April 7, 2026 — Current in Brownsburg

Page 7 Tuesday, April 7, 2026 youarecurrent.com Page 6

PEDALERS MARKET

Entrepreneur refurbishes high-quality bikes for affordable sales, community support

Council approves parks master plan

Bracket series returns at Indianapolis Raceway Page 2

County tourism staff earns statewide honors Page 4

Page 7 Movers for Moms drive returns to aid local families

Annual festival celebrates design community

Page 10

About us

Founded Oct. 14, 2025, at Brownsburg, IN Vol. I, No. 26

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Town council adopts parks master plan

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

The Brownsburg Town Council unanimously approved the town’s 2026–2030 Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan March 26, finalizing a monthslong process that included public feedback and targeted revisions to improve safety and community responsiveness.

Parks Director Amber Lane presented the final version of the plan to council members, highlighting changes made since the draft was introduced in January. Lane said the plan underwent a public comment period, a public meeting and additional council review before returning for adoption.

“The only changes we made were to not just meet the needs of the community, but also participant needs and safety,” she said.

Lane said an additional action item was also added based on council feedback.

“This action is for event and park emergency plans with town EMS professionals to ensure participant safety and up-to-date emergency response efforts,” she said.

With those revisions, Lane told council members the plan was ready for approval without further readings. The council voted unanimously to adopt it.

The five-year master plan serves as a guiding framework for parks and recreation investments, projects and policies. First introduced during a special meeting Jan. 22, the plan outlines priorities focused on safety, accessibility, maintenance and long-term growth across Brownsburg’s park system.

Lane previously said the plan is updated on a regular cycle to reflect changing community needs, population growth, funding opportunities and the condition of existing facilities.

The plan was developed with assis-

MASTER PLAN GOALS

• SAFETY — Foster a culture of safety by establishing a system-wide approach to park security to ensure that parks are safe, enjoyable and accessible by all.

• NATURAL RESOURCES — Manage our natural resources through ecologically sensitive practices that promote environmental stewardship and balance environmental health with human needs.

• ACCESSIBILITY — Ensure that all parks, open spaces, and recreation programs are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

• FACILITIES & AMENITIES — Improve existing facilities and amenities based on needs identified through public engagement within the current and projected operational means of the Department.

• MAINTENANCE — Streamline park maintenance operations through a model of “smart growth” to provide parks that are clean, safe, and enjoyable for the community.

• FUNDING — Explore opportunities to address the fiscal challenges facing park operations, maintenance, and improvements that meet the recommendations outlined in the Department’s Tax Investment Strategy.

• PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT — Explore opportunities for public engagement through park program offerings that align with community needs and improve resident well-being.

tance from Context Design, a landscape architecture firm that has worked with the town for more than 20 years. The firm helped lead public engagement efforts, data collection and strategic recommendations.

The master plan is built around seven primary goals: systemwide safety, natural resource stewardship, accessibility and inclusion, improved facilities and amenities, proactive maintenance, sustainable funding and ongoing public engagement.

Community input played a key role in shaping the document. Feedback was gathered through surveys, pop-up events and in-person outreach at locations including farmers markets, splash pads and the town’s National Night Out event.

The plan also includes a comprehensive inventory of park facilities, documenting their condition and longterm reinvestment needs. That data is intended to guide capital improvement planning and phased funding strate-

gies, helping the town avoid deferred maintenance.

In addition, the plan categorizes parks by type — such as neighborhood and community parks — based on acreage, service areas and population served. Officials say that framework will help guide decisions related to land acquisition, trail expansion and future development as Brownsburg continues to grow.

During earlier discussions, Lane noted the parks department has become more streamlined since being fully incorporated into town operations, allowing for faster decision-making and improved responsiveness to residents. With council approval now secured, the strategic master plan will guide Brownsburg’s parks and recreation priorities through 2030, with an emphasis on safety enhancements, community engagement and sustainable growth. The full master plan can be viewed on the Brownsburg Parks website at brownsburgparks.com.

Strong Commitment to Safety

In an industry filled with powerful and unpredictable elements, safety is more than a priority; it’s a commitment. In 2025, HPC had zero lost-time incidents, reflecting a strong culture of safety, teamwork, and training.

What is Lost Time?

A lost-time incident occurs when an injury results in missed workdays. In the electric utility industry, risks are high, with linemen working around energized lines, heavy equipment, and changing weather. Because electricity cannot be seen, it requires constant awareness and preparation.

Recognizing Lineworkers

We also recognize our linemen on the front lines, working in all conditions—day and night—to restore power and maintain the system. We appreciate your dedication to keeping our communities powered safely.

Inexperienced truck driver charged in fatal Avon crash

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

The truck driver accused of causing a fatal three-vehicle crash in February had only a few months of experience behind the wheel, according to newly filed court documents.

Sukhdeep Singh, 24, told investigators he had been driving commercial trucks for only two to three months before the Feb. 18 crash that killed 64-year-old Terry Schultz.

Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched around noon to the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and C.R.525 East after reports of a serious collision.

Authorities said the driver of a Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling eastbound allegedly ran a red light and struck a northbound Chevrolet pickup driven by Schultz. The impact forced the pickup into a Chrysler Sebring stopped at the intersection.

Schultz was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to court records, Singh

— who was driving for Peru-based Big Rock Transportation — said he was traveling about 50 mph when he noticed the traffic light turn red roughly 100 feet before the intersection. He told investigators he attempted to slow down but could not stop because of the weight of the truck and trailer.

Singh said he honked his horn to warn other drivers before entering the intersection. Investigators later determined he accelerated as he approached, with court documents indicating the throttle reached 100 percent.

Officials also noted improperly loaded cargo — bird seed that shifted forward in the trailer — may have affected the truck’s ability to stop.

After reviewing video evidence and witness statements, investigators concluded Singh was at fault.

Singh was taken into custody and later transferred to Marion County Jail for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He is charged with reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony, and reckless driving.

Bracket series

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The VP Racing E.T. Bracket Series will return to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park next month, with the 2026 season beginning April 11.

The popular grassroots drag racing series features multiple race weekends throughout the year, giving drivers of all experience levels a chance to compete in a structured, head-to-head format. Opening weekend is scheduled for April 11-12, followed by events later in April, May, June, July and October.

Each race weekend begins with pit gates opening at 8 a.m., followed by time trials at 10 a.m. Eliminations take place immediately after qualifying runs. Officials noted that Sundays will include just one time trial before eliminations begin.

Select weekends will also feature Friday night test-and-tune sessions, offer-

ing racers a more relaxed environment to practice. Gates open at 4 p.m., with on-track time from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Camping is available for participants during those sessions.

New for 2026, the track will introduce “Dial for Dollars” 50/50 races during Friday test-and-tune events. Drivers can enter for a fee and attempt to run closest to their predicted time, known as a dial-in, without exceeding it. Half of the prize pot will go to the winner, while the remaining funds will support travel for racers competing in larger events.

Bracket racing focuses on consistency rather than speed, with competitors predicting their elapsed time and racing against others with staggered starts. Officials say the series provides an accessible entry point for newcomers while continuing to attract experienced racers each season.

Town marks Vietnam Veterans Day with proclamation

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

The Brownsburg Town Council president issued a proclamation March 12 recognizing National Vietnam Veterans Day and honoring those who served during the war.

Representatives from the Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution attended the presentation, accepting the proclamation on behalf of the nation’s Vietnam veterans.

Town officials encouraged residents to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and service of Vietnam-era veterans and their families, emphasizing a continued commitment to properly recognize their contributions.

“The Brownsburg Town Council encourages residents to acknowledge the courage, sacrifice, honor and positive achievements of our nation’s Vietnam Veterans and their families and firmly represent that we proudly welcome them home,” the statement said.

Full text of the proclamation is below:

Whereas, the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 established March 29 as a national

day to honor the nearly 9 million Americans who served on active duty during the Vietnam War era; and

Whereas, 50 years ago, our Nation was divided, and our service members often did not receive the appreciation they deserved upon returning home; and

Whereas, more than 58,000 service members made the ultimate sacrifice and thousands more suffered as prisoners of war or remain unaccounted for; and

Whereas, it is our duty to properly welcome home all Vietnam veterans—those who served in-country and those who served elsewhere—and to honor the sacrifices of their families, caregivers, and survivors; and

Whereas, in 2026, we continue to uphold our sacred obligation to honor the service, courage, and commitment of this generation of patriots.

Now, therefore, I, Ben Lacey, Town Council President of the Town of Brownsburg, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2026 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans’ Day” in the Town of Brownsburg, and urge all residents to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor our Vietnam veterans and their families.

DISPATCHES

 Local students compete in the National Quiz Bowl — Six Indianapolis-area students will compete April 11 in the NAQT Individual Player National Championship Tournament in Rosemont, Ill. The event features about 300 competitors from 32 states and Washington, D.C. Local participants include students from Herron, Brownsburg, Park Tudor, University and North Central high schools. Unlike traditional quiz bowl, the competition is individual. The tournament includes preliminary rounds followed by elimination play to determine a national champion. Tournament results will be updated throughout the day at naqt.com/go/stats/17105

 Final public BCSC funding sessions set for April — The Brownsburg Community School Corp. will continue its community engagement series on school funding, with the final two sessions set for April 8 and April 29. The meetings, held at 6:30 p.m. in the district boardroom, focus on financial challenges tied to recent legislation, including Senate Enrolled Act 1. Officials are encouraging residents to attend as discussions build on each session and explore solutions to maintain district operations.

 Game night set at Eaton Hall — A community board game night is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. April 10 at Eaton Hall in Brownsburg. The free event invites residents to bring their own games or try selections provided on-site. Organizers say the evening is designed as a relaxed opportunity for friends, families and newcomers to connect. Snacks will be available during the event, which is part of a springboard game series.

SAFETY MEETS STYLE

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Staff members from Visit Hendricks County were recognized for professional achievements and leadership during the recent Indiana Tourism Conference.

The organization’s vice president of marketing strategy, Kyle Johnson, completed the Indiana Tourism Academy, earning his Certified Indiana Tourism Professional designation. The program is a yearlong training initiative designed to develop leaders in the state’s tourism industry.

Johnson also presented at the conference, outlining his role in leading the organization’s recent rebranding efforts. He said the experience provided valuable opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with peers across Indiana.

“I’m proud to have completed the Indiana Tourism Academy and grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside industry peers,” Johnson stated in a press release.

In addition, Ali Adams, digital content coordinator, was selected to join the academy’s 2027 class, continuing the organization’s presence in the program.

Several team members also contributed as presenters and panelists during conference sessions. Johnson moderated a discussion that included Tourism Marketing Manager Meghan Waggoner, who shared insights into the success of the county’s travel guide, which received statewide recognition.

Adams participated in a panel focused on social media strategy in tourism, while Executive Director/CEO Jaime Bohler Smith co-led a session introducing foundational concepts to industry newcomers.

The conference brought together tourism professionals from across the state to share strategies, recognize achievements and promote collaboration within Indiana’s travel industry.

COMMUNITY

Movers for Moms to support families in need

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

A nationwide donation drive aimed at supporting women and children in crisis is returning to central Indiana, with local organizers hoping to make an even bigger impact this year.

The Two Men and a Truck Movers for Moms campaign officially begins April 1 and will run through April 30, collecting essential items for residents at the The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center.

The annual initiative partners with businesses and community organizations to gather everyday necessities such as hygiene products, diapers and clothing for families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and other hardships.

“This program is really close to our hearts,” said Jennifer Sterrett, Two Men and a Truck Indianapolis West marketing specialist. “We partner with local businesses and the community to collect essential care items for women and families staying in shelters.”

Donations can be dropped off at multiple collection sites across central Indiana, including the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA in Avon. Organizers say more than 30 sites are participating this year, making it the largest local effort to date.

Once collected, moving crews will pick up and deliver the items directly to the shelter around Mother’s Day.

The campaign is part of a broader national effort that spans more than 400 locations. Last year alone, the program collected more than 528,000 items across the United States, contributing to more than 2.5 million items donated since its launch 18 years ago.

At the local level, organizers are setting ambitious goals. After collecting more 2,000 items last year, Sterrett said she wants to double the total this year.

Shelter leaders say the need has grown significantly in recent years.

“We house up to 110 women and children,” said Pam McGaha, Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center director. “They come to us because of homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.”

McGaha said many residents arrive with very few belongings, making basic supplies critical.

“Sometimes they come with just the clothes they’re wearing and maybe a bag,” she said. “Items like hygiene products, diapers and clothing are things we take for granted, but they make a big difference.”

The shelter distributes donations directly to residents, often packaging items into welcome kits during intake.

Economic pressures have also increased demand for services, McGaha added, noting that rising housing costs are forcing families to stay in shelters longer.

Community members can contribute by donating items from the program’s wish list at any collection site or by making monetary donations online.

Organizers say the campaign reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back, rooted in its founding by a single mother who prioritized charitable giving.

“This is our way of supporting moms and families who need it most,” Sterrett said.

The program also relies heavily on community partnerships to succeed. Schools, businesses and nonprofits serve as collection points, helping expand its reach and making it easier for residents to participate.

Sterrett said the growing number of drop-off locations reflects increasing awareness and support for the campaign each year. Organizers hope that continued community involvement will not only meet this year’s goal but also allow the program to expand its impact to additional shelters in the future.

Community foundation awards local support grants

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

The Hendricks County Community Foundation has awarded $777,775 in grants to local organizations to address some of the county’s most pressing needs, officials announced March 25.

The funding targets priorities identified in the foundation’s 2025 Community Needs Assessment, including childcare access, transportation for

seniors, child advocacy and community engagement.

Foundation leaders said the grants reflect a shift toward more proactive investment in long-standing and emerging challenges.

“This funding allows us to take a more strategic approach to issues residents care about most,” said William Rhodehamel, foundation president and CEO. “We’re

working with trusted local partners to expand services and strengthen the community.”

The largest grant, $375,000, was awarded to Hendricks County Senior Services to expand its LINK transportation program by adding a vehicle and staff. Another $150,000 will support Child Care Answers in a regional effort to improve childcare access.

will use $90,000 to produce voter guides over the next three years.

The grants are funded through a $3 million award from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative. The foundation has committed $2.55 million of that total to local projects through 2028.

(Advertorial)

TRAVELING WITH AMBASSADAIR

By Bob Kraft

When Barbara Gentry and I started dating in 2014, she regularly entertained me with stories of her travels around the world.  She traveled extensively after her divorce in the 1990’s, often with the original Ambassadair and the new Ambassadair after its merger with Grueninger Travel. My travels up to that time had been limited to family visits and driving vacations with my late wife as well as occasional business trips.

Barb encouraged me to renew my long-expired passport and began sharing travel information with me. Finally, in early 2019 she convinced me to join her at Ambassadair’s presentation about their upcoming cruise from Greece to Turkey through the Greek Isles. I was fascinated by both the itinerary and the opportunity to travel on a four-masted sailboat, and we signed up.

This was the first of ten trips that Barb and I have taken with Ambassadair. Each has been unique, but each has been carefully choreographed and supplemented with knowledgeable local guides. We have travelled in commercial airliners and a single engine prop plane that landed on an airstrip carved out of the center of San Pedro, Belize; on sailboats and tour boats and river cruise ships; on cog railroads; on ski-lifts and cable suspended gondolas; and on a number of motor coaches (which Ambassadair never calls busses).

With Ambassadair we have visited world renowned sites such as the Vatican, the Acropolis, La Scala Opera House, and the Black Forest as well as lesser-known locations identified by the Ambassadair staff. We Hoosier flatlanders have been awed by

the majesty of the Rockies in Glacier National Park, the Alps in Switzerland, Italy and Croatia, and the fiords of Scandinavia. We have enjoyed lo cal cuisine and sampled local beverag es including an afternoon at Munich’s Oktoberfest.

Recently, we attended a couple of pre-trip presentations by Ambas sadair. We were not among strang ers. Many of those in the audience had been with us on one or more of our previous trips. That so many for mer travelers returned to Ambassa dair’s presentation indicates that they share our view that reinforces the value of traveling with an experienced tour guide and following a pre-estab lished itinerary.

to traveling on two more Ambassadair trips.  It is exciting that a locally based tour company offers such a variety of travel experiences and that the trips are totally escorted starting in Indianapolis.

travel to destinations all around the world. For more information visit ambassadair.com

Additional recipients include Hendricks Live!, which received $60,000 for cultural programming; Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center, awarded $52,775 to strengthen long-term sustainability; and The Republican Newspaper, which

Looking ahead, the community foundation plans to update its needs assessment in 2027 and continue expanding grant programs focused on long-term impact.

Officials said the effort emphasizes collaboration among nonprofits, local organizations and community leaders to ensure resources are used effectively.

DISPATCH

 Gardening for All Ages — The 39th annual Hendricks County Master Gardener’s Spring Gardening Show, “Gardening For All Ages,” will be held Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Center in Danville. Free admission includes garden classes, expert help desks, children’s activities, free trees and seeds, and more than 50 vendors showcasing plants, tools and décor. Master Gardeners will offer demonstrations and gardening advice.

(Advertorial)

ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE: When Pain or Injury Can’t Wait

By Dr. Robert Falender OrthoIndy Urgent Care Physician

Last week, a weekend warrior came into our urgent care center convinced he’d torn his ACL during a pickup basketball game. He’d spent two anxious days icing his knee, wondering if his active lifestyle was over. Within an hour, we’d done X-rays and a physical exam, ruled out the tear and sent him home with a treatment plan for a moderate sprain. He was very relieved.

That’s exactly why OrthoIndy Urgent Care exists.

The Gap Between “It Can Wait” and “Call 911”

Most musculoskeletal injuries fall into an uncomfortable middle ground. Your ankle rolls during a hike. Your shoulder pops out of place. Your back seizes lifting groceries. These aren’t heart attacks, but they’re not minor inconveniences either—and waiting days or weeks for answers can mean unneeded pain, anxiety and sometimes worse outcomes.

Emergency rooms do critical work saving lives, but for a suspected fracture or joint injury, you’ll often wait hours alongside true emergencies, only to be referred to an orthopedic specialist anyway. Your primary care doctor may need to schedule you out weeks.

What We Actually Do

At OrthoIndy Urgent Care, we’ve built something different: walk-in orthopedic evaluation by specialists who diagnose and treat bone, joint and muscle injuries all day, every day.

We see a lot of sports injuries— torn ligaments, dislocations and suspected fractures. Also, acute back and neck pain, sudden joint swelling that won’t resolve, and the “I heard a pop and now I can’t move it” injuries.

Having on-site X-rays mean we can tell you what’s wrong and what to do about it before you leave. Bracing, splinting, pain management strategies, activity modifications— we handle it on-site. Most patients are in and out within two hours with a clear diagnosis from an or-

thopedic specialist instead of waiting numerous hours for an emergency room generalist for treatment.

When You Need More

Not everything resolves with conservative treatment. When you need physical therapy, advanced imaging like an MRI or a surgical consultation, we connect you directly into OrthoIndy’s network of specialists. No starting over, no repeating your story to five different people.

Who Benefits Most?

Honestly; anyone who’s ever injured themselves on a Saturday and spent the weekend in limbo. Student athletes who need to know if they can play Mondaytomorrow. Older adults dealing with sudden mobility issues who can’’t afford to wait. Busy parents who need answers now, not next week or next month.

We have five locations across Central Indiana with extended hours because injuries don’t respect business schedules.

The Bottom Line

If you’re hurt enough to worry but not hurt enough for the ER, we’re here. No appointment needed. Just walk in, get evaluated by people who specialize in exactly what’s wrong and leave with a plan.

OrthoIndy Urgent Care Locations:

Brownsburg | 9070 E. 56th St. Ste. 400 | Brownsburg, IN 46112

Fishers | 10995 N. Allisonville Rd. Ste. 102 | Fishers, IN 46038

Greenwood | 1260 Innovation Pkwy. Ste. 100 | Greenwood, IN 46143

Northwest Indianapolis | 8450 Northwest Blvd. | Indianapolis, IN 46278

Westfield | 288 East 175th St. Ste. 100 | Westfield, IN 46074

Indy nonprofit to celebrate local designers

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

An annual festival celebrating the Greater Indianapolis area’s design community — from commercial graphic designers to graffiti artists, and everything in between — kicks off April 20, with workshops, meet-ups and more scheduled over six days, culminating in a public market for designers to show and sell their work.

We want to hear from you! Please reach out to Managing Editor Alicia Kelly for story ideas and questions, or connect with Account Executive Gina Lewis to discuss advertising opportunities with Current in Brownsburg. You can contact them via email at alicia@youarecurrent.com and gina@youarecurrent.com

Indy Design Week Communications Director Alli Donovan said the event started in 2018 when a group of local designers got together and decided that Indianapolis needed its own Design Week — modeled after similar festivals in other cities. It did well initially, but attendance dwindled during the COVID-19 pandemic. A group of new leaders worked to refresh the festival, and it’s grown in recent years.

“We have built, really, a community where it is just driving folks to celebrate and elevate the Indianapolis design community and the creative community overall,” she said. “We’re not focused on just designers. We say that if you are creative or a creative enthusiast, this festival is for you. So, we really focus on our partnerships and just highlighting all the incredible things that happen in Indianapolis.”

Romeo & Juliet

the workshop and an accompanying Lunch & Learn event also will mark the launch of Gastelum’s new book, “The Search for Self: A Gardener’s Workbook,” a collaboration with local designer Aby Cortes.

“The workbook was created as a tool to help guide Amy’s clients through the creative process of imagining and designing their gardens,” Witter said. “Launching the book during the festival felt like a natural way to highlight a local collaboration between design and horticulture — and it fit beautifully with our Earth Day programming.”

While the week focuses on design, various artistic endeavors are celebrated and shared, Donavan said.

“Last year, for example, we had a whole workshop day where we were opening it up to the community and a lot of students,” she said. “If you have this itch … or something new that you want to learn, come out and do our workshop day with us. That includes graffiti artists and sneaker designers and all these different pieces that you don’t see in a normal day-to-day job. If you just appreciate art and appreciate the things that are happening around you, come out, you’ll learn something new, you’ll meet a really great group of people.”

A new workshop this year focuses on native plant gardening and is set for April 22 — Earth Day — at the COhatch in Broad Ripple. It will be led by Amy Gastelum, who owns a local native plants and flower business.

Executive Director Tori Witter said

Returning to the schedule this year is the April 21 downtown walking tour, offered in partnership with Indiana Landmarks. Witter said the 2026 festival theme, Field Guide, inspired Indiana Landmarks’ Kasey Zronek when planning this year’s tour.

The final day, April 25, is market day, with designers showing off and selling their creations in booths and offering demonstrations for visitors and fellow designers.

This year’s market will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Factory Arts District, 1125 Brookside Ave.

Donovan stressed that Indy Design Week celebrates local designers, specifically.

“You hear of Chicago and New York and LA, but we’ve got an incredible, incredible amount of creatives here who are doing the work,” she said. “This is kind of that field guide of making everybody know that Indianapolis is indeed a design city, and if you don’t know, then you’re going to know after this festival.”

For more, visit indydesignweek.com.

COMMUNITY

PEDALERS MARKET

Brownsburg entrepreneur refurbishes high-quality bikes for affordable sales, community support

By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com

On any given Sunday, a steady stream of families, kids and curious shoppers gathers at the corner of Main and Odell streets in Brownsburg. Lined up neatly in a parking lot, dozens of bicycles — from small children’s models to specialty rides — wait for new owners.

At the center of it all is Jack Hutcheson, the founder of Jack’s Bicycles, a growing grassroots operation that has quietly become a community fixture.

What began about five years ago as a simple attempt to save money has evolved into something much bigger.

“I bought two bikes that needed repairs, and when I took them to a shop, it was expensive,” Hutcheson said. “I just thought, ‘I could probably do this cheaper myself.’”

Drawing on skills he picked up watching his father and grandfather refurbish lawn equipment, Hutcheson began fixing bikes on his own. What started as a hobby quickly gained traction through word of mouth.

Today, he estimates he has sold thousands of bicycles.

Hutcheson now hosts weekly public sales every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., using a parking lot generously provided by Dr. Ashwani Sharma of Main Street Dental Care.

“Dr. Sharma and his wife have been great,” Hutcheson said. “They just want to help the community, too.”

The setup allows Hutcheson to display around 200 bikes at a time, all of which have been inspected and repaired — often more than once — before being offered for sale.

“We go through every bike,” he said. “I check them, someone else checks them, and then we check them again to make sure they’re good.”

Affordability is at the heart of the operation. Hutcheson sources bikes through trade-ins, direct purchases and community connections, then refurbishes and resells them at prices well below traditional retail.

“I want to help people afford bikes that they wouldn’t be able to have any other way,” he said. That mission resonates with many families, especially in a town without a dedicated local bike shop.

“It’s either this or a big-box store,” Hutcheson said. “And those bikes aren’t always checked over the same way.”

For customers, the difference is clear. Hutcheson recalled a recent case where a young rider damaged a newly purchased bike in an accident.

“A typical shop might charge $100 or more to fix it and we don’t have any shops in Brownsburg,” he said. “We were able to do it for about $25.”

The weekly sales have become more than just a marketplace — they’re a gathering spot. Children test ride bikes, families browse together and neighbors stop by to chat.

“I really like seeing the kids come out and pick out bikes,” Hutcheson said. “They get really excited. I look forward to that every week.”

The operation also has a strong community focus beyond sales. Hutcheson regularly donates bikes to local organizations, including shelters and nonprofits, particularly during the holiday season.

“There are people who come in with nothing,” he said. “If we can help in any way, we try to.”

Hutcheson doesn’t do it alone. A small team of helpers, including a mechanic who prefers to remain unnamed, assists with repairs and setup. Even a local resident lends a hand on Sundays, helping manage parking and keep things running smoothly.

Despite the growth, Jack’s Bicycles remains a side venture. Hutcheson works nights managing a trucking operation, spending his days repairing bikes and preparing for the weekly sales.

“It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it,” he said.

“The popularity of the Sunday events hasn’t come without challenges. Increased traffic at his home, where previous sales took place, prompted concerns with the town, leading Hutcheson to relocate the operation to its current, more accommodating space.”

Still, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Word of mouth has been huge,” he said. “People know what we’re doing, and they want to support it.”

Refurbished bicycles are lined up for sale during a weekly Sunday bike sale hosted by Jack’s Bicycles at the corner of Main and Odell streets in Brownsburg. The sale runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features hundreds of inspected bikes at affordable prices.

Looking ahead, Hutcheson hopes to continue growing — possibly even opening a permanent storefront in Brownsburg one day.

For now, though, he’s focused on what happens each weekend: helping families find affordable bikes and creating a welcoming space for the community.

“It’s just a good community activity,” he said.

For more, visit Jack’s Bicycles’ Facebook page.

ON THE COVER: Jack Hutcheson, owner of Jack’s Bicycles, inspects a bicycle during his weekly Sunday sale in Brownsburg. Hutcheson repairs and resells bikes at reduced prices, aiming to make cycling more accessible while supporting the local community. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

JACK’S BICYCLES AT A GLANCE

• HOW IT WORKS

Refurbished bikes are repaired, checked and resold at affordable prices. Trade-ins accepted.

• WHEN & WHERE Sundays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the corner of Main and Odell streets in Brownsburg.

• WHAT YOU’LL FIND

Around 200 bikes weekly, including kids, adult and occasional specialty models.

• COMMUNITY IMPACT

Bikes are donated to local nonprofits, especially during the holidays.

• BY THE NUMBERS

5 years in business; thousands of bikes sold.

• WHY IT MATTERS

Provides a local, affordable alternative for bike buyers.

Newcomer to share new songs, favorites

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

With 20 albums, Carrie Newcomer has a wide variety of songs to choose from.

“The way I approach it is as long as I can sing a song with all my heart and be present with songs, it can stay in my setlist,” she said. “So, everything I sing will come from the heart and still be close to my heart, even if it’s a song that’s become an old friend.”

Newcomer will perform at 8 p.m. April 10 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.

“It’s a beautiful theater and I have family in the area,” said Newcomer, who is based in Bloomington. “It’s always wonderful to play in Indiana. I played all over the country and even kind of all over the world, so I’ll always love to play in my own home state.”

Newcomer played at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel in 2024 in support of her album ‘A Great Wild Mercy,” which was released in 2023.

“My concerts are always a combination of songs and also a little storytelling with the songs,” she said. “It’s what the song is about and what experience grew out of it.”

Newcomer will perform songs from “A Great Wild Mercy.”

“We’ also be doing songs that have become listener favorites and songs that have become old friends,” she said. “We’re also doing a few new songs. I’m going back in the studio in June to record a new album, so people coming to the concert will get to listen to some new songs that haven’t been recorded yet.”

Two songs she usually plays are “You Can Do This Hard Thing” and “The Gathering of Spirits.”

She will be accompanied by her longtime pianist Gary Walters.

“Gary and I have recorded and collaborated and toured together for many years and I’m excited he’ll be on this show,” she said. “Gary is a composer and performer in his own right.

He’s pretty well known in the Indianapolis area, particularly in the jazz community.”

Newcomer and Walters will be joined by Ella Jordan, a young fiddler.

“She’s really an amazing talent and she’ll be joining us for the entire tour,” Newcomer said

Newcomer, who grew up in Elkhart, writes a biweekly column for Substack, an online platform. Her Substack community is called “A Gathering of Spirits.”

“Substack has become a really wonderful addition to what I do,” she said.

“I have a biweekly column, talking about the things that I explore in my songs. It’s become a very welcoming and warm community. I like to think of it as a safe space in terms of social

media and online. Everybody treats each other with respect. That’s one of the ground rules. I’ve been doing it for about three years.”

Newcomer said her column explores her songs.

“There’s story, poetry and music,” she said. “I’ve done live performances occasionally.”

She hosts a podcast with author Parker J. Palmer.called “The Growing Edge” every other month.

“We explore topics of the growing edge as a person and vocationally and what is growing edge politically,” Newcomer said.

For tickets, visit hendickslive.org. For more, visit carrienewcomer.com/ music.

SOUL ASYLUM

Soul Asylum performs an acoustic set April 8 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Corey Glover is the opening performer at 7:15 p.m. For more, visit hendrickslive. org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Velvet Voices: A Crooner Celebration” April 9, followed by Casey Abrams and Hunter April 10-11 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘SUITE DREAMS’

Indiana Wind Symphony presents “Suite Dreams” at 4 p.m. April 12 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CHRIS THILE

Grammy-winning mandolinist and singer-songwriter Chris Thile performs at 8 p.m. April 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

 Rhett to perform at LIV Golf at Chatham Hills — LIV Golf announced country music star Thomas Rhett will perform at LIV Golf Indianapolis Aug. 21, taking the stage immediately following the conclusion of Round 2 of the League’s Individual Championship event. The after-play concert begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield. Fans in attendance for the second round can enjoy Rhett’s performance as part of their entry alongside world-class golf and immersive fan entertainment as concert access is included with all Friday ticket and hospitality offerings.

Actor set for Beef & Boards debut

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Evan Michael Vaughanhas envisioned himself on the Beef & Boards stage since he was a child.

“Beef & Boards has been on my radar since I first saw ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ as a child with my family,” Vaughan said. “I even auditioned for ‘The Sound of Music’ as a child and it was my first professional audition. I got a call back and that alone made me feel so special. I’m really excited to be performing in my hometown.”

The 2020 Lawrence Central High School graduate will perform as a swing cast member in “Singin’ in the Rain” April 9 through May 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.

“I have not been in a production of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ before, but I am so excited to bring this iconic show to the stage,” Vaughan said. “I grew up watching the musical with my grandparents and often would put on my own performances of it for my family when I was young.”

Vaughan enjoys his role as a swing member.

“I have been a swing in other productions before and I love how organized it makes me become,” he said. “As silly as it sounds, I love getting to take all my notes and organize my charts in ways that work for my brain and allow me to remember so many different roles.”

Vaughan has performed on Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“On Regent, I performed as a singer-dancer in their production cast,” he said. “We had four production shows and they all differed — pop music, country music, rock music, Broadway hits. Throughout the contract, I visited 35 countries and four continents. Some of my favorites were Barcelona, Santorini, Brazil and Antarctica. I am currently still based in the Geist area and am so happy to be back home for a few months after my cruise contract, although later this year I plan to make the move to New York City and continue performing.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

big trees now!

price includes installation & warranty

One fast-walking woman

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

My wife Mary Ellen walks faster than I do. If I hadn’t broken into a full gallop down the aisle the day we got married, she’d have beaten me to the justice of the peace by a nose. I’ve mentioned this before in this column, but things have gotten much worse and far more embarrassing When we take a walk around the block, Mary Ellen has to turn around every three or four minutes and walk back around me so that she doesn’t get too far ahead.  As embarrassing as this is, I demand that she do it because a 79-year-old man should not be yelling to his wife, “Wait up!,” an expression that I thought I had stopped using in junior high school. What makes this more humiliating is that I have always been a good athlete. I played center field on my high school baseball team and even ran track.  My wife is not an athlete. When she tries to run, she doesn’t bend her legs at the knees and she ends up looking like a soldier doing a goose step on too much coffee.

that she’d be walking faster than me for the next 50 years. I knew I was going to marry a woman who was smarter. But faster? That was never the plan.

In fact, during high school and college, I never dated girls who were fast (my mother approved of that).

“ I knew I was going to marry a woman who was smarter. But faster? That was never the plan.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Sometimes, just to feel loved and wanted, I would hide behind a tree to see if my wife would look for me. Out on a hiking trail, this is OK, but in a residential neighborhood, men behind trees are frowned upon. When you are telling your story to a police officer and he keeps using the word “lurking,” you have a great deal of explaining to do. Now, when we walk around our new neighborhood, she feels like I slow her down, and the sight of her circling me every few minutes has the neighbors talking. Instead, when my wife and I want to walk, we go in different directions around our neighborhood circle. No matter how leisurely I walk, we pass each other at exactly the same time. I know that was an incredibly stupid thing to say. But don’t try to explain it to me. You know how slow I am.

No, she can’t run. But, boy, can she walk.

And I can’t figure out why she walks faster. Let’s see … her legs are longer than mine. And she moves them back and forth faster than I do. OK, I just figured it out.

The great irony in this is that one of the reasons I was attracted to my wife almost 48 years ago was her long, slender legs. This is exactly how men get themselves in trouble. When I saw those lovely limbs, my mind turned to romance, but I should have realized

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

COLUMNIST ON THE WEB

This week’s commentary by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker may be read at youarecurrent.com.

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16. Brickyard 400 winner Earnhardt

17. It’s on I-74 (Exit 66)

19. Sign of foreboding

20. Corrals

21. East Main or North Green

23. Chiding sound

24. Compete

25. Glass squares

26. Shade similar to khaki

27. Chocolate-caramel

candy brand

28. Cable TV staple 31. Mineral whose name is Latin for “crumb”

34. Leak-prevention ring or something to blow when angry

36. Spanish gold

37. Text art of a sort

39. Beatles: “___ Just Seen a Face”

40. Denver Broncos QB who had a career record of 6-1 against the Colts

42. Loo, briefly

43. Whodunit discovery

46. Some Colts linemen

47. “Spare me the details”

48. Big galoots

49. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd’s org.

51. Tom, Dick and Harry

53. Univ. or acad.

54. Rockets, on a Pacers scoreboard

57. Purdue’s athletic conference

59. Furniture wood finishers

61. “Hold ___ your hat!”

62. It’s on I-74 (Exit 149)

64. Loads

65. Over

66. Shapeless form

67. Voice quality

68. Marry again

69. PlayStation maker DOWN

1. “Sounds about right”

2. Shore birds

3. Artist’s garment

4. Mournful cry

5. Using four-letter words

6. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” playwright

7. A/C measures

8. Indiana governor (1981-89)

9. Bargain hunter’s destination

10. Worship 11. It’s on I-74 (Exit 52)

12. Nautical direction 13. Lease

18. WFYI science series

22. US govt. bond

25. Jabs

26. ___ Mahal

27. Replies to an invite, briefly

29. WRTV reporter Brown

30. Beans that reap nearly

$5 billion a year for Indi-

ana farmers

31. Thaw

32. Mosque leader

33. It’s on I-74 (Exit 8)

35. Buenos ___

38. Start of Caesar’s boast

41. Meadow

44. Where the liquor flows freely?

45. In a box or chest

50. Prison weapon

52. Make amends

53. BHS boys basketball coach Lynch

54. Conversation starter

55. Synthetic fabric

56. Words before a date

57. Eagle Creek Outfitters’ floater

58. “What’s gotten ___ you?”

59. Stash away

60. Pen tips

63. Indiana’s Lincoln ANSWERS ON PAGE 13