Tuesday, September 2, 2025

TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE
Nonprofit transforms wedding dresses into infant burial attire / P15
Local businesses prepare for downtown infrastructure project / P3
Noblesville farmers recognized for conservation efforts / P11
Brewfest set for Sept. 13. / P14
Noble Nutrition reopens under new ownership / P16
WESTFIELD FARMERS MARKET
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA | 225 S. UNION ST. 5 - 8 P.M.
PRESENTED BY DUKE ENERGY
BARKTOBERFEST
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
ASA BALES PARK | 205 W. HOOVER ST. 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.
PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY FIRST BANK
SENSORY FALL FEST
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
FREEDOM TRAIL PARK | 500 DEER WALK TRACE 5 - 7 P.M.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WESTFIELD MAYOR'S COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES
TRICK-OR-TREATING IN THE PLAZA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA | 225 S. UNION ST.
5:30 - 8 P.M.
PRESENTED BY CENTIER BANK & NSPIRE CHURCH
To learn more about the exciting, upcoming events in Westfield, visit westfieldin.gov/events or scan the QR code!
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville business leaders gathered at the Mill Top Banquet and Conference Center Aug. 22 for the 2025 Noblesville Main Street Downtown Business Summit to discuss how Embrace Downtown, an infrastructure project that will begin early next year, will impact local businesses.
Phase 1 of the project will focus on sidewalks, amenity spaces and roadways between 8th Street and 9th Street on Logan Street. It is expected to be completed by the 2026 holiday season to avoid interfering with downtown business traffic.
The most significant impacts on downtown businesses will be the lack of parking and closed roadways. Project leaders said roadway closures will generally be limited to a single block at a time, and two adjacent intersections will not typically be closed at the same time.
Sidewalk construction also will be coordinated with each business to provide access and minimize impact. Street parking will be maintained in areas not directly under construction.
“The goal would be keeping a 6-footwide sidewalk area along the building frontage while we’re working out in the street,” Project Manager Andrew Rodewald said. “I think you could probably expect that that area of Logan Street is going to be basically closed to cars, parking and thru-traffic, but we’ll keep pedestrians coming and going.”
City of Noblesville Community Engagement Manager Aaron Head said he has been brainstorming ideas to help businesses since the city announced the project.
“One thing that we haven’t done from a city perspective in the past is paid social media ads — so targeting specific areas to get visitation into our downtown,” Head said. “We’re going to start leaning into more of that type of programming. We’re also looking at anything from billboard advertising to social media to direct mailers to loyalty programs as you shop around the square. If it is an opportunity to get people onto the square, we are thinking through that right now and starting to set the stage for that.”
A similar project was completed in
Franklin, and Krista Linke, director of community development for the City of Franklin, said although its project involved some businesses closing, it has helped new businesses to flourish.
“We had quite a few vacancies downtown,” Linke said. “Downtown had been neglected for a number of years, and (our) streetscape project came at a time when the businesses that were there were probably already struggling. I think that the climate is a lot different here, so that is a positive.”
Linke said the Franklin project also expanded opportunities for outdoor seating and walkability.
“The first couple of years following our streetscape project, we had 32 ribbon cuttings in one year,” Linke said. “People took notice of the investment that the city was making in our downtown, and they wanted
to be part of it.”
Executive Director of Discover Downtown Franklin Danny Causey encourages Noblesville business owners to get creative with marketing during construction.
“Most people just want to talk and bring you down. You’ve got to fight back,” Causey said. “Get creative and lean on all these folks that care so much and let them help you out through this.”
As the project continues, all city leaders agree that communication will be key.
“We’re going to be on the street and in the businesses making sure that people understand what the next steps are and what that looks like,” Head said. “We want to make sure the businesses have a full understanding of what that looks like before those things occur.”
For more, visit embracedowntownnoblesville.com.
About us
Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 52
Copyright 2025
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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September 12th | 10am-2pm
Calling all Realtors! Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at each show home before the show opens at noon. Tickets will be discounted for REALTORS only.
A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to MIBOR REALTORS® Polictical Action Committee.
Ticket Cost: $10
September 18th | 4pm-6pm
This is a fan-favorite event with a twist! Join us as we tour each of the seven custom homes, enjoy some wine and hors d’oeuvres and hear directly from the interior designers of each showcase home to learn about the inspiration behind their design.
Limited Space. Reserve your spot today!
Ticket Cost: $60 (includes food and drink)
September 25th | All Day
Join us for a special celebratory event honoring our hometown heroes. To show our appreciation, veterans, first responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and teachers can enjoy 20% off their general admission ticket price.
Ticket Cost: $16-24
THREE WEEKENDS
THURSDAY - SUNDAY
SEPT. 11–14 SEPT. 18 – 21 SEPT. 25 – 28
Take advantage of early bird pricing to save $5 on your ticket through the start of the show!* *Use Code: HAREARLY Early bird pricing ends 9/10 at 11:59 pm.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarrecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Commissioners approved a supplemental agreement for the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway
Interchange and a contract and addendum for the Hamilton County multihazard mitigation plan at its Aug. 25 meeting. The next meeting is at 1:45 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in Noblesville, 1 N. 8th St.
What happened: The commissioners approved a supplemental agreement for the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway interchange.
What it means: The purpose of the roadway project is to improve the efficiency, safety and level of service at the intersection. The supplemental agreement with design firm Butler, Fairman & Seufert is for $504,585, and Hamilton County Engineer Joel Thurman said the bulk of the supplement is for appraising activities for the interchange. Davis said some changes were made in the agreement to reflect feedback from a public hearing for the project.
What’s next: The final design process is underway. The design team is evaluating intersection options to determine which configuration best meets the goals of the project. The design costs will be funded locally, and construction will be funded locally and supplemented with state funds.
What happened: The commissioners approved a contract and addendum for the Hamilton County multihazard mitigation plan.
What it means: Hamilton County Emergency Management Director of Operations Ryan Tennessen said the emergency management department is updating the county’s multihazard mitigation plan, which is federally required and identifies hazards and outlines actions to reduce risk and increase community resilience. Tennessen said the emergency management department has identified an external contractor, The Polis Center at IU Indianapolis, to assist with the planning processes. The cost of the contractor, $23,304, is covered by a federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, grant that the board previously approved.
What’s next: Polis will soon identify a date for a kick-off meeting to describe the overall project workflow, recommend plan participants, discuss match requirements, answer participants’ questions and provide a list of general questions needed for the plan.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarrecurrent.com
Thirty-one Noblesville students were inducted into the 2025-26 Noblesville Mayor’s Youth Council at the Aug. 26 Noblesville Common Council meeting.
The MYC is a free program for students who live in or attend school in Noblesville. Students advise the mayor on issues relevant to youth. Students also learn about municipal government and the importance of civic participation, perform community outreach, volunteer with local organizations and organize service projects primarily for youth.
“It’s a way to lift up and engage the next generation of Millers,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “I often talk a lot about
making sure that we have a community that’s great for our kids and our grandkids, and we want them to stay here long-term. We have to continue to invest in them.”
For more, visit noblesville.in.gov/489/ Mayors-Youth-Council.
The Riverview Health Foundation raised more than $25,000 at its Wine, Women and Whiffs Golf Tournament at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville Aug. 19.
Funds raised from the women-only golf outing will go toward the purchase of new, state-of-the-art equipment for Riverview Health that enhances care and treatment for those with breast cancer.
Megan Wiles, vice president of foundation and community affairs, said more than 100 golfers and 10 volunteers attended the event to help drive support for Riverview’s mission to advance the community’s quality of life through charitable giving.
“We love hosting this event to support projects and programs at Riverview Health focused on women and children,” Wiles stated. “While we’ll continue to direct some funds to The Milk Bank, for donor milk, a portion of this year’s proceeds will support women going through breast cancer.”
Wiles said later this year, Riverview Health will welcome two new breast surgeons, and the foundation is helping
acquire new technology for them.
Polly Craig, Riverview Health Foundation philanthropy officer, said the event is a fun way to support the needs of breast cancer patients.
“We are thankful for the women in health care, women-owned businesses and community advocates who support this event each year,” Craig stated.
The Riverview Health Foundation is a nonprofit that raises funds for Riverview Health to help fund advanced medical equipment and patient services.
For more, visit donate.riverview.org.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarrecurrent.com
Noblesville Schools has launched a new website, Dollars and $ense, where residents can find details on the district’s finances, learn how Indiana schools are funded and stay up to date on district costs.
“School finance is complicated, and a lot of folks may have opinions or thoughts based on their own experience as taxpayers or as residents,” Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dan Hile said. “But at the end of the day, very few people truly understand the ins and outs of how schools get their money and how we’re allowed to spend it.”
Hile said the website is designed to be an educational opportunity for people who want to understand how school finances work and learn why Noblesville Schools spends money the way it does.
“We’re a public entity, so all of our financial documents are already out publicly,” Hile said. “But the missing link, in my opinion, is that people see that, but they don’t
understand it. The goal here is helping (residents) understand those numbers.”
The website explains how the school budget works, where its money comes from and how the state decides how much the school receives. It also has a link of frequently asked financial questions.
“All these documents are out there somewhere, but this gets them in a single spot,” Noblesville Schools Chief Financial Officer David Hortemiller said.
View the website at noblesvilleschools.org/community/ dollars-ense-financial-information.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Several Noblesville residents have a continued interest in changing a Noblesville ordinance that prohibits chickens within city limits.
In 2020, Noblesville resident Meredith Ziegenhagel created a petition asking the city to change the ordinance prohibiting chickens in backyards, stating that free-range backyard chickens provide fresh eggs, aid thriving gardens, provide organic pest control and create natural fertilizer.
Ziegenhagel’s petition had 1,318 signatures as of last month.
Although the efforts of residents, such as Shannon Letro who created a Facebook page, “We Want Chickens in Noblesville,” had traction for a while, Letro said the movement has stalled.
“We were trying to get at least 5,000 signatures before we took it to the council for review,” Letro said.
Noblesville Communications Director Lexie Rock said the issue involves several considerations, including neighborhood
impacts, public health and safety, sustainable food sources, responsible animal care, use of property, as well as regulatory and enforcement issues. She said the city has not revisited the ordinance and does not have plans to do so.
“We have monitored and studied the issue for years and believe that the current regulatory structure best balances the important interests of our community,”
Rock said.
Neighboring Hamilton County cities also have ordinances in place, but some still allow chickens.
A Carmel ordinance states that up to six hens are permitted provided they are confined by a chicken tractor, chicken coop or similar accessory building. Properties with more than six hens or with a rooster are considered a farm.
“If Carmel lets people do it, why can’t we? I feel like there are more rural areas in Noblesville than (in) Carmel,” Letro said.
Letro said her hope is to eventually get approval, with the rising price of eggs being a motivating factor.
View the Facebook page at facebook. com/groups/704300598159563.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Rev. Jeff Castetter, a 1978 Noblesville High School graduate, recently returned to his hometown and is the interim minister for First Christian Church of Noblesville, 16377 Herriman Blvd.
Castetter has been a pastor for 40 years. He attended Indiana Wesleyan University and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and was ordained at Glendale Christian Church in 1986.
I would consider becoming their interim, and I said sure.”
Castetter has been the interim minister since May. He said it has been interesting to reconnect with people in his hometown.
Before returning to Noblesville, Castetter was a pastor at Brooklyn Christian Church for 12 years; 7th and 8th United Christian Church for 20 years; and Yorktown Christian Church for four years. He moved back to Noblesville about six years ago to retire, which is when he began attending First Christian Church of Noblesville.
“I had just retired, but one thing led to another,” Castetter said. “The minister before me was in his 70s, and he decided he was ready to retire. They asked me if
“It was kind of funny coming back to Noblesville,” Castetter said. “It’s amazing. I’ve met a fourth cousin in the church. One of my first hospital calls was to one of the guys I went to high school with. A girl that went to school with me all the way through grade school is active in the church. It’s been a pretty neat thing to come back to my hometown.”
As interim minister, Castetter said he helps the church find what to look for in a new minister and ensures the church is stabilized and ready to move on from their previous minister. He said the church is preparing to conduct a congregational survey to see what the congregation is looking for in a new minister.
In the meantime, Castetter said he is enjoying serving his hometown. For more, visit fccnoblesville.org
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Town of Sheridan has asked the Hamilton County Commissioners to reconsider the design of a pathway included as part of the Dunbar Road reconstruction after several neighbors approached the Hamilton County Council with objections last month.
On Aug. 25, a letter from the Town of Sheridan was submitted to the Hamilton County Commissioners asking that the path be removed from the documents.
The Hamilton County Council tabled a vote on an interlocal agreement with the Town of Sheridan Aug. 6 that would finalize the $21 million plan to rehabilitate and reconstruct Dunbar Road, including lane widening, shoulders and the addition of a paved multiuse path. Funding was secured by Hamilton County in 2023 through an 8020 match from the Federal Highway Administration and administered by INDOT.
County officials said although removal of the path would fall under Sheridan’s jurisdiction, without the path, the contract
amount would be lowered by $1.2 to $1.5 million. County leaders also noted planned INDOT projects will dramatically affect the traffic along the U.S. 31 corridor, with traffic counts on Dunbar Road expected to go from 200 per day to 14,000 vehicles per day in 20 years.
The Hamilton County Council is expected to review the tabled agreement Sept. 3.
Read the full story at youarecurrent. com/?p=261158.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 5:30 - 8:00 PM (ET) Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School senior Coltie
Carson had built a reputation as one of the top defenders in girls high school soccer in central Indiana.
Now, she is working on a fresh challenge.
First-year Shamrocks coach Rachel Fulkerson has moved Carson from the center back position to attacking midfielder.
“It’s a little different, but it’s a little more fun, and I get to push forward more and have more opportunities to attack and score,” Carson said. “I’m getting more comfortable with it.”
Fulkerson said she knew Carson would be up for the challenge.
“With this (role), she is bringing another level of threat to our offense,” said Fulkerson, who replaced Hannah Eggert as coach. “Coltie is a vocal and physical presence for us on the field. Coltie is just an overall reliable, hardworking player that each team needs and we are lucky enough to have.”
Favorite subject: Strength and conditioning
Favorite TV show: “Love Island”
Favorite genres of music: Hiphop, country, rhythm and blues
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach
Fulkerson, who was previously an assistant coach for the IU Indianapolis and Indiana State women’s soccer teams, was familiar with watching Carson play for her high school and club team, FC Pride ECNL.
“She has always been a solid, physical presence on the field and a good player,” Fulkerson said. “She has been fun to watch.”
Carson had two goals during the last high school season and had seven in her club season.
Carson has one goal in her first three games this season for the Shamrocks (3-0).
“We have a big senior class with 10 of us,” she said. “We’re really heavy on seniors and juniors. We have some sophomores who are on JV and also making an
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impact on varsity. I’m pretty optimistic. We all have the same goal of wanting to win something, and that something is a state title. We’re all on the same page, so if we really keep pushing hard at it, we can have a go at it.”
Westfield plays in the Class 3A Zionsville Sectional, which includes Carmel, Cathedral and Zionsville.
Carson has committed to play for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
“Oxford is just really pretty, and I wanted a big school with strong athletic programs,” she said. “The coaches are great. It felt like they really wanted me to go there. I think I can make a big impact there.”
Carson started playing soccer when she was 2 years old.
“I played volleyball and did swimming and track when I was young, but it was really just soccer that stuck with me,” she said.
Her younger sister, Ella, is a sophomore midfielder for the Shamrocks.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
To schedule an appointment, call:
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Fifty-three Indiana farmers were recognized last month at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for their commitment to conservation and land stewardship during the 2025 River Friendly Farmer Award Ceremony.
The ceremony honored farmers who have implemented proven conservation practices, such as cover crops, no-till farming and field borders, to reduce erosion, improve water quality and build healthy soils.
The Hamilton County River Friendly Farmer Award recipients were Jeff and Heather Figurelli, owners of Fig’s Farm at 16947 Atlantic Rd. in Noblesville.
“We are a hobby farm,” Heather said. “It started a few years back when we decided we didn’t want to live in a subdivision anymore. My passion is conservation and native plant gardening.”
The Figurelli family purchased the land, a former soybean and cornfield, three years ago. It has 11 acres, and Heather said they
have transitioned it to incorporate as much native landscaping as possible.
She believes that conservation efforts are increasingly important, especially in densely populated areas like Hamilton County.
“We’re losing all of our pollinators, and if we don’t have pollinators, we don’t have a good food supply chain,” Heather said. “If we kill off all of these areas, we’re not helping our farmers.”
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Health care career fair set — Community Health Network is hosting its second Heart of Healthcare: Diving into Career Opportunities event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, 8075 Shadeland Ave. Students will have the opportunity to meet caregivers from both clinical and nonclinical teams and find out what it’s like to work in healthcare. They can explore future job opportunities from nursing to radiology and facilities to patient access. Representatives from several local universities will also be on-site. The event will be in the entry atrium and café.
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.
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, visit IndianaAuthorsAwards.org.
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LEAD Local in Grand Park — LEAD Local – an acronym for learn, engage, align, develop — is an initiative to connect the public and nonprofit leaders from across Hamilton County to explore meaningful ways to get involved in the community. An event to learn about board and committee service and volunteer opportunities takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Grand Park Event Center in Westfield. The program is sponsored by Hamilton County Community Foundation and Westfield Washington Township. Register at tinyurl. com/4fn5af23.
Cherish Center plans annual breakfast — The Cherish Center, a child advocacy center in Hamilton County, will host its annual breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Oct. 2 at Fishers Municipal Center. This year’s breakfast will honor Cherish’s team members and their efforts fighting child abuse. For more, visit cherishcac.org/11th-annual-breakfast.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and GenGenies — a California-based investigative genetic genealogy firm — have partnered in the investigation of the identification of thousands of remains collected 30 years ago at the Westfield home of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister.
office since 2024. Beck recently became a volunteer with GenGenies, where she will serve as the direct liaison between the organization and the coroner’s office.
Baumeister
More than 10,000 remains were discovered at Baumeister’s Fox Hollow estate on 156th Street in 1996, shortly after a criminal investigation was launched.
According to a news release, GenGenies will provide their services to Hamilton County at no cost.
Forensic investigative genetic genealogy — IGG — is an investigative tool that uses DNA analysis and genealogical research to map familial relationships surrounding unidentified DNA samples. The process generates candidate leads that point toward the identities of unknown individuals.
J.J. Beck of Fishers has been an in-house IGG volunteer practitioner for the coroner’s
Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison said the partnership is a meaningful contribution to the ongoing investigation.
“The expertise GenGenies brings to this case is invaluable,” he stated. “Their work not only provides hope for identifying the remains found at Fox Hollow Farm but also saves Hamilton County taxpayers thousands of dollars in investigative costs.”
Baumeister died by suicide in 1996 after an investigation by law enforcement and an excavation of the wooded area behind his Fox Hollow estate performed by the University of Indianapolis Anthropology and Archaeology Department revealed the remains on his property.
After the excavation the case was shelved until Jellison reopened the investigation in 2022.
Jellison urges anyone with information to contact the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office at 317-770-4415.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Brewfest & Wine Garden, a beer and wine sampling event for people 21 and older, will return for the 15th year to Forest Park in Noblesville from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 13.
The event features unlimited samples of beer and wine, food from various vendors, live music, a commemorative sampling glass and a cornhole competition.
Noblesville Brewfest & Wine Garden co-chair Greg Baker said all Brewfest proceeds benefit the Forest Park Aquatic Center, a public facility operated by the nonprofit Friends of Central Pool.
“The event grew out of a need for funding for the Forest Park Aquatic Center,” Baker said. “About 25 years ago, a private group took over management of what was, at that time, a county pool within a city park. At that point in time, the city was considering filling it in, which would have meant no public pool in the City of Noblesville.”
Baker said while Friends of Central Pool held silent auction parties for a few years, they needed a larger fundraiser.
“It was a craft beer festival to start, but over the years, it’s raised $500,000 for Forest Park Aquatic Center,” Baker said.
New vendors include Bad Dad Brewing Co., Foreign Local Brewing, Northbrook Brewing Co., Rare Brew and Terre Haute Brewing.
Tickets are $35 through Sept. 7, and $40 through the week of the event. Any remaining tickets still available on the day of the event will be $45. Designated drivers get free entry.
For tickets, visit event.ontaptickets.com/ events/noblesville-brewfest-2025.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A Noblesville-based nonprofit is providing comfort for grieving families across the U.S.
Little Angel Gowns, founded in 2014, transforms donated wedding dresses into infant burial attire. The garments are then gifted to grieving families.
Eskenazi Health neonatal intensive care unit nurse Marie Murphy founded the organization after witnessing the need for appropriate burial attire for infants. In 2017, Judy Stewart, executive director of Little Angel Gowns, joined the board of directors. She has been the executive director since 2023.
“I’ve lost two babies,” Stewart said. “It was many years ago before we ever had any kind of group like this or any support. As I got involved with the board, I became more aware of the number of people and the statistics and the growing need for things like this.”
Little Angel Gowns services more than 400 hospitals and funeral homes in all 50 states. Stewart said members of the nonprofit initially worked out of a garage and went through several locations before landing last year at 144 Carey Dr. in Noblesville.
The organization now has 65 seamstresses working throughout the nation.
“When the wedding dresses come in, they are inspected and laundered,” Stewart said. “Once the fabric has been inspected, it either goes to a seamstress to be laundered and constructed into an angel gown, or it’s laundered here, and then it goes out to a seamstress to construct the outfit.”
The gowns are available for infants weighing less than 1 pound to more than 13 pounds. For infants too small for a gown, Little Angel Gowns offers an angel pod that best accommodates their size.
“We offer gowns for girls and boys, and we have a gender-neutral option,” Stewart said. “Each gift is individually packaged and includes a matching bonnet and keepsake memory folder so moms can keep important papers, photographs or sonograms.”
Each gown also comes with a matching heart made from the same fabric as the gown, a hat, crocheted booties and a blanket. Parents also receive a matching bracelet for mom and baby and a keychain for dad, made from pearls and beads that come off the wedding dresses.
The turnaround time for gowns varies. Stewart said it takes anywhere from several hours to several days to make one garment.
“We have a supply here of each size, but each seamstress across the country works at different paces,” Stewart said. “It also depends on how intricate the garment is. For the most part, these are all individual, unique garments, and it’s the seamstress’s taste. It depends how
much they embellish it, or how simple it is, as to how long it takes.”
Stephanie Sullivan, a mom from Louisiana who lost her daughter in 2005, said she struggled with not knowing what clothing her daughter was buried in for several years. Sullivan was on life support when her daughter’s funeral arrangements were made.
She discovered the Little Angel Gowns Facebook page around the time her daughter would have turned 18.
“Nobody told me if she was buried in something or just a receiving blanket. Nobody has ever told me anything,” Sullivan said. “Judy’s page popped up on my feed, and I reached out. I didn’t know if they provided burial gowns so far after loss, but she said yes. She sent me one, and it was my keepsake. It helped me with that part of my grief, and it also allowed me to feel a little bit more connected to my daughter.”
Sullivan said she has continued to stay in touch with Stewart and admires the work the organization continues to do.
“The ladies who are there are just wonderful,” Sullivan said. “Most of the time, a child who has passed gets forgotten, except by the parent. When an organization like hers sends you a gown because it will provide you a little bit of closure, it means the world and beyond.”
As the organization continues to grow, Stewart said the demand is both rewarding and heartbreaking.
“Statistically, 1 in every 4 women has either suffered a loss or they know someone who has,” Stewart said. “As you look around, the need is great, but people have not felt comfortable asking for help or sharing their needs. I want to let people know that there’s a place for them to go for help. This month we’ve had quite a few (requests),
• Little Angel Gowns accepts pale pink, pale blue, lavender, navy blue and black bridesmaid gowns in addition to wedding gowns.
• The organization partners with several funeral homes and hospitals in Indiana and across the country, including Riverview Health in Noblesville.
• The 65 seamstresses across the nation only use the organization’s patterns, which have been designed by a funeral director and a NICU nurse. The patterns are not for sale.
• All gowns are gifted to families at no cost.
• The organization relies on donations to continue operations. It also holds fundraisers, and most recently held its annual gala at the Mill Top Conference and Banquet Center in Noblesville Aug. 9, where the nonprofit raised more than $30,000.
• Anyone interested in volunteering, whether they can sew or not, can contact judystewart.lag@ gmail.com.
and it’s been very sad, but we are here, and we are willing to help anyone.”
For more, visit littleangelgowns.org or facebook.com/ littleangelgowns.
ON THE COVER: Jacque Deaton works with wedding dresses at the Little Angel Gowns location in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Judy Stewart)
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noble Nutrition, a shop that sells health drinks like protein shakes and energy teas at 17021 Clover Rd. in Noblesville, had a grand reopening event Aug. 30 to celebrate new ownership.
Noblesville couple Colin and Lyndsey Metzger recently entered into a partnership with former owners Larry and Dana
Schindler. The Metzgers will operate Noble Nutrition out of the front of the shop while Larry’s catering business, Boomers Catering, will operate out of the back.
“I used to go to Noble Nutrition every day, and I loved it,” Lyndsey said. “I became good friends with the Schindler family, and when they closed, I asked them how we could make the business work for both of us. We went in there one day and asked, made up a plan and bought it.”
The Metzgers plan to keep popular items
on the menu and add new options. Returning items include the Jimmy Buffett, a specialty tea that resembles a piña colada, and the Captain America, a strawberry and blue raspberry-loaded tea. They also plan to add protein coffee flights.
“We’re hoping to nail down more products, because there are more fun things we want to get,” Lyndsey said. “We want it to be a hang out joint instead of just somewhere people stop and leave. We want people to stick around. We also want to get more high schoolers here to hang out with their friends or study.”
Several renovations have been made, such as new paint and flooring. Lyndsey said if the business is successful, she would be open to pursuing a second location in Noblesville.
“I just hope that we can provide opportunities for people that live in Noblesville,” Lyndsey said. “We really want to target high school students and would love to offer them job opportunities. We are just excited to meet new people and get this going.”
For more, visit facebook.com/ noblenutrition317.
Team members from Limitless Wellness, which provides treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, OCD and substance use disorders, cut a ribbon Aug. 21 to celebrate the opening of their office at 17160 Dragonfly Dr. in Noblesville. The team also launched a new mental health treatment, ExoMind, which is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD and eating disorders, among other mental health conditions. For more, visit facebook.com/healingwithlimitlesswellness. (Photo courtesy of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This kitchen refresh shows how strategic cosmetic updates, without a full renovation, can breathe new life into a dated space and elevate daily living.
• Replaced dated pendant lighting with bold brass fixtures for a modern statement.
• Installed sleek MSI quartz countertops to brighten and refresh the workspace.
• Upgraded to Café appliances, blending performance with stylish design.
• Introduced patterned wallpaper to add depth, texture and character.
• Painted doors black for a sophisticated and dramatic contrast.
• Updated flooring with 12x24” porcelain tile for durability and continuity.
• Added new cabinet hardware for a subtle yet refined finish.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kira Rangel is becoming a “Beehive” regular.
“It’s a nonstop kind of ride,” Rangel said. “It’s a lot of fun. That’s why I keep doing it.”
Rangel is part of a cast of six women in the musical “Beehive,” which runs Sept. 5 to 21 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
This will be Rangel’s third time in “Beehive,” reprising the same roles. She portrays Gina in the first act and Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin in the second act.
“I think there is something great about it being all women, just emulating what made the ‘60s great, which is the Motown girl groups, like The Shirelles, The Supremes,” Rangel said. “Just how important it was for women to have that voice, especially in the ‘60s when it was a big era for feminism and civil rights as well.”
Rangel said her favorite song performed as a group is “Where the Boys Are” by Connie Francis. Her favorite song as the main vocalist in “Proud Mary.”
“We’re emulating classic divas from the ’60s,” said Rangel, a Chicago native now based in Davenport, Iowa.
Abigail Storm, a Ball State University graduate, is the only performer who has been in an ATI production. She was in “9 to 5” in the spring, playing the role of Doralee that Dolly Parton played in the movie.
Storm plays Wanda in “Beehive.”
“I’m basically like the narrator of the story,” Storm said. “It starts out she is 13, and then by the end of the show she is 22. She grows up with these awesome rock stars and she views them as like her big sisters and her mentors. She basically takes (the audience) through all the songs of the ’60s. She tells the story and talks about each of the artists and then comes in and sings with them.”
Storm said it’s special that a lot of the artists helped drive the women’s movement along with their music.
“It was inspiring for other women to stand up and go for their dreams,” she said. “It’s nostalgic to hear all these different girl groups.”
Storm said her biggest challenge is not using her native Texas accent because she played another role this summer that Dolly Parton played in “Steel Magnolias.” Both characters had Southern accents.
Rachel Dudt, a Pittsburgh resident, plays two legendary singers.
“I play Janis Joplin, which is what drew me to the show because I think she’s really just an iconic female powerhouse in rock music,” Dudt said. “It’s a fun challenge to sing something that seems so chaotic but is also so thought-out because she was actually really intentional with the way she sang. It’s not easy to scream it out and do it show after show.”
Dudt has experience singing Joplin’s solo songs in her solo shows on cruises. Her favorite Joplin song is “Crybaby” because it displays Joplin’s ability to sing rock and blues.
“A strong runner-up is ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ because it’s just such a good song,” Dudt said.
The main solo she has in the first half of the show is by Carole King. Dudt recently played King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
“It’s nice to have a little nod to having just played her and singing it again,” Dudt said. “Having all the girls back it up, it sounds really great.”
Dudt said she spent nearly all the 2 1/2hour show on stage playing King.
“It’s nice to move from something that was really challenging and heavy emotionally to this, which just radiates joy,” Dudt said. “It’s a fun contrast. This is more like a revue song with hit song after hit song. I love that in the ’60s and ‘70s they were so separate but all popular. Now, everybody sounds the same, at least to me.”
Dudt, who previously performed in “Millon Dollar Quartet” featuring 1950s legends, said the music from the 1950s through the 1970s “feeds her soul.”
For more, visit atistage.org.
‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’
“Heartbreak Hotel” runs Sept. 4 to Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Five After Midnight, an Indianapolis-based cover band, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Beehive,” featuring music from the 1960s, runs Sept. 5 to Sept. 21 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org. GRACE POTTER
Grace Potter will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. For more, visit npdamp.com.
Fashion at The Florence set — Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre previews its season with “Fashion at The Florence” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the studio, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. Cocktail attire is requested for the 21-and-older fundraiser. “Fashion at The Florence” features a runway-style exhibition of costumes, music, light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The event is paired with a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the New Season Giving Campaign. This year’s runway will feature handcrafted and curated costumes that preview the 202526 season. Known for showcasing eclectic and textured themes, inspiration for the dynamic garments comes from around the world. The event is co-hosted by Gregory Hancock, GHDT’s executive artistic director, and Christine Colquitt Thacker, executive assistant and coordinator. Tickets are $125 per person. The season opens with “The Casket Girls” Oct. 24-25 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Alex Smith is enjoying putting his Butler University percussion performance degree to good use.
The 2005 Carmel High School graduate is set to perform as Elvis Presley’s drummer, D.J. Fontana, in “Heartbreak Hotel” Sept. 4 to Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis
they will really enjoy ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’”
Smith said he was familiar with the “All Shook Up” musical, but not familiar with the “Heartbreak Hotel” musical until Beef & Boards announced it this season.
“Plus, there’s a tap dance number, which feels like percussion with my feet,” Smith said. “Most of the challenge comes from regaining my muscle memory for drumming again.”
Smith most recently performed in “Fiddler on the Roof” last year at Beef & Boards.
“Ever since theater started returning after the COVID-19 pandemic, every opportunity to perform has been a blessing that I do not take for granted,” said Smith, a senior software quality assurance analyst for a company based in Indianapolis “The Beef & Boards patrons are fantastic and I think
“I really enjoy Elvis songs from the late 1960s, when he had more of a big-band sound,” he said. “My favorite Elvis song is ‘Viva Las Vegas.’ The first time I heard it was in Las Vegas during a Bellagio fountain show, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”
Smith said the finale numbers will be the most challenging with “Trouble,” “Guitar Man” and “A Little Less Conversation.”
Smith took piano lessons at age 6 and eventually began playing percussion at 12.
“But I mostly focused on keyboard percussion, marimbas, xylophones, etc.,” he said.
At Butler, he learned to play the drum set.
“Most of my drum set experience came from playing in the band for Butler’s basketball teams,” Smith said. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FRI, SEP 12 AT 8PM THE
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Opera will celebrate its 51st season by holding an event each month for the first time.
“It’s a season of growth and classic opera presentations and continuing to bring back legendary artists,” Indianapolis Opera’s General Director David Starkey said. “We’re just building on the 50th, the afterglow is real. You keep on rising to the occasion.”
The Toby at Newfields in Indianapolis.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” will have two performances of the one-act opera Dec. 21 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.
SAT, SEP 13 AT 8PM
Events include performances, opera cabaret dinners and fundraisers. Following fundraisers in July and August, the 2025-26 season’s first performance will be the eighth annual Opera in the Park at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at Garfield Park in Indianapolis. The free event will be hosted by soprano Angela Brown, an Indianapolis native, and Conductor Alfred Savia.
“We’ve not done ‘Amahl’ in a theatrical presentation in many years,” Starkey said. “The opera company used to do it traditionally for many years, so we are bringing back that tradition.”
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” debuted in 1951.
“It’s young and old at the same time (in opera terms),” Starkey said. “It’s a contemporary classic.”
Collins and Porto, who are getting married in October, will perform in “The Marriage of Figaro.”
“Rafael is from Indianapolis. His parents live here,” Starkey said.
FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM
PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JAY LENO
SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM
PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT
“Angela will be doing a little singing and Alfred will be conducting,” Starkey said. Among the other performers are soprano Cara Collins and baritone Rafael Porto, along with the Indianapolis Opera resident artists and chorus and Indianapolis Youth Orchestra.
“We’ll feature a lot of our artists of our 51st season with highlights of ‘Rigoletto’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro,’” Starkey said. “We’ll tease the audiences with things that are in future seasons.”
“Rigoletto” will be held Nov. 14-16 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “The Marriage of Figaro” is set for May 1-3, 2026, at
“He cut his teeth professionally in our opera company and he is now performing in big opera houses around the country. We get to bring him home and celebrate his success.”
This will be Collins’ debut with Indy Opera. Porto was in a livestream TV version of “Madame Butterfly” during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He was in “The Barber of Seville” in 2016, the first Indianapolis Opera event at The Tarkington.
“He’s been a very busy singer and we’ve finally been able to hook him in with our schedule,” Starkey said.
Another Indianapolis native, Ganson Salmon, returns to play a leading role in “Rigoletto,” portraying the Duke.
“This is his big tenor debut with us,” Starkey said.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
THU, OCT 2 AT 7:30PM
PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
RICK BRAUN & MINDI ABAIR
SAT, OCT 4 AT 8PM
PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
There is an added attraction to Artomobilia this year.
For just the second time, the Carmel on Canvas plein air painting exhibition will be held during the event. Artomobilia Executive Director John Leonard said Carmel on Canvas is a great event but will get more attention held at the same time as Artomobilia, which he said typically draws 25,000 visitors.
“The artists from Carmel on Canvas will
be out and about painting buildings, cars and people,” Leonard said.
The 18th annual Artomobilia is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Carmel Arts & Design District. Carmel on Canvas will be held Sept. 5-6.
The Veloce+ Hangar Party, featuring 50 performance vehicles, music, dinner and cocktails, is from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Jet Access Center at Executive Airport in Zionsville. The Artistry & Elegance Ladies’ Luncheon is set for noon to 2 p.m. at 1933 Lounge in Carmel.
For more, visit artomobilia.org.
Across
1. Local team whose last regular season game was Aug. 31...and the start of a word ladder
6. WTTV forensic franchise
9. Prying tool
14. Make amends
15. Texter’s “Wow!”
16. Nimble 17. Loses hair
18. Ravens, on a Colts scoreboard
19. Mournful sound
20. Moontown Brewing brew letters
22. Parking ___
24. Vogue rival
25. Romantic sort
27. Is nuts about
29. A Lilly
31. Stone worker
34. Have a burger at Mash House
35. Up to now
38. Silent assent
40. Actress Longoria or Mendes
41. “The Matrix” hero
42. Rock genre
43. Hawaiian garland
44. Baited insect collector
48. Geist rowing need
49. Sly and nasty
51. “Right to remain silent” name
53. Birds of peace
56. Distributes
57. Indonesian island
60. CPR pro 61. U-turn from NNW
62. Whittle away at a White River embankment
64. Prohibit
66. Quickly
70. Bold poker bet
71. Night before 72. Apple music players discontinued in 2022
73. Blockheads
74. Narc’s org.
75. Local team whose first regular season game is Sept. 7...and the end of a word ladder Down
1. Beatles’ descriptor 2. Butler frat letter
3. Remote abbr.
4. Salad greens
5. Hold in esteem
6. Corn core
7. Diminutive
8. Ice house
Fall behind
Way out
Stringed instrument
Israeli airline
Surrealist Magritte
21. Nephew of Peyton and Eli
23. Common HBO rating
25. Brown County colorful fall display
26. Acquire
28. Place for a plug, bud or stud
29. Rod’s partner
30. Mom’s sister
32. Extra-inning score, perhaps
33. Some wanderers
36. “Quiet on the ___!”
37. Something to fill out
39. Cartoon explorer
44. Commotion
45. Campbell of “Scream”
46. Helps
47. Unimaginative
50. Words of confession
52. Syrian city
54. Firmly implant
55. Barrel part
57. Rosary piece
58. Singer Guthrie
Lounge about
Trim/Remove
Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
C&H TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SALE
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