November 4, 2025 — Current in Noblesville by Current Publishing

“WE

COMMUNITY

Baker to step down as executive director of Noblesville Main Street

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Kate Baker, executive director of Noblesville Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, has announced she will step down from her position at the end of the year.

A Noblesville resident, Baker joined the NMS board of directors at the end of 2019 and served in roles for the development, marketing and executive teams before being appointed executive director in 2021.

She said she is leaving the job while she still enjoys it.

“I always want Noblesville Main Street to be moving forward with a freshness and devoted energy to our downtown businesses and to the inviting nature that downtown brings,” Baker said. “I think that a lot of times that is achieved with change, which is really hard, because for me, this is a job that I love. This job has been nothing short of a gift for me.”

Baker’s last day will be Dec. 31, at which time she will shift her focus to her small business, Rev Elite Travel, a luxury travel service she launched last year.

“Travel has been in my bones for a long time, and I launched Rev with the intention that it would be a side project,” Baker said. “However, I have found an opportunity that’s going to allow me to focus more on that. Noblesville Main Street has even played into that, because I’ve been able to watch and learn from the best of the best in small business. Our downtown merchants work tirelessly day after day, and they’ve shown me what it takes to be a small business owner, so much so that I was inspired to launch my own.”

The organization has begun the

search for its next executive director, and Baker said it is looking for someone who understands the equal importance of growth and preservation.

“Noblesville Main Street needs someone who understands what it takes to be a business owner in downtown and what it means to promote that,” Baker said. “It also will be someone who understands the beauty of community engagement and inclusivity and the beauty of creating a place that can be home for everyone, because that’s really the message of Noblesville Main Street, and it’s our job to showcase that.”

Baker will aid in the transition, as it will occur around the start of the Embrace Downtown project, which will involve major infrastructure upgrades to the downtown square.

“My board of directors are hands on, hardworking and very involved,” Baker

DISPATCHES

 Noblesville Boom tickets on sale — Single-game tickets are on sale for the inaugural season of the Noblesville Boom, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers. The Noblesville Boom will make its debut at The Arena at Innovation Mile at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 when they host Grand Rapids for the home opener. The Boom will begin the season one night earlier, on the road at Grand Rapids Nov. 7. Purchase tickets at noblesvilleboom.com/tickets.

said. “The current president, Deanna Leonard, is incredibly in the know, and incoming president, Bill Russo, also has been heavily dedicated to learning and understanding the future of downtown and what this project means.”

From her time as executive director, Baker said she is most proud of fostering a collaborative environment.

“Everything I’ve done relies on collaboration,” Baker said. “I formed the downtown collaborative committee, and that’s all of us who consistently put effort into the downtown area. We have created more alignment with each other, and that’s something I’m really proud of. I’m also proud that our operating budget has increased significantly since I took it on. That, to me, is not reflective of more money — it’s reflective of more trust and more investment in the work that we do.”

About us

Contact the editor

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?

Contact the Managing Editor Jessica Todd at jessica@ youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 You also may submit information at currentnoblesville. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

Share your thoughts Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent. com. Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Noblesville market (22,087 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Noblesville advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions circulation@youarecurrent.com

 Clarification — The Hamilton County Tax Sale is a public auction where the county sells liens on properties with delinquent property taxes to recover unpaid taxes. Homeowners have exactly one year from the sale date to redeem their property by paying the full debt, plus interest and fees, or risk permanently losing the title to the tax lien buyer.

Join our community facebook.com/youarecurrent x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent

Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Noblesville Main Street Executive Director Kate Baker at the Noblesville Street Dance. (Photo by Matthew Doudt Photography)

NOVEMBER 22–JANUARY 3

GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA

225 S. UNION STREET

Skate sessions are Thursdays–Saturdays. Additional sessions will be o ered during Winter Break. Visit theiceatgrandjunction.com to learn more!

The Ice Ribbon is powered by Glice, an eco-friendly "iceless" skating experience great for young children and beginner skaters!

MEET & GREETS ON THE GLICE

Bluey Saturday, November 29 | 1–3 p.m.

Buddy the Elf Saturday, December 13 | 1–3 p.m.

Rudolph Wednesday, December 24 | 1–3 p.m.

Frosty the Snowman Saturday, January 3 | 1–3 p.m.

Middle School math evolves

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees reviewed how middle school students and teachers are adapting to new math curriculum at its Oct. 28 school board meeting.

During the 2023-24 school year, the district began using Amplify Math, a core math curriculum for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students.

“(Amplify Math) emphasizes visuals, conceptual models, problem-based learning and critical thinking through math skills, and also they are aligned to and support the national mathematical teaching practices through (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,)” Assistant Superintendent of Learning for Noblesville Schools Ryan Rich said. “The new process, standards and the curriculum we’ve adopted requires a very specific teaching methodology. It’s not just simple computation. It is things like modeling and being able to explain their thinking.”

Rich said the response from students has varied.

“When we did our first round of classroom observations when we first implemented Amplify, you could tell it was uncomfortable,” Rich said. “I have done two rounds of walk-throughs since the beginning of this, and it is really cool to see the shift. It’s become more the norm.”

To help teachers with the curriculum, Mike Steele, who serves on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, has come in to work with teachers and principals. Teachers also have worked with Laurie Ferry, who provides customized professional learning support for teachers, leaders and coaches.

“Instructional coaches have been working on developing question scripts to help teachers reflect on certain techniques that they’re using in the classroom,” Rich said. “And then we need to continue to think about how this impacts our intervention time for students who struggle, and how that time needs to look different to make sure that we’re giving students what they need.”

View the school board meeting at youtube.com/watch?v=6A2Gn4MCtqY.

Teachers approve new deal

Agreement comes amid financial pressure from state law, expiring funds

news@currentnoblesville.com

Noblesville Schools has announced that it has agreed to a new one-year contract with the Noblesville Teachers’ Forum.

Teachers ratified the 2025-26 agreement Oct. 8, and the Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees approved it at their Oct. 28 meeting.

Noblesville Schools Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Marnie Cooke said the new contract maintains teacher salaries at the same levels as last year but moves each eligible educator up a level on the pay scale. The contract also makes salary adjustments for specific extracurricular positions and adds literacy stipends.

According to the announcement, the agreement comes amid a challenging financial environment for the district, including new state legislation that

will reduce school funding, declining student enrollment demographics, increasing inflation and the scheduled expiration of referendum funds in 2026.

“Ensuring our teachers are compensated competitively for the important work they do is still a priority, but we have had to balance that against the stark financial reality we are facing,” stated Daniel Hile, superintendent of Noblesville Schools.

School officials said principal and district leader salaries are frozen and support staff salaries will be evaluated next spring.

“We are still in the midst of a teacher shortage, and it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to recruit and retain top educators for our students,” Hile stated.

The new contract also holds benefit costs steady, formalizes a 10 percent staff discount for preschool and child care, offers immediate vesting in retirement health savings accounts and makes changes to how employee leaves will be managed.

Nonprofit honors members

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Cherish Center, a nonprofit that provides abuse intervention and prevention services in Hamilton County, held its 11th annual breakfast last month to honor team members and their efforts in fighting child abuse in the community.

There have been 545 child abuse cases investigated since January 2024.

“It doesn’t take just one person at one time to empower hope,” stated Wendy Gamble, executive director of The Cherish Center. “It takes an army of angels. Each of these team members have poured an amazing amount of love and care into families’ lives to bring a little bit of light to a dark time.”

This year’s honorees are:

• Tracy Jones with the Fishers Police Department, who worked 65 percent of child sex crimes cases at FPD.

• Bennett Nelson with the Department of Child Services, who worked 42 cases with The Cherish Center.

• Rachel Jefferson with the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office, who was involved in 115 cases.

• Rachel Metzler with The Cherish Center, who conducted 228 forensic interviews.

• Alyssa Pearson with The Cherish Center, who served as a family advocate for 237 families.

• Krissy Cofield with Embracing Hope, who conducted 434 therapy sessions for Cherish Center clients.

• The Noblesville Police Department, which investigated 137 cases — the highest number of child abuse cases amongst Hamilton County jurisdictions.

Impact Awards also were presented to long-standing supporters of the Cherish Center for their impact in the fight to make children’s lives better and communities safer. The award recipients are Shepherd Insurance, Noblesville United Methodist Church’s Lydia Circle and Kevin and Richelle Rider.

For more, visit cherishcac.org.

Grant applications open

news@currentnoblesville.com

The City of Noblesville has announced the launch of its Neighborhood Match Grant, which provides matching funds to homeowners associations and neighborhood groups that enhance, improve and beautify local communities.

The Neighborhood Match Grant is a 1 to 1 matching grant with the city contributing 50 percent of eligible project costs up to $10,000 per project. The Noblesville Common Council appropriated funds for the Neighborhood Match Grant in the 2025 budget and continued to allocate funding for the grant in 2026.

Eligible projects include recreation improvements, safety enhancements and landscape sustainability initiatives, such as new trail connections, accessible playground enhancements and the installation of community gardens.

All applications will be reviewed by a Neighborhood Match Grant Committee before being approved for funding.

The committee might recommend a higher match ratio if the project is sup-

plemented by corporate funding. Eligible applicants include Homeowners Associations and neighborhood groups located within Noblesville city limits.

“This grant is about investing directly in our neighborhoods to make our community a better place to live, work, play and stay,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “The creation of this matching grant reflects Noblesville’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, safety and accessibility. I look forward to the collaboration with community members to invest in meaningful projects that will have lasting benefits to the betterment of Noblesville.”

Funding will be focused on projects involving design, construction or installation, with priority given to those offering the greatest visibility and positive community impact. Projects located inside the public right-of-way are subject to additional review and approval.

Applications will be accepted from now through Nov. 12, 2025. Grants will be awarded Dec. 1.

Apply at noblesville.in.gov/794/ The-Neighborhood-Match-Grant.

Noblesville Sister Cities hosts business exchange

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Sister Cities, a nonprofit that fosters global friendship, multicultural understanding and economic growth, recently hosted business leaders from Nova Prata, Brazil Throughout the week, the guests visited several Noblesville businesses, such as The Arena at Innovation Mile, Riverview Health, public safety facilities and Gaylor Electric, among other companies. Noblesville Economic Development Coordinator Sarah Davis said visitors ranged from construction workers to health care providers.

change program.

“We’re one of the few Sister Cities organizations that have a youth exchange, and we’ve never had a mayor who was supportive of us doing the business exchange,” Busalacchi said. “It has been great having Noblesville Mayor (Chris) Jensen on board, because we couldn’t have made it come to fruition otherwise.”

“Since they came from a broad range of industries, they were interested in different things like how senior living happens, health care and construction,” Davis said. “We wanted them to see multiple health care facilities and construction sites, so we showed them senior living facilities and hospitals as well as residential and commercial construction.”

Noblesville Sister Cities President Michelle Busalacchi said it’s been a goal for the organization to have a business exchange in addition to its youth ex-

Roberta Pegoraro, a language school owner and former Sister Cities president from Nova Prata, lauded The Arena at Innovation Mile, noting major differences between it and arenas in Brazil, such as having heating, air conditioning and carpet.

“This is all new, so it is cool to see the screens and technology because we don’t have that, but our arenas are nice, too,” Pegoraro said.

Besides visiting businesses, guests also celebrated Halloween and visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

The organization hosted students, chaperones and delegates from Nova Prata, Brazil, and Cittadella, Italy, for a 10-day youth exchange over the summer. The nations take turns hosting each summer but have never had a business exchange.

For more, visit noblesvillesistercities. my.canva.site.

Remodeling Seminar

Roberta Pegoraro inside the Noblesville Boom locker room.

Business leaders from Nova Prata, Brazil, at The Arena at Innovation Mile. (Photos by Greg Steele)

Coach Rich Hansen’s team won the Guenin Cup in February in the 8-and-Under Gold division of the 317 Hockey League, the greater Indianapolis area’s only recreational hockey league. (Photo courtesy of IYHA)

Purchase a select David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of Marilyn Woods from September 1 to November 16, 2025, and enjoy up to $30,000 in Weekley Buyer Bucks to use toward your choice of a home discount, appliances/blinds or financing incentives*!

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com

Now through the end of February 2026, young aspiring hockey players can participate in the Learn to Play hockey clinic at the Fuel Tank in Fishers and the Carmel Ice Skadium.

The launch of the program is the result of a six-year relationship between the Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association and the Indy Jr. Fuel.

“We got together (in 2019) and merged the IYHA with the Jr. Fuel and created one of the largest programs in the coun-

try, let alone the Midwest,” said Derek Edwardson, executive director of the IYHA.

With Learn to Play clinics, Edwardson sees an opportunity to grow the sport in the area.

“We’re just trying to lower the barriers to entry as much as possible,” Edwardson said. “We have a really high retention rate once kids get on the ice and try it.”

Clinics are Wednesdays at the Carmel Ice Skadium from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. and Sundays at the Fuel Tank from 1 to 2 p.m. For more, visit iyha.com/ltp.

See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Not valid with any other offer or on previously written contracts. Weekley Buyer Bucks (home discount, appliances/blinds or financing incentive) offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of Marilyn Woods between September 1, 2025, and November 16, 2025 (the Program Period). Homes must close by December 29, 2025. Marilyn Woods – The Signature Collection is excluded from this offer. Weekley Buyer Bucks incentive amount varies by home collection and is not to exceed $25,000 in Marilyn Woods – The Courtyard Collection and $30,000 in Marilyn Woods – The Classic Collection. Appliances and blinds selections must be made through the David Weekley Homes Design Center in Indianapolis, IN. Homebuyer must pay full price for any Design Selections in excess of the incentive amount. Any excess of the incentive amount cannot be applied to the financing incentive or any other credit. *Financing incentive offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of Marilyn Woods during the Program Period and finance the home purchase with a mortgage loan from a Preferred Lender (Mike DeWitt at Highlands Residential Mortgage or Jon Knight at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation). Contact loan officer for details on rate buydown or other financing programs. Borrower must meet lender’s qualification criteria. Incentive is in addition to the Financing Incentive in the Purchase Agreement. Total Financing Incentive may not exceed regulatory limits on Seller contributions. If the incentive amount exceeds the allowable Seller contribution limits, the remainder cannot be applied as a discount to the Purchase Price of the home or any other credit. No cash will be given outside of closing. Offer must be presented to Sales Consultant prior to the signing of the Purchase Agreement. You are not required to use a Preferred Lender for purchase of a home from David Weekley Homes, only to receive the financing incentive. David Weekley Homes reserves the right to terminate program or change rules at any time. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, or availability of homes or communities

Commissioners OK items

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Commissioners approved a rezone request, met the county’s new safety manager and approved a contract with Performance Mechanical Contracting Inc. at its Oct. 27 meeting.

The next commissioners meeting is at 1:45 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved a rezoning request for property at 16519 E. Ind. 38 in Noblesville.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The Hamilton County Plan Commission unanimously voted in favor of the rezoning Sept. 17. The property was zoned commercial when it was established in 1990. The property went on the market last year, and the person who bought it wants to use it for a residential home for himself and his in-laws.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The approval allows the property owner to rezone the area

to an agricultural district so he can get a variance to build two homes on one piece of property.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved a contract with Performance Mechanical Contracting Inc. for inspections on the old Godby Furniture building at 130 W. Logan St. in Noblesville.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The contract, a maintenance inspection agreement, is for four heating and cooling inspections, each totaling $1,106.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners met Tom Okuszki, the county’s new safety manager.

 WHAT IT MEANS: : Okuszki will work within the Governance, Risk, and Compliance Division to identify, manage and mitigate liability facing the county. Okuszki has 25 years of experience in environmental safety and health and most recently worked for 10 years as the safety director for the City of Fishers in its public works department.

Senior safety proves to be quick study for CHS

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School senior safety Isaac Nelson has all the skills to match his attitude.

“He’s got the metrics,” Greyhounds football coach Kevin Wright said. “He’s fast, he can jump, he’s big, he’s strong. He’s projected as a hybrid player at the next level, so maybe he’ll play linebacker, maybe (safety). What stands out to me is his work ethic and who he is.”

Nelson, who has committed to continue his football career at Wake Forest University, played his first two years at Heritage Christian before transferring to Carmel as a junior.

“He committed himself to the weight room and getting faster,” Wright said. “He’s a team captain, so the peers have recognized the work he has put in.”

Nelson saw action both ways at Class 2A Heritage Christian, also playing tight end.

“Ultimately, I liked defense the most,” he said. “Heritage is a great school, but obviously Carmel has more resources and great opportunities for

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

MEET ISAAC NELSON

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite musician: Rod Wave

Favorite TV series: “Untold: Swamp Kings,” documentary on University of Florida football

Favorite vacation spot: Bahamas

more coaching and development.”

Nelson said he had to get used to the speed of the game at the Class 6A level.

“I feel my knowledge of the game has gotten better,” he said. “I didn’t play football until high school. When I came here, the coaches were super understanding, and I learned a lot about the game really fast.”

His main sport when he was younger

Senior safety Isaac Nelson has been a key contributor to the Carmel High School football team’s success.

(Photo courtesy of CHS athletics)

was soccer, but he also played basketball and competed in track and field.

“I gave up basketball to focus more on football and track,” he said. “When I started playing football, I just fell in love with it.”

He competed in track last year for CHS, finishing fourth in the 100 meters in 10.51 seconds at the IHSAA state meet in June.

“Those short sprints translate to football the most, so I like to work on those,” he said.

Carmel took an 8-1 record into the Oct. 31 Class 6A sectional against Harrison. The Greyhounds were 3-7 in 2024.

EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN

“I feel like there is a new energy in this locker room and a new set of beliefs we have,” Nelson said. “The big goal is finishing strong. I feel like we don’t have success unless we do well in the postseason.”

Except for suffering a high left ankle sprain against Fishers in the season opener, the season has been fun for Nelson. Wright said Nelson tried to fight through the injury but finally had to sit out two games. Wright said he has been 100 percent in recent weeks.

Nelson, who has 36 tackles this season, said he will likely play linebacker at Wake Forest, so he’s watched a lot of film of his favorite athlete, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.

“The way he approached the game and his work ethic really inspires me,” Nelson said. “He was just a dog on the field.”

Nelson said he fell in love with the Wake Forest coaching staff and campus. The Demon Deacons play in the ACC.

“I also love the ACC in general,” he said. “It’s a great competitive conference and you get to play in front of a great fan base.”

• Treatment of back and neck pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and work-related injuries

• Less invasive techniques for faster recovery and less post-operative pain

• Experienced, Compassionate, Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon

• Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments

• No referral necessary*

Grace Church to present ‘Oz’

news@currentnoblesville.com

Grace Church at 5504 E. 146th St. in Noblesville will present the musical “The Wizard of Oz” from Nov. 21 through Nov. 30.

Tickets for the family-friendly production are on sale and start at $16. The production features a 65-person cast, a 20-piece live orchestra and theatrical stage effects.

“Now more than ever, we all need a reminder that there’s truly no place like home,” stated Amy Christie, the show’s director. “We chose ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to create that shared experience, a story that wraps you in warmth and reminds us all that our most important adventures often lead us back to the people we love.”

Christie said the production also has additional songs and aspects that will surprise people.

“The show is a testament to the incredible talent in our community — a mix of all ages and backgrounds coming together to bring Oz to life,” Christie stated.

Leading the cast as Dorothy is Nobles-

Married couple Jon and Sophie Osgood as the Scarecrow and Dorothy. (Photo courtesy of Curtis Honeycutt)

ville resident Sophie Osgood. Osgood met her husband, Jon — who plays the Scarecrow — in a Grace production of Beauty and the Beast in 2016.

All proceeds from concession sales during the show’s run will go directly to supporting the Grace Care Center, which provides support to families facing hardship through services like a free food pantry, financial assistance and vehicle support.

The production has several showings: 7 p.m. Nov. 21; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 22; 3 p.m. Nov. 23; 7 p.m. Nov. 28; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 29; and 3 p.m. Nov. 30.

To purchase tickets, visit gracechurch.us/theatre.

Vanquish Shower Mold!

Hoosiers win World Food Championships top honors

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Two Hoosiers were among the top chefs in the Oct. 16-19 World Food Championships preliminary competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Bacon champ Daniel McDonald of Franklin and dessert champ Cindy Hawkins of Indianapolis will move on to the finals, set for spring 2026 in Bentonville, Ark.

Although competitions were the focus of the four-day event inside the fairgrounds’ Fall Creek Pavilion, visitors also could observe live demonstrations, taste samples from local vendors, see the most up-to-date equipment and, of course, watch the 400 teams from around the world compete for a top

spot in 10 categories.

The World Food Championships debuted in 2012 and since then has grown in popularity.

“Each year, the World Food Championships raises the bar for culinary excellence and 2025 was no exception,” CEO and founder Mike McCloud stated in a news release. “From fiery competitions to unforgettable flavors, this year’s champions truly showcased what food sport is all about. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see who rises to the top at the Final Table this spring.”

Last year, an Indianapolis chef won the $150,000 top prize.

For more, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.

OBITUARY

Richard Lee Bottorff passed away on October 25, 2025, in Noblesville, Indiana, at the age of 84.

Throughout his life, Richard was deeply committed to serving his community. He dedicated his career to education as both a teacher and guidance counselor, positively impacting thousands of middle and high school students. His work took him to schools in Seymour, Indiana; Houston, Texas; and Elkhart, Indiana. Richard remained active and engaged with those around him, forming friendships wherever he went. He maintained a strong presence in his family’s life and is remembered by his two daughters (Debbie Stephens, Karen Colvin), eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

In his later years, Richard enjoyed following local sports teams, especially Indiana University football, the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati baseball. He also took great joy in attending the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Faith played a central role in Richard’s life. He was passionate about his church community and found fulfillment in serving as a Sunday morning greeter. An avid animal lover, he had a special fondness for dogs, birds, and squirrels.

Richard’s warm smile, quick wit, and love of card games will be fondly remembered by those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who shared in his life.

Penny Knight offers samples of cheese from local business Tulip Tree Creamery, one of the vendors featured during the World Food Championship at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

COMMUNITY

Federal Hill Ice Plaza returns

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Federal Hill Ice Plaza, a temporary ice rink in the Federal Hill Apartments parking lot at 196 Westfield Rd., is scheduled to open Nov. 22.

Presented by Noblesville Parks & Recreation, the rink will be open until Jan. 5, 2026.

Noblesville Parks & Recreation Director Savannah Wines said several new businesses, such as Cafe Noricha and Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila, are next to the parking lot that the rink will occupy.

“Families that come out can now ice skate, and then if they get cold or hungry, there are options for them to step inside and grab a snack or a drink or a whole meal,” Wines said. “I think some of the restaurants that are there, like Bocado, might be doing a fun little Mexican hot chocolate during that time frame.”

Wines said several holiday attractions also will return.

“We’re going to have the lights when you walk around Federal Hill, and then we are (having) a breakfast with Santa in partnership with (Ascension) St. Vincent that is Dec. 13,” Wines said. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do yet, but we will be doing some activations on the ice. I know one that typically comes is the Noblesville Police Department does NPD on Ice, which is always a great time.”

Because of the impact of the state’s new property tax law, Senate Enrolled Act 1, the ice rink might not return in 2026, but Wines said the parks department is working on new ideas if that is the case.

“I don’t want to spoil those yet, be-

cause we have one really cool idea that I am really excited about,” Wines said. “But we would swap the experience for something new. We know there are other ice rinks nearby, so we’re trying to look at what maybe isn’t nearby.”

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said no matter the impact of SEA1, Federal Hill Commons will remain a focal point during the holiday season.

“As we head into 2026, we know this is somewhat uncharted territory now that we are under SEA1,” Jensen said.

“We know that the holidays are a spectacular time in Noblesville and that Federal Hill Commons will maintain its position as a key area for the holiday lights that we have there, but we know that we have to evaluate, based on (return on investment) and impact, assets such as the ice-skating rink going forward. So, we’ll determine that in the future.”

For more, visit noblesvilleparks.org.

The Federal Hill Ice Plaza at 196 Westfield Rd. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

FULL SERVICE CLEANERS

•

Fluid for drycleaning was first introduced in 1994 as an alternative to the solvents in common use by drycleaners. Since that time, DF-2000 Fluid has gained widespread acceptance and today is used in thousands of drycleaning plants in the United States alone.

The growth of DF-2000 Fluid has outpaced all of the alternative technologies offered for drycleaning. This is a result of many factors including health, safety and environmental benefits, excellent cleaning performance, proven equipment technology, commercial practicality, and a reduced regulatory burden.

DF-2000 Fluid provides you with the peace of mind that comes from a well-developed, broadly supported technology with a track record of proven performance.

• Proven Cleaning Performance

When used with properly designed processes, additives and equipment, DF-2000 Fluid provides cleaning performance comparable to perchloroethylene.

• Consistent, Premium Quality

DF-2000 Fluid is manufactured and packaged to high standards of consistency and purity to deliver the same high-quality performance time after time. DF-2000 Fluid remains stable through multiple distillation and reclamation cycles.

• Virtually Odorless

Solvents with a higher level of aromatics contain more solvent odor. DF-2000 Fluid has the lowest aromatic content of any HFHC drycleaning solvent.

• Gentle on Dyes, Safer on Trims

The gentle cleaning action of DF-2000 Fluid is safer for most dyes and trims, so you can rely on it to safely clean a wider range of fancy and fragile articles with less risk of dye bleeding.

• Cost Effective

There are no usage, franchise or royalty fees required. In states where a solvent usage tax has been imposed, DF-2000 Fluid is either exempt or the usage tax per gallon is minimal. When coupled with effective processes and additives, labor and production costs are reasonable.

• Proven Equipment Technology

Equipment makers have more experience with DF-2000 Fluid than any other alternative solvent. Modern filtration, distillation, solvent recovery, water separation and safety technologies are refined and well developed to give you reliable, trouble-free operation.

• Proven Additive Technologies Detergent and fabric finish additives are essential to provide important enhancements to cleaning performance in any drycleaning system. DF-2000 Fluid is the only

Noblesville Creates to host arts crawl

The arts organization Noblesville Creates will present a November First Friday Arts Crawl from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7. The free celebration will feature art, live music, food, drinks and a new trivia scavenger hunt. Optional trivia cards are available for purchase to join in the scavenger hunt. Proceeds will help fund the development of Noblesville Creates and the Noblesville Cultural Arts District.

“We wanted to make this arts crawl a true downtown adventure,” stated Aili McGill, executive director of Noblesville Creates. “The trivia scavenger hunt gives people a fun, interactive way to explore downtown and experience local art while supporting programs that keep our creative community growing.”

For the trivia scavenger hunt, attendees can pick up a trivia card at Noblesville Creates at 107 S. 8th St. for $25 and follow an arts trail to answer trivia questions hidden throughout participating locations. Completed cards must be returned to Noblesville Creates before 9 p.m. to qualify for prizes.

Trivia cards should include the participant’s or team’s name, email address, phone number and start and end time.

Prizes include:

• Top Prize: Four sideline club tickets for one Indiana Fever 2026 home game (restrictions apply).

• In the event of a tie, the participant or team with the best score in the shortest time will win.

• Additional prizes will be awarded to participants placing second through tenth, or more, featuring Noblesville-centric items such as artwork, t-shirts and gift cards

Each trivia card also includes two complimentary drinks redeemable at participating locations. Art sales and exhibits will be at Noblesville Creates on 8th, Noblesville Creates on Logan, NobleMade & Community Room and the Hamilton County Artists’ Association.

For more, visit noblesvillecreates.org/artscrawl. To purchase a trivia scavenger hunt, visit tinyurl. com/2uwas69d.

DISPATCHES

 Trinitas Ventures announces Avanza at Hyde Park — Trinitas Ventures has announced its first build-to-rent neighborhood in Noblesville — Avanza at Hyde Park. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with a 24-month construction schedule. The first moveins are expected by spring 2027, with full completion planned for fall 2027. Avanza at Hyde Park will have 237 duplexes and townhomes and amenities including two clubhouses, a pool, lounge spaces, shuffleboard, outdoor grills and lawn areas. A central pond will connect the community’s north and south parcels, and walking paths will link directly to Noblesville’s trail system.

 Promotion — The Noblesville Police Department has announced the promotion of NPD officer Brad Kline to the rank of Sergeant. Kline has served the Noblesville community for approximately 18 years. Throughout his career, he has held several roles within the department, including field training officer, instructor and SWAT entry team leader. In addition to his promotion, Kline took over as the Problem-Oriented Policing team leader Oct. 27.

 New airport exhibit celebrates Children’s Museum — A new exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport’s KIND Gallery, “Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years,” offers a tribute to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit, located after security in Concourse A, showcases a selection of objects and photographs from the museum’s collection. The exhibit will be on display through January 2026 and is accessible and free to all ticketed passengers. For more about the KIND Gallery and the airport’s arts program, visit IND.com/PublicArt.

 WRTV to be sold — Circle City Broadcasting, which owns WISH-TV and MyINDY-TV 23, has reached an agreement to purchase WRTV-ABC from The E.W. Scripps Company for $83 million. The Federal Communications Commission must approve the deal before it can close. Circle City Broadcasting also operates Circulus Digital Media, a digital marketing and technology company.

resident Ronald

County Commissioners Mark

The award is presented to individuals who have given their time to make Hamilton County a better place and display an attitude of teamwork, a generosity of spirit and a desire to support and celebrate the people and communities of Hamilton County. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, far right, also recognized Oct. 27, 2025, as Ron Wilson Day. Hamilton County Director of Administration Mike Hubbs said Wilson, a U.S. Navy veteran and 1964 Noblesville High School graduate, has served in the Noblesville community for more than 60 years. In 2002, he founded the Hamilton County Veterans Corp. (Photo courtesy of Lexie Rock) NOBLESVILLE MAN RECEIVES RAMPART AWARD

received

and

Noblesville

Wilson, second from left,

a Rampart Award from Hamilton

Heirbrandt, far left,

Christine Altman, third from left, Oct. 27.

COMMUNITY

LAW AND ORDER

New police chief focused on collaboration, technology

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville has a new police chief, and he looks forward to enhancing public safety in the city through multiple avenues.

Brad Arnold, a Noblesville resident, was sworn in as chief of the Noblesville Police Department by Mayor Chris Jensen Oct. 3. Arnold succeeds John Mann, who retired last month.

“When it comes to hiring a position like chief of police, they serve at the pleasure of the mayor,” Jensen said. “John Mann did exactly what a leader should do and trained up his support team. So, when he was ready to retire, it made perfect sense that Brad Arnold would step into that role and continue on his vision of leadership.”

Arnold, formerly the department’s assistant chief, has been with the NPD for 32 years. He embraces his new role and the chance to strengthen public safety.

“We created guiding principles that we have been working under for the last five years,” Arnold said. “We have initiatives in place where we take care of officers’ physical, mental and financial wellness so they’re happy and healthy. We empower them. We also build our community partnerships every day and our relationship with the community. The other part is that we will not tolerate crime. We’re not going to let crime sneak into our community. That’s what I hope to continue to carry forward.”

Arnold, 55, also is focusing on technology.

“One of the things that we’re starting is a Drone First Responder program,” Arnold said. “With the Drone First Responder program, we can respond to any type of call that’s close within the range of a drone. The drone can try and get there beforehand and start feeding live, real-time information so we can get on-scene and have preliminary information. Being able to tap technology

is a key focus of mine.”

Arnold also plans to enhance collaboration with law enforcement in other Hamilton County communities.

“Unfortunately, crime doesn’t stop in one jurisdiction. It always bleeds over,” Arnold said. “We want to know what’s going on in Carmel and Westfield and Fishers and what strategies they are using. My job as chief is to work with those officers to find out what’s going on in their communities and ensure we will be prepared to help contribute to that as well. I am focused on keeping those communication channels open, as well as ensuring the NPD does not fail at what we’re already doing and succeeding in.”

Arnold has been around public safety his entire life. His dad was chief of the volunteer fire department in Fortville. Arnold moved to Noblesville from Fortville in 1993 when he was hired by NPD

at the age of 23.

“I’d gone to college for engineering but then decided midway through that that’s not what I wanted to do,” Arnold said. “I went on a ride along with my brother who worked for the Hancock County Sheriff’s (Office), and that’s when I decided to go to Vincennes University to pursue a degree in criminal justice.”

Arnold said he chose to work in Noblesville because it reminded him of Fortville.

“It had so much to offer, and I knew that it was a city that was growing, so it just felt like the right fit for me,” Arnold said. “I’ve lived here since, and I love the community and everything about what Noblesville has become.”

He said he is heavily invested in the community.

“I love Noblesville, and it is an honor

LOOKING AHEAD

Police Department

Chief Brad Arnold looks forward to the groundbreaking for a new public

“It’s kind of interesting, because when I started in 1993, where we’re at now was brand new,” Arnold said.

“At the time, I think the projections were that it was able to handle upwards of 50 officers, and I think I was the 28th or 29th officer. It was meant for the future, but nobody could predict the growth that Noblesville has experienced over these last 30 years.”

He said the current building has exceeded capacity. The NPD has 125 total staff, including 111 officers and 14 civilians.

“We’re still in the preliminary design phase at this point, but we’re hopeful that the groundbreaking will happen in the first quarter of next year with about a two-year buildout after that,” Arnold said.

In total, nearly 54 percent of the City of Noblesville’s 2026 budget is allocated for public safety expenses, such as personnel and operating supplies.

“If you want to realize the priorities of anyone, whether it be a home or a business, look at the budget,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “I think our budget speaks to our priorities, with nearly 54 percent being spent on public safety. That’s up significantly year over year over the past five or six years, and we know that is what is a core government service, and we’ll continue to fund them to the best of our ability going forward as reflected in our budget numbers.”

to serve as chief of police,” Arnold said. “I look forward to doing all I can in keeping safety and community partnerships the priorities for NPD.”

ON THE COVER: Brad Arnold has been with the Noblesville Police Department since 1993. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, right, swears in Brad Arnold as police chief Oct. 3. (Photo courtesy of the City of Noblesville)

Noblesville

safety facility on Division Street in Noblesville.

Arnold

884 Logan St. | Noblesville, IN 46060 | 317-674-8573

20% OFF*

One Item Store Wide

*Excludes Ambre and Brighton Products. One discount per purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Valid through November 8, 2025

Banking on small business

Why local support still matters

Commentary by Matthew Darrah

Small businesses anchor the U.S. economy: they make up 99.9 percent of all firms and employ about 46 percent of private-sector workers. Since the mid-1990s, they’ve generated roughly 60-plus percent of net new jobs — a reminder that when small firms thrive, communities do, too.

Yet behind every “open” sign is an owner juggling tight labor markets, rising costs, new technology and shifting customer expectations. That’s why local partnerships — from chambers and mentors to community lenders — matter more than ever.

One example with local impact is 1st Source Bank. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Indiana District recognized 1st Source as the state’s Community Lender of the Year in 2024 among community banks under $10 billion in assets— an indicator of steady small-business support statewide. On the ground, responsive, relationship-driven banking helps owners stay focused on hiring, inventory, and service — keeping dollars circulating locally and strengthening main streets.

Consider Uptown Cheapskate owners Brad and Lesli. As they built out their new location, their banking relationship funded and financed the project and stayed close through uncertainty — helping them navigate shifts in costs, timelines and approvals. The result wasn’t just a completed build — it was local construction work, permanent jobs, new foot traffic and more dollars moving through the neighborhood economy.

What do owners say they need right now? Clarity and speed on financing options that fit their stage of growth; digital convenience without losing a real person who understands the market; and community connection — partners who show up at grand openings, site visits, and local events to spot issues early and share practical, timely advice. Bottom line: Lead with community impact. When local partners work alongside small businesses, the payoff shows up in jobs, vibrant storefronts, and dollars that stay close to home.

Hamilton slowdown expected

news@youarecurrent.com

New home permits are expected to take a seasonal pause as winter approaches.

According to a breakdown of new home permits issued in the nine-county Indianapolis region by the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis, new home permits increased 1 percent in September 2025 over September 2024.

According to the latest data, 7,911 permits were issued across central Indiana through September 2025 — up slightly from 7,797 during the same period in 2024. Although activity eased slightly this fall, the region continues to outperform broader U.S. housing trends, which showed a dip in both housing starts and permits heading into the fourth quarter.

“After a strong summer, we’re seeing the market take a natural pause as

builders recalibrate for the end of the year,” BAGI CEO Chris Hancock stated.

According to BAGI, a slowdown mirrors broader trends reported by the National Association of Home Builders. Builders across central Indiana have focused on strategic pacing and diversification — like quick-move-in and custom homes — designed to meet fluctuating buyer demand.

“Permits are an early signal of builder confidence,” Hancock stated. “While national data shows a pause, central Indiana’s consistency demonstrates our market’s underlying strength — supported by population growth, local economic activity and buyers who remain committed to homeownership.”

Year-to-date new home permits include 925 in Westfield; 242 in Carmel; 304 in Fishers; 541 in Noblesville; 163 in Zionsville; 331 in Brownsburg; 68 in Lawrence; and 1,218 in Indianapolis.

Learn more at BAGI.com/Permits.

Matthew Darrah is the Hamilton County Market president at 1st Source Bank with 20 years of banking experience.

Local designs swimwear

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Lacy Clark has always had a love for swimwear.

Clark is the owner of Steven Lacy Swimwear, an online swimsuit company dedicated to empowerment and inclusivity. She had a launch party for the brand at Morse Lake in Noblesville in June.

“My grandmother and I have always had a deep love of swimwear — what it looks like, what it feels like, how sustainable it is,” said Clark, a Cicero resident who also designs the swimsuits. “We’ve been (collecting) since I was very, very little.”

When Clark’s grandmother died four years ago, she decided to launch the brand.

“I finally decided it was now or never,” Clark said. “It took me three years to find the fabric and designs and manufacturer that I wanted to work with.”

Because the brand offers full-coverage swimsuits, she said many people in the Midwest wear them as athletic pieces, too.

“We have a black swimsuit with

white lining that was a huge hit for the Indianapolis 500 because women were just wearing them as tank tops,” Clark said. “And then in San Diego, a lot of people surf in our swimsuits.”

Up next for Steven Lacy Swimwear is a photoshoot with a model from the reality television series “America’s Next Top Model.” Clark said the model will be revealed later this year.

Steven Lacy Swimwear also will have a line of one-pieces dropping this winter, as well as options for men and children.

For more, visit stevenlacyswimswear. com.

Hailey Nicole Bridal to open

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Hailey Nicole Bridal, an appointment-only luxury bridal boutique, will open in Hamilton Town Center at 13976 Town Center Blvd. Nov. 10.

Owner Nicole Hardin, a Greenwood resident, said the boutique will have bridal gowns and mother-of-the-bride gowns by designers around the world, including Pronovias, Anna Kara, Elizabeth Lee, Anne Barge and Leah Da Gloria, among others. There will be more than 200 dresses in the store.

were coming from the north, too.”

This is the first location for the store, which derives its name from Hardin and her daughter, Hailey.

“I’ve done a lot in the fashion industry, but I ended up working for a friend of mine on the event side of bridal and I spent a year in the bridal industry, and I fell in love with that,” Hardin said. “My daughter is 20 now, and a lot of my friends’ daughters and sons are getting married, and they’re looking for dresses themselves. It just seemed like all of the background I had has led me to this place.”

Worthington offers free design seminars

news@youarecurrent.com

Worthington Design & Remodeling is hosting two free seminars in November for homeowners who are considering a kitchen or bath remodel and want help with planning.

The first session is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Worthington’s Meridian-Kessler showroom, 5912 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. The second is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the business’ Carmel showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr., Suite 100.

Each 90-minute session walks homeowners through the stages of remodeling, from setting a realistic budget and timeline to designing a space that fits their lifestyle. Worthington’s team members will share practical advice on layout, materials and design trends, followed by a Q&A.

“Whether you’re updating your first home or your forever home, understanding the process makes all the difference,” stated Larry Greene,

president of Worthington Design & Remodeling. “Behind every remodel is a reason to live better. Our goal is to help homeowners shape that vision into something real and lasting.” Each event includes light snacks, refreshments and giveaways. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Interested homeowners can call 317-846-2600 to reserve a seat.

“I felt like for the demographic that we were seeking, we needed to find an area that was growing, and the Hamilton County area is exploding,” Hardin said. “There was space available at Hamilton Town Center, and it was the perfect size. It’s off I-69 and provides a thoroughfare for people coming from Fort Wayne and Muncie. I kind of wanted to be that first stop for people that

Although gown service will be by appointment only, Hardin said everyone is welcome in the store to view other bridal merchandise.

“We worked really hard to create an elevated space where everybody feels comfortable and included,” Hardin said.

Beginning Nov. 10, appointments can be booked online at haileynicolebridal. com, or by calling 317-555-1234.

Project Developers Dawn Ashburn, left, and Sydney Spurgeon lead a recent remodeling seminar at Worthington Design & Remodeling in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Worthington Design & Remodeling)

Lacy Clark, third from left, and her three sons. (Photo courtesy of Lacy Clark)

Hardin

Legend’s concert to celebrate 20th anniversary of 1st album

By Dave Gil de Rubio editorial@youarecurrent.com

For John Legend, 2025 represents the junction where his creative past, present and future meet.

Although last year was the official 20th anniversary of his 2004 debut “Get Lifted,” this year’s tour finds him hitting the road full force with a 10-piece band to commemorate a collection of songs that reflects that seminal part of his life when he was in hardcore hustling mode.

“This is the true celebration of the 20th anniversary of my first album and first tour,” said Legend, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Fishers Event Center. “It’s really celebrating 20 years of my relationship with my audience and the connection we’ve built over all these years. And it all started with this album. I decided I would do a tour in celebration of that album and really in celebration of all of it thinking about the journey we’ve been through that started with this album. We’re doing songs from throughout my career as well, but we’re focusing on the entirety of “Get Lifted.” I also do some storytelling about the making of the album, what I was inspired by and some of the other artists that were kind of in my orbit and inspired me.”

Legend recalled the journey to getting the album off the ground.

“Most of that album was recorded when I was still trying to get a record deal,” he said. “I was working by day as a management consultant and then going to the studio at night, playing gigs and open mics around Philadelphia and New York at night and on the weekends. I was kind of burning the candle at both ends, being rejected by every major record label. I was really working hard and fighting to be heard and seen, believing that I had something special to offer, but not having it come to fruition at the moment when I thought I was ready — having to

keep working for years to finally get to the place where the gatekeepers were ready to let me through the gate.”

As results reflect, Legend has arrived in the subsequent two decades. Besides seeing “Get Lifted” go double-platinum and earn him three Grammys out of eight nominations that year, the Ohio native has gone on to become an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). He also spent a decade as a vocal coach for the NBC reality competition “The Voice” and expanded into publishing (Get Lifted Books) and cosmetics (founder of Loved01, a skincare brand for melanin-rich skin). But it’s his role as family man in which Legend

takes the greatest pride, having been married to Chrissy Teigen since 2013. Legend took inspiration from his role as a father to the point where he released 2024’s “My Favorite Dream,” his 10th studio album and first collection of children’s songs.

The album was, outside of a handful of covers, all original material solely penned by him. “My Favorite Dream” notched a pair of 2025 Grammy nominations. Written on the piano next to Legend’s kitchen, Legend said the songs were “directly inspired by the things we say to our kids and inspired by the energy and love we feel in our home every day. I just sat at the piano and wrote some songs rooted in that.”

Legend asked indie folk multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens to produce “My Favorite Dream.”

“I reached out to Sufjan Stevens, who is one of the artists I’ve loved for 20 years or so, and I thought he would be perfect for producing and arranging the album,” Legend said. “The only hitch was that I’d never met him before or spoken to him before. And so, I had to find him and his information and reach out to him and hope he didn’t think this was a ridiculous idea. He was interested, but wanted to hear the music first, so I sent him all the simple demos I did on piano and vocal of the songs. He loved the songs, felt inspired by them and felt we could do something special together, so we did it.”

Legend is delighted with the final product.

“I’m truly so proud of it. It’s one of my favorite albums I’ve made, and I am so happy with how it came out. It’s exactly what I hoped and beyond when I was hoping that Sufjan would want to do this with me,” he said. “When he got his hands on it and added his unique musicianship to it, he made it the dreamy album that I wanted it to be.”

For more, visit fisherseventcenter. com.

‘TOOTSIE’

“Tootsie” runs through Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Carmel Arts Council presents dinner and “Dueling Pianos” Nov. 5, followed by “Esque: Burlesque” Nov. 6, “Divas of the Songbook” Nov. 7 and “Sweet Caroline: The Music of Neil Diamond” Nov. 8 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Young Frankenstein” through Nov. 9 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE

Lisa Loeb and Joan Osborne will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 p.m. at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘VOICE OF WHITNEY HOUSTON’

“The Voice of Whitney Houston: A Symphonic Celebration” is set for 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘WITH

HEARTS OF GRATITUDE’

Indiana Wind Symphony presents “With Hearts of Gratitude” concert at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

HENDRICKS LIVE!

Feverup Presents “We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance and Light Show” at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

John Legend will perform Nov. 16 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Gaelle Beri)

ENTERTAINMENT

IWS concert honors veterans

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Wind Symphony’s concert has a fitting theme for a performance two days before Veterans Day.

“With Hearts of Gratitude” will include patriotic songs and marches. The concert is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The concert opens with Robert Jager’s “Esprit de Corps,” which was written for the United States Marine Band.

“That piece is probably Jager’s most famous piece next to his original composition for the band, which was called the ‘Third Suite,’” IWS Music Director Jay Gephart said.

Gail Robertson, who will make an IWS debut, is the euphonium soloist for “Up All Night” by Eric Knechtges. Robertson is the visiting professor of euphonium at Indiana University and associate professor of euphonium and tuba at the University of Central Florida.

Another piece in the first act is “Hymn To The Fallen” by film composer

Gail Robert son will be a guest soloist for the In diana Wind Symphony’s Nov. 9 con cert. courtesy of IWS)

John Williams. The piece is from “Sav ing Private Ryan.”

Robert Russell Bennett’s “Suite of Old American Dances” concludes the first act. Bennett is an American composer known for his orchestrations of many well-known Broadway shows.

The second act opens with Morton Gould’s “Fourth of July.”

“It sounds like a musical version of fireworks,” he said.

The second act includes “Proud to Serve,” which is a medley of all the service songs.

The concert closes with John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

AI powers Houston’s voice

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Whitney Houston’s voice moved generations of fans, and through a collaboration between The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, Primary Wave Music and Park Avenue Artists, it has now returned to the stage.

“The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration,” which debuted in August 2024, brings Houston’s legendary vocals to concert halls across U.S. cities. The tour will stop in Carmel for an 8 p.m. Nov. 8 concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.

The concert transports fans into Houston’s musical world, as live orchestras perform alongside Houston’s vocals and rare footage. Audiences experience the power of Houston’s voice in a live setting, with a fusion of technology and artistry that celebrates her enduring legacy.

To bring the unique performance to life, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and its creative partner, Park Avenue Artists, needed isolated vocals from Houston’s songs. However, many of her

“The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration” is set for Nov. 8 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)

key original multitrack recordings are no longer available, presenting a significant technical obstacle for the project, according to a news release.

To overcome the challenge, the partners turned to Moises, an AI-powered music platform with stem separation technology that isolates individual instruments and vocals from recordings. Using Moises’ advanced algorithms, Park Avenue Artists successfully extracted Houston’s vocals from her songs, producing near-studio quality audio that enabled the creative team to fulfill their vision while honoring her legacy.

For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

N O W T H A T ’ S F U N N Y | w i

I N D Y N I G H T S W I T H R Y A N A H L W A R D T | S o n g s , S t o r i e s , & H u m o r

T H E M A G I C O F D A V I D R A N A L L I | M a g i c S h o w

Z A C A R I A H S M I T H | R i s i n g C o u n t r y M u s i c S t a r

Indiana Wind Symphony

VIEWS

Out-of-context texts

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

When I want to remember something and I’m in the car, the first thing I do is send myself a text. I hit the appropriate button on my steering wheel, and I hear a little chirp. Then I say, “Send text to Dick.”

• Bluetooth: “What do you want to say to Dick?” the technology spouts.

• Me: “Mail car insurance. Put out garbage.”

It’s pretty effective. As soon as I get home, I check my messages, and there are all the things I would probably forget to do if I hadn’t sent myself a note. I considered this method quite foolproof, but only a fool like me could mess it up.

• Me: “I don’t want you to call my son. What are you talking about.”

• Guernsey: “Also, you texted me to buy a quart of milk. I’m lactose intolerant. And why are you asking me to buy this stuff for you? You know I don’t drive.”

“As soon as I get home, I check my messages, and there are all the things I would probably forget to do if I hadn’t sent myself a note. I considered this method quite foolproof, but only a fool like me could mess it up.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

A light-bulb moment

Commentary by Terry Anker

We have a member of our church whose name also is Dick. I did not have him in my address book until recently. I added his name because I am part of a volunteer group that picks him up at his home on Sunday mornings. He decided at his age to stop driving.

Yes, most of the messages I intended to send to myself were going to Dick Guernsey (he told me to use his real name because he wanted to see his name in print).

At church, Dick asked me why I thought he should pay my HOA fee. I thought this was a very odd thing to ask me, so I confided in a fellow Unitarian, who told me that, “Sometimes, people your age, Dick, get a little confused. It’s normal.” The next day, I got this text message:

• Guernsey: “Dick, it’s Dick Guernsey. Why do you want me to call your son?”

Still all a mystery.

The next day, Dick called me on his cell.

“Dick Wolfsie, this is Dick Guernsey. I’m starting to worry about you. I just got a text from you that says, ‘Don’t forget to call my brother in New York.’ I don’t know your brother in New York. The text also says to get an oil change. I don’t have a car. That’s why you pick me up twice a month.”

Then another text from Guernsey asking why I thought he needed to have his gutters cleaned.

“I don’t have to clean gutters,” he texted me. “In fact, I don’t have to do anything at this place except go down for dinner.”

I finally figured out why this was happening. I have changed my name to Bubba in my address book. So, now I say, “Send a text to Bubba.”

If your name is Bubba, there is no chance we can ever be friends.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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.

The cost and energy savings of modern light bulbs are beyond question. Likewise, their cool burning operation ensures that they last years longer than the formerly standard incandescent models. In fact, studies have shown that a contemporary LED bulb could be expected to work, uninterrupted, for four decades compared to the measly year for the old-fashioned lights. As to the amount of benefit per kilowatt hour, the newer technology is also dominant, reporting five to 10 times the production against what it consumes. It seems like a no-brainer. Let’s all make the move today!

Well, like so many of the promises of the future, this one isn’t quite the panacea it has been promised to be. Despite countless promises to the contrary, the new technology does not provide the same tone, dimming capacity, shape or appearance as the long-accepted standard. The bright white color washes out rooms, casts odd shadows and makes the kitchen table function more like the office

conference room. Why don’t they darken or produce the tones promised? They flutter, refuse to dim lower than 30 percent and are always too polar or blue in color. All these problems can be ameliorated, we’re told, for a significant upgrade of dimmers, lamps, electrical circuits and expectations.

Still, even with the cost of conversion hitting thousands for the standard American home, the return case for the investment is solid.

In the meantime, many of our homes are lit like 24-hour superstores. Others boast a hodgepodge of mix-and-match lighting that looks like someone wearing two different shoes. Time will solve the problem, one hopes. Until then, maybe we should just go to bed when it gets dark outside.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

16. US government bond

17. Oman or Brunei, e.g.

18. None of the above

19. IND timetable abbr.

20. Numerical prefix

21. Lead-in to “chef” or “vide”

22. More timid

25. Slapfish shrimp dish

27. Copenhagen citizen

29. Nose part

33. Lay blame

36. Drunkard

37. Alexa alternative

38. “___-ching!”

39. Literally, “fish tooth”

42. Pierce Jewelers stone

43. Fishers HS math class, for short

45. Pinnacle

46. Texas border city

48. Actor Olyphant or Hutton

50. Implore

51. Peaks

53. US president 2 or 6 57. Bitter

58. Wide shoe designation

60. “___ Abner”

61. Brian Wilkes weather map line

63. Childish

66. “For sure!”

67. Indiana city hinted at three times in this puzzle’s circled letters

68. Alex Haley classic

69. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard

70. I-65 divisions DOWN

1. Beasts of burden

2. “Yap” or “trap”

3. Kuala Lumpur native

4. Suitable

5. CIA kin

6. Like sandpaper

7. Shenanigan

8. Colts kicking aid

9. Crouches

10. Senses somehow 11. ___ and aahs

12. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

13. Gen-___

15. Explosive letters

21. Cover completely

23. PU URL ending

24. Woodworking tool

26. Soon, to a poet

28. Not this or that

30. Latvia’s capital

31. Vexes

32. Zionsville HS prom rental

33. PNC Bank statement no.

34. Twigs & Tea drink

35. Tranquil

36. Gullible guy

40. Singers Rogers and Clark

41. Pond growth

44. Sunscreen scent

47. ___XING (road sign)

49. Indisputable facts

50. Handy to have

52. Indianapolis Opera voice

54. ET, e.g.

55. Winnie-the-Pooh’s creator

56. Winter gliders

57. London district

59. Have sushi at Salt at Geist

61. Greyhound’s coat

62. Butler frat letter

63. Monument Circle music org.

64. Goal-oriented grp.

65. WRTV schedule letters

ANSWERS ON PAGE 27

*Beds are super comfy and all of the rooms have large Roku TV’s!

This is a 2nd floor unit with wide exterior stairs.

We have Fall and Winter Snowbird discounts for longer stays that you can’t pass up. To rent, you must be 25.

Please email for pricing and we will send you a link to the photos of the condo and its location. mcnallygroupllc@gmail.com

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Length: FOOT, FURLONG, INCH, METER, MILE, YARD; Volume: BARREL, CUP, GALLON, PINT, QUART; Weight: CARAT, GRAM, POUND, TON; Civil War: ARTILLERY, CAVALRY, INFANTRY; Electrical: VOLT, WATT; Temperature: FAHRENHEIT

Current Publishing is seeking

reporters to join our team. We’re looking for

storytellers who can write compelling articles that bring our local news to life.

Requirements: Experience in journalism, a portfolio of published work, excellent writing and communication skills and a strong grasp of journalistic ethics.

MARTIN

Starting at: $1659

Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman

THE MONACO

Starting at: $1759

Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman, chaise

Starting at: $1699

Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair 1/2, chair, ottoman, chaise

GET STARTED: SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

1 2

Book a complimentary in-showroom meeting with our design team.

DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN

Meet your designer and review the space, budget, and style vision.

CONFIRM DESIGN & INSTALL

Give your ﬁnal approval and our team will schedule your install day!

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.

Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood ﬁnishes.

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.

Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood ﬁnishes.

back height, silhouette, back pillow and

Custom order yours today!

The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood ﬁnishes.

Custom order yours today!

RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139

KAREN KING, OWNER