of the Scout Law, including physical, moral and intellectual responsibilities. Likewise, Hwang Kee, the founder of the Moo Duk Kwan martial arts school in Korea around 1958, required the 10 Articles of Mental Training for its pupils, outlining obedience, respect and mercy.
If Baden-Powell’s Scouts required one more bit of knowledge that might help them return safely from a campout besieged by blizzard, or if Kee’s competitors needed one more skill to defend themselves from a deadly blow, what is the value in demanding the distraction of moral philosophy from their disciples? Kee demanded that mercy be shown to the weak (some variations read, ‘Never kill without reason). How did this make a better athlete, a better combatant or a better warrior? Can restraint lead to victory?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Support living donors
Editor,
In May 2024, a family member of mine received an amazing gift: a kidney, selflessly donated by a childhood friend. His kindness has allowed my family member to lead a normal life after living with chronic kidney disease for 12 years.
Unfortunately, many living donors face discrimination after they donate — discrimination in acquiring life, disability, or long-term care insurance. And the time they take off from work is not yet covered by the Family Medical Leave Act.
This potential discrimination discourages living donations, and the result is that, while nearly 90,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney, only approximately 28,000 of them will receive a transplant this year — and only one-fourth of those will be from living donors. This is especially unfortunate because transplants from living donors last longer and have lower rates of rejection than those from deceased donors.
Congress has a simple solution: the Living Donor Protection Act. This bipartisan, cost-neutral legislation would
“Unfortunately, many living donors face discrimination after they donate — discrimination in acquiring life, disability, or long-term care insurance.”
– GABRIELLE NICHOLAS
prohibit insurance discrimination against living donors and ensure they can take time off work for donation and recovery under the Family Medical Leave Act.
It’s supported by more than 30 patient and provider organizations and the insurance industry.
Sen. Todd Young, Sen. Jim Banks and Rep. Jim Baird have not yet signed on to support this vital legislation in the current Congress. I urge them to cosponsor these bills in support of the nearly 1,200 Hoosiers waiting for a kidney transplant.
Gabrielle Nicholas, Zionsville
Time for ‘No Tech’ in schools
Editor,
As a long-time school teacher, administrator and counselor, I have to respond to your Nov. 4 article on tech use in schools. It supports what many of us have been saying for years: screen time is a major factor in children’s shortened attention spans, lack of comprehension and retention when reading more than a paragraph or two, and a variety of social pathologies including self-esteem issues, bullying and loneliness. And just why would a school want to hand distracting devices to their students anyway, knowing the dopamine hit they give a kid can never be replicated by a book or inclass discussion?
At my current school we have a “No Tech” policy covering everything from laptops to phones to smartwatches. The students carry on meaningful conversations with teachers and one another, ignore fads and treat each other
well. When they don’t we can deal with the problem face to face rather than hoping it’s not continuing all over the internet at midnight. “No Tech” works.
The leadership at the E91 Counseling Center (no affiliation) in Indianapolis has observed the effects of increased screen time for many years and urges parents to strictly limit children’s access at all ages and not allow personal phones until the mid-teens. In this way parents can teach youngsters the essentials of navigating the internet and how to use programs while curating content and protecting them from the harmful aspects of free exploration and overdependence.
What the experts advocate in your article is great but does not go far enough: “No Tech” is an idea whose time has come.
David Hardesty, Carmel
PUZZLES
15. Colorless
16. ___ mater
17. To the point
18. “Before,” to James Whitcomb Riley
19. Noblesville winery
22. Butler frat letter
25. Physics topic
26. Grow older
27. Pet protection org.
30. Part of NCAA (Abbr.)
31. Evan, to Birch Bayh
32. ___-mo
33. Poorly lit
35. Westfield winery
39. Author Rand
40. Kuaba Gallery display
41. Mai ___
44. Sleeveless garment
47. Not fooled by
48. Tummy muscles
49. Jazz Kitchen instrument
52. Indiana flag object
54. Noblesville winery
57. Earth Day mo.
58. Fit for a king
59. Pack down
63. Richmond composer Rorem
64. Upright
65. Oil cartel
66. Attempt
67. Window sections
68. Animal skin DOWN
1. BSU’s Miller College advanced degree
2. 100%
3. Colt foe
4. Fissure
5. Hourly charge
6. Spencer’s county
7. Jerry of The Grateful Dead
8. Ruhr Valley city
9. Not here
10. FlexWerk Fitness wear
11. Top vote-getter in Mar-
ion County in the 2024 US
Presidential election
12. Kind of band
20. Skip over
21. Bowl 32 game unit
22. Energy source
23. In the past
24. 9th Street Bistro handout
28. Scheme
29. Plainfield Correctional Facility resident, for short
33. Type of bike or road
34. Entirely (Latin)
36. Snitch
37. Moving vehicle
38. Indy newspaper
42. WRTV network
43. Somewhat, informally
44. Unoccupied
45. Runaway bride or groom
46. Solid
47. O, on the periodic table
50. Razor sharpener
51. Mackey or Market Square
53. Above
55. Horse’s neck hair
56. Auto pioneer
60. Zoo beast
61. A Simon
62. Pacers shooting stat ANSWERS ON PAGE 31
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
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