Zionsville Fire Department presents Pancake Day Page 8
Zionsville Town Council approves 2026 budget Page 7 ZCHS sweeps girls golf championships Page 10
Gunderman elected IMSA president Page 11
DIWALI
Saturday, October 18; 5 – 9 p.m. Carter Green ( New Location )
Join us for an unforgettable Diwali celebration as we bring the Festival of Lights to life in Carmel!
Monday, November 10; 4 p.m. Payne & Mencias Palladium
Join us for Carmel’s State of the City with Mayor Sue Finkam, presented by Ascension St. Vincent. Hear key updates and insights on Carmel’s progress and future.
Learn More & Purchase Tickets
Days are getting shorter. Temperatures are dropping.
Time for a Campfire!
Impact of property tax law still unknown
By Ann Marie Shambaugh and Marney Simon AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com marney@youarecurrent.com
Tax hikes, layoffs and delays to major projects are on the table as counties and municipalities across Indiana work through the financial impacts of the state’s new property tax law.
Senate Enrolled Act 1 is expected to save Hoosiers up to $300 on their 2026 property tax bills and more in the future, but some are wondering if the savings are worth the pending upheaval elsewhere.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said the impact of SEA1 represents a cumulative impact of $5.6 million in lost revenue over the next three years.
“We’re now down to the level where cutting anything more from that is going to be very hard,” he said. “We made some hard choices. We could see this coming, so we started in the spring with a soft hiring freeze and scaling back on some projects so we could revert money back into the general fund for next year. We’ve had no layoffs, but we haven’t replaced some people who (retired). We’re keeping a really tight watch on all of our expenses.”
Stehr said as the town readies for the change, it’s not clear where homeowners will really see savings.
“We saw this coming from about 10 miles away, and we asked all our departments to cut (budgets),” he said. “But what’s happening here is we’re shifting away from property taxes and shifting toward income taxes. So, at the end of the year, you’re still going to be paying the same thing in taxes, just be paying it over here instead of here.”
In Hamilton County, financial constraints tied to SEA1 have led to an indefinite delay in constructing a domestic violence center and are throwing into question plans for a child care facility for children of county employees, according to Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. The law also could lead to layoffs
and impact future road construction projects, as the county is set to lose millions in projected revenues. Heirbrandt described the impact of SEA1 as a “shell game,” as savings for property owners might be lessened by other new taxes, including a wheel tax state legislators are requiring local governments to implement to receive Community Crossings road improvement matching grants.
Other new or increased taxes are under consideration in many Indiana communities. In Elkhart County, several county commissioners, councilors and mayors signed a joint statement urging state legislators to “fix” the unintended consequences of SEA1.
“This legislation was meant to create fairness,” the statement reads. “Instead, it has created uncertainty, shifting burdens in ways that threaten critical services in our communities. Unless corrected, the result will not be lower costs for families, but fewer services, higher fees, and a heavier tax load on individual homeowners and renters.”
The Elkhart County leaders state that SEA1 “does not address the rising burden from increasing assessments,” meaning that even with the new property tax deductions the total due is likely to continue rising for many homeowners. They also state that residents are likely to “see new or higher fees that erase any temporary gains.”
State Rep. Danny Lopez, R-Carmel, said although the new law is requiring local governments to make difficult
The Town of Zionsville expects Senate Enrolled Act 1 to have a cumulative impact of $5.6 million in lost revenue over the next three years. (File photo)
funding decisions, savings for property owners go beyond a deduction in 2026, saving Hoosiers $1.3 billion over three years.
The law phases out the standard homestead deduction by 2030 but boosts the supplemental homestead deduction to 40 percent in 2026. The supplemental deduction increases each year until it levels out at 66.7 percent by 2030.
“Delaying that (full) implementation gives us a longer timeline to really understand the impacts that this will have at the local level and then be able to adjust where we need to adjust,” Lopez said. “People see it as $300 or 10 percent annually and say, ‘Well, that’s not a huge number,’ but the truth is that when twothirds of your net assessed value starting in 2031 is deducted on your property tax bill, that’s a significant reform and a significant change for taxpayers.”
Stehr said although the impacts of the law — for municipalities and residents alike — are yet to be fully revealed, the town is keeping an eye on finances while vowing not to impact services residents need.
“I think we’re in a place where we can manage it for this year. I think 2027 is going to be its own set of problems, but I think for 2026 we’re in a good place,” he said. “We still have to have services — we still have to have police and fire and snowplows and trash pickup and all those things. They have to be paid for somewhere. It’s not getting any cheaper. I think ultimately (the taxes we pay) will be the same.”
About us
Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 29
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
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525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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The winner of the Best Classic Pizza in America at the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy!
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The Zionsville DORA includes most of the business district within the Village. (Image courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
DORA expansion approved
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville’s downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, has expanded for the second time since it was created by ordinance one year ago.
The Zionsville Town Council suspended the rules Oct. 6 to approve the expansion of the district, two weeks after Mayor John Stehr informed elected officials of a request to widen the boundaries.
A DORA is a designated area where patrons 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in a marked container from participating establishments,
then carry those drinks within the district. The district in the Village, which includes most of the Village business district as well as Creekside Corporate Park, was approved by the Zionsville Town Council and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission last year. It went active in April.
Councilors said they were amenable to approving the change on first reading to accommodate some events in the Village scheduled prior to the next meeting on Nov. 3. The DORA now includes the north side of Poplar Street between Main and Maple streets, and the east side of Elm Street to Oak Street. The change was approved unanimously.
FIRST RETAIL OUTLET OPENS AT THE FARM
businesses expected to
this
including
The Farm is a 48-acre development at U.S. 421 and Sycamore Street. It includes a mix of retail and apartments on the Zionsville-Carmel border. Additional tenants in various stages of planning, building and permitting are Stock Yards Bank and Trust; Rise’n Roll Bakery; Hollywood Nail Lounge; Niku Sushi; Prime IV Hydration & Wellness; and West Coast Sourdough. A yet-to-be-named boutique grocery store is expected to open as part of Phase 2. The site is a development of Pittman Partners. Sylo Apartments — the 400-unit residential component of The Farm adjacent to the retail shops — opened in May. (Photo by Marney Simon)
ZIONSVILLE
EXPERIENCE. TENACITY. COMPASSION.
Hear what your neighbors are saying....
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-Bob S.
Dozens of visitors await the opening of BIBIBOP Asian Grill in Zionsville Oct. 2. The restaurant is the first retail/commercial business at The Farm in Zionsville. It is the first of several
open
fall,
Cava, Shake Shack and Paida.
•
•
• Exterior
•
•
COMMUNITY
Zionsville Town Council approves 2026 budget
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr presented the 2026 budget for the second reading to the Zionsville Town Council Oct. 6. The budget document represents a balanced budget with revenues of $48.8 million and expenditures of $48.3 million.
Stehr said revenue includes 40 percent from property taxes; 28 percent from local income taxes; 16 percent from public safety local income taxes collected by Boone County; and 16 percent from other revenue sources such as motor vehicle highway funds, reimbursements, investment income and permit fees.
In terms of revenue loss from Senate Enrolled Act 1, Stehr said total revenue lost in 2026 is expected at $1.3 million. That number will increase to $1.8 million in 2027 and $2.4 million in 2028.
Stehr said the town will bridge the gap in 2026 by reducing department budgets by 2 to 3 percent on average. The town also implemented a soft hiring freeze in the spring, deceased professional services and reverted unused funds to the general fund.
“In 2028, as things are now, that revenue loss can be offset by municipalities imposing a local income tax rate of up to 1.2 percent,” he said.
Stehr said short-term solutions for increasing revenues would include creation of a storm water utility that would free up money in the general fund. Long term, Stehr said the town needs to focus on new commercial development.
Stehr also said the impacts of SEA1 are being felt statewide.
“It’s been a difficult process, but I think every municipality in Indiana is going through a difficult process right now,” he said. “Working together works, and I’m glad we have a good plan in place for 2026.”
Sixty percent of next year’s budget is earmarked for police and fire — something Stehr said will not change.
“We are investing in public safety,” he said. “(We are planning for) three additional firefighters, and we have two additional police officers who are now in training. They came to us under the current budget year, but they will join
the patrol after the first of the year.”
Stehr said the town was able to find cost savings in some areas in order to implement a 2 percent across-the-board pay increase with no reduction in staff. The budget includes equipment purchases for ZPD, ZFD and DPW.
Councilors said the budget process was difficult.
“This is not a fun process,” Councilor Tim McElderry said. “I think anyone (could) agree that when you have to prioritize where money is spent for the town, the safety of our residents and the working wages of our town employees are important. We’ve got some work to do in the future to continue to balance budgets and to find the money to support our parks and various other things, but we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do.”
Stehr said as of Oct. 8, the state had not certified Boone County’s assessed value for 2026. He expects the tax rate to remain the lowest in Boone, Hamilton and Marion counties. The current rate is .4784.
“We expect that we will continue to have the lowest tax rate,” he said. “We believe Zionsville is on a good track for that.”
The council approved the budget unanimously. The approved budget will be uploaded to the Department of Local Government Finance for certification from the state.
View the budget notice at tinyurl. com/6ntjn3t9.
The Zionsville Town Council approved the 2026 budget Oct. 6, with expected expenditures of $48.3 million. (File photo)
ZFD HOSTS PANCAKE DAY
Hundreds of people gathered at the Zionsville Fire Department Station 91 on Ford Road Oct. 4 for ZFD’s 40th Pancake Day. The event kicked off Fire Prevention Month in Zionsville, giving families and neighbors a chance to enjoy breakfast and connect with firefighters in a nonemergency setting. Children and families also explored firetrucks during the event. (Photos by Marney Simon)
Families spend time at ZFD Station 91 Oct. 4 for a pancake breakfast, part of Fire Prevention Month.
DISPATCHES
Maplelawn Fright Nights — Maplelawn Farmstead, 9575 Whitestown Rd., presents the annual Maplelawn Fright Nights from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 23-25. The halloween-themed event is geared toward middle and high school students and includes a haunted house and other age-appropriate activities. Proceeds from the event will benefit Maplelawn Farmstead. Tickets are $10. Learn more and purchase tickets at zionsville-in. gov/740/Fright-Nights.
Local manufacturer honored — The Indiana Manufacturers Association recently announced Dart Controls, Inc. of
Zionsville is one of three inductees to the 2025 Manufacturers Hall of Fame.
The IMA Manufacturing Day Celebration, held Oct. 3, recognizes the positive achievements made by Indiana’s manufacturing community, honoring their continual commitment toward innovative thinking, community involvement and leadership. Hall of Fame inductees are selected for their longtime commitment to the industry, investment in the state and ongoing efforts to elevate Indiana’s manufacturing sector and economy.
Grain Millers of Marion and Steel Dynamics, Inc. Indiana operations also were inducted.
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ZCHS sweeps girls golf state championships
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School girls golf coach Maggie Nobbe knew her team wouldn’t be sneaking up on opponents.
After returning its starters from the 2024 IHSAA state championship team, the Eagles were considered favorites to repeat as champions.
“We definitely had a target on our back, something we had to be conscious of but also making sure we’re going out and playing fearlessly,” Nobbe said. “That was our biggest thing the last two days. We’ve done everything we can. Now, we have to go out and control what we can control and that was being tough out there.”
had to reel it back in and hit some good shots to get myself back in it.”
Snively said she was helped knowing the team was comfortably ahead down stretch.”
“I could focus on my own game,” she said. “It felt good to know my team was safe.”
Nobbe said the coaches told Snively to be patient.
“That’s exactly what she did,” Nobbe said. “She stayed steady and that helped her win,” Snively was three shots behind the leaders heading into the second round.
“I knew I had to keep it under par most of the day,” she said. “The putter started cooperating (on the back nine hole). I was just gaining confidence and crept into the lead without trying to do too much.”
The Eagles handled that pressure Oct. 4 by winning their second consecutive state title at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. The Eagles won with a total of 607 (305-302) to cruise past second-place Noblesville’s total of 629 (308-321). Zionsville won by seven strokes over second-place Noblesville in 2024.
To make it even sweeter, Zionsville sophomore Taylor Snively repeated as the individual state champion with a 71-70 for 141 total. She became the first golfer in IHSAA history to win the state title in her first two years. Her tworound total is the fourth-best for 36 holes in state history. She won by four strokes over Franklin’s Lexi Ray.
Snivey said she got stronger throughout the second round of the two-day tournament.
“I knew it was going to be a battle out there for a lot of people and the team,” she said. “I just tried to play my game. I wasn’t making putts on the front (nine) and feeling a little frustrated. I just
Snivey said it was just as much fun to win it a second time.
“We’re going to have fun and celebrate,” she said.
Eagles freshman Olivia Patton tied for 12th with a 78-76-154 total. Other Zionsville scores were sophomore Avery Lewis, 78-77-155 and junior Paige Henney 78-81-159. The top four scores are counted. ZCHS senior Amaya Wade had a 81-79-160 total.
“It’s unbelievable. I can’t even put words to it (to winning again),” said Nobbe, a former ZCHS golfer. “These girls have worked hard all season long. They deserve it. I’m so proud of them. The girls have been so mature over the whole process. They put in a ton of work in the offseason. They’ve been getting ready for these two days (of the state finals) since last season. They’re going to be doing the same thing for next year. They’re probably going to want to go out and beat their score from this season.”
Snively
The Zionsville Community High School girls golf team celebrates by drinking milk after winning
IHSAA has
sponsorship with the American Dairy Association, so officials supplied the winners with milk. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
ISMA president elected
news@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana State Medical Association recently announced Dr. Richard Gunderman of Zionsville will serve as the 179th president of the Indiana State Medical Association. Gunderman was elected at the ISMA annual convention last month.
Gunderman is the Indiana University School of Medicine Chancellor’s Professor of Radiology, Pediatrics, Medical Education, Philosophy, Liberal Arts, Philanthropy and Medical Humanities and Health Studies.
He is also a 10-time recipient of the IU Trustees’ Teaching Award and the author of 15 books.
Gunderman will serve as ISMA president-elect until September 2026, when he will succeed Dr. Ryan Singerman of Fort Wayne, the 2025-26 president.
Gunderman is a graduate of Wabash College and earned his medical degree and doctorate at the University of Chicago. An ISMA member since 2005, Gunderman chairs the organization’s Physician Wellness Steering Committee.
IMSA officers serving in 202526 include Dr. Tyler Heavin of Danville, speaker of the house of delegates; Dr. Tashera Perry of Bloomington, vice speaker of the House of Delegates; Dr. Alexander Choi of Zionsville, treasurer; and Dr. Teresa Lovins of Columbus, assistant treasurer.
ISMA is a federation of county and district medical societies across Indiana with more than 9,500 physician and medical student members. Learn more at ismanet.org.
Christmas in the Village — The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce presents Christmas in the Village Parade and Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. Nov. 29. The parade begins at Eagle Elementary and ends at Old National Bank. Santa arrives in the Village at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting. Registration is open for groups who would like to march in the parade. Admission is $25. Learn more at zionsvillechamber.org under the events tab.
Gunderman
ROOTED IN NATURE
Mayor, IMS President encourage residents to support Zionsville parks
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Dozens of residents, elected officials and nature lovers gathered at The Club at Holliday Farms in Zionsville Oct. 3 for Parks and Pastries, a fundraising event for the Zionsville Parks Foundation.
The foundation is charged with growing the town’s greatest natural resources — 800 acres of park land and green spaces.
“Our parks offer something for everyone, and it’s up to us to consider what we’re going to offer future generations,” Zionsville Parks Foundation President Tim Casady said.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar president and 25-year Zionsville resident Doug Boles was the featured speaker.s
“We absolutely love living here in Zionsville and our kids growing up here in Zionsville. I can’t imagine that we will ever leave Zionsville,” Boles said. “It’s an unbelievable place.”
Boles said there is a parallel between his work at IMS and what the Zionsville Parks Foundation does every day. Boles said IMS — developed in 1909 by Carl Fisher and opened for the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 — was originally set to be built in French Lick, but the land was not flat enough. He said Fisher wanted America to keep up with Europeans on the technology of the day — automobiles.
“One of the things I think about every day is, if Carl Fisher could come back today, what would he think?” Boles said. “I think he’d be amazed at what was happening. I also think he’d be amazed that 350,000 people show up on race day for the Indy 500. (But) what I think he’d be most proud of is that he built the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to test the new technology of the day. So, how does the town of Zionsville stay true to its DNA, like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has stayed true to its DNA?”
Boles said that challenge needs to be addressed at all levels — from local elected leaders to the parks foundation to Zionsville’s residents. He said the parks foundation works daily to find
ways to appeal to residents and keep parks alive, similar to his daily work to keep up with changing technology while remaining true to the roots of the IMS.
“You start thinking about what’s central to your DNA,” he said. “We are not going to change what’s central to our DNA. We are a town in a park. It is what
makes us special. It is what we all want to come home to when we come home from work. It is the peace that we get. (We) continue to be 100 percent committed to making sure this continues to be a vibrant town but not forgetting what makes us so special.”
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said the foundation is helping to create a high quality of life in Zionsville — an effort made more important considering funding challenges because of Senate Enrolled Act 1, the state’s new property tax law.
“We have less revenue to work with this year. So, when you start looking across the budget, public safety is the most important thing that we do, so we have to maintain that,” Stehr said. “It’s just natural that if you’re looking for opportunities to move money from one (fund) to another, it’s going to move out of the parks. That’s just the way it is. (That) makes groups like this even more important, because going forward, it’s (the foundation and its supporters) that are going to keep things moving. Not just the development of the Carpenter Nature Preserve. Not just the maintenance of other parks. But there’s a scholarship program for our programming that helps families that might not be
ACORN AWARD HONOREE
able to afford the fees be able to participate. Those things are really important, and they will continue to be important.” Funds raised at the event directly support the preservation, improvement and expansion of Zionsville parks. Casady said since its founding four years ago, the Zionsville Parks Foundation has donated, secured or committed more than $1 million for Zionsville parks and green spaces.
Stehr said the foundation provides crucial support for the Town of Zionsville.
“Zionsville — I always say when I get the chance — is the greatest town in Indiana,” he said. “When you ask people why they’re here, they’re likely to say a couple of things. It’s the schools. It’s the relative safety that the town provides. And then it’s the parks. The parks have always been very important here. We talk about Zionsville being a town within a park, it’s part of our ethos. It’s part of what makes Zionsville, Zionsville.” Learn more about the Zionsville Parks Foundation at zparksfoundation.org.
Longtime Zionsville resident Nancy Tikijian was presented with the 2025 Zionsville Parks Foundation Acorn Award at the Oct. 3 Parks and Pastries event.
The award recognizes an individual for outstanding dedication as a volunteer in support of Zionsville’s natural resources, wildlife habitats, parks and open spaces.
Tikijian is a former member of the parks board and her late husband, George Tikijian, served several years as president of the board. She also was a charter member of the nature center and served on the Zionsville Tree Board.
Tikijian spearheaded an initiative to place bluebird nest boxes at Starkey Park and Mulberry Fields Park. She also organized an Earth Day event at Hoosier
Village, hosting several environmental and conservation organizations to educate the public about nature and promoting green space.
“I really appreciate this. I’m humbled, very honestly,” Tikijian said.
Tikijian’s son, George Tikijian III, said his entire family was honored by the recognition.
“I have so many fond memories of my mother growing up, but one that especially comes to mind is her incredible green thumb,” he said. “Her love of gardening was so great that she studied and became a Master Gardener. Her house in Sugarbush Ridge was a beautiful testament to her love of nature and all things green. My mother was part of the park system for
many years, and she used her vast knowledge of plants and nature to enhance and help us make the parks the way they are today. I’m so proud (of what) my mother has accomplished (and) to know that her handiwork will be enjoyed for many generations, by the young and the old alike.”
The award was presented by Nancy Carpenter, the foundation’s founder and immediate past president. Carpenter and her husband, Jim Carpenter, are the namesakes of Carpenter Nature Preserve. The couple, who founded Wild Birds, Inc. in 1982, purchased the 215-acre Wolf Run Golf Course west of U.S. 421 and south of Ind. 32 for $5.5 million in 2021 and sold it to the Town of Zionsville in 2023 for $4.5 million for development of the preserve.
ON THE COVER: Zionsville Mayor John Stehr, left, and IMS President Doug Boles at the Zionsville Parks Foundation’s Parks and Pastries event Oct. 3. (Photo by Marney Simon)
The 2025 Acorn Award honoree is Nancy Tikijian, seated, with 2024 winner Elizabeth Mueller, left, and Zionsville Parks Foundation founder Nancy Carpenter. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Parks Foundation)
Inclusion claims fall short
Editor,
I am responding to Mr. Terry Moran’s article titled Inclusion push excludes some.
Mr. Moran raises concerns about what he terms “total inclusion.” However, this phrase does not appear in scientific literature. It seems he may not fully grasp the concept of inclusion. Inclusion is defined as engaging with individuals in a respectful and appropriate manner, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or ability.
Extensive scholarly research identified three fundamental principles of inclusion: Access, participation and support. A commitment to these principles is evident in our efforts to ensure that all individuals can engage meaningfully, address systemic barriers and actively recognize and incorporate diverse voices and perspectives into our decision-making processes.
Mr. Moran advocates for partial inclusion, suggesting that individuals lacking the characteristics or perspectives he endorses should be excluded from societal participation and denied the essential support necessary for leading fulfilling lives.
Moreover, without providing scientific evidence to substantiate his claims concerning school policies, the rights of transgender individuals to use restrooms aligned with their gender identity, drag performances and the notion that those with opposing views aim to impose their beliefs on him, his arguments fall short. In the absence of supporting evidence, these claims lack credibility and persuasive power.
Abbie Robinson-Armstrong, Zionsville
“Inclusion is defined as engaging with individuals in a respectful and appropriate manner, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or ability.”
– ABBIE ROBINSON-ARMSTRONG,
Blueprint for Improvement: basement remodel reveal
Commentary by Larry Greene
This basement remodel turned an unfinished space into a stylish, multifunctional retreat, blending comfort and design for everyday living and entertaining.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Converted bare concrete and exposed framing into a fully finished living area with warmth and character.
• Added a cozy lounge with plush seating and a modern fireplace for year-round comfort.
• Designed a sleek bar with seating and open shelving, perfect for entertaining.
• Installed a striking wine wall as both a functional storage solution and a bold design statement.
• Chose layered lighting, wood accents and rich textures to create an inviting, polished atmosphere throughout.
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.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
2025 Show Dates
Fishers American Legion Post #470 9091 E. 126th Street, Fishers IN 46038 Jeff Meyrose • 317-504-8110
FREE ADMISSION! Kids are always welcome! Show Hours: Saturday 8AM - 2PM 2025 Dates
• Autographs • Rookies • Graded Cards
October 18, 2025
November 29, 2025
December 20, 2025
CARDS • POKÉMON Best Choice Fieldhouse 11825 Technology Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 Saturday, Oct 4, 2025 12PM - 8PM EST Sunday, Oct 5, 2025 9AM - 3PM EST $10.00
Friendly and frightening hours available. Scan QR code for more information and to buy tickets.
Fishers resident draws on inspiration, memories to create concept album
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Mark Taylor drew on memories to create his first full album.
“TALES FROM THE YELLOW ROSE” by the Mark Taylor Project is a concept inspired by Taylor seeing a photo of an abandoned motel on old Route 66 in Arizona.
“Overall, the album is about the loss of sanctuary and spirituality in the modern world,” Taylor said. “I’m a storyteller, and these songs are based on people and places that I encountered while growing up and living in Colorado and southern Arizona.”
A 70-year-old Fishers resident, Taylor retired as a software engineer-IT project manager in 2017.
The 13-song album was released by Triumph Productions, a startup label owned by Nina and Ron Johnson of Carmel. The album was produced and arranged by Will Turner, who also played bass, guitar, keyboards and backing vocals on the album.
“Everybody on the album is a professional musician, and I got some of the best jazz musicians in Indy on this album,” Taylor said. “It’s not a jazz album — it’s jazzy rock. If you took Steely Dan, Dave Matthews and Santana and locked them in a room, something like this album might come out of it. The music is eclectic.”
The Mark Taylor Project band plans to perform live soon.
One musician that inspired Taylor is bassist Mark Andes. Taylor met Andes when his band Spirit played in a small club in Denver. Prior to Spirit, Andes was in an early formation of Canned Heat. Andes later became a founding member of Firefall and played with Heart for approximately 10 years, beginning in 1983. Andes has played with Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg and Stevie Nicks.
“We lost track of each other but reconnected when Facebook came
(Below) The album cover of “TALES FROM THE
YELLOW ROSE.”
along,” Taylor said. “Mark is a legendary rock musician. He was an original member of Spirit, which was a very innovative band for its time. They were the first to combine jazz and rock and make it sound like something new. They’re a very interesting group, highly influential on me as a 14-year-old learning to play guitar. For me, it’s just a big smile on my face and shaking in disbelief every time I think I’ve made an album with Mark Andes on it.”
Known primarily as a bass player, Andes plays guitar on Taylor’s album.
“Mark has been a huge influence on me musically with his band Spirit,” he said. “Miles Davis is another huge influence on me. Just about everything I know on musical theory comes from listening to Miles Davis.”
Percussionist Frank Loyd, who has played with Taylor since 2017, joined him on the album. Taylor was in a band called TimeSlip from 2014 to 2020 that played in the Indianapolis area. TimeSlip developed from a
blended worship service band at Fishers United Methodist Church.
“We were all part-time musicians, and I was doing all the writing,”
Taylor said. “We put together a little five-song EP. It was recorded in a makeshift studio, and we self-released that.”’
Taylor credited Roger Jenkins-Bass and his Indianapolis nightclub The Point for giving TimeSlip a chance to play many times before it disbanded.
Taylor said he has a strong background in jazz.
“I’m not a jazz musician, but I understand the complexities of jazz, especially the harmonies and types of chords,” he said. “That band kept evolving.”
Taylor, who wrote all the songs, plays guitar and lead vocals on the album. Others playing on the album include Tim Ragliff, keyboards; Justin Brewer, drums; Rob Dixon, tenor and soprano saxophone; Stephanie Turner, background vocals; and Paul Yinger, trumpet and flugelhorn.
‘TOOTSIE’
“Tootsie” runs Oct. 16 to Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘SOMETHING ROTTEN’
Civic Theatre’s production of “Something Rotten” runs through Oct. 18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
MATTHEW MORRISON
The “Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations” concert is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Country singer Maggie Baugh will perform Oct. 17, followed Dueling Pianos Oct. 18 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘VOCE’
Voce, a vocal group from Carmel, will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. The performance music from movies. For tickets, visit voceindy.org.
DISPATCH
Feinstein’s starts Afterglow Dinner Series — Feinstein’s Afterglow Dinner Series is a unique, all-inclusive experience where guests enjoy handcrafted cocktails, a specially curated chef’s menu and live entertainment at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The first performance starts at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and will feature Casey Abrams & Friends, Dylan Chambers and Hunter. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
(Above) Fishers resident Mark Taylor wrote all the songs on his new album. (Photos courtesy of Frank Loyd)
Farrell performs key role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Don Farrell got plenty of laughs just reading the script of “Tootsie.”
The musical is based on the 1982 movie starring Dustin Hoffman as an actor, Michael Dorsey, posing as a woman named Dorothy Michaels to get a role in the show.
“Those who love the movie are going to love the musical,” Farrell said. “There are a couple of new twists for those who know the movie. They’ll get as much of a kick out of the Broadway musical version of it.”
actor playing Michael Dorsey or Dorothy,” he said.
An Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founder, Farrell left his role at ATI in 2023 to pursue other opportunities with his own production and performing company, Crossroads Entertainment.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present “Tootsie” Oct. 16 to Nov. 23 at the Indianapolis venue.
Farrell, a Westfield resident, plays Ron Carlisle, the director and choreographer of the fictitious show. Jonathan Cobrda plays the Dorsey/Michaels role in the Beef & Boards production.
“It’s a great show to be able to lose yourselves for two hours, just laughing at crazy situations and madcap scenarios,” Farrell said.
Farrell said his character is in a couple of different scenes and musical numbers.
“But the heavy lifting is done by the
Farrell will be reunited with ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins in “Tootsie.”
In one scene, he sits next to Collins, who plays producer Rita Marshall, at an audition table.
“When I talked to Cindy, we said this is going to be hysterical,” Farrell said. “It’s an art imitates life because of the many times we’ve been doing the same thing for auditions for ATI. Now, we’ll be doing the same thing as different characters for the musical. Her character is very funny and I’m really looking forward to playing off her.”
Farrell made his Beef & Boards debut in “Fiddler on the Roof” in the early 1990s.
His most recent performance at Beef & Boards was playing the old man in “A Christmas Story” in 2024.
“It’s a wonderful group of people, production staff as well as cast, at Beef & Boards,” he said.
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Center presents free concert
The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts announced a free appearance by the U.S. Navy Band Country Current.
The United States Navy Band Country Current will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, Tickets for that performance are available by phone at 317-843-3800 or in-person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, which is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Because of anticipated high demand, tickets will be limited to four per household and will not be available online.
Tickets went on sale Oct. 10 for another new show. The Grammy-winning ensemble Snarky Puppy will make its debut appearance at 8 p.m. April 25, 2026 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Snarky Puppy is a Brooklyn-based instrumental ensemble founded in
2004 by bassist and composer Michael League. Considered one of contemporary music’s most innovative collectives, the group defies genre boundaries by blending funk, R&B, hard rock, classic soul, modern gospel, new tech, fusion and jazz.
For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
The U.S. Navy Band Country Current will perform Nov. 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Carmel. (Photo courtesy by Allied Solutions Center)
Farrell
Across
1. Flag maker Ross
6. Colts passing stats
10. Categorize
15. Ahead by a point
16. Local comedienne Huntington
17. Hamilton County Court pledges
18. King with a golden touch
19. Biblical garden
20. Elite invitees
21. Conner Prairie Makeand-Take toy
24. Laundry unit
25. Teensy
26. “___ voyage!”
29. Frequent website ending
32. Web address letters
35. Regions
38. Greece/Turkey separator
41. Conner Prairie October festival
44. First-class
45. Marshy hollow
46. Leak sound
47. Some WTHR fare
50. Afternoon hrs.
51. “Hamilton” highlight
53. Banish
56. Conner Prairie Makeand-Take activity
61. Video game pioneer
63. Eye part
64. Not long after midnight, for short
66. Terse
67. Egypt’s river
68. Entirely
69. “Brady Bunch” girl
70. Salon 01 goops
71. Old stringed instruments Down
1. Mooch
2. Carmel coffee shop
3. Type of list
4. I-69 traffic problem
5. Kind of question
6. Prefix meaning “false”
7. Scoundrels
8. “Star ___”
9. California city known for its zoo
10. Indy Fuel scores
11. Pacers comeback
12. Singer Redding
13. Verbal stumbles
14. LA winter hrs.
22. Consumed
23. White River mammal
26. Thai currency
27. Black-and-white cookies
28. Some tides
30. IMPD stun gun
31. India’s first prime minister
32. Where to find MA and
PA?
33. Kingdom
34. Pleasant Street divisions
36. Sum
37. Camera model letters
39. Mule’s kin
40. Just out
42. Dog-___ (like some used books)
43. Sign of an ankle injury
48. Snap, crackle and pop, e.g.
49. Have a late bite
51. Challenged
52. Bring together
54. Rot
55. Thin sounding
56. Son of Adam
57. A Great Lake
58. Shapiro’s pickle herb
59. Close
60. Angela Buchman strong wind descriptor
61. WRTV network
62. Numerical prefix
65. FC Cincinnati org.
Answers on Page 23
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