GUARDING GREATNESS
6 GUARDING GREATNESS Brownsburg Color Guard Builds Skill, Confidence And Community
12 JUNE EVENTS
15 HOT FLASHES & BELLY LAUGHS
Local Author Proves Laughter is Great Hormone Therapy by Writing a Humor Book About Perimenopause
17
JUNE CROSSWORD
19 DARBY’S DANCERS Premier Academy Expands Dance Opportunities For Every Child
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GUARDING GREATNESS
BROWNSBURG COLOR GUARD BUILDS
SKILL, CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / BBOP
The Brownsburg Fine Arts program includes numerous bands, choirs and visual arts opportunities.
More than 80 students participate in the fall color guard program, beginning in November with the marching band and transitioning to winter guard through April.
They are a choreographed team that
throws flags, rifles and sabers, bringing a colorful and often mesmerizing addition to marching band performances and yearly competitions, and they have been recognized nationally for their efforts.
Students can perform on one or both teams, and there are opportunities for anyone to get involved.
“The educational staff and the core
of the team is the same in the fall and winter guard program, but there’s one team in the fall and in the winter, we have four teams, which increases accessibility for students,” says Aylin Vural, color guard director. “The fall program is limited to grades 8-12, and in the winter, we accept grades 6-12. The winter program is much larger because we have the younger grades, and even students who march in the marching
band will then do guard throughout the winter.”
Foundational techniques include dance and flag. All ensembles do those two components of the performance, and as the athletes grow in skill, they begin working with the rifles and sabers too.
“Before the season is over, everyone will work with the flags, and that’s a natural lead-in to the weapons as well. We also take fitness and physical health seriously. There’s a physical aspect to the program, so we work on cardio, strengthening and endurance,” Vural says.
A unique aspect of the program is the classroom time offered at Brownsburg High School in addition to practices and performances. It’s there students learn an appreciation for the art form.
“We have a color guard class where they learn how to choreograph — why things are the way they are. When they learn how to choreograph their own pieces,
they also learn there’s a method to the madness, and it makes you an overall better performer,” Vural says.
The high school also offers a dance class, bringing in elements such as costumes, lighting, music and movement.
Vural says students from all different backgrounds participate, including athletes, show choir members, academics and competitive dancers. At the end of the year, they host a recital performing their own student-choreographed work.
With additional education and skills, students walk away with a broader understanding of the arts and an industry that offers a wide range of options.
For Vural, she fell in love with performing and has continued to pay it forward, hoping other young students are inspired.
“I marched in high school and continued in college. I had a graphic arts degree with a minor in dance. It’s always been super fulfilling to me, rewarding and challenging. I feel like it’s my calling. I love education, and I love teaching this specifically,” Vural says. “It’s fun to see the incredible growth from young humans developing into older humans in the art world.”
Whether students continue to participate at the collegiate level or simply pick up a dance class down the street, opportunities abound for the future. Vural says she has plenty of friends who never gave up their passion for performance and now have careers in the industry.
“This position at Brownsburg High School has turned out to be more than I could have hoped for personally, but also professionally,” Vural says. “I also teach advanced competitive adult groups, or what they call pageantry arts, so it’s something that stays with you.”
Most recently, the Brownsburg Winter
Guard placed second in the open-class IHSCGA state competition and earned a bronze medal in the WGI global competition, earning world-class status.
The team has increasingly become more visible in the state, country and even the world.
“We’re on a national, world level, which is great, but we’re also ambassadors of the Brownsburg School Corporation, the Town of Brownsburg and Indiana,” Vural says. “We recently went to the Tournament of Roses Parade with the band, and I’m constantly reminding them that everything you say is what Brownsburg just said. We will be good representatives of the school, and I think that culture we’re developing not only in guard but across the corporation is really neat to see.”
Like most team activities, the growth in confidence and other soft skills you don’t pick up in a classroom are evident.
“We talk about functioning as healthy adults. There’s accountability, discipline, time management. It’s hard work. They’re trying to keep up with grades, a part-time job and extracurriculars,” Vural says. “There are also quite a few students who try something for the first time and are just shattered. They wanted to be better yesterday, but being able to say, ‘Let’s try that again,’ ‘Let’s continue to get better, learn and improve,’ is important in life.”
Another unique factor of the guard program is that everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level or experience. Think about the last performance you saw at a band competition. Some members of the color guard are doing acrobatic moves and twirling rifles, while others are adding dance choreography.
There’s a place for everyone.
“We want to cater to everyone and find a home for everyone, and I think it builds their confidence,” Vural says. “I have a large staff that is dispersed throughout every color guard team, and we’re working with them whether they are new and just learning or advanced and reaching a new skill. There’s a wide range, but everyone is getting a great education.”
As the guard program continues to grow, Vural hopes that its positive attitude, educational courses and overall atmosphere attract new students to join.
“Word of mouth is our most valuable tool. Once they’ve found color guard, they want their friends to join too. The success of this program helps, but that’s not everything. Culture is why we are successful. It’s the environment created by the staff and students.”
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2026
JUNE
Submit Your Events!
3
BAT OUT OF HELLTHE MUSICAL
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Avenue.
7:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
BAT OUT OF HELL THE MUSICAL, the awardwinning musical, is a thrilling spectacle where the timeless music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf reigns supreme!
SUMMER STOCK STAGE: GREASEPREVIEW
Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W 46th St.
7 p.m.
Grease returns to the stage with all the electrifying energy, heart, and nostalgia you love brought to life by a dynamic cast of professional performers from across the country.
4, 18
INDIANA FEVER VS. ATLANTA DREAM
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St. 7 p.m. (4), 7:30 p.m. (18)
5-7
INDIANA COMIC CONVENTION 2026
Indianapolis Convention Center, 100 S Capitol Ave.
The Indiana Comic Convention is a beloved annual event held in Indianapolis that brings together fans of comics, movies, television, anime, gaming, and pop culture.
6
HARDY & CAMERON WHITCOMB & MCCOY MOORE
Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E 146th St.
7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Big Loud Records/ Big Loud Rock heavy hitter HARDY—crowned “Nashville’s nü-metal king” by the Los Angeles Times—continues to soar with the release of his highly anticipated new album QUIT!!.
LEVI RIGGS
The Rathskeller, 401 East Michigan Street. LEVI RIGGS Live one night only at the world famous Rathskeller Biergarten! Enjoy a fun filled night of food, drinks and 3 hours of high energy county music!
11
INDIANA FEVER VS. CHICAGO SKY
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St. 7 p.m.
12
THE BIG ASS STADIUM TOUR PART 2
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 South Capitol Avenue. 7:30 p.m.
All ages welcome! All ages must have a ticket for this event, regardless of age. Clear bag policy is enforced.
12-13
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. COLUMBUS CLIPPERS
Victory Field, 501 West Maryland Street. 7:05 p.m.
13
STAND BY ME: THE FILM AND ITS STARS 40 YEARS LATER
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. 7:30 p.m.
Some stories don’t fade with time - they grow deeper.
16-21 & JULIET (TOURING)
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Avenue. 7 p.m. (16-19), 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (20), 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University Doors: 5:30 PM Show: 7:00 PM Duration: 2hrs, 40 mins with 1 intermission. Recommended ages: 8 years and older.
16
INDIANA FEVER VS. TORONTO TEMPO
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St. 7 p.m.
19
JOE GATTO
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W Georgia St,. 9:15 p.m.-12 a.m.
Joe Gatto is a comedian best known from the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” He has toured with the Jokers live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world.
20
FORREST FRANK: THE JESUS GENERATION TOUR
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St.
7 p.m.
GRAMMY-nominated and GMA
DOVE Award-winning artist FORREST FRANK has announced The Jesus Generation Tour with special guests Tori Kelly, Cory Asbury and The Figs.
21
MICHAEL MCDONALD & THE DOOBIE BROTHERS & SANTANA
Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E 146th St.
7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Parking is sold separately from concert tickets. You will need to purchase a parking pass if you plan to park at the venue. Please Note: There is a new seating layout for 2026!
22
INDIANA FEVER VS. PHOENIX MERCURY
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St. 8 p.m.
23
MYLES SMITH - MY MESS, MY HEART, MY LIFE TOUR
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, National Collegiate Athletic AssociationNcaa, 700 W Washington St.
6:30 p.m.
Everwise Amphitheater has the following clear bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”).
25
RILEY GREEN: COWBOY AS IT GETS TOUR 2026
Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E 146th St.
7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Hailing from Athens, GA, Mackenzie Carpenter is a singer/ songwriter whose soulful Country tone was honed by singing in her local church as a kid.
26-27
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Ruoff Music Center, 12880 E 146th St.
7:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Parking is sold separately from concert tickets. You will need to purchase a parking pass if you plan to park at the venue. Please Note: There is a new seating layout for 2026!
27
BILL ENGVALL - “HERE’S YOUR SIGN, IT WASN’T MY TIME”
Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.. 7:30 p.m.
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre All Ages Doors: 6:30 pm Show: 7:30 pm
INDIANA FEVER VS. LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S Pennsylvania St. 8 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. SCRANTON WILKESBARRE RAILRIDERS
Victory Field, 501 West Maryland Street. 7:05 p.m.
HOT FLASHES & BELLY LAUGHS
LOCAL AUTHOR PROVES LAUGHTER IS GREAT HORMONE THERAPY BY WRITING A HUMOR BOOK ABOUT PERIMENOPAUSE
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
When women reach a certain age (usually 40s), we start having conversations with other females that often begin like this: “So, I’ve been dealing with this weird thing lately…”
That “weird thing” could be anything from itchy ears and dry eyes to a racing mind and unquenchable thirst. It could be facial hair, dizziness, dry skin, acne, excessive clumsiness, inability to focus, sudden fear of driving, or an impending sense of doom.
If you find yourself questioning the cause of these symptoms, I’ll save you some time by letting you know that all this nonsense is due to perimenopause, which is that stretch of time prior to menopause when your body produces less estrogen. I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you, but this transition period can last up to
“Christy Heitger-Ewing’s book ‘Why Did I Walk into This Room?’ is drop-dead hilarious. She writes about everything we talk about with our BFFs, splaying taboos in her uniquely amusing way. This is a book for every single one of us.”
Wendy Liebman, comedian and semifinalist on “America’s Got Talent”
ten years. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 55 (perhaps even younger) and are experiencing annoying, odd, or surprising physical or mental symptoms, it’s likely perimenopause.
For five years, I grappled with terrible insomnia, thinning hair, intense anxiety, regular headaches, restless legs, dry mouth, painful hip, achy shoulder, throbbing joints, and brutally heavy periods. In addition to being hot, itchy, anxious, and overwhelmed, I felt like I was losing my mind as I struggled to recall certain words. Plus, I’d forget passcodes and people’s names. I’d space where I’d placed my keys, glasses, purse, or phone.
As if all of this wasn’t bad enough, stray hairs began sprouting above my upper lip, and pimples began forming on my chin. WTF? I looked like a cross between my husband and my teenager with facial hair and zits. And every day, regardless of how much rest I got the night before, I was dog tired.
Finally, after talking to other women, I put the puzzle pieces together; I was in perimenopause, and it was kicking my ass.
I complained to my primary care doctor about painful sex and was told to try lube. I complained that I woke up drenched in sweat and was told to crank down the AC. I said I was sleeping poorly and was told to drink tea in the evening. Essentially, the resounding response I got was a shoulder shrug and the message, “Eh, this is all part of growing older as a woman.” Screw that!
When I met with a functional wellness doctor who specialized in hormone optimization, I felt seen, heard, and validated as she listened, took notes, drew my blood, and built a plan. She was able to offer evidence-based, practical strategies to get me back to the land of the living. Woo hoo!
Did you know that during perimenopause you may suffer anywhere from 10 to 100 symptoms? You may experience vertigo, rage, nausea, panic, frequent UTIs, heart palpitations, acid reflux, tendonitis, sore breasts, and phantom smells. Sadly, this is not a comprehensive list. However, I found an upside. You get to blame everything on perimenopause! If you forget what you were saying midsentence, that’s perimenopause’s fault. If you put your husband’s underwear in your kid’s drawer or your dog’s food in your cat’s dish, perimenopause is the culprit. If you drop a plate while unloading the dishwasher or trip over your own feet on the way to the bathroom, that’s the work of perimenopause. If you want to claw your spouse’s eyes out for breathing or
chewing loudly—perimenopause. You get the idea.
It’s ridiculous how hormones have rewired my mind and reconstructed my body. When I found myself Googling, “tips for tolerating people,” I knew I must write a humor book about the experience. Why Did I Walk into This Room? Finding the Humor When Perimenopause is Kicking Your Ass is a humor-forward, heart-forward take on perimenopause that helps women who are feeling isolated, stuck, exhausted, and misunderstood in mid-life. This book offers hope for the hopeless, clarity for the confused, enthusiasm for the apathetic, and laughter for the lethargic.
If perimenopause has commandeered your brain, wiped you of energy & motivation, and wreaked havoc on your sleep & sex drive, this book is just what the functional wellness doctor ordered! Christy recently held an author book signing at Barnes & Noble in Plainfield, spoke at Hendricks County Professional Women luncheon, and performed standup comedy at a humor writer’s workshop in Dayton, Ohio. This fall she’ll be a keynote speaker at a women’s conference focused on perimenopause hosted by Franciscan Health. She’ll also attend the Beyond the Books Festival in Knox and the Hoosier Author Fair in Crawfordsville. For more information or to purchase a copy of Why Did I Walk into This Room?, visit christyheitgerewing.com.
“Best perimenopause humor book ever! A great ride for those who are sweaty, tired and out of estrogen. The author has successfully turned a lemon time-of-life into funny lemonade!”
—Jane Condon, comedian & winner of Ladies of Laughter Contest
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS DOWN
1. Nutrient (pill)
4. End of war
7. Nervously restless
8. Wrap for head & shoulders
9. Remained
12. Leaves (sinking ship)
15. Regional speeches
17. Greatly pleased
18. Complete
21. Of the beach
22. Family adage
23. Deserved
1. Disappeared
2. Every time
3. Actor, ... Nolte
4. Settles account
5. Pilot
6. Fragrant type of tea, ... Grey
10. Move to music
11. Make happen
13. Followed secretly
14. Lowest British titled rank
16. Italian sausage
18. To ... it may concern
19. Resound
20. Pacify
CARE THAT GETS HER HEART
You might not think twice about belly weight or a complicated pregnancy from years ago. But your heart might.
Women’s heart disease risks and symptoms can be different from men. And with cardiovascular disease still being the #1 killer of women, they can’t be overlooked anymore.
Franciscan Health provides specialty women’s heart care focused on the known symptoms and risks women face throughout their lives. With quick access to cardiology appointments, you can show up for your heart right away and get a care plan based on your unique story.
Heart & Vascular Care for the Women We Love
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• $49 screening bundles program (Heart Scan, Lung Scan and AAA screening)
• Specialty care in cardio-oncology, cardio-genetics, cardio-metabolics and cardio-obstetrics
• Vein Clinic at Franciscan Rejuvenate Medical Spa
DARBY’S DANCERS
PREMIER ACADEMY EXPANDS DANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERY CHILD
Writer / Melissa Gibson
When Meaghan Molsberry launched Avon’s Premier Academy of the Performing Arts in 2014, the mission was simple: to create a space where every child feels seen, supported and inspired in dance and in life.
She’s continuing that mission not only through ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and other classes for all ages ranging from infants to adults, but Premier Academy has also launched a new program, Darby’s Dancers, aimed at offering inclusive programming for children and young
adults with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Molsberry could see the need for inclusive dance classes early on. She previously worked with students with special needs in Wayne Township.
“I saw how the school system put the focus on not making your child fit the mold but helping the mold fit your child, and I watched students go from struggling to succeeding,” Molsberry says. “Year after year, I’d have a dance teacher on staff who also worked as a social worker, and she would talk about this need. Then someone else called and said, ‘You have to do this.’ So, we had talked about it for years and we’ve tried other inclusion programs, but it wasn’t until we found Darby’s Dancers that it was an instant, ‘This is what we’ve been looking for’ moment.”
Darby’s Dancers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by the parents of Darby Jones of Huntsville, Alabama.
Darby was born with Down syndrome, a heart defect and leukemia, and she loved dancing, music, reading and writing. Darby was given the opportunity to dance at a local performing arts center and loved every minute of it. After her passing in 2013, her parents formed a nonprofit charity to share Darby’s passion for dance with others.
Today, there are nearly 50 Darby’s Dancers programs active in studios across the country, and it was important to Molsberry that one was offered in her hometown.
Molsberry is a member of More Than Just Great Dancing (MTJGD), a support organization for thousands of dance studios across the world, and it was at a conference two years ago that she saw the Darby’s Dancers booth and began the process of bringing the program to Avon. In fact, before they left the conference, it was clear that Darby’s Dancers was a path they should pursue.
“I got all of their information and said we’d be calling as soon as we got home. Before we ever left the event, we won a year of Darby’s Dancers programming. God always has a way. This was meant to be,” Molsberry says.
It took a year or so to get all their ducks in a row, but 2026 will officially be their first full year of the Darby’s Dancers program, and it’s just a matter of letting others know about the opportunity.
Parents and loved ones of young people with disabilities often seek programs that help with developmental delays or continue progress, and it doesn’t hurt for the program to be fun along the way.
“Teachers donate their time and every dancer gets a ‘Premier Pal’ — a dancer from another class at the studio to serve as a big brother or sister. We work on mobility, jumping, rolls, the trampoline and we do have routines, but the program is tailored to the kids’ needs and if today isn’t a good day, we switch it up,” Molsberry says. “The goal is to create a judgment-free, no-pressure but fun environment.”
The program is free to families who participate, and teachers donate their time for instruction.
RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ACUPUNCTURE HELPS WITH:
&
Van Matre • Low back pain • Neck Pain • Fibromyalgia • Painful periods • Headaches/Migraines • Arthritic Pain • Chemo-induced nausea & vomiting • Sciatica • Tennis Elbow
• BEll’s Palsy • Allergies
Dr. Vicki Crum
“There is no monthly tuition fee or cost for costumes. Darby’s Dancers doesn’t want any additional strain when parents are typically paying for medical bills and additional care,” Molsberry says. “We do our fundraising in-house. We have a vending machine and all of those proceeds go toward Darby’s Dancers. We also have Pie Day. Teachers sign up to participate and customers vote for the teacher they want to see get a pie in the face. Those proceeds go toward Darby’s Dancers, and it’s always a huge hit.”
The team from Darby’s Dancers came to Premier Academy to help Molsberry and her staff set up. Logistically, they made sure they were ADA compliant and had space for the potential needs of their dancers.
Preparation can be very detailed when working through the wide-ranging needs of each individual, but with a successful program like Darby’s Dancers, Molsberry
• Tree Removal, Topping & Trimming
• Shrub Trimming & Removal
• Light Hauling
• Construction Clean-up
• Junk Removal
• Brush Pile Cleaning
• Garage/Basement/ Attic Cleanout
• Gutter Cleaning
• Mini Barn / Shed / Fence / Deck Demolition & Removal
• Appliance / E-Waste Removal
• Stump Grinding
Assistants in the program
feels like they’ve finally hit their stride.
“Sometimes it’s about sensory issues. Some of our dancers don’t like a ton of kids running about. I’ve seen some people really love tap dancing while, for someone else, they can’t stand the sound,” Molsberry says. “Some can attend a full 45-minute class and others need to have more breaks in between. We do whatever is needed for that day.”
Whatever the abilities or preferences, Molsberry says so much good can come from participating in a similar class.
“We want to provide creativity, mobility, a love for art, coordination, balance, flexibility and perseverance. There’s always challenges and dancers learn dedication and responsibility,” Molsberry says. “We want to offer inclusive opportunities and the right fit for all dancers.”
Students in the traditional classrooms benefit too. They are learning dance along with being open and accepting of everyone, despite their abilities.
“The kids really want to be a Premier Pal or Darby’s Dancers helper, and it makes me feel good about the future. It’s easy to be depressed about where things are going in our world, but these kids truly have a heart for helping others and that in itself is amazing to watch,” Molsberry says.
They’re starting out small with a single class, but Molsberry is hopeful that as more people learn about the program, it will continue to grow.
“It is my true hope that in the future, we’ll have classes available for all dancers of all ages. It’s been so rewarding. I often teach our Darby’s Dancers class and the kids are so much fun to work with. Even on one of their bad days, it’s a great day,” Molsberry says.
Visit premieracademyofdance.com for more information.
