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To all your little ghosts & goblins!
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Common Council approved fund transfer requests for the Noblesville Parks and Recreation Department and established a public hearing regarding an appropriation request from the Noblesville Fire Department for firefighter safety equipment at its Oct. 21 meeting.
The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council established a public hearing regarding an appropriation request for firefighter safety equipment.
WHAT IT MEANS: Noblesville Deputy Financial Officer Tom MacDonald presented the request. He said the funding will support the NFD’s purchase of self- contained breathing apparatuses — compressed air systems that firefighters use when they’re in hazardous environments. MacDonald said the current apparatuses are at the
end of their use cycle, and the department has available reserve balances in the Fire Cumulative Capital Fund and Cumulative Capital Development Fund that are restricted for these types of purchases.
WHAT’S NEXT: There will be a public hearing regarding the appropriation at the Nov. 4 council meeting.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved a transfer request for funding for Noblesville Parks and Recreation summer and fall camp programs.
WHAT IT MEANS: MacDonald said the transfer of funds is to properly budget for Noblesville Parks and Recreation’s summer and fall camp activities as there have been additional costs associated with increased camp participation, additional camp activities like field trips and the department’s work toward meeting safety and health requirements to achieve American Camp Association accreditation.
WHAT’S NEXT: No new funds will be allocated, but funds will be transferred from the parks department’s personal services series to the supplies and services and other charges series. Series refers to the department’s numerical grouping of accounts used for specific types of appropriations or financial activities.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved a transfer request for funding for park improvements.
WHAT IT MEANS: MacDonald said the transfer of funds is to pay for professional design and technical services for a Dillon Park playground and splash pad project and signage designs for Seminary Park.
WHAT’S NEXT: Funds will be transferred from the parks department’s capital outlay series to the services and other charges series.
news@currentinfishers.com
The arts organization Noblesville Creates will present its free Day of the Dead celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at its campus at 107 S. 8th St.
Rooted in ancient Mexican traditions, Day of the Dead is a holiday featuring music, food and artistry. According to the organization, the event honors the memory of friends and family members who have passed while celebrating life, art and community. Noblesville Creates officials said the nonprofit’s version amplifies the artistic aspects of the celebration.
Families will have the opportu-

nity to explore Mexican art and culture through interactive experiences, traditional treats, music and crafts. This year’s highlights will be food vendors like Tex Mex and Heydi’s Fruit Bar; an art market with works from local artists; live music by Mariachi Solo; $10 face painting; and $5 Mexican-inspired crafts. Attendees are encouraged to wear festive attire.
Local businesses and organizations interested in participating as sponsors or partners can contact Executive Director of Noblesville Creates Aili McGill at amcgill@noblesvillecreates.org.
For more, visit noblesvillecreates.org/dayofthedead.
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By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Youth Assistance Program, a nonprofit that provides professional coordination of services and referral services to students and families in the Noblesville School District, will host its annual Haybale Ball from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Mill Top Banquet & Conference Center in Noblesville.
Peyton Gunn, office coordinator for NYAP, said it is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“This will end up funding a good amount of our programs and holiday assistance initiatives,” Gunn said. “All proceeds go back to our programming in some capacity. We partner with the schools and advocate for youth ages 3 through 17 who are facing difficult life circumstances, so that involves connecting them with community resources, getting them involved in local sports, holding shopping events and connecting them with whatever resources each family needs, whether it be therapy and mental health services

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen speaks at a previous Haybale Ball. (Photo courtesy of
Gunn) or tutoring and financial assistance.”
The fundraiser, a Western-themed gala, will have a silent auction, bourbon pull, drinks, dancing, food and live music. Tickets are $125 each or $1,000 for a table of eight.
Gunn said the event is in a larger venue this year.
“We held it at Purgatory (Golf Club) last year, and it has just gotten a bit
bigger,” Gunn said. “We also have a bigger silent auction this year with a good mix of local businesses participating and some luxury items. Also returning from last year is our ticket wall which is essentially a raffle situation where we will be raffling off an all inclusive trip to Cancun.”
For tickets, visit noblesvilleyap.org/ event/haybale-ball.
Brooke’s Place fundraiser set — Brooke’s Place will host its 13th annual Legacy of Hope Breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, with a goal of raising $250,000 to support grief programs for children, teens, young adults and their caregivers. The breakfast is the central Indiana organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, sponsored by Valeo and The Willard and Anne Levin Foundation. For more and to register, visit brookesplace.org/events/loh25.
State of the Schools — The public is invited to Noblesville Schools’ annual State of the Schools address, in partnership with the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 4. Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dan Hile will share district updates at Noblesville High School and attendees will hear from teachers and students as they tour the high school’s new STEM and performing arts spaces. Register at noblesvillechamber.com.


The Noblesville Diversity Coalition hosted a Diwali celebration earlier this month. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, and the event combined food, art, music and conversation. Attendees were treated to a five-course meal that showcased authentic Indian flavors and dances by students from two local Indian dance schools. Attendees also engaged in conversations addressing cultural biases and misconceptions and learned about Sewa Diwali, a service-to-humanity initiative encouraging participants to contribute to a nonperishable food drive. (Photo courtesy of Pooja Thakkar)




By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As areas in Hamilton County continue to see rapid growth, there have been growing concerns among some residents for bald eagles in the area and what development means for their habitats.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources State Ornithologist Allisyn-Marie Gillet said eagles are more adaptable than people realize.
“There are nests that have eagles that will raise their young right next to a highway, and we’ve had more evidence of this as time goes on and our landscapes get more and more developed,” Gillet said.
She said eagles are like people in that some can thrive in areas of development while others cannot. Mostly, they need space during nesting season.
“Even though these spaces are getting more developed, there are definitely ways in which we can help protect bald eagles, and to me, that means always giving them their space while they’re nesting,” Gillet said. “Giving them their space and privacy while they raise their young is good, even if you have them in your backyard.”
Although some eagles are more tolerant of development, Gillet said developers and city planners should try to avoid developing areas near lakes and rivers.
“Planning proactively can really help protect eagles,” Gillet said. “Another way that they can do that is by doing the work outside of the nesting season, which typically occurs from December to August every year. Their nesting
season is three quarters of the year, but there are windows of opportunity to do the work that does not disturb the eagles.”
According to DNR, in 2020, there were more than 350 eagle nesting territories in Indiana, and bald eagles were removed from the list of species of special concern. Gillet said although bald eagles are no longer listed, they are protected by other state and federal laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
An example is the recently approved $250 million residential development, Morse Village, on 174 acres near 206th Street and Hague Road in Noblesville. The approval came after dozens of residents spoke against the development, with many voicing concern for a bald eagle’s nest that is on the property.
Gillet said Morse Village developers abided by the act by enforcing a 330foot buffer around the nesting area, and a 660-foot buffer during the nesting season.
“For that particular nest, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act specifically protects the bald eagles and the nest itself, but it doesn’t protect the habitat around it,” Gillet said. “A lot of people interpret it in a way that says the habitat also is protected, but the law doesn’t explicitly state that it’s illegal to remove the area around the habitat.”
Gillet said she strongly believes humans and eagles can coexist.
“Eagles are really adaptable animals,” Gillet said. “There’s been plenty of evidence now that we’ve seen that eagles can thrive in a pretty developed area.”
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Chris Center, a nonprofit that works to strengthen youth mental wellness in Hamilton County and Marion County schools, announced that it has rebranded to Kindling Minds.
Kindling Minds was created in 2021 as The Chris Center by Nancy Elbert. It was named after Elbert’s brother, Chris Elbert.
“We knew we needed a name that more accurately reflects our mission, work and future, and we also wanted a name that stays true to Chris Elbert’s memory and legacy of compassion, community and empathy,” Kindling Minds Executive Director Sandra Moreira stated. “Kindling Minds does all that.”
Moreira said that although the organization has rebranded, it has the same mission to help teens and preteens in central Indiana build resilience and improve mental wellness through research-informed programs rooted in connection — with animals, nature and art.
“We have a new name, but we have the same staff, board and volunteers who truly spark connection and ignite hope,” Moreira stated.
Kindling Minds has three programs in Marion and Hamilton county schools, including Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers and Carmel, and served nearly 700 teens and pre-teens in 2024.
The organization’s PAWS Wellness Support Program teaches and models skills for stress-reduction, joy and social connection through registered dog/ handler teams and encourages students to use the power of the human-animal connection in their lives.
Its Mindful Arts Program builds mindfulness, connection, self-expression and self-regulation through creative artmaking.
Through a partnership with Stone Farm, Kindling Minds’ Alpaca-Assisted Wellness Program teaches lessons about mindfulness, stress-reduction, empathy and social connection.
For more, visit kindlingminds.org.





news@currentnoblesville.com
Circle of Ivy, Ivy Tech Foundation’s philanthropic membership group, celebrated a decade of raising funds to help drive student success across the college’s 19 Indiana campuses Oct. 10 at Newfields in Indianapolis.
Since 2015, more than 2,000 supporters have raised funds to support more than 600 projects. Funds contribute to emergency needs, educational opportunities abroad and instructional support with classroom technology and textbooks, among other programs.
This year, Circle of Ivy will award more than $240,000 that will fund more than 80 projects.
“Philanthropists who make up Circle of Ivy leave a footprint on Hoosier communities that will last for decades to come,” Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio stated. “From equipping students with resources for workforce readiness to eliminating obstacles for student success, Circle of Ivy removes barriers and opens doors for our students. Their support makes all the difference.”
In its first year, Circle of Ivy raised

$37,980 and welcomed 132 members. By 2022, $1.1 million had been raised, and since that time, more than $1.4 million has been raised to support Ivy Tech students.
Founded by 13 individuals, Circle of Ivy has statewide reach with a focus on the needs of the 19 campuses.
“When passionate people come together with purpose, the impact echoes far beyond the moment. It shapes futures. That’s what those 13 leaders did. They dreamed big and left a lasting legacy that has changed countless lives,” Hamilton County Circle of Ivy member Lucy Keller stated.
Chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County and Circle of Ivy member Rachel Kartz said Circle of Ivy exemplifies the power of community and purpose.
“Since 2021, when (Ivy Tech Hamilton County) became a full-service campus, our members have removed barriers to education and created opportunities for success by awarding more than $56,000 to 22 projects,” Kartz stated. “Their commitment ensures that Ivy Tech continues to be a place where students can thrive, dream big and shape the future of Indiana.”
For more, visit ivytech.edu/ circleofivy.
Trick-or-Treat hours — The official trick-or-treat hours in the City of Noblesville will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. The Noblesville Police Department will be out in the community to ensure everyone’s safety, and motorists are asked to drive with extra care that evening.
Firefighters earn credentials
— The Noblesville Fire Department recently recognized Division Chief Todd Estes and Lt. Dan Milligan for their accomplishments in the field of fire investigation. Estes and Milligan have earned the Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator credential through the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Adoptions — During the month of October, adoption fees are $31 at the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers, 10510 Hague Rd. Anyone interested in adopting a dog or cat can complete an application in advance at hshcadoptions.com.






By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
There are good reasons why Lawrence North High School junior wide receiver Monshun Sales is a consensus five-star college football recruit.

Sales was second in the 200 meters in 21.56 seconds at the IHSAA boys state track and field finals in June and was on the winning 400 relay team. He had set a state record of 21.09 in the 200 prelims.
“When you add in his big 6-foot-5 frame, he’s not only fast, he’s tall and he becomes hard to bring down once he gets going,” Wildcats coach Patrick Mallory said.
Sales has 35 receptions for 782 yards this season heading into the Oct. 31 Class 6A sectional game against Lawrence Central. He had 34 catches for 568 yards last season.
“I feel like I most improved in my catching and getting open,” Sales said. “Track helps me get more explosive.

Favorite athlete: Jeremiah Smith
Favorite musician: NBA YoungBoy
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: “Friday”
Favorite vacation spot: Miami
It really teaches me how to run and stride.”
He has seen his yards per-catch average rise from 16.7 yards to 22.3.
“He’s bigger, faster and stronger,” Mallory said.
Besides physical qualities, Mallory said Sales keeps maturing.
“We get them as young kids and some might not even be teenagers yet,” Mallory said. “Once they get into a system

and they see what the system can do for them, it really helps that process of thinking and what they can probably do.”
Sales is optimistic about the team’s chances in the postseason.
“We are more motivated than ever,”
he said. “We have something to prove to everyone doubting us. We don’t care about that. We want to prove to ourselves that we are who we say we are.”
Sales has a slew of scholarship offers, including from the University of Alabama, Ohio State University, Indiana University, University of Oklahoma, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame and Purdue University
“Everybody is going to be drawn to what they can see — the tangibles versus the intangibles,” Mallory said. “They see the big body that can move and then you see him catch the ball. If you can take the top off the defense here, you are probably going to be able to do it at each level as you keep moving up.”
Sales began playing football when he was 5.
“What makes me passionate about the sport is it makes me want to play harder seeing my mom happy watching me play,” he said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.

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mission to help taxpayers before their properties reach the sale list.
news@currentnoblesville.com
The 2025 Hamilton County Tax Sale, a public auction where the county sells properties with delinquent property taxes to recover unpaid taxes, was held last month at 33 N. 9th St. in Noblesville.
Hamilton County Director of Communications Tammy Sander said it brought in a little more than $131,000 in delinquent taxes and was the smallest sale in recent history.

Byer
Forty-four parcels of property were listed this year, which Sander said is down from the typical 80 or more. Twenty-three parcels were sold at auction.
Adjustments, Real Property and Settlement Manager for Hamilton County Sadie Eldridge credited the drop to the efforts of Hamilton County Treasurer Susan Byer, who has made it her

“I’ve been with the county for 17 years, and this year’s tax sale was unlike any I’ve ever seen,” Eldridge stated. “Susan goes above and beyond to reach people — she calls, emails, even knocks on doors if she has to. Her compassion and persistence have made a tremendous difference for Hamilton County residents.”
Byer, who was elected Treasurer in 2020, said she takes the work personally.
“I never want to take someone’s home,” Byer stated. “When I can’t reach someone through the usual channels, I’ll go out and visit them. It’s especially important for our older residents who might not understand what’s happening with their property. We offer tax sale agreements to help people make monthly payments and get their taxes back on track.”
Funds will support local services like public safety, schools and township operations.
For more, visit hamiltoncounty. in.gov/452/Real-Property-Tax-Sale.




By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Discovering Broadway, an Indianapolis nonprofit that brings Broadway professionals to central Indiana, will offer its first-ever “Hamilton” choreography master classes at Grace Church in Noblesville Nov. 1.
“Hamilton” is a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a score blending hip-hop, R&B, pop and traditional show tunes.
The classes, conducted at 5504 E. 146th St., for people 10 and older, will give participants the opportunity to learn original Broadway audition choreography to “My Shot” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or “The Room Where It Happens” from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Broadway star and Indianapolis native Julian Ramos will teach both classes.
“This class is a unique partnership, because we don’t have a venue, and as such, we partner with local nonprofits and other organizations so that we can house our master classes,” Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk said. “We




said. “Indianapolis was where it all began for me and I’m grateful to be a part of the next generation’s journey into the performance world.”
Kirk looks forward to watching Ramos teach the choreography, which was created by American dancer and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler.
“To bring home one of our own who’s been on Broadway is very exciting,” Kirk said. “It’s also exciting to see the Broadway audition choreography for
these songs. Not only is he showing participants the actual combination you have to learn to book these parts and be part of “Hamilton,” but Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography has gone down in history as some of the most iconic Broadway choreography of all time.” Each class is $55. For more, visit eventbrite.com/e/hamilton-choreography-master-class-with-julian-ramos-tickets-1769852700069?aff=oddtdtcreator.
are so excited to be in Noblesville. For this class in particular, we’re working with a nonprofit called Kids Dance Outreach, and we are sponsoring students of theirs to take the class at no cost.”
Ramos will teach the classes following his run in Broadway’s “Cabaret.”
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be heading home to Indy to join the Discovering Broadway family,” Ramos



















Oct. 10–31
Friendly and frightening hours available. Scan QR code for more information and to buy tickets.















By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Friends of the Hamilton East Public Library, a volunteer-run nonprofit that supports the Noblesville and Fishers libraries through fundraising and advocacy, is working to help fund and expand library programs.
The primary fundraising source is the operation of bookstores inside each library. Brandon Smith, president of The Friends of the Library, said the stores feature books, games, magazines, puzzles and CDs and DVDs, among other items.
“When we sell these items, we take those funds and support programming for the library,” Smith said. “Our board meets four times a year, and we ask the library staff from both branches to submit requests for funds. Based on the sales from the book shops, we’re able to support thousands and thousands of dollars worth of programs every year.”
Most recently, Smith said the board has allocated funds for the Hamilton East Public Library Music Series, the Jane Austin 250th birthday celebration,
rug tufting classes and a UV printer for the Ignite Studio at the Fishers location.
“It’s funny how you can sell books for $1 apiece, but eventually, that adds up to hundreds and thousands of dollars,” Smith said. “It is a wonderful and great way to give back to the libraries.”
Smith applauds the library’s selections.
“The library has an incredible collection people can check out for a few weeks at a time, but the bookstores have items to keep,” Smith said. “What also happens occasionally is that some books in the library collection will go out of circulation, and the library will turn to us and ask if we want to put them on our shelves. We often take some of those and put those up for sale, too.”
The organization also receives help from the public through donations.
“People can donate books or bookshelves or games at the drop box next to each bookstore,” Smith said. “The public also helps by shopping at the bookstore or by providing cash donations.”
For more, visit hamiltoneastpl.org/ friends/.

Heart & Soul Free Clinic is hosting its second annual Heart & Bowl fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Bowl 32 in Noblesville. Teams can have up to six people, and the event includes two hours of bowling with shoe rental, food and one drink, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. To register, visit secure.qgiv. com/for/heartandsoulfreeclinic/event/ heartbowl2025.
The Indiana Peony Festival will present its Gratitude Table celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 20 at Mustard Seed Gardens in Noblesville. The event will honor the organization’s supporters and offer a chance to learn about the year-round work the nonprofit does. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/5n7t3722.
Spooner Markets will present its Holiday Extravaganza Market at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23. The market is $5 to attend and will feature more than 75 vendors and small businesses selling items for the holiday season. All markets feature food trucks, baked goods, coffee, beer and wine, live music, hourly door prizes and a giveaway. For more, visit spoonermarkets.com.
Special Olympics of Hamilton County will present a night of games, dancing and raffle prizes from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Rd. Athletes, friends of athletes, family of athletes, volunteers and community members can attend. The requested donation to attend the event is $50 per person. The money raised will go directly to the Special Olympics of Hamilton County.
Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad will present its Reindeer Express, a holiday train ride through northern Hamilton County, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on several days throughout the end of November. Rides will feature Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies. Attendees also can meet Santa’s elves, write a letter to the North Pole and get a visit from Santa. For ates and tickets, visit nickelplateexpress. com/train-rides/reindeer-express.
















By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
After two and a half years of planning, a new health care facility — the Rely Center — is now open in Noblesville.
Hamilton County officials cut the ribbon to the Rely Center at 17840 Cumberland Rd. Oct. 22. The facility, on the Aspire Indiana Health campus, will provide rapid triage, assessment, stabilization and up to 23 hours of observation for patients 5 and older who are in urgent mental health, substance use or psychiatric crisis.
The facility, which the county invested $3.5 million to renovate, is a partnership between Hamilton County; Riverview Health; the Hamilton County Health Department; the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs; MindWell Solutions; and Aspire Indiana Health.
Hamilton County Councilmember Steve Nation, a former Hamilton County judge and prosecutor, said he spent several years seeing behavioral health cases come through the courts and felt they were not being handled properly.
“There is a section within the (Indiana) health code that is called an emergency detention,” Nation said. “In other words, when a person has behavioral health needs, an officer will take that person to a behavioral health hospital. The problem with that is that it is the officer making that determination. It is not a treatment model.”
Nation said the Rely Center will work to combat that issue, as it will be staffed by a skilled multidisciplinary team of crisis responders, registered nurses, therapists and a psychiatric provider. Upon entering the Rely Center, patients will receive immediate triage to assess their medical, behavioral health and social support needs and receive a comprehensive treatment plan.
Nation said in the past, people with behavioral health needs were transported to the Hamilton County Jail or to a behavioral health hospital in Marion County.
“The sad thing is, when people with behavioral health issues don’t receive treatment, sometimes that could end up

in them getting into a criminal offense, or it may even end up in suicide,” Nation said. “That’s the thing the county is trying to avoid.”
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said he joined the local conversation on mental health following the 2018 classroom shooting at Noblesville West Middle School.
“It brought a new light to mental health, and it kind of shocked and sent ripples across not only our county, but the state and the country,” Heirbrandt said.
Heirbrandt said getting the facility built required a lot of work at local and legislative levels.
“We were able to change a couple things legislatively to help us get these people treated the way they need to be treated,” Heirbrandt said. “But this whole conversation really started when we finally got someone to listen.”
Heirbrandt said that person was Aspire President and CEO Antony Sheehan, who assumed his role in 2023. Aspire is considered the county’s mental health provider.
“We worked hard to try to convince the former director for Aspire, but she didn’t seem to see the vision that Steve and I had for this,” Heirbrandt said.

“When Antony came (in), he knew we did not have a good relationship with Aspire, because I testified at the (Indiana) Statehouse about how we were frustrated that we couldn’t get collaboration from our mental health firm in the county. After several conversations with him, he saw what this could be.”
Sheehan said he was moved by the commitment of county officials.
“To come across such a powerful and heartfelt commitment about not just improving quality but improving access to services for people with mental health and addiction problems was welcoming,” Sheehan said. “I started my career as a psychiatric nurse, so I’ve experienced these issues around care and treatment for people with mental illness and addiction for a very long time. So, to me, seeing community leadership that had passion and commitment was a real boost when I was starting my new job as CEO.”
Heirbrandt said the Rely Center
Starting in 2026, Hamilton County Councilor Steve Nation said public safety officials will be able to contact the Rely Center regarding behavioral health cases.
“We will have behavioral health professionals at the Rely Center that police and fire can contact and say, ‘Here’s the situation I have. What do you think is the best treatment option for this individual?’ It may be that the individual will go to the Rely Center the next day, or it may be that they will be transported to the Rely Center immediately,” Nation said. “It gives options to public safety officials to treat circumstances as a behavioral health issue instead of a criminal issue.”
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said the county also wants to implement long-term treatment plans.
“Right now, the Rely Center doesn’t have an overnight treatment program,” Heirbrandt said. “We’re working with Riverview Health to look at building a wing specifically to address people that need a little bit more time for healing and treatment. That’s going to be one of our next steps, and we’re already on our way there right now.”
will make a positive impact in the community.
“The county voted unanimously on this,” Heirbrandt said. “It was something that everybody came together and said, ‘We need to lead with this, and we are going to make an impact with a program like this.’ Everybody was on board, and we want to see this thing through to be able to to help the people in our community.”
For more, visit aspireindiana.org/ crisis-services/relycenter.
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.
• 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.












Thursday,




Proceeds









By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Blé French Bistro, a casual French restaurant, opened Oct. 17 at 16771 Clover Rd. in Noblesville.
The restaurant, owned by Westfield residents Rogelio Mancillas, Gabriella Di Petro and Frank Martinez, serves American and Mexican twists on French cuisine.
“Customers will see a lot of influence from American items, and also from the place that used to be here, Red Habenero,” Martinez said. “We have French Dip Tacos, Chicken Paillard French Onion Soup, and then the American twist can be seen in the French Burger and Crevettes Grillees, which is basically pasta with shrimp.”






The owners are new to the restaurant business. Martinez said local restaurants have provided assistance.
“We got a lot of help throughout the whole process,” Martinez said. “We have different mentors that have experience in restaurants, such as people from Verde and Casa Santa. They serve Mexican food, but they know the whole process of having a restaurant, so they have been really helpful with doing all this. We’re taking it step by step.”
Martinez said Noblesville doesn’t have a similar French restaurant.
“We picked Noblesville because there’s no place like this here,” Martinez said. “The idea was to have a casual place for people to come to at night on
a date or even for a business meeting where they can try unique food. It is casual dining, and we just want people to feel like they are experiencing something different than what is typically seen in Noblesville.”
The owners haven’t ruled out opening future restaurants but said they would not be a Blé French Bistro.
“The thing about this place is that we wanted it to be unique,” Martinez said. “We don’t want to create a chain. If something happens, it will be a new concept — maybe similar food, but it will be something totally different. We wouldn’t want people to see it as a replica. We are in discussion of what would be next if this is a success.”
Customers can expect to see new menu items every few months, and a new cocktail menu launching Oct. 31. For more, visit blebistro.com.

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As hospitals across the state face financial pressure because of state and federal regulatory requirements, Hamilton County has entered into an agreement with Riverview Health to restructure the hospital’s existing $45 million debt.
Riverview Health is owned by Hamilton County and is a nonprofit that does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses. The Hamilton County Council, Hamilton County Commissioners and Riverview Health Board of Trustees approved a county bond earlier this month to restructure Riverview’s debt into more manageable payments and an additional $30 million for upcoming capital needs.
Additionally, the county acquired land from Riverview, which provides additional funds for capital or operational needs.
Hamilton County Attorney Connor Sullivan said under its current agreements, Riverview Health’s existing debt was scheduled for restructuring in 2026. He said the county is using its financial strength to be a credit enhancement.
“By refinancing Riverview Health’s debt with the county’s backing, the

price includes installation & warranty
health system benefits from a lower cost of borrowing, which enables Riverview to allocate more resources directly to patient care,” Sullivan said. Riverview Health is responsible for all bond payments, either with revenues or from the sale of assets. Sullivan said in the event it is unable to repay the loan, the debt is secured by assets valued above the amount owed, protecting the county and taxpayers from financial risk.
“It’s a rather large bond, but again, it’s all backed by Riverview revenue pledges,” Sullivan said. “It is tax rate neutral and doesn’t raise anyone’s taxes. No taxes are going to be used to repay the bond. There’s enough security in front of it.”
The commissioners said helping the hospital was necessary because it is a vital asset to the community.
“Riverview Health, as a county hospital, and by charter, serves all county residents who come to their doors, regardless of individual circumstances,” Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said. “We feel that maintaining the access to health care provided by Riverview is essential to the wellbeing of all of us living in Hamilton County.”
Riverview Health President and CEO Dave Hyatt said the hospital appreciates for the county’s support.
“Their backing allows us to focus our resources where they matter most — on our patients and their families,” Hyatt said.









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














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.
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.
Luther, a 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.
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 that do vocals.”

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.

“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.”
The Ceili Band plays a variety of Irish festivals throughout central Indiana, along with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, weddings and other shows.
“There are two other sessions in the Indianapolis area that Ceili Band members go to, depending which is closer to their home,” Delaney said. “The thing that sets the Brockway apart for us is that it’s been a stable home for music for years now.”
For more, visit Indianapolis Ceili Band on Facebook.





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Commentary by Terry Anker
Walking into his home, one could immediately tell that he was a collector. The walls were lined with shelves and those were lined with beer cans, thousands of them. There were ones from foreign lands. There were ones to commemorate this or that. There were ones no longer manufactured. And there were ones that showed the progressive logo and can design from the early days to the present. Really, there were a lot of beer cans. The collector was delighted to share tales of his decades-long work to assemble the group. For some, he traveled many miles to attend gatherings of the like-minded. There are lectures, meetups and beer celebrity sightings. While many of us wouldn’t fully understand or embrace the project, others loved it just as much as our intrepid collector did.
While lines that distinguish the ethos of collectors from those of the simple accumulators are not abundantly bright, we still seem ready to call out a hoarder for their transgres-
sions and assume ourselves not to be. Minimalist or maximalist, we find the level to which we fill our lives. For many, fewer is better. For others, having one of each example is barely enough. What is it that makes the need so strong?
In his own autobiographical documentary, an heir to a multibillion-dollar fortune complained to his similarly situated father of the boredom that accompanies an inherited life of leisure. Dad admonished the youngster to take up collecting as he’d done, perhaps maps, in the expectation that after a life’s work, he could gift the group to a museum. Wasn’t it his duty? The assembly of objects has long been the purview of the aristocratic class. But is it our desire to be like them or something more shared and deeply human that urges the habit?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife has run off with my sister. They were only supposed to vacation together for a little over a week, but when Linda asked my wife Mary Ellen if I could manage all right being alone for so long, Mary Ellen said, “He’ll be fine. I’ll only be gone 10 years.” I assume she meant 10 days. I’d like Dr. Freud to examine that verbal slip. The truth is that we both have habits that annoy each other after 45 years. But after about a week, I started to miss all the things Mary Ellen does that irk me. Here are some examples. It bugs me when we go somewhere where we’ve been hundreds of times, like our Unitarian Church, and right before the exit, Mary Ellen says, “This is your exit coming up. “
“The
truth is that we both have habits that annoy each other after 45 years. But after about a week, I started to miss all the things Mary Ellen does that irk me.”
– DICK WOLFSIE

Well, I know this. I’ve driven here every week for 12 years. Well, at least I wasn’t going to have to hear that directive for two weeks. While she was gone, I missed the exit twice.
I hate it when Mary Ellen lectures me about putting things back on the right shelves in the fridge. She says that if I don’t do that, I won’t be able to find anything next time. I knew once she left that I had full control of storage in our Samsung appliance. That first night, I just threw things back in randomly. I mean, what’s the difference? Yesterday, I ate a hot dog with mayonnaise on it. I know the mustard is in the fridge. But I have no clue where.
Something that really drives me crazy is when she walks into my home office, she always ends up fiddling with something. She straightens the photos on the wall and adjusts the lamp shades. But what really drives me nuts is how she always fixes the slats on my blinds, which are always askew because I often open one just to check the weather. While she was away, I sent her a selfie from my office with the blinds behind me. Yes, she texted back and told me two slats were open. I looked carefully at the photo. I never knew we had a Peeping Tom in our neighborhood. When Mary Ellen was gone, I watched about 12 baseball playoff games. I was finally free of her persistent question during every sporting event, “Is it over, yet? Dinner is on the table.” Now, I could finally watch the playoff games in peace. But I truly missed her when one playoff game went 15 innings, lasting until 1 a.m. I knew if Mary Ellen were home, she would have waited up until the final inning, kept the food hot for me and waited to eat so we could sit together for dinner. Did you actually believe that for one second?

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.
1. Group of Girl Scouts
6. Duke Energy electrical unit
9. Part of a barn
13. A2Z Cafe seating option
14. Life story, briefly
15. Mayberry boy
16. It began as Standard Oil of Indiana, then merged with BP in 1998
17. Breakfast drinks, initially
18. Drool catchers
19. ___ Speedwagon
20. Laundry room supply
23. White River angler’s aid
24. Napleton car
25. Parents of Gen-Xers
27. Body part between elbow and wrist
31. It ended 11/11/1918
32. “Terrible” czar
33. Monon Community Center place to play hoops
35. Grayish brown
39. Lower limb
40. Halloween blunder
42. “Ready, ___, go!”
43. Curacao neighbor
45. Scrooge’s cry
46. Author/filmmaker
Vladic
47. Apt. units
49. Quantity held in a large bag
51. Imaginary source of fear
55. Artist Lichtenstein
56. Clean air org.
57. “You got that right!”
59. Navigation letters
62. Exited
64. Poetic tribute
65. Bazbeaux Pizza topping
67. Facts, briefly
68. Zilch
69. No-no
70. Steinbeck novel: “East of ___”
71. Blown Away hair product
72. “Your Movie Sucks” writer DOWN
1. Building beam
2. City on the Tiber
3. Colts shutout, on a scoreboard
4. Non-Rx
5. Fear
6. ISO instrument
7. Muslim veil





8. City on the Moskva
9. Tennis shot
10. Express one’s view
11. Dietary need
12. Fishers HS exams
21. Key ___, Fla. 22. Half Price Books section
24. Barbie’s beau
26. “Mamma ___!”
27. Nike rival
28. Finished
29. Prego alternative 30. “Butt out!,” briefly 34. Butler’s Lacy School advanced degs.
36. B-52 org.
37. Miami County town about 50 miles north of Westfield
38. List-ending abbr.
40. Disney deer
41. Scarlett of Tara
44. Bikini top
46. Fever foe
48. “See ya!”
50. Wolf’s kin
51. Contradict
52. Topple
53. Social faux pas
54. WJJK classic hit
58. Peddle
59. Tease
60. Destitute
61. Bratty kid
63. Freight weight
66. Capture Answers on Page 27


































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