Issuu

�� PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE CARE CLOSE TO HOME

Exceptional Skilled Nursing • Rehabilitation Hospice • Respite • Long-Term Care

At Brownsburg Healthcare Center, Castleton Healthcare Center, and Plainfield Healthcare Center, we are more than facilities — we are communities built on compassion, dignity, and excellence.

Whether you or a loved one needs short-term rehabilitation after surgery or long-term nursing care, our expert teams are here to provide personalized support every step of the way.

�� WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE OUR CENTERS

• 24/7 Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Services • Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Private & Semi-Private Accommodations • Medicaid, Medicare & Most Insurances Accepted • Warm, Family-Focused Environment • Convenient Central Indiana Locations • Transportation to Medical Appointments

�� OUR COMMUNITIES

Brownsburg Healthcare Center

A welcoming community focused on healing, comfort, and independence.

�� 1010 Hornaday Road, Brownsburg, IN 46112

�� (317) 852-3123

�� info@brownsburghcc.com

�� 24/7 Referral Line: (765) 335-4356

Castleton Healthcare Center

Dedicated to exceptional skilled care and personalized rehabilitation.

�� 7630 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256

�� (317) 845-0031

�� info@castletonhcc.com

�� 24/7 Referral Line: (765) 860-0947

Plainfield Healthcare Center

Quality care that feels like home — restoring strength and enhancing life.

�� 3700 Clarks Creek Road, Plainfield, IN 46168 �� (317) 839-4607

�� info@plainfieldhcc.com

�� 24/7 Referral Line: (317) 560-9988

�� Your Partners in Healing, Comfort, and Care

Schedule a tour today and experience the difference compassionate care makes.

�� Call one of our professionals, visit us online or stop by for a tour today!

Brownsburg Healthcare • Castleton Healthcare • Plainfield Healthcare Serving Central Indiana with trusted care, clinical excellence, from the heart.

Happy Halloween

Brownsburg fire territory approves deposit to replace totaled ladder truck

By Alicia Kelly alica@youarecurrent.com

The Brownsburg Fire Territory executive board approved a $50,000 nonrefundable deposit Monday toward the purchase of a used ladder truck to replace Ladder 131, which was totaled in a July accident.

Ladder 131 overturned into a ditch on County Road 550 East, south of U.S. 136, while responding to a medical call. The truck was calculated as a total loss by insurance. Since then, Station 131 has been operating with the department’s reserve truck, Ladder 139.

At Monday’s board meeting, Fire Chief Larry Alcorn said a couple firefighters recently traveled to New Jersey to inspect a 2015 Ferrara Igniter 100-foot rear-mount platform ladder truck that meets the department’s needs.

“This truck has about 12,000 miles and 830 hours, which is a little high for the mileage, but it’s in very clean condition,” Alcorn said. “It was originally purchased by a Pennsylvania volunteer department, but never fully put into service due to a change in leadership and building limitations. It’s mostly been stored and used in parades.”

The truck, which does not include a

pump — similar to the previous Ladder 131 — will need some modifications. Alcorn said the final cost will be about $650,000, down from its original listing of $800,000. The board unanimously approved the deposit, which has not yet been sent. Final insurance reimbursement is still pending, but the department expects between $655,000 and $700,000.

Once acquired, the truck will become the primary ladder for Station 131. A brand-new ladder truck is still planned, but Alcorn noted it could take a couple of years to fund.

“This is a solid interim solution that keeps us operational and prepared,” Alcorn said.

Contact the editor

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

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 Brownsburg market (10,405 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Brownsburg advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Contact Managing Editor Alicia Kelly at alicia@ youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at youarecurrent. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily. Join our community facebook.com/youarecurrent x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent

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

Ladder 139, Brownsburg Fire Territory’s reserve truck, fills in for Ladder 131 after the original truck was totaled in a July accident. The department wants to replace it with a used 2015 Ferrara ladder truck from New Jersey. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

Alcorn

 Brownsburg leaf collection schedule — The Town of Brownsburg is asking for leaves to be placed in a recyclable brown bag with the top taped shut — not stapled. Keep leaf bags separate

week of pickup.

State law spurs BCSC cuts

Board anticipates $3 million shortfall; cuts operational costs

By Alicia Kelly alica@youarecurrent.com

The Brownsburg Community School Corp. is planning significant operational cost reductions in response to expected budget shortfalls caused by Senate Enrolled Act 1, which has impacted school funding statewide by limiting property tax revenues.

At the Oct. 21 school board meeting, BCSC Assistant Superintendent for Operations Shane Hacker said the district is anticipating a $3 million budget cut in 2026.

“At the high school, we’re looking at turning the building on unoccupied at certain times. Hacker said. “We will have emergency lighting stay on in common areas.”

He said event schedules, such as performances or board meetings, would override unoccupied settings to maintain comfort and safety.

The district also continues to participate in energy curtailment rebate programs through Hendricks Power and Duke Energy.

“These are items that we are looking at moving forward with… the budget committee was all about it,” Hacker said. “Just by doing this, we think the anticipated savings will be somewhere in the $200,000 range.”

“We’ve really talked about the legislative impacts for the BCSC budget and as we look ahead to 2026, we are looking at some cuts there,” Hacker said.

One area under focus is energy management. Hacker said electricity costs are expected to rise by 11 percent in 2026. To help offset this, the district is upgrading HVAC systems, evaluating lighting usage, and adjusting building schedules between occupied and unoccupied hours.

During the same meeting, Amy Huang, a special education teacher and co-president of the Brownsburg Classroom Teachers Association, addressed the board regarding an approved teacher salary contract for the 2026-27 school year.

“Due to limited state funding, this agreement does not include an increase to teachers’ base pay,” Huang said. “We recognize that this agreement still falls short of the compensation that BCSC teachers truly deserve.”

DISPATCHES

 Fall colors hike in Brownsburg — A Fall Colors Hike will be held in Williams Park (Shelter 3) in Brownsburg Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. The hike takes around one hour and attendees can expect to explore stunning foliage, learn about the magic behind the changing leaves and identify trees along the way. The hike is for all ages and free to attend.

 Exhibitor registration open for 500 Festival Indy Mini Expo — Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2026 500 Festival Indy Mini Expo, held in Hall A at the Indiana Convention Center from 4 to 8 p.m. April 30 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1. The expo serves as the official kickoff to the Indy Mini weekend and the packet pickup location for all participants ahead of the May 2 IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K. The expo, which is free and open to the public, offers exhibitors an opportunity to engage with participants,

spectators and the community. For more, visit tinyurl.com/yfn2kerv OR contact Michael Spagnolli at mspagnolli@500festival.com.

 Cooler Weather Reminders — As temperatures begin to drop, the Town of Brownsburg’s Water Utilities Department encourages residents to take a few important steps to prepare their home’s water systems for the winter season. If you have an irrigation system, now is the time to shut off your irrigation meter for the season. To prevent damage during freezing temperatures, be sure to drain and winterize your irrigation lines. Take time to protect your home’s pipes and water lines from freezing by disconnecting and draining garden hoses, turning off and draining outdoor faucets, insulate exposed pipes and know how to shut off your main water valve in case of an emergency.

Hacker

Zoning rules simplified

Amendment simplifies adding in-law quarters and carriage houses

By Alicia Kelly alica@youarecurrent.com

Hendricks County property owners will have an easier path to adding accessory dwellings like in-law quarters or carriage houses, following a zoning ordinance amendment approved Sept. 23 by the Hendricks County Board of Commissioners.

Tim Dombrosky, director of the county’s planning and building department, presented the amendment to Chapter 7 of the zoning ordinance. The change allows certain accessory dwellings by right in agricultural residential zones—where they were frequently being approved through variances with no objections.

“We review our processes periodically, and this was something we realized proved to not be an issue,” Dombrosky told the commissioners. “We’re seeing

more and more of these in recent years, and it was becoming a larger setback for the county than it needed to be. We’ve taken steps to allow accessories without restrictions for Hendricks County property owners.”

Dombrosky noted the Plan Commission held a public hearing Sept. 9, where one person spoke in support. The commission voted 7-0 to send a favorable recommendation to the commissioners.

Following discussion at the Sept. 23 meeting, Commissioner Bob Gentry moved to approve the amendment as presented. Commissioner Brad Whicker seconded the motion, and the board approved it unanimously, 3-0.

Dombrosky also introduced Ian James as the planning department’s new planner during the meeting.

The update reflects a broader trend in county planning, where frequently approved exceptions signal a need to revise regulations.

“If people aren’t objecting, and it’s working, we should make it easier,” Dombrosky said.

Arrest warrant issued

Jury convicts Gavin Bollman of armed robbery and conspiracy after he failed to appear for his trial date

By Melissa Gibson melissa@youarecurrent.com

An arrest warrant has been issued for Gavin Bollman, 22, of Brownsburg, for failing to appear for his Oct. 16 trial date.

Bollman was charged June 19, 2024, with three Level 3 felonies: Armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and unlawful transfer of a weapon used to commit murder. The unlawful transfer charge was later dismissed.

Winning artwork will be featured on Hendricks Power’s 2025 company holiday cards & win an arts & crafts basket valued at $200!

According to the Avon Police Department, Bollman and 19-year-old Olivia Kirksy of Avon participated in a robbery that resulted in the deaths of 20-yearold Patrick Day of Avon and 20-year-old Samual Oliver of Plainfield.

According to multiple affidavits for probable cause, police believe Day and Oliver shot each other during a drug-related robbery. However, police allege

Kirksy arranged the transaction and Bollman provided a handgun to Day just hours prior to the Jan. 11, 2024, shooting Jan. 11.

Court records show when Avon officers arrived on scene at the 7400 block of Glensford Drive in Avon, they found Day lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was later pronounced dead.

Hendricks Power is excited to announce a Coloring Contest for its little members! The contest begins on October 1 and ends on November 3. Winning artwork will be featured on HPC’s 2025 company holiday cards and win an arts & crafts basket valued at $200! We can’t wait to see your child’s artwork bring holiday cheer!

Download the coloring sheet and learn more at hendrickspower.com/ coloringcontest to download the coloring sheet & learn more!

According to court records, despite Bollman’s absence, a jury trial was conducted and found him guilty on both counts. A sentencing date has not been set.

Oliver was found in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the chin and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kirsky’s trial date is pending.

 Danville winter farmers market begins Oct. 29 — The Danville Winter Farmer’s Market is returning this season at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in the Expo Hall on Oct. 29. The event is free to attend and runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Bollman

Event raises $16,000 for Universal Cares

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The Motor District in Westfield was the backdrop for a night of fundraising this month to benefit Universal Cares — an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that connects those in need with resources and assistance.

Organizers of the second Universal Cares Cars, Condos & Cares said the event raised $16,000 to support the organization’s initiatives. Universal Cares assists communities through personalized support, rapid response, community engagement and relationship building.

Universal Cares was founded by Rob Yeary, who operated Universal Roofing and Exteriors with his brother Randy and later his son Sam. Rob and Sam Yeary developed the nonprofit based on assistance they first provided as part of the business. The nonprofit is an “a la carte” organization — offering assistance for a variety of needs, rather than

a single cause.

Sam Yeary said needs of the community are often discovered just by sharing among friends, family and colleagues. The needs of those assisted by Universal Cares varies — from people who need lawn care or roof repairs to families who may struggle with purchasing school clothing and supplies.

“We try to pick different causes that we can contribute to and kind of put pieces together,” he said.

Besides raising funds, Universal Cares also connects with other nonprofits to assist those in need. The organization also sponsors Bows & Blessings, an ongoing fundraising effort to bring toys and gifts to women and children in domestic violence shelters.

Rob Yeary said one of the company’s long-term goals is to own a home that can assist young people with special needs who need regular caretakers if their parent or caretaker dies.

Learn more at universal-cares.com.

Project A.N.G.E.L. applications are open through Nov. 14

By Melissa Gibson melissa@youarecurrent.com

Project A.N.G.E.L. of Hendricks County, a nonprofit with the mission to bring the joy of Christmas to families in need of gift and food assistance, is launching its largest project of the year with applications open through Nov. 14.

Families in need of assistance this holiday season can apply online at projectangelofhendrickscounty. com. Eligibility requires applicants to live in Hendricks County and fall within the income guidelines.

McKenzie McGrath, president of Project A.N.G.E.L. of Hendricks County, said the need has increased exponentially. A.N.G.E.L. stands for area neighbors giving extra love.

“Last year was our largest year yet, serving more than 230 families and 630 children,” McGrath said. “Since 2020, people have been reaching out to us sooner. I was receiving calls back in July about how to get an application. People are already thinking about what they’re going to do for Christmas and we’re blessed to be able to help.”

Each family receives a box of food, two outfits, three wish list items and shoes or a winter coat if requested. On Nov. 1, Angel Trees will be displayed at a variety of locations across the county, including the Brownsburg Parks and Recreation Department at 402 E. Main St. and all locations of Hendricks County Bank and Trust.

A complete list of tree locations will be shared on the Project A.N.G.E.L. Facebook page in November. Supporters have the option of picking an angel (or several) off of a tree to purchase one item for a child or sponsor the entire Christmas for a child, which ranges between $250 to $350.

A sign-up link will be posted on Project A.N.G.E.L.’s

website and Facebook page for sponsors by mid-November.

Individuals and families can also volunteer on delivery day at 8 a.m. Dec. 13 at Avon United Methodist Church, 6850 E. U.S. Hwy 36, Avon. Simply arrive, load up the car with a family’s items, deliver it and return to the church.

Let’s Give Food Drive returns in November

By Melissa Gibson melissa@youarecurrent.com

The Town of Brownsburg’s largest annual food drive, benefiting Messiah Lutheran Church food pantry, will accept donations starting Nov. 3.

Donations of canned or boxed food items can be dropped off at locations across Brownsburg through Dec. 5, including Brownsburg Town Hall, Brownsburg Parks Administrative Office, Brownsburg Public Library, Brownsburg Police Department and Brownsburg Fire Territory Headquarters between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Our annual Let’s Give Food Drive is one small way we can help ensure that no one in our community goes without, especially during the colder months,” said Shelby Abner, community relations senior manager for the Town of Brownsburg. “This year marks our 10th year partnering with the food pantry to help meet the immediate needs of families facing food insecurity.”

The Pantry opened in 2001. It serves more than 500 people each month on the second and fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Judy Phillips, pantry manager at Messiah Lutheran Church, said many people don’t realize how quickly food

“By and large, we are serving working adults between 18 and 60. Their rent is increasing, they have medical bills that have set them back or a necessary job change that doesn’t allow ends to meet.”

– JUDY PHILLIPS

insecurity can arise in their own household.

“There’s an assumption that these people are just looking for a handout or they don’t work and things like that,” Phillips said. “By and large, we are serving working adults between 18 and 60. Their rent is increasing, they have medical bills that have set them back or a necessary job change that doesn’t allow ends to meet.”

Community members using the food pantry must reside in Hendricks County. Individuals can register Saturday morning and walk through the pantry aisles to choose the food best utilized in their family, including milk, fresh produce, meat and dry goods.

Several locations across Brownsburg will collect canned or boxed foods throughout November. (Photo courtesy of Project A.N.G.E.L.)

COMMUNITY

HAPPY TRAILS

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

A crisp autumn afternoon set the stage for celebration as the Brownsburg community gathered at the newly completed Tilden Trailhead, marking another milestone in the expansion of the B&O Trail.

The B&O Trail Association, or BOTA, hosted the event Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the trailhead at the intersection of the B&O Trail and C.R. 500 E. Dozens of residents, trail supporters and local leaders came out to enjoy food, meet the artist behind a striking new sculpture and recognize the many contributors who made the project possible.

The renovated Tilden Trailhead offers new amenities designed to serve a wide range of trail users. It features expanded parking for both cars and horse trailers, a portable restroom and a metal sculpture titled “Homeward,” created by Lawrence, Kansas-based sculptor David Vertacnik.

Made from found objects, fabricated steel, and glass, “Homeward” quickly became a focal point of the celebration. Vertacnik, a former University of Kansas art professor, was on hand to speak with visitors about his creative process and the story behind the piece. Volunteers shared information about future trail development and how community members can get involved.

Funding for the Tilden Trailhead came from a mix of public and private sources. A major portion of the project was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded by Hendricks County, thanks to the collaboration of the Hendricks County Commissioners and County Council. Additional support came from the Hendricks County Community Foundation and Hendricks Power, with more than 2,000 individual donors contributing as well.

The sculpture itself was funded by the Vertacnik family, the Rotary Club of Brownsburg and Dotlich Crane.

The Tilden Trailhead celebration comes at a significant moment for the B&O Trail. With the recent completion

of a new segment connecting Brownsburg to Speedway, the trail now spans 17 continuous miles — from the White River in Marion County to just west of Brownsburg.

“This new section links Speedway with Hendricks County and brings us one step closer to a continuous trail from the White River in downtown Indianapolis to west of the Wabash River,” said Jeff Smallwood, BOTA president.

The B&O Trail Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit founded in 1993, has now completed more than eight miles of paved trail in Hendricks County. In partnership with the Speedway Trails Association, which manages an eightmile stretch in Marion County, the B&O Trail is quickly becoming a major corridor for recreation and transportation across central Indiana.

But BOTA’s work isn’t done.

“Our mission is to connect communi ties,” B&O Trail Association Secretary and Board Member Judith Kenninger said. “Next, we’re working to push the trail further west of Brownsburg. This celebration is a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much more we can accomplish together.”

For more on the B&O Trail or to get involved, visit botrail.org. To learn more about the Speedway Trails Association, visit speedwaytrails.com.

ON THE COVER: From left,

Community celebrates new Tilden Trailhead in Brownsburg

David Vertacnik, sculptor; Tom Vertacnik, BOTA board member; and Bryant Kimsey, crane operator for Dotlitch Crane, which donated the use of a crane to lift the sculpture into place. (Photo courtesy of the B&O Trail Association)

A map of the B&O Trail in Hendricks County shows the recently completed Tilden Trailhead near County Road East, part of the expanded 17-mile route connecting Brownsburg to Speedway and beyond. B&O Trail Association)

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Windemere home in Carmel underwent a remarkable transformation featuring a sunroom addition, new deck and sunken porch designed for year-round outdoor living.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replaced the dated deck and concrete patio with a multilevel outdoor retreat that flows seamlessly from the home.

• Added a bright and airy three-seasons room with panoramic windows for natural light and weather-protected comfort.

• Built a spacious new deck ideal for dining, grilling and entertaining.

• Created a cozy sunken porch with integrated seating for relaxing around the fire.

• Unified the design with cohesive finishes and architectural detailing that complement the home’s exterior. 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.

Sunroom and deck addition reveal

Tenor gets rare villain role in Indy Opera

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This will be a rare experience for Ganson Salmon.

“For once in my life as a tenor, I get to play the bad guy,” Salmon said. “Most of the time I’m singing the lover role.”

Salmon plays the Duke of Mantua in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto” Nov. 14-16 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “Rigoletto” features the music of composer Giuseppe Verdi.

“The Duke is a lecherous manipulator and powerful and a cruel guy,” Salmon said. “He uses his power and charm to get what he wants. It’s an interesting character study to step into because it’s much different than just singing sweet love duets. There’s a lot of layers. It’s something that I’m so excited to do.”

The Whitestown resident said it’s a stimulating exercise to play the villain.

“You have to be willing to be disliked by the audience,” he said. “I had the experience in the past when I sang in ‘Madame Butterfly’ and they disliked the naval officer Pinkerton, who leaves the Japanese wife with the child in Japan and marries an American woman. The audience learns to hate Pinkerton so much that they will boo Pinkerton at the end. Though they may not realize, they are booing the nice and kind-hearted opera singer that played this role. From that experience, it helped me learn something from the role of the Duke, that you have to be willing to be disliked.”

Salmon said he loves the music from “Rigoletto”

“Not just the songs that I get to sing but the great duets and arias sung by Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda,” he said.

Mark Rucker plays Rigoletto Nov. 14 and 16. Jose Luis Maldonado plays the role Nov. 15. Brandie Inez Sutton portrays Gilda.

Salmon, an Indianapolis native who

graduated from Heritage Christian School in 2011, began his career as a resident artist with Indianapolis Opera in 2016. The Ball State University graduate, who earned a master’s degree at Mannes School of Music in New York City, had a small supporting role in the Indy Opera production of “Mansfield Park.”

Since then, Salmon said he has been part of numerous Indy Opera concerts, Opera in the Park twice and was in the COVID-19 livestream production of “Madame Butterfly” in November 2020.

“That was with a small orchestra and in front of a very small studio audience in 2021,” Salmon said. “This actually will be my main stage leading role debut with Indianapolis Opera. It’s extraordinarily meaningful to be here at home in Indianapolis with my family and friends and to be singing with this wonderful opera company that I’ve had a fruitful relationship with over the years. It’s time to take stock on how far I’ve come personally and to put on a great show for everybody.”

Salmon said he is thankful his

97-year-old grandmother, Sarah Jane Gradison, will attend “Rigoletto.”

“She supported Indianapolis Opera on its board long before I knew what opera was,” Salmon said. “She still loves hearing about my career and follows it very closely, so I’m so excited to sing in front of her.”

Since moving back to the Indianapolis area during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Salmon can travel to perform in a variety of locations.

“It’s a nice balance, less cost of living and I get to be around my family rather than be in New York City or somewhere else,” said Salmon, who grew up in the Lawrence area.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

IF YOU GO

What: Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto”

When: November 14–16

Where: The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel Tickets: indyopera.org

‘TOOTSIE’

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

RUMOURS ATL: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Hendricks Live, 200 W. Main St, Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

‘SPOOKY NIGHT OF COMEDY’

Dave Dugan and Steve Iott will perform “A Spooky Night of Comedy” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘FOUR SEASONS’

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will present Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Don Farrell will host “Monster Mash: A Night to Dismember!” Oct. 29, followed by “The Magic of David Ranalli” Oct. 30, “Murder Mystery Night” Oct. 31 and “Celebrating Celine” with Jenene Caramielo Nov. 1-2 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’

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

‘BUGS

BUNNY’

“Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” is set for 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Ganson Salmon plays the role of the Duke of Mantua in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto.” (Photo courtesy of Ganson Salmon).

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Happy Birthday’ wins Heartland Film’s top prize

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland International Film Festival showcased more than 100 films, including 19 world/U.S. premieres, 27 regional premieres and seven Special Presentations from major distributors during its Oct. 9-19 run in Indianapolis.

As is often the case, Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said he expects many will draw Academy Award attention.

“Top contenders from our festival include Audience Award winners ‘Nuremberg’ and ‘Rental Family,’” Sorvig said. “Both are starting to make some awards’ season noise. Other major contenders featured at the festival were ‘Blue Moon,’ ‘Sentimental Value,’ ‘The Tale of Silyan” and ‘The Secret Agent,’ and others. ‘Happy Birthday,’ our $20,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature Award winner, is also the Egyptian entry for this season’s Academy Awards.”

Sorvig said it was a happy surprise that Sarah Goher’s “Happy Birthday” won the Grand Prize.

“She and her husband, Mohamed Diab (“Cairo 678,” 2012), are the first couple to have won the same major top honor with films they separately directed,” Sorvig said. “We are proud of our international slate of winners in this year’s festival.”

The Opening Night film, “Rental Family,” directed by HIKARI from Searchlight Pictures, won the Narrative Special Presentation Audience Choice Award. The Closing Night film, “Nuremberg,” directed by James Vanderbilt from Sony Pictures Classics, received the Overall Narrative Audience Choice Award. The festival presented more than $60,000 in cash prizes to recipients at the Awards Party Oct. 18 at The Jazz Kitchen

The Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Award goes to a film that highlights stories from the Hoosier state or created by filmmakers in Indiana. Director Andie Redwine accepted the $2,000 Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Award for the world premiere documentary, “The Tenderness Tour.” The film also won the Indiana Spotlight Audience Choice Award. Since 1989, Indianapolis native Richard D. Propes has traveled more than 5,000 miles by wheelchair, raising hundreds

of thousands of dollars for charities worldwide in his nationally recognized effort known as the Tenderness Tour. A paraplegic/double amputee with spina bifida, Propes completed the 35th year of the acclaimed event last year. He is the founder and publisher of TheIndependentCritic.com and a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association.

Propes also is the namesake of two Heartland International Film Festival’s social impact awards. “Comparsa,” directed by Vickie Curtis and Doug Anderson, received the $2,000 Richard D. Propes Documentary Social Impact Award. “Shakti,” directed by Nani Sahra Walker, received the $2,000 Richard D. Propes Narrative Social Impact Award, as well as the $2,500 Best Narrative Premiere Award.

“Jimmy & The Demons,” directed by Cindy Meehl, won the $20,000 Documentary Feature Grand Prize. The documentary followed 79-year-old artist Jimmy Grashow as he poured four years into his magnum opus. He died in September. Film subject Lesley (Guzzy) Grashow, Jimmy’s widow, accepted the award during the presentation.

The Overall Documentary Audience Choice Award went to the World Premiere title “Best Day Ever,” directed by Ben Knight and Berne Broudy. “John Candy: I Like Me,” directed by Colin Hanks from Prime Video, was voted Documentary Special Presentation Audience Choice Award winner.

Heartland Film has the honor of being the only festival in the world sanctioned by the Stewart Family to present an award in honor of acclaimed actor Jimmy Stewart. “The Eyes of Ghana,” directed by Ben Proudfoot, received the $5,000 Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award.

Now on stage

Indianapolis resident Richard D. Propes was the subject of the world premiere documentary “The Tenderness Tour.” (Photo courtesy of Heartland Film)

Pub features Irish music sessions

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Madeleine Luther was looking for a musical outlet. The 2013 Carmel High School graduate grew up playing the violin in school orchestras.

The Noblesville resident plays fiddle in the Indianapolis Ceili Band. When she can, she performs with other musicians in a traditional Irish session every Tuesday night at the Brockway Pub in Carmel. The tradition started in 2009.

“I grew up watching Riverdance, which was really popular when I was a kid,” Luther said. “As I was getting older and didn’t want to continue playing classical, I found a fiddle teacher in Carmel, Emily Thompson, and started playing with her. From there, I got into the sessions and Indianapolis Ceili Band. I have two young boys, so I used to come a lot more, but now I come when we’re all able. It’s kind of my escape. I’m a mom and a preschool teacher. This is my hobby that I do for fun.”

that do vocals.”

Fallis said the sessions are where he learned to play.

Many of the people who join in the sessions are with the Indianapolis Ceili Band, which Fallis joined a year ago. He plays the mandolin and the tenor banjo. He previously played in a band called Rusty Musket, which performed sea shanties and folk tunes.

Noblesville resident Ed Delaney has been a member of the Indianapolis Ceili Band since it started several years. He plays the accordion and concertina, which is a small accordion.

The Ceili Band plays a variety of Irish festivals throughout central Indiana, along with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, weddings and other shows.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Indianapolis resident Jim Fallis said anyone that has an instrument can play in the session.

“We come and play for the joy of playing,” he said. “I’ve been here nights when we have 35 people come in. We usually have seven to 14. We have several people

“There are two other sessions in the Indianapolis area that Ceili Band members go to, depending which is closer to their home,” Delaney said. “I’ve played this music since I was a teenager. I play old-time American music and play banjo on the side. But Irish music has always been my thing. The thing that sets the Brockway apart for us is that it’s been a stable home for music for years now. We’ve had lots of people like Jim (Fallis) that showed up and wanted to learn an instrument and how to play with others.”

For more, visit Indianapolis Ceili Band on Facebook.

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Capitals: ATHENS, LISBON, LONDON, MADRID, PARIS, ROME; Desserts: COBBLER, CRISP, CRUMBLE, PIE, TART; Fish: BASS, BLUEGILL, CARP, CATFISH; Events: KARAOKE, LIVE MUSIC, TRIVIA NIGHT; Birds: EGRET, HERON; Mall: CASTLETON SQUARE

Luther

ACROSS Across

1. Accident investigation letters

5. Chicago-to-Brownsburg dir.

8. Not suitable

13. Pacers’ illegal contact

14. WFYI news network

15. Black, in Bordeaux 16. Ear part 17. Order between

“ready” and “fire”

18. Hoosier Pulitzer winning journalist Pyle 19. Hogan Farms’ future Jack-o’-lantern garden

22. Bob & Tom, e.g.

24. Early online forum

25. Observe

26. Butler at Tara 28. Hawaiian garland 29. Rx amount

30. Daybreak

32. Old sporty Pontiac

34. Indiana Fear Farm, for one

38. Caustic stuff

39. Normally

41. Like some hair

44. Brownsburg HS baseball team hitting stat 46. In essence

47. Coach Parseghian

48. Spiritualist’s session

50. IND gate info

51. Halloween greeting 54. Mideast peninsula

55. “Fee, ___, foe, fum”

56. Instead

59. Exposed

60. Big name in jeans

61. Disinfectant target

62. Bookish bunch

63. Jr. and Sr. at BHS

64. Pronto, in memos DOWN

1. Colts org.

2. Also

3. Hendricks County Court summons

4. Cheese choice

5. Velcro alternative

6. Noted Pacers hater from New York

7. Royal fur

8. Clumsy

9. Northside Indy neighborhood 10. “Yer lyin’!” 11. Costs

12. Comic book giggle

20. “___ on the Bounty”

21. Hoosier Park stable sounds

22. IU Health West VIPs

23. “Nope” 27. Honest to goodness 29. Extinguish with water

. Hi-fi system

. Hairpiece

. More delicate

. Guarantees

37. Right on an Indiana map 40. Commanded 41. Holmes’ companion 42. Depart’s antonym 43. Less modest 45. Pub regular

48. Improv comedy bits 49. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

52. Deuce or trey

53. Pond growth

57. Brownsburg HS baseball team pitching stat

58. Victory Field arbiter

ANSWERS ON PAGE 14

COMMUNITY VOICES

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.

Gear up for the ultimate celebration of local commerce with our Small Business Saturday Guide! This dedicated section, which will publish on November 25, is our audience’s go-to resource for finding unique, thoughtful gifts and supporting independent entrepreneurs during the biggest holiday shopping weekend of the year. Readers will explore a curated selection of unique, must-have items, unbeatable local offers, and insider tips for making the most of their Small Business Saturday shopping experience on November 29. Reach a vast, community-minded audience by securing your spot in this special edition, distributed to 126,981 households eager to seize the savings in Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield and Zionsville via U.S. Mail.

Don’t miss the chance to capture shoppers and boost your Small Business Saturday presence with one aﬀordable package!

Space reservations due: Ad content due: Advertorial content due: Nov. 14, 2025 Nov. 17, 2025 Nov. 17, 2025

For more, contact your Ad Representative by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444