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State agency recommends lowering AES rates
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor has recommended that the state Utility Regulatory Commission deny a proposed AES Indiana rate increase and instead decrease rates, following a review by OUCC officials. AES provides electricity primarily to Marion County. Its proposed electric rates would increase 13.5 percent over two years starting in 2026, an average increase of about $21 a month for residential customers. On its website, AES states that it is experiencing rising costs for materials, labor and services due to inflation and market conditions.
UTILITIES
In a Sept. 10 news release, the OUCC stated that instead of the $192.9 million base-rate increase that AES proposed, an OUCC analysis shows that a $21.2 million reduction to current rates is warranted.
“AES Indiana has not demonstrated sufficient evidence for an increase in this rate case, which it filed less than 14 months after receiving (IURC) approval in its last rate
case. My team is recommending additional reductions that would reduce the utility’s current rates and help lessen the burden on ratepayers,” Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Abby Gray stated.
The news release recommends reducing the monthly customer charge for most residential customers from $17 to $11.25 — that’s the base amount charged for maintenance fees and is not affected by how much electricity is used. AES has proposed raising that to $20.
OUCC also recommends reducing the company’s authorized return on equity — a way to measure profitability — to 8.5 percent from the current 9.9 percent. AES has asked that to be increased to 10.7 percent.
“The OUCC’s recommended reduction cites factors including affordability concerns and problems customers have encountered with the utility’s billing system,” the news release stated.
Other recommendations would decrease the utility’s proposed depreciation expense, reduce operating and maintenance expense line items, keep tree trimming costs at the current level and eliminate about 100 “phantom hires” that OUCC stat-
ed it identified in the company budget. AES has until early October to respond to OUCC’s recommendations.
State Sen. Fady Qaddoura, who represents areas served by AES, stated in an announcement that he sent a letter of opposition to the OUCC.
“Utilities are not a luxury; they are a necessity. These proposed hikes would make basic services more unaffordable and out of reach for too many families,” he stated.
“While I appreciate the OUCC’s recommendation, the work is not done. The IURC will begin evidentiary hearings on Nov. 3, 2025, with a final order expected in spring 2026. I continue to urge the IURC to deny this rate hike and protect hardworking Hoosiers from unnecessary increases.”
If approved, the new rate increase would be on top of an increase approved by the state commission in 2024 that took effect this year. The 2025 rate increase — an average of $9 per month — was about half of what AES originally proposed in fall 2023.
For more, visit in.gov/oucc/electric/key-cases-by-utility/ipl-rates/ aes-2025-rate-case.
Indy DPW to resurface Sargent Road
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced Sept. 11 that the city will resurface and restore Sargent Road from Fall Creek Road to 96th Street in 2027, part of a $14 million investment in the Sargent Road community.
INFRASTRUCTURE
According to the department’s website, the first phase of the project will involve pavement rehabilitation and drainage improvements on Sargent Road from Fall Creek Road to 82nd Street. That work will include pedestrian crossing improvements at the intersection of Sargent and 82nd Street. The second phase will extend the pave-
Sargent Road from Fall Creek Road to 96th Street will be resurfaced starting in 2027.
(Image courtesy of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works)
ment rehabilitation and drainage improvements on Sargent Road from 82nd to 96th Street.
Drainage improvements will focus on stormwater infrastructure to preserve the
roadway in the long term, according to the Department of Public Works.
“Without proper drainage, rainwater can seep under the pavement, weakening the road base and leading to potholes, cracks and erosion,” a DPW social media post stated. “By improving stormwater systems, we’re building a longer-lasting, more resilient road for the future.”
Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, who represents that area, stated that he is excited that the plans have been finalized after a lot of behind-the-scenes work on the project.
“As many of you have known, making sure this project is completed has been a top priority of mine over the last couple years,” he stated.
For more, visit tinyurl.com/3ahddwnz.
12, 2024,
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Indy Half Marathon celebrating 30 years
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Indy Half Marathon started three decades ago when Lawrence resident Joel Sauer created a route that took runners through the former Fort Benjamin Harrison, including Fort Harrison State Park.
RUNNING
Thirty years later, the race is still in the downtown Lawrence area, but now offers half marathon, 10K and 5K routes for the approximately 3,500 participants who sign up each year to kick off fall with a run or walk through Lawrence’s historic Fort Ben. This year’s race starts at 8 a.m. Oct. 4, with the start and finish line at Lawrence’s Lawton Loop.
Jed Cornforth, president and CEO of race organizer Beyond Monumental, said the annual race also offers a 5K exclusively for Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township students who participated in a six-week training program through the school district.
To celebrate the race’s 30th anniversary, Cornforth said the post-race party will include a pancake breakfast provided by the
local IHOP franchise, as well as music and fall-themed fire pits and hay bales.
“Also, we added a finisher gift for the first time, so everybody that participates gets a running hat that’s got the race logo and race branding on it,” he said. “We’ve also added digital participant tracking. Previously, we would, of course, have digital timing with timing tags, but now we partnered with a race tracking company to track participants while they’re out on the
course.”
That way, he said, organizers and participants will be able to get more data, and friends and family will have a better idea of where their loved ones are along the course.
Cornforth said about $12,000 from race proceeds will go to the Lawrence Township School Foundation to fund the district’s elementary school running program, Apex Benefits Monumental Kids Movement presented by Indiana University of Indianapolis. It’s part of the foundation’s year-long Up & Running program.
“The mission is to challenge students to experience the benefits of goal setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health by providing them with a life-changing experience,” the LTSF website states. “The ultimate goal is to train two days a week and compete in a 5K run at the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben in the fall and the Prairie Dash 5K in the spring.”
For more about the school running program, visit msdltf.org.
For more about the upcoming Indy Half, visit indyhalfmarathon.com.
DISPATCHES
USPS job fair — The United States Postal Service will host job fairs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept 26 at several locations in central Indiana. Job fairs are at USPS facilities at 8500 E 116th St. in Fishers; 1900 Pleasant St. in Noblesville; 1475 W. Oak St. in Zionsville; and 411 Northfield Dr. in Brownsburg. Job seekers can ask questions and receive assistance, but applications must be submitted at usps. com/careers.
Indiana earns 16th AAA rating — The State of Indiana recently announced it has maintained its AAA credit rating for the 16th consecutive year. AAA is the highest rating available and spotlights the state’s strong economic management and fiscal responsibility. All three major credit agencies — S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings — affirmed Indiana’s AAA status. Indiana is one of 14 states to hold the top rating from all three agencies.
The annual Indy Half Marathon is set for Oct. 4. (Photo courtesy of Beyond Monumental)
Indy 500 Festival CEO to retire in January
northindy@youarecurrent.com
The 500 Festival announced Sept. 9 that President and CEO Bob Bryant plans to retire effective Jan. 9, 2026, after more than a decade with the organization.
NONPROFIT
“Bryant joined the 500 Festival in 2013 and has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to enrich lives, foster a positive impact on the community and celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500,” the announcement stated. “Under his leadership, the nonprofit 500 Festival has seen significant growth, increased impact and fostered a culture of inclusion and innovation.”
A search committee made up of directors from the 500 Festival and 500 Festival Foundation boards has been established to select the organization’s next leader. According to the announcement, the committee has enlisted global sports, entertainment and nonprofit recruitment firm, Prodigy Search to manage the process.
The announcement states that Bryant will continue working with the board and staff throughout the transition process to ensure a smooth handoff. He will also help guide ongoing collaboration with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other stakeholders as the 500 Festival prepares for milestone anniversaries in 2026 — the 50th IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the 70th 500 Festival Parade.
FORUM announces promotion — Sarah Hall has been promoted to branch manager of FORUM’s Broad Ripple location. She was hired with FORUM in 2021 and has served in various roles including member advisor, member relations specialist, manager-in training and assistant branch manager. She is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech to earn her Associate of Applied Science for organizational leadership.
Bryant
Pantries
LAST WEEKEND!
Community Health hosts Indy-area students
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
CAREERS
Community Health Network hosted its second health care career exploration event for area high school and junior high school students Sept. 10 with its “Heart of Healthcare: Diving into Career Opportunities” at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, 8075 Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, next to Community Hospital North.
The event featured teams from various departments as well as representatives from local universities. The teams helped students discover how to prepare for health care careers while still in high school. The open-door event drew about 100 students from 12 different schools, according to Community Health.
The idea for the event was sparked by Community Heart and Vascular Nursing Director Jennifer Funk.
“This is a great event for junior high and high school students to learn more about health care careers,” she said in a video provided by Community Health. “Health
care is not just nursing and physicians. While we do desperately need nurses and physicians, it takes an entire team to take care of patients, to run health care facilities, so we just want to expose students to all the opportunities that they might have that maybe they’ve not even thought of.”
Registered Nurse Donetta Gee-Weiler said some of those opportunities don’t require a college degree.
“You can start right out of high school,” she said. “So, if college isn’t the answer for you, you can come here, you can work and there’s a job for you — and then we can help you if college becomes the answer for you (later).”
Some students attending the event said they didn’t realize all the different jobs available in the health care industry. Others said they are interested in future careers in health care and were happy to have the opportunity to see what’s available.
The event included information about roles in dietary, facilities, therapy, diagnostics and more, according to Community Health.
For more, visit ecommunity.com.
Students participate in Community Health Network’s career exploration event.
(Photo courtesy of Community Health Network)
Potbelly to open new locations in Nora, Fishers
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Potbelly sandwich shop opened its newest location in the Indianapolis area Sept. 19 in Nora Plaza, 1340 E. 86th St. — the first of four new Indiana locations for the national chain.
FOOD
According to an announcement from the company, the new shop is part of an expansion of the brand’s footprint in the Hoosier State. Additional locations are set to open soon in Fishers, Whitestown and Greenwood.
The Fishers store will open Sept. 26 at 11545 Ikea Way, said District Manager Jackson Russell, who added that he is from Fishers originally and is excited to be part of the community’s ongoing growth and development. A grand-opening celebration for the Fishers location is set for Oct. 4.
Potbelly at Nora Plaza will host a grand-opening celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 27, and will give the first 50 guests in line gift cards for up to $250. Guests also can play a Plinko game for a chance to win merchandise and prizes.
Russell said the four-store expansion is a response to how much customers enjoy Potbelly’s food.
“We’ve always done well here (in the Indianapolis area),” he said. “Potbelly has done well as a brand here — the market has always shown us a lot of love. Everybody around here loves Potbelly, and especially once they get to know us. I think a lot of people come in for the first time and they’ve never experienced it here in this market, but the more they come back, the more they love it.”
He said the repeat business is a re-
sponse to “great food and good vibes.”
The Nora Plaza store’s neighbors include anchor tenants such as Whole Foods, Target and Marshalls. Potbelly at Nora Plaza also is walking distance from College Commons and North Central High School, making it well positioned to serve residents, students, educators and the surrounding workforce.
“Indy has always shown Potbelly so much love and it feels great to keep growing right here in one of the best Midwest markets,“ stated Ron Strainis, regional manager of the Potbelly Nora Plaza shop.
“With four new shops opening this fall, we can’t wait to grow our fanbase for toasty sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes and fresh-baked cookies across central Indiana.”
Potbelly at Nora Plaza is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
For more, visit potbelly.com.
DISPATCHES
Indy Chamber appoints VP of membership — The Indy Chamber recently appointed Emily Koschnick as vice president of membership sales, where she will lead regional growth of the chamber’s membership portfolio and partnerships with small and mid-sized businesses in central Indiana. Koschnick most recently served as executive director of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. She previously was director of public relations at Porch Light Public Relations, deputy communications director for the City of Indianapolis and spent
more than eight years in local broadcast news as a producer at FOX59. Koschnick is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College.
Indiana Authors Awards nominees sought — Indiana Humanities is accepting nominations for the 2026 Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards. Books published between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, are eligible. Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 9, 2026. To learn more about the Indiana Authors Awards, visit www.IndianaAuthorsAwards.org.
Potbelly is opening new locations in Nora Plaza and Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Potbelly)
Coolest Thing contest open — Indiana manufacturers are invited to submit the cool things they make for the annual Indiana Chamber of Commerce Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana competition. To participate, a business does not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product must be made in the state. Indiana Chamber membership is not required. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 13 at indianachamber.com/ coolest.
Donations for local humane associations — Menards locations in Carmel, Indianapolis and Avon will serve as drop sites for donations benefiting local humane associations through the month of September. Menards offers a variety of pet supplies that will
be donated to a humane association including food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers and mats, located in the pet and wildlife department. A large collection box is placed near the exit doors. Donations are accepted through Sept. 30.
Indy foundation hires new CEO — The Indianapolis Foundation has appointed Ahmed Young as its new president and CEO. Young most recently was director of public and government affairs for Walmart. He previously was district chief of staff and general counsel for Indianapolis Public Schools and director of the Office of Education Innovation and Charter Schools for the City of Indianapolis. He also was a teacher in Lawrence Township and New York City, served as a deputy
prosecutor in Marion County and as an attorney and public affairs advisor at Bose McKinney & Evans and Bose Public Affairs Group. For more about the foundation, visit indianapolisfoundation.org.
PACE hosting mobile health clinic — Public Advocates in Community re-Entry, a nonprofit that supports people who have been incarcerated, has partnered with Aspire Indiana Health to expand on-site health services for PACE clients, their families and the Indianapolis near northside neighborhood. Aspire’s Mobile Access Care for You mobile health clinic will be at PACE, 1314 N. Meridian St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, offering health exams for families and referrals for additional services. For more, visit paceindy.org.
A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SPECIALTY CARE
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Learn more or find a doctor at ascension.org/StVincentBrainAndSpine
open house
Ignite welcomes new coach
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
After coming up short last season in the Pro Volleyball Federation finals against the Orlando Valkyries, the Indy Ignite have reloaded with new coach Lauren Bertolacci for their first season in the newly rebranded Major League Volleyball.
VOLLEYBALL
Bertolacci, 40, moved to the Fishers area in early September after living for more than 10 years overseas. She was most recently in Switzerland with club Viteos NUC, compiling a 207–37 record over seven seasons, including six national championships and four Swiss Cup titles.
“I wanted to be here,” Bertolacci said. “The vision that the ownership and (general manager) Mary Kay (Huse) presented to me about what they want the Ignite to be and also what they want volleyball in Indiana to be was huge. I’m a really big dreamer and I want to be in a place that has big, big goals.”
A native of Australia, Bertolacci had a 10-year playing career before landing her first coaching job in 2013.
Outside of her work with Viteos NUC, she served as the Switzerland Women’s National Team head coach since 2022, which she took to its first-ever CEV European Silver League title in 2024.
As the Ignite prep for year two, the brand of volleyball might look a bit different from its inaugural season.
“Bold, aggressive (and) fast volleyball,” she said. “The character that we show is so, so important. We want to be able to engage the fans, it helps us win and be
free on the court.”
Returning for her second season with the team, Purdue graduate Blake Mohler expects to fit in with the philosophy of her new coach.
“My whole job is fast and intense,” she said. “That’s what people hire me to do. I’m super excited that I’m coming into a program that is a perfect fit for the way that I play. I’m a smaller middle these days, so being fast is my advantage. I’m really excited to see that worked into our system.”
Mohler is one of seven returning players Bertolacci brought back from last year’s runner-up team, with five new faces recruited by the championship-winning coach. One of them is Camryn Hannah, a new outside hitter who played previously with the Las Vegas Thrill.
“She didn’t have to tell me much once I asked her about her coaching philosophy,” Hannah said. “She sees a vision for this team, and I love to play for people who want to create something bigger than themselves; that’s what sold me, honestly.”
The Ignite will round out the rest of its roster in the MLV draft in late November and will begin play for the 2026 season in early January, with home games at the Fishers Event Center.
“We want to play an exciting brand of volleyball,” Bertolacci said. “It’s going to be fun to watch. The fans are going to absolutely know what to expect when they come into the gym. I really believe that it matters how the fans are, and I want to help create that environment for everybody to enjoy the game, and it’s the easiest way to win.”
New Ignite coach Lauren Bertolacci, left, with general manager Mary Kay Huse and mascot Pepper. (Photo by David Jacobs)
Mud Creek Conservancy plans new nature preserve
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Mud Creek Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust, has launched a new campaign to build Blue Heron Nature Preserve on Sargent Road between 75th Street and Fall Creek Road.
OUTDOORS
The 12-acre site was purchased in 2024 by the land trust, which has set a capital campaign goal of $150,000 to turn it into a publicly accessible nature preserve.
According to the MCC’s website, the 12-acre site includes forest and wetlands along Mud Creek.
“Approximately half of this parcel contains old-growth bottomland forest abutting Mud Creek,” the website states. “This portion of the property has remained intact and relatively undisturbed for as far back as we have evidence. The other 6-acre portion of this land was in active agriculture from the late 1800s until the 1960s, when it was developed into a pool club. The swim club ultimately was closed in the 1980s and sold and demolished in the early 1990s. With the new owners came plans to build a new and improved swim club for the community, ‘Blue Heron Swim Club.’ While
those plans never did unfold, 30 years later, the owners worked with Mud Creek Conservancy to sell the property for appraised value through a one-time (Indiana Department of Natural Resources) grant opportunity.”
That $370,000 grant was matched by donations from the community. According to the website, the nonprofit already has raised about $47,000 toward developing the site for visitors.
A concept map for the developed preserve includes a small parking area; a quarter-mile loop trail through an area marked as young forest/meadow restoration; and a second quarter-mile trail through the oldgrowth forest.
In June 2024, MCC opened the Sargent Road Nature Park at 82nd Street and Sargent Road — its first land purchase and development project.
According to its website, MCC is “dedicated to conserving, restoring and protecting natural areas in the Mud Creek watershed, located in Marion, Hamilton and Madison Counties in Indiana, through land protection initiatives, community outreach and environmental education.”
For more, visit mudcreekconservancy. org.
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together as Audiologists in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. There are so many hearing aids on the market…prescription hearing aids, over-the-counter hearing aids, Costco hearing aids…how do you know what is best for you? And how do you know if your insurance has any benefit for hearing aids or a discount plan? Kira and Ali will spend the time to explain the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their benefit company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe this makes the difference in you feeling comfortable with your individual
hearing loss action plan. Kira and Ali are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing, hearing loss and the link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Dr. Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.” Big News! Kira and Ali are starting an Aural Rehab class for anyone with hearing loss and hearing aids AND THEIR COMMUNICATION PARTNER(S) beginning in 2026! Stay tuned for more information on date, time, cost and how to sign up!
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@meridianaudiology.com Website: www.meridianaudiology. com
VonBlon
Wyss
A new nature preserve is planned on Sargent Road between 75th Street and Fall Creek Road. (Image courtesy of Mud Creek Conservancy)
THE SHOW GOES ON
Indy’s oldest community theater group celebrates 75th anniversary
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Mud Creek Players was founded in 1950 when a group of women who had been gathering to sew blankets for soldiers serving in World War II decided they wanted to keep getting together.
“They gave themselves a name, which happened to have been the Lemon Butters,” Managing Director Michelle Moore said. “I guess they alternated who was bringing the snack each week, and they all decided that … (the) lemon butter was the best.”
Lemon butter was a sauce poured over homemade nut bread.
Moore, now one of the longest-serving members of the theater, also is the group’s de facto historian. Reflecting on the 75th anniversary, she noted that the Lemon Butters weren’t a theater group right away. First, the members’ husbands decided they wanted to join and then a new family moved into the area.
“A family moved from Chicago, the Blumenthols,” Moore said. “A gentleman named Sol Blumenthol had been a theater director in Chicago and he said, ‘We should put on a play.’”
The group agreed and their first play, “The Late Christopher Bean,” was performed Oct. 22, 1950, in a barn off Sargent Road.
“After they did the first one, they had so much fun that they decided to make it a regular thing,” Moore said. “After a couple of shows, that farmer was like, ‘I kind of can’t keep moving my cows out.’ So, they needed to find a different solution. The Condit family, that lived just right off Sargent Road and 86th Street, they had a barn they weren’t using, so everybody pitched in and renovated the barn on the inside and got it all cleaned up and turned it into a theater.”
The Condit barn remained the home of Mud Creek Players until 1963, when it burned down the night of a dress rehearsal. Moore said actors and volunteers pulled as much as they could out of the barn and took it over to Crestview Elementary School. They ended up performing the show in the school’s cafeteria.
Mud Creek Players had a piece of proper-
ty that had been donated, and some plans were in place to build a new theater. Those plans moved up after the fire, and 9740 E. 86th St. has been the theater’s home ever since.
Moore joined Mud Creek Players in 1990, when she auditioned for the part of Shelby in “Steel Magnolias.” She didn’t get the part.
“I’m still bitter about it,” she joked, “But I did meet some really nice people, and I was encouraged to stick around and told there were more things coming up for young people and that I should keep com-
ing back.”
She eventually got a lead role in “Crimes of the Heart,” met her husband through that play and has been part of Mud Creek Players ever since. She said the theater is part of her family.
“It’s just a place that feels like home,” she said. “I am one of the few members remaining from my first days, but I am certainly not the only, and some of our members are third- and even fourth-generation members. And then, we’re always trying to welcome new members. We’re always working hard to try to attract people of
MORE THAN PLAYS
Mud Creek Players offers summer youth programs to encourage the next generation of community theater enthusiasts, Managing Director Michelle Moore said.
“It’s a super popular camp,” she said. “My son is 29 and he was in the first camp when he was, I believe, 6. So this must be, we must be 24-25 years. My daughter … was a camper all the way through school, and then she was a counselor as soon as she was old enough, and then she was the head counselor when she was old enough, and then she was a teaching assistant and now … she’s our lead teacher.”
Moore said revenue from a cell tower lease on the theater’s property has helped Mud Creek Players stay solvent
through the years and allowed them to help other community theater groups.
“We share a lot with the Indianapolis theater community and Fishers and Westfield and Carmel,” she said. “We have storage space a lot of theaters don’t. So, a lot of places will borrow some of our things that we have in terms of set pieces and furniture, but we also will, from time to time, partner with community theaters where they can come in and we’ll just take a percentage of whatever it is that they make at the door and give them some space.”
The theater also teams up with the Sargent Road Association for events and offers space for groups like Mud Creek Conservancy to meet.
various shapes and sizes and types.”
Dani Lopez is one of the younger recruits. She started with the teen program at age 16, officially became a member at 18, joined the board at 22 and became board president two years ago, when she turned 25.
“It’s just been kind of a whirlwind,” she said. “I’ve acted, I’ve directed, I’ve run concessions, I’ve produced — I’ve done lots and lots of different things.”
Lopez said she keeps coming back because of the sense of community.
“A group of people all working toward the same thing, and all being volunteers is such a beautiful thing to be a part of, because there are no ulterior motives,” she said. “Everyone’s just really there for the community and for the love of theater and for each other, and we’re all driven by that same thing.”
Lopez said she’s inspired by the history and longevity of the organization, noting one older member in particular who started attending shows as a teenager and still makes it to every opening night. She anticipates that eventually, she’ll be like that member or, better yet, like Moore.
“She always laughs that one day I’ll be her, running around yelling about buying new trash cans,” she said. “I hope to one day be that to the younger kids.”
Lopez is directing the theater’s current production, “Dearly Beloved,” a comedy that Mud Creek Players first produced in 2012. It runs through Sept. 27.
Moore said the entire year’s theater productions have been inspired by past shows.
“We chose seven shows from the past seven decades that were shows that were either very popular or are still fondly remembered,” she said. “In some cases, they were just things that we thought sounded interesting.”
“Dearly Beloved” is the last of the anniversary year productions, but an anniversary party is still coming up on Oct. 11. Registration for the party is free and opens soon on the organization’s website, mudcreekplayers.org.
ON THE COVER: A collage
of Mud Creek Players productions over the years. (Image courtesy of Mud Creek Players)
Mary Condit, right, owned the original barn donated for Mud Creek Players theater productions. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Moore)
Eyeing healthy eating habits
Commentary by Dr. Angeline McLean
Being well fed does not necessarily correlate with being well nourished. Emerging evidence shows plant foods, by providing potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, are key in supporting better eye health.
EYE CARE
These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents protect against cellular damage that results in the development of some common eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma and dry eye.
Pigments imparting fruits and vegetables with their bright colors, known as carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, E and D, have been attributed to improved eye health and vision.
Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids found in abundance in spinach and kale, absorb short wave-length light, protecting the retina from the damaging effects of UV radiation and blue light. Having higher amounts of these substances in the retina can reduce the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. Additionally, their light filtering properties can enhance vision by reducing glare and improving contrast sensitivity, a benefit in dim lighting situations.
Anthocyanin, another carotenoid found in blueberries and strawberries, has potent anti-inflammatory properties and promotes blood flow to the retina.
Astaxanthin, found in algae and responsible for the pink color of salmon, has been shown to lower intraocular pressure which can be of benefit in glaucoma.
Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that promote and regulate retinal health. Vitamin C also plays a role in preventing the accumulation of waste products in the retina and loss of retinal cells.
Adding plant foods to your diet is a simple but effective means to improving not only your overall health, but your eye health too.
Dr. Angeline McLean has been with Revolution EYES since March 2024. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her residency at Indiana University.
Blueprint for Improvement: Carmel remodel elevates curb appeal
Commentary by Larry Greene
In Carmel’s Woodfield subdivision, this exterior remodel delivers timeless design and practical improvements, resulting in an entry that elevates curb appeal and long-term value.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replaced a single front door with elegant double doors, adding symmetry and curb appeal.
• Constructed a covered porch with classic columns, delivering architectural interest and shelter.
• Installed decorative railings for safety and style.
• Introduced tiered stone steps to create a more welcoming approach.
• Refreshed landscaping with potted greenery and accent plantings for year-round appeal.
• Updated lighting and finishes to highlight the entry’s new focal point.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more
After
Before
currentnightandday.com
Actor finds lots of good in Civic’s production of ‘Something Rotten’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Jacob Schilling, this is a role he has wanted to play for some time.
MUSICAL
The Fishers resident portrays Nigel Bottom in Civic Theatre’s production of “Something Rotten,” which runs Oct. 3 to Oct. 18 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Schilling previously performed in the ensemble of “Something Rotten” when he was a student at Otterbein University in Ohio.
“This is actually one my dream roles to play Nigel,” Schilling said. “I think the show is incredibly funny and it has so much heart and wit. Nigel’s entire character is kind of the heart of the show. It has the passion between his brother Nick and the love interest of Portia.”
Schilling said the brothers end up creating a silly musical.
“We both try to write something better than Shakespeare,” Schilling said.
Schilling said “Something Rotten” was one of the first shows he saw on Broadway.
“I fell in love with the music of the show, the story and always wanted to play Nigel because I relate so much with him as a writer myself and me being awkward and quirky,” he said.
Indianapolis resident Addi Koehler plays Nick’s wife, Bea Bottom.
“When this show first came out, I was listening to the recording every day in my earbuds at school and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I would love to play Bee someday,’” she said. “So, I got really excited when I saw that Civic was doing the show. I’m having fun playing Bea and then playing a bunch of men. She is trying to make money for the family, so she goes out dressed as various different men to get different jobs. “
Carmel resident Michael Krauter, who made his Civic Theatre debut in “Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in April, plays Shakespeare.
Krauter said he saw the show on stage out of town and thought Shakespeare would be fun to play.
“It’s kind of challenging because I sort of play like a character within a character within a character at one point because he goes undercover and tries to disrupt the (Bottom brothers’) operation,” Krauter said. “It’s an interesting version of Shakespeare because it’s sort of this rock star that everyone praises. But when you actually get to know him, he’s really a fake. He doesn’t really know what he’s doing. He’s pretty lazy.”
Shakespeare learns that Nick is trying to steal his ideas through a soothsayer, so he tries to infiltrate to see what the Bottom brothers are working on.
Yorktown resident Daniel Wilke, who plays Nick, said his character is struggling with a show.
“He wants his family to be happy and taken care of while also not fading into obscurity because of the looming shadow of Shakespeare,” he said. “Through a series of, let’s call them misfortunes, he comes up with this idea for a musical that nobody actually wants to see.”
The idea is to make a musical about
eggs.
Daniel Wilke, left, and Jacob Schilling perform as brothers in “Something Rotten.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
“I feel if you can make eggs funny, you have to go for it,” he said.
Wilke, who has been acting for three years, listened to the “Something Rotten” soundtrack and realized it could be a lot of fun.
“Every song, every number has a point and a purpose and drives the story, which I think is fantastic,” he said.
Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley, who is directing, said unfortunately the show’s title doesn’t really reveal what the story is about. The reference is to Shakespeare’s line “Something Rotten in the state of Denmark,” which is from “Hamlet.”
“It’s chock full, from top to bottom, with all these sorts of inside theater jokes, but you don’t have to know theater to get them,” Lasley said. “They’re very much a part of pop culture. It’s just a show that is so full of heart and it’s ridiculous. It’s dumb, in a funny and incredibly entertaining way.”
Lasley said his favorite song is “God I Hate Shakespeare.”
“It’s Nick’s rant about, ‘Why does Shakespeare get to be called ‘The Bard?’” he said.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’
“Heartbreak Hotel” runs through Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE WORLD OF HANS ZIMMER’
“The World of Hans Zimmer: A New Dimension” is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Fishers Event Center. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Now That’s Funny Comedy Night” is set for Sept. 25, followed by “Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” Sept. 26 and “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute,” Sept. 27 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
BRIAN MCKNIGHT
“An Evening with Brian McKnight” is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
JAY LENO
Jay Leno will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Heart to perform at Fishers Event Center – Heart is bringing their “Royal Flush Tour” back to North America in 2026, stopping March 15 at Fishers Event Center. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will be joined by special guest Lucinda Williams. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Heart recently concluded a summer run at Bethel, N.Y., that included many sold-out shows. Heart, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide with a catalog that includes hits such as “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You” and “These Dreams.”
Heartland Festival lineup set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The 34th Heartland International Film Festival offers its usual diverse range in its 2025 lineup.
FILM
Heartland officials announced Sept. 18 the lineup of more than 100 independent films, including 19 world and U.S. premieres, 27 regional premieres, 17 special presentations from major distributors and nine Indiana Spotlight films.
The festival runs from Oct. 9-19 at five Indianapolis venues: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square; Indy Art Center; Kan-Kan Cinema; Living Room Theaters; and Newfields. Many of the films will be available to stream in the U.S.
The Opening Night film is “Rental Family,” which stars Brendan Fraser, who was born in Indianapolis.
“Brendan Fraser has done a few roles since winning the Oscar for ‘The Whale’ (in 2023) but this is his first big starring role since,” said HIFF Film Programming Coordinator Sam Opsahl, a Fishers resident. “It’s about this guy that is a very sweet American actor and he’s trying to find work in Tokyo and his agent lines him up with a group at a Japanese rental family agency. He finds himself inserted into people’s lives and figuring out how he can be both an actor and good person.”
The Centerpiece Night screening will be “Train Dreams” Oct. 15. The Netflix film is a portrait of Robert Grainier, a logger and railroad worker, played by Joel Edgerton,
who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th century. The film was written and produced by 2024 HIFF Pioneering Spirit Award winner Greg Kwedar.
“He’s out in the wilderness and dealing with life and the beauty around them and acceleration of change on the railroad,” Opsahl said.
The Oct. 19 Closing Night film is “Nuremberg” from Sony Pictures Classics with Rami Malek and Russell Crowe. Malek plays a World War II psychiatrist who evaluates Nazi leaders for the Nuremberg Trials and becomes obsessed with understanding evil.
Opening Night, Closing Night and Centerpiece Night are at the Tobias Theater at Newfields.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has a cameo in Bradley Cooper’s latest film from Searchlight Pictures, “Is This Thing On?,” which will be playing as the festival’s Spotlight Screening. The film is about a marriage that’s falling apart, with the couple played by Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Cooper directs and has a supporting role in the film.
Among the Indiana Spotlight Films is “Ignite the Fire,” a documentary of the inaugural season of the Indy Ignite, Indiana’s first professional women’s volleyball team, which plays in the Fishers Event Center.
The International Centerpiece screening will be “It Was Just an Accident” Oct. 16 at the Kan-Kan Cinema.
For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.
Leno brings act to Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
At his core, Jay Leno has always viewed himself as a stand-up comedian.
COMEDY
“I was lucky enough to get a TV show, but TV shows can last 13 weeks or last 23 years,” he said.
Leno hosted “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” for 23 years.
“Sooner or later, you have to leave a TV show,” Leno said. “Standup is kind of like golf. You can do it until you’re 70 or 80 if you play it right.”
The 75-year-old Leno will make his first appearance at 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Payne and Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Leno said he is doing shows every weekend.
“I think the general rule is you do it until you have your stroke,” Leno said. “I’ve been doing this for 50 years. I don’t like doing TV specials or Netflix or any of that kind of stuff. I like a live audience. It’s just fun. It’s fun to tell a joke and then try it out. That’s what keeps you young. You try to remain reasonably relevant. You work on TV and there are applause signs and people tell you it’s funny. But you don’t really know if it’s funny until you do it in front of an audience who bought a ticket. They’ll let you know whether it’s funny or not. That’s always the best judge.”
Leno drew attention earlier this summer when he said some late-night talk show hosts have become too one-sided politically in jokes about President Donald Trump.
“When Johnny (Carson) and I did the show, you made fun of both sides,” he said. “That way you kind of get the whole audience. If you are aligned with one side and all your jokes are about the other side, then you are going to lose half the audience.”
Leno said he doesn’t do as many political jokes as he did during his “Tonight Show” monologue.
“If you go to a club, there’s a chance a third of the audience is not going to agree with you politically, but they might like your jokes,” he said, “There are plenty of musical artists I like that I don’t really agree with politically, but I don’t listen to their political side. If I’m paying for a comedy show, I want comedy.”
Normally, he said he isn’t too worried about politically correct material.
“If something is really funny, it’s OK,” Leno said. “It’s when an inappropriate joke is not funny, then you’ve offended someone. If a joke is really funny — I’m not saying someone might not get offended — but most people are pretty good about it. I just get annoyed when people try to put their personal opinion in front of a joke. I knew Rodney Dangerfield for 40 years. I have no idea if he was a Democrat or Republican.”
A longtime automobile enthusiast, Leno said he does 52 shows a year of “Jay Leno’s Garage.” It started as a web series on NBC.com and then became a series on CNBC from 2015 to 2022 before moving to YouTube.
Leno writes articles on automobiles for several magazines, including a column in “Popular Mechanics.”
“To me, when people want to talk to me about cars, it’s fun because it’s what I want to talk about, anyway,” he said.
Leno said he still rides his motorcycle, too.
“I still ride, crash and fall off,” he said. “A 75-year-old guy on a 100-year-old motorcycle, what could go wrong there?” For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Jay Leno will make his first appearance in Carmel Sept. 27. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
Because of You
Our arts and education programs continue to thrive, engage and inspire.
To our patrons, donors, subscribers, volunteers, and community partners — thank you. Your support fuels creativity, empowers learning, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.
We couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for believing in the power of the arts. Thank you for believing in us.
Directors embrace cult classic
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
James H. Wiliams saw “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” for the first time when he was 13 at a midnight showing of the movie. He quickly fell in love with the cult classic.
MUSICAL
“This has been a bucket list show of mine for quite a while,” the Fishers resident said.
Williams and Brandon Schultz are co-directing Main Street Productions’ presentation of “The Rocky Horror Show” Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. The Oct. 4 performance starts just before midnight.
“There is a lot of nostalgia about the show with it being the 50th anniversary of the movie,” Williams said.
A Carmel resident, Schultz said he fell in love with the rock ‘n’ roll aspects of the musical.
“We wanted to bring that sort of a concert feel, which the musical has. (What the) movie doesn’t have is that connection to the music being played live,”
Schultz said.
Rocky Horror Picture Show.” (Photo courtesy of Main Street Productions)
Indianapolis resident Logan Laflin plays Riff Raff, which is based on a parody of Dr. Frankenstein’s servant, Igor.
Laflin hasn’t performed in the show before but is quite familiar with the movie.
“I’ve watched it a million times,” Laflin said. “It’s kind of one of the roles I’ve always loved. Every time ‘Time Warp’ comes on, I always sing it. I thought that would be a fun role to play, such a fun challenge to sing and dance that (role). It’s kind of a vocal challenge. I am at the tip-top of my range (for some of it), so it’s kind of pushing me.”
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
Festival has international flavor
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel International Arts Festival keeps boosting its international presence with a variety of dance performances.
EVENT
The festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Carmel Arts & Design District.
“We have more dance performances from different groups than we’ve had in the past,” said Andris Berzins, in his third year leading the international portion of the festival. “We’ve never had the Lithuanian group before, so we’re excited to have them come from Chicago.”
Among the dance groups on the east stage performing are Indian groups from the Natyalaya School of Arts and Samyoga School and Hellenic Adult Group featuring Greek music.
There also will be performers representing Chinese and Japanese music.
Berzins said performers from Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is a new addition.
“Dance is a great kind of art because you don’t need words to communicate,” Berzins
said. “The dances speak for themselves.”
Carmel’s six Sister Cities will have booths. The cities are Cortona, Italy; Jelgava, Latvia; Kawachinagann, Japan; Rueil-Malmaison, France; Seiffen, Germany; and Visakhapatnam, India.
Berzins is president of the Jelgava-Carmel Sister City Committee.
The Beer and Wine Garden, featuring The Rejoicing Vine, Spencer Winery and Bier Brewery, will be on the north end of Range Line Road.
“The idea is to create an environment where people can go to a little bit more of a quiet area, maybe take a break, sit down and listen to some good music,” said John Greiner, who is coordinating the area. “It’s based on the wine garden principle of having decorations and plants and having a relaxing background.”
Don Farrell and Terry Woods will open the Sept. 27 schedule in the area at 11:15 a.m. The Elizabeth Lee Band plays at 1:30 p.m. and Phil Stockton performs at 4 p.m. There is wine testing in between acts. The Sept. 28 schedule opens with Tim Wright at noon and Cole Woodruff at 2:30 p.m.
For more, visit carmelartsfestival.org.
Logan Laflin plays Riff Raff in “The
52. “Yikes!”
53. Sierra ___ 54. Cat calls
57. Before, poetically
58. Sci-fi weaponry
60. Occupy the throne
62. At most
63. Organic foods no-nos
68. *Butler big shot
69. Old anesthetic
70. *Coxhall Gardens ringer
71. Border
72. Guitar music notation
73. Gusto Down
1. Lots of ozs.
2. Orchestra section at the IRT
3. Siam Star drink order
4. Carmel City Council President Aasen
5. Receded
6. *Type of spoon
7. Indianapolis Indians pitching stat
8. No longer working (Abbr.)
9. Leaky tire sound
10. Get there
11. Like some sweaters
12. Thumbs-up
13. Grand Junction Brewing Co. supplies
18. IU biz degree
22. Former Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education: ___ Lubbers
23. Sphere
24. “Bow-wow!”
26. I-65 pavement hazard
27. Threesome
30. Computer modeling, for short
34. Lunchtime meeting
35. NASA’s Grissom
37. Colts ticket word
39. Pacers dunk
40. Wrath
41. Bring about
42. Backside
45. JFK predecessor
46. Hint at 47. Harvested
48. Attend without a partner
49. Common soccer score
51. *Upland Brewing serving
55. Odd
56. [Not my mistake]
59. Blueprint detail, briefly
61. The “Gee” in Bee Gees
64. Biblical verb ending 65. HBO rival
66. Col. Lilly
67. ___-mo Answers on Page 16
