Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 31
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Happy Halloween
To all your little ghosts & goblins!
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.
“Rob was a roofer, and he uses Universal Cares to patch holes in the community,” said Jill Hinds, program manager for Universal Cares. “We just do a little bit of everything as people need it.”
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.
Past projects of Universal Cares include a collaboration with athletes from Carmel High School’s boys basketball team to prepare Coxhall Gardens in Carmel for winter and delivering care kits to Family Promise of Hamilton County. Events like Cars, Condos & Cares raise funds and awareness for those efforts.
“Every one of our events, we always say, ‘Thanks for being here,’ and also we challenge people — we need your money; we need your time; we need you to bring us somebody who needs help,” Sam Yeary said. “If you can bring us somebody who’s in need, then we can just continue the mission of just supporting our community as engaged citizens and trying to do the right thing every day. There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We used to do a lot of roofing
DISPATCH
and exterior work, but as it’s grown, we find a lot of people have a lot of different needs.”
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.
“It’s about trying to help families and trying to help people who are struggling,” he said. “What other motivation do you need?”
Learn more at universal-cares.com.
West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd
The second Cars, Condos & Cares event in Westfield raised $16,000 for Universal Cares. (Photo courtesy of Universal Cares)
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Zionsville resident
‘zips’
around town
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Bill Dull loves to share all the things that he loves about Zionsville — from the driver’s seat of a mint green Vespa scooter.
Dull said his wife, Frances+Parke owner Tracy Dull, began following local social media influencers like Michelle Baxter of Wandering Westfield.
“She said, ‘There’s nothing like that for Zionsville,’” he said. “Then she said, ‘I think you should do Zionsville.’ So, we decided on ‘Zippin’ around Zionsville, and I went and bought a Vespa from Rahal Piaggio (motorcycle dealership). And I’m having a lot of fun.”
Dull said he settled on a Vespa Primavera 150 because he knew he needed a hook, and he’d always admired the classic, Italian-made scooters.
“It’s something that I never actually thought I would have because I didn’t think I would ever have a need for it,” he said. “But we found a need, so now I have the best one.”
Dull takes his Vespa — named Verna — throughout Zionsville to spotlight businesses, parks, events and anything that piques his interest. He posts his adventures on the “Zippin’ Around Zionsville” page on Instagram. His posts have included a look around Lions Park, a visit to SullivanMunce Cultural Center and a tour of Zionsville’s sidewalk poetry collection.
“My last long post that I did highlighted all of the historic markers around the village,” he said. “I’ve done
all the murals that are painted on all the buildings as an episode. I’ve done Main Street as an episode. I’ve done two or three fundraisers down at COhatch that I’ve highlighted. It’s really a broad amount of things that are of interest to me. I’m starting to do some retail spaces and some restaurants.”
Since the page launched in June, Dull has made nearly 30 posts on life in Zionsville and has already gained more than 600 followers. Dull was even able to introduce Gov. Mike and his wife Maureen Braun.
“I’m finding that people are recognizing me as I’m zipping around,” he said. “The other day when I was going down the bricks (on Main Street), I saw a group of people and some high school kid yelled out, ‘Hey, it’s Zippin’ Around Zionsville.’ I think it’s being well received.”
Dull said while he’s having fun, he’s also focused on building camaraderie within the Zionsville community.
“We live in a really interesting little community, and there are so many parts,” he said. “There’s a lot of interesting things that are just sort of scattered and nobody’s really gone in and gathered them up. I cover things that either I find interesting, or I think people will find interesting.”
Dull has lived in Zionsville for 21 years. Originally from Thorntown, he said he and his wife opted to raise their three children in Zionsville for its small-town charm.
Follow Dull at instagram.com/ zippinaroundzionsville.
Bill Dull of Zippin’ Around Zionsville with Indiana first lady Maureen Braun and Gov. Mike Braun. (Photo by Marney Simon)
COMMUNITY
MARTINE DENTISTRY AT STONEGATE
MARTINE DENTISTRY AT STONEGATE 8TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BUYBACK
Sidewalk gap addressed
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Residents in Olde Dominion in Zionsville held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 20 for a new portion of sidewalk on Oak Street — the culmination of a collaborative effort between neighbors and the Zionsville Department of Public Works to assist one neighbor and, by extension, the entire community.
Residents said although the neighborhood is not a 55-and-older community, much of the resident population is over 55, and several are disabled.
Resident Alan Hester has ALS. Hester travels through the community by wheelchair, but faced a challenge navigating a gap in the sidewalk on Oak Street between Dominion Drive and the neighboring business park. Hester travels the route regularly to get to the post office, local restaurants and just to get out for some fresh air.
Although neighbors had tamped down a portion of the grassy area between the sidewalk and the parking lot to the east to make it easier for Hester to navigate, they decided it was time to do more after Hester’s wheelchair became caked with mud one day.
Working with Zionsville Department of Public Works Director Lance Lantz and property owner John Demarco, the sidewalk was extended this month.
“Not only does it end, but it drops down an embankment that is dangerous for everyone,” neighbor David DelPozzo said. “I am on the Board of Olde Dominion Association and have
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been working with (Lantz and Demarco), owner of the adjacent property, to extend the sidewalk to connect with the existing sidewalk where it begins again at the Zionsville Post Office. A dream has now become reality.”
Although the neighbors planned to name the section of sidewalk after Hester, they said Hester’s faith through adversity, care for his neighbors and request that the sidewalk be about the community and not just about him led to a change. The section was dubbed the “Love Thy Neighbor Pathway.”
“When I heard about this, I didn’t really understand, because (what I believe) is love thy neighbor, ” Hester said, noting that the sidewalk was a result of people noticing a need and addressing it. “That’s all that happened — I got mud on my wheelchair, and these guys said, ‘We’re going to help fix it.’ It was awesome.”
Alan and Rosanne Hester cut the ribbon at a new sidewalk extension on Oak Street. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Alan Hester of Zionsville travels through the Olde Dominion neighborhood. (Photo courtesy of David DelPozzo)
SAVORY MILESTONE
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville residents and business owners Kent and Liz Esra spent their first wedding anniversary at work.
“We were married Oct. 9, 1999,” Kent Esra said. “And on our one-year anniversary — it was a Monday — Oct. 9, 2000, we opened Cobblestone. That’s basically how we got started and we’ve just been going ever since.”
This month, the Esras celebrate 25 years as proprietors of the restaurant in the Village. Originally called Cobblestone Grill, the name of the eatery at 160 S. Main St. was changed to Cobblestone Zionsville after renovations were complete in 2017.
The Esras said the start of the business was a bit of a whirlwind. After opening in October 2000, they purchased a home in Zionsville in April 2001. But after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, they were worried that the business wouldn’t make it.
“I thought Liz and I were going to be homeless and we were going to lose everything,” Kent Esra said. “That was the first two years we were here when all of that took place.”
In the years since, operating a restaurant like Cobblestone Zionsville — with a classic tavern decor, specialty menus, rustic patio and live entertainment — was like coming home for the couple.
“I’ve been in the restaurant business my entire life,” Kent Esra said. “My father owned a Dairy Queen. When I was in college, I worked at a full-service restaurant in Bloomington, then I was the general manager of Malibu Grill on 86th Street. Liz was a server in the previous restaurant here (at Cobblestone) called Pasta Bella.”
The Esras said after the landlords and the previous occupants of the building had a series of issues, that restaurant closed, and the Esras moved in.
“The landlords didn’t like who was here before us, and so we just decided we wanted to do our own business,” he said. “Zionsville was completely different at the time. Michigan Road wasn’t developed. There were restaurants here, of course, some longtime restaurants
that were up the street (like the Friendly Tavern). We just came in here and kind of cleaned up, took over, changed the name. We called this place ‘Cobblestone’ because of (Main Street). It’s not really cobblestone but that’s how I was thinking — it’s different than a brick street but Brick Street Inn is across the street, so we didn’t want to confuse those, so we called it ‘Cobblestone.’ And Zionsville has the character that’s been here for a long, long time. This building is over 100 years old.”
The Esras said the restaurant has changed in several ways in the past 25 years, including major renovations to the front of the building in 2017 and the rear in 2022.
“It’s always changing, especially with
a small business,” Kent Esra said, adding that the couple has seen shops and restaurants come and go over the past quarter century. “Downtown Zionsville is always evolving, always changing. We’re trying right now to figure out the configuration of the South Village and change the roads. If you come at 5 o’clock, the roads are packed full of people because they’re just trying to go home or get wherever they’re going to go. So, it’s just always evolving.”
Food and drink menus also undergo the occasional overhaul.
“We kind of wanted to change through the years,” he said. “We don’t do it as much as we used to, but we used to try and change quarterly, like with the seasons. But maybe once or twice a
year we change the menu now. We just feel like you’ve got to try and stay up with things. We’re kind of upscale — I don’t really like to call us upscale — but we’re kind of upscale. I’ve always wanted this to be a place like (the television show) ‘Cheers.’ That’s what we created at the bar. But we also wanted to have a nice menu. We want to have food that’s really, really good. We’re not trying to be avant-garde or five Michelin stars. You can come and get a burger or you can come get a nice steak.”
The Esras said they have several longtime employees and customers. They said the restaurant has been like a second home.
“We have family and friends that
Continued on Page 7
IF YOU GO
WHERE: Cobblestone Zionsville, 160 S. Main St.
LUNCH HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday
DINNER HOURS: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 4 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WEEKEND BRUNCH: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday LEARN MORE: cobblestonez.com.
Cobblestone Zionsville celebrates 25 years in business
Cobblestone Grill opened in 2000. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Liz and Kent Esra own Cobblestone Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Cobblestone Zionsville)
have been coming since we opened,” Kent Esra said. “We have friends who we are really close to who Liz and I met through the restaurant. There are people I consider my family.”
But, don’t ask them for a best memory. According to the Esras, there are simply too many.
“I don’t know that I could say, ‘Oh, it’s this memory or that memory.’ When you live and breathe here, it’s pretty hard,” Kent Esra said. “One thing that I would say is, our general manager (Tom Cheek) has been here 22 years. Then we have a server who’s been here since day one. Then there’s another server and a bartender that have been here 20 years. We’ve been lucky. We have other employees who have been here eight or 10 years. You have to run your business, but you also just try to be reasonable and work with people and be nice. I never wanted to work somewhere where I didn’t want to work.”
The Esras said they’ve seen not only Zionsville grow, but north Indianapolis as well. Kent Esra said most of Zionsville Road between the Village and 86th Street was still open fields when Cobblestone first opened.
“It’s just been thoroughly developed and still developing, so we’ve benefited from that,” he said.
“Sometimes, in fact, when you say Zionsville, people would say ‘Oh, way up there,” that kind of thing. And when we first got started, I would say, ‘It’s just 116th and Michigan.’ That’s how I would tell people, because they think Zionsville is in South Bend or something.”
The month of October included a throw-back menu with some of the restaurant’s popular fare over the years.
For the couple, the secret to a successful 25 years is to nurture their business like a family member.
“The restaurant is a living, breathing being,” Liz Esra said. “It’s like a baby that you have to take care of forever.
It’s one of those things that people who have worked here told me it gets in your blood. I’m close to retirement age, but I don’t plan to retire anytime soon. As long as my legs allow and my hips — I replaced one already — allow. I would probably, if I sold this place, I’d probably just be a mess. I really would. Obviously, it’s how we make our living, and it’s what we do. But it’s everything to us.”
The staff of Cobblestone Zionsville in October. (Photo courtesy of Cobblestone Zionsville)
ON THE COVER: Cobblestone Zionsville celebrates 25 years in business this year.
(Photo by Marney Simon)
Cobblestone Zionsville, previously Cobblestone Grill, has undergone several renovations since it opened in 2000. (Photo courtesy of Cobblestone Zionsville)
The patio at Cobblestone Zionsville. (Photo by Marney Simon)
SullivanMunce presents ‘tiny market’
news@youarecurrent.com
SullivanMunce Cultural Center will present the “Teeny Tiny Art Market” exhibition Nov. 21 to Dec. 17. The exhibition is open during regular business hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays — at the museum, 225 W. Hawthorne St. in Zionsville.
The exhibition and art market will include miniature works — 6-inchesby-6 inches or smaller — created by local and regional artists.
“This show is all about creativity on a small scale,” stated Cynthia Young, executive director of SullivanMunce Cultural Center. “Artists were encouraged to think outside the box, experiment and make art that’s accessible, imaginative and fun. We’re thrilled by the variety and innovation that emerged.”
The exhibition includes more than 230 miniature works by 40 artists, all available for purchase.
An opening party is scheduled from 5
to Dec. 17. (File photo)
to 8 p.m. Nov. 20. The evening includes appetizers, wine, beer, mocktails, music and a “make-your-own-mini-art” station. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Reserve tickets at sullivanmunce. org/teeny-tiny-party.html.
Bleicher to run for Indiana House of Representatives
news@youarecurrent.com
Democrat Racheal Bleicher of Westfield recently announced her candidacy for the Indiana House District 24 seat — currently held by Republican Hunter Smith of Zionsville — in 2026.
“I am running for the House of Representatives so that everyone in District 24 can truly be represented,” she stated. “After supporting previous campaigns in 2022 and 2024, I know there is a growing appetite for forward-thinking policies that address
the challenges that come with our district’s rapid growth and evolving demographics.”
Bleicher, a resident of Westfield since 2020, is a volunteer with Changing Footprints, Gleaners Food Bank and the Indiana Diaper Bank. She also is vice president of marketing for the Junior League of Indianapolis and a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She and her husband, Josh, have two daughters. Contact Bleicher at Racheal@RachealforIndiana.com or 317-763-2731.
DISPATCH
Military banner applications available — Applications for 2026-27 for military banners honoring local veterans are available at the Zionsville American Legion. Banners are displayed at the Bloor Lane/Ford Road roundabout and pocket park. Seven banners are available. Applications are available at American Legion Post 79, 9950 E 600 S.
SullivanMunce Cultural Center in Zionsville presents the Teeny Tiny Art Market Nov. 21
Bleicher
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.
big trees now!
Health network names CEO
Community Health selects Dr. Patrick McGill to take over as president
Currently, McGill is executive vice president and chief transformation officer at Community Health Network.
and CEO
news@youarecurrent.com
Community Health Network recently announced the appointment of Dr. Patrick McGill as its new president and chief executive officer. He will assume the role Jan. 1, 2026.
McGill succeeds Bryan Mills, who announced his retirement earlier this year after more than 40 years of service.
A board-certified family medicine physician and health care executive, McGill was selected following a comprehensive nationwide search and evaluation process led by Community’s board of directors, according to the announcement.
“I am honored and humbled to step into the role of president and CEO,” McGill stated. “Community Health Network is more than a health care system. It’s a mission-driven organization rooted in compassion, innovation and service. I look forward to working with our exceptional team to build on our legacy and shape the future of care for the communities we serve.”
McGill earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his family medicine residency at Ball Memorial Hospital. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in data analytics from the University of Southern Indiana and is currently pursuing a doctorate in health care administration.
“We are pleased to appoint a leader who already understands and embodies the mission, values and culture of Community Health Network,” stated Rafael A. Sanchez, chair of the board of directors.
Community Health Network operates the Community Health Clinic at Walgreens at Oak Street and Ford Road and a Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology Care office on Brendon Way in Zionsville.
McGill
Braun visits Main Street Medical office receives loan
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Gov. Mike Braun visited businesses in Elkhart, Allen and Boone counties Oct. 15 to speak to business owners about growth, job opportunities and wages, including a stop at Frances+Parke in the Village in Zionsville. Braun and Indiana first lady Maureen Braun spent 45 minutes talking with Bill Dull, whose wife Tracy Dull owns Frances+Parke, Casalini Portraits owner Tom Casalini and FiveThirty Home owner Erica Carpenter about the changes, challenges and opportunities for businesses in the Village.
Business owners spoke to the governor about Zionsville’s Main Street Indiana designation, which was announced in March.
“It’s a lot of work and it’s worth it for the structure that it has provided to us,” Carpenter said. “In (the Village) in Zionsville we have a 0 percent vacancy rate, so if a place becomes available, it’s usually taken up before the sign even goes up. It’s a great feather in our cap, but we also want to make sure we have
that commercial inventory moving forward so that we’re able to continue to grow.”
Braun discussed initiatives to support Hoosier businesses, including the new Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Power Up Indiana initiative to support upskilling for the Hoosier workforce.
“(The Village in Zionsville) is natural and kind of woven into the community,” Braun said. “Across the state, our Main Street businesses are critical anchors of Indiana’s economic success.”
news@youarecurrent.com
Pure Life Chiropractic in Zionsville is the recipient of a microloan from the Boone County Economic Development Corp., which the business will use to expand services.
Pure Life Chiropractic owners Dr. Shelby Wagner and Dr. Brandon Wagner will use the funds to purchase a Lightforce Class IV laser, the highest wattage continuous laser available. The technology — used by NFL, MLB and NBA teams for injury recovery — will be added to the practice’s noninvasive options.
“Our mission has always been to give our community options for true healing — without relying on steroids, pain medications or surgery,” Shelby Wagner stated. “This laser allows us to extend that mission beyond the spine, helping the entire body heal more efficiently and naturally.”
The laser therapy service will be staffed two days per week by a dedicated laser technician and fully integrated into the clinic’s existing patient care model.
“We’ve already seen how powerful this technology is in our office,” Brandon Wagner stated. “It’s fast, comfortable, and removes inflammation at the root level. After only a few months, we have already kept 2 individuals from knee replacement surgery and multiple from unnecessary shoulder steroid injections. Most people feel relief after just one session.”
Funds are part of the Boone EDC Microloan Program that provides flexible, low-interest financing to small businesses across Boone County.
Pure Life Chiropractic is located at 7149 Whitestown Pkwy. Learn more at purelifezionsville.com.
No Gimmicks, Just Growth
Discussing small businesses in Indiana are, from left, Casalini Portraits owner Tom Casalini, FiveThirty Home owner Erica Carpenter, Indiana first lady Maureen Braun and Gov. Mike Braun. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Boone EDC recently provided a microloan to Pure Life Chiropractic in Zionsville.
(Photo by Marney Simon)
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.
‘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. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for a 1 p.m. Nov. 2 show. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Young Frankenstein” through Nov. 9 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘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)
Pub features weekly 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.”
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.
“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.”
JOSEPH ROBINETTE
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.”
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
Alberta Lathan, a north Indianapolis resident, has been with the Ceili Band since the beginning. The rehearsals are held at her house. The Ceili Band traveled to Ireland in August. She also frequently attends the Brockway sessions.
Lathan said it is special “to have a business willing to make space for traditional Irish music at a consistent time, sometimes when they might be very busy. It’s wonderful for people just beginning to play Irish music and they can come and listen.”
Lathan, who plays the flute, has won awards in Irish regional competition for her vocals.
For more, visit Indianapolis Ceili Band on Facebook.
Madeleine Luther plays the fiddle at the Irish session at Brockway Pub in Carmel. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
ENTERTAINMENT
Festival honors top films
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.
Indianapolis resident Richard D. Propes was the subject of the world premiere documentary “The Tenderness Tour.” (Photo courtesy of Heartland Film)
“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.”
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.
My ‘selfie’ awareness
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Oct. 10–31
Friendly and frightening hours available. Scan QR code for more information and to buy tickets.
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?
at wolfsie@aol.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him
PUZZLES
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
06D01-2510-EU-000181
Boone Superior Court 1 NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD H. CRANE, deceased ESTATE NO.
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
52. Topple
53. Social faux pas
54. WJJK classic hit
58. Peddle
59. Tease
61. Bratty kid
63. Freight weight
66. Capture Answers on Page 19
51. Contradict
October 14, 2025 BOONE COUNTY COURTS
Notice is hereby given that Roger L. Burrus was on October 10, 2025, appointed personal representative of the Estate of Richard H. Crane, who died on the 23rd day of September, 2025.
All persons having claims against said estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the Office of the Clerk of this Court within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or within nine (9) months after the decedent’s death, whichever is earlier, or the claims will be forever barred. Dated at Lebanon, Indiana, on 10/14/2025.
Attorney for the personal representative:
Roger L. Burrus, Atty. #3986-06
CHURCH CHURCH HITTLE + ANTRIM
410 W. Oak Street
Zionsville, IN 46077
Tel.: 317-873-2150
E-mail: rburrus@cchalaw.com FILED
Lisa Bruder CLERK OF THE SUPERIOR COURT 1 FOR BOONE COUNTY INDIANA
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