From walkable settings to nature-forward environments, each Old Town community highlights the importance of choosing the right place.
• Six distinct neighborhoods thoughtfully planned
• 12,000 sqft clubhouse with two pools
• 30 acres of preserved green space
• Dedicated 4-acre dog park
• Staged model homes open to tour
• Private, wooded homesites with water views
• Easy access to Westfield dining
• Convenient commuter access to SR-31
• New community coming in 2026
• Integrated with Wood Wind Golf Course
• Fairway and water-view homesites
• Community clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, and trails
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ZPD: License plate cameras beneficial
By Ann Marie Shambaugh and Spencer Durham AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com spencer@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville is among a growing number of cities using cameras that automatically capture the license plate of every vehicle driving past them.
The technology assists the Zionsville Police Department almost daily, said Capt. Marius Klykken.
When a Ring doorbell camera picked up a red pick-up truck suspected in a burglary, that information helped ZPD use its license plate cameras in the area to find a vehicle that matched the description, and as a result, the license plate.
“In the old days, we’d start looking,” Klykken said. “We’d send out BOLOs (be on the look outs).”
Klykken said license plate cameras help narrow the timeframe and location when searching for a vehicle.
“It has been a force multiplier (in that) aspect,” he said.
Zionsville installed its first license plate cameras in 2020 — the first law enforcement agency in Boone County to do so. These types of cameras are typically mounted on poles and powered by solar panels.
Zionsville uses Flock Safety ALPRs, a brand found in more than 5,000 communities in the U.S.
The motion-activated cameras document the license plates of passing vehicles — as well its make, model and other identifying characteristics — and alerts police when it finds one that has been flagged.
Images are stored for 30 days and then permanently deleted. It costs $2,500 per year to maintain each camera, according to ZPD.
The system ZPD uses is searchable. For example, when suspicious activity was reported regarding a generic silver vehicle, Klykken searched the database based on a tip the agency had
received — the car’s plate had a sun on it. That led Klykken to find the vehicle as it had a Georgia license plate with a peach on it.
Klykken said the technology also helps the department proactively look for a vehicle known to be targeting residences or businesses or if a vehicle has been stolen.
“Police can’t be everywhere at the same time,” he said.
Two-factor authentication is needed to access ZPD’s ALPR system. Officers must also provide a reason for the search and/or a case number.
Administrators at the police department audit searches and can see what is being searched for.
ZPD shares its data with Indiana State Police and vice versa, according to Klykken. Sharing with federal authorities has never come up before, he added.
Homeowner associations and businesses can purchase their own ALPRs and can either share all data with ZPD or only when there is an incident.
“It’s a very community-focused initiative,” Klykken said.
ZPD and Klykken have given community presentations about ALPRs. Privacy concerns tend to be raised.
“There’s no expectation of privacy when you’re out in public,” Klykken said.
Opponents, however, believe the cameras — which capture personal data without a warrant — violate the Constitutional protection of unreasonable search and seizure.
“Effectively, when you have them on every street corner, it’s like putting a tracker on your car,” said Walker Lasbury, executive director of Eyes Off Indiana, a grassroots organization advocating for oversight of ALPRs. “It genuinely can piece together, over a matter of time, where you go to church, who you’re seeing, your patterns of life. That is an absolute infringement of the Fourth Amendment.”
The DePauw University student and 2024 Carmel High School graduate founded Eyes Off, which informs Hoosiers about the issue and pushes for policy changes.
While grateful the cameras can assist in dismantling theft rings and finding missing people, Lasbury said he is concerned the technology could be abused, especially in a state like Indiana with no regulations.
Courts in several states have ruled ALPRs do not violate the Fourth Amendment. However, a case in Norfolk, Virginia, is pending, and other active lawsuits have raised additional concerns.
In other states, some officers have abused the system for personal reasons.
In Kansas, for example, a police chief used the technology more than 200 times in 2023 in an attempt to track his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend.
Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 47 Copyright 2025 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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Opinions
An automatic license plate reading camera on Ford Road South of Oak Street. (Photo by Spencer Durham)
COMMUNITY
Area high school students stage walk-out protests
By Jessica Todd and Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
jessica@youarecurrent.com
High school students at area school districts walked out of class Feb. 2 to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.
In Noblesville, approximately 300 students walked out at approximately 10 a.m. to participate in a student-led protest int the downtown Noblesville square.
Hundreds of students at Zionsville Community High School also walked out of school Feb. 2.
“We want people to see this and see it as a sign to do something about it,” said Sasha Ruth, one of the student organizers.
Ruth compared recent ICE events to learning about the Holocaust in history class.
“What bothers me the most is seeing kids taken away from their families,” Ruth said.
The student organizers who spoke with Current said they want ICE removed from the cities and states the agency operates. Caitlin Rubeck, another student organizer, said videos out of Minneapolis, where two citizens were fatally shot by ICE and Border Patrol agents, were part of what sparked the protest.
“I’d like to see a calmer and more humane ICE,” Rubeck said.
In a memo sent to Zionsville Community Schools staff, Superintendent Re-
becca Coffman told teachers to remain neutral about the protest. The same memo was sent to high school families with Coffman asking them to talk about it with their children.
“Please remember, our students do not ‘shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,’” the memo stated.
The reference was to the Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines where the court ruled students cannot be pun ished for exercising their First Amend ment rights so long as doing so does not disrupt the school day.
Students organized on social media, sharing posts about the protest. A public group chat on GroupMe, a group messaging app, grew quickly.
“Who knew there were 500 Zionsville students who agreed with us,” Ruth said.
The protest traveled to Town Hall, where speeches were given. Students wore safety vests, blew whistles and carried signs. Zionsville Police Department provided an escort to ensure safety.
Two Hamilton Southeastern School District student demonstrations also were planned for Feb. 2 but were postponed after the Feb. 1 announcement that missing HSE student Hailey Buzbee was believed to be dead.
A Westfield High School student walk out is planned Feb. 10. Carmel High School students staged a similar demonstration Jan. 20.
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Zionsville Community High School students carry signs as they walk down Bloor Lane on Feb. 2 during a walkout protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Durham)
Lincoln Park refresh on schedule
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Adjustments to the Lincoln Park refresh will ensure the project stays under budget.
That was part of Zionsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jarrod Logsdon’s update to parks board last month about the project, which hit a snag last year after initial cost estimates were over budget.
None of the adjustments will impact the look of the beloved community park, according to Logsdon. He said savings have been found by sacrificing some longevity in the materials that will be used, including reducing the amount of aggregate and what kinds of soils are used.
“It’s going to look the same,” Logsdon said.
Logsdon said the moves might mean repairs will be needed in 30 years instead of 50.
The project calls for a new gazebo, moving the fountain to the front of the park, a lighted walkway and more landscaping.
“The general consensus is people love that park, but it had gotten tired,” Logsdon said.
The parks department is using a build-operate-transfer agreement — or BOT — to develop the the project, which will be finalized soon.
A BOT agreement, provided for by Indiana law, allows a municipality to enter a public-private partnership for the development, design and construction of public facilities.
Logsdon said it allows the town more influence in controlling costs, such as by setting a maximum price, while keep-
ing the desired features.
“We’re happy to say we’re going to deliver to the community what we said,” Logsdon said.
Construction was supposed to have started last year, but the delay is not expected to impact a projected fall opening of the park.
The town reopened its “Love for Lincoln” brick fundraiser because of its popularity.
The second window closed Jan. 31 with 300 bricks being sold in total. They will serve as the gazebo floor.
We’re doing great and we appreciate the community’s support,” Logsdon said. “I’ve honestly been blown away by the reception.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward planter beds, patio furniture and other items meant to spruce up the park.
DISPATCHES
Zionsville Safety Board — The safety board meets at 8 a.m. Feb. 17 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The safety board oversees operations of the Zionsville Fire Department and the appeals process for residents seeking relief from the Fire Protection Ordinance.
Grounds for Success — The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce will host a morning networking opportunity, Grounds for Success, from 8 to 9 a.m. the third Friday of each month at the Security Federal Savings Bank community room, 10880 N. Michigan Rd. For more, visit zionsvillechamber.org.
Beekeepers club — North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield, 2000 E. 151st St. Meetings are free for all levels of beekeepers north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/ ncbclub.
The Lincoln Park refresh includes a new gazebo and moves the fountain to the front of the park. (Photo courtesy of Town of Zionsville)
Carmel Democrat launches campaign for District 29
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A Carmel Democrat with years of professional experience in health advocacy has launched a campaign for the District 29 seat in the Indiana Senate.
Kristina Moorhead decided to run for office after Democratic incumbent J.D. Ford announced a bid for the state’s 5th Congressional District. District 29 includes parts of Carmel, Zions ville and Indianapolis.
Much of her career has focused on problem solving, supporting caregivers and the affordability of health care. Affordability in general is a key focus of her campaign. She believes increasing the number of high-paying jobs in the state will give Hoosiers a
“I felt (with) my skill set from what I’ve done for the past two decades in state policy that I really could do a good job for the constituents in this district,” Moorhead said. “When I look at my three kids, and when you look at what’s going on in the world, I want something better for them.”
Moorhead grew up in Indianapo lis and attended Indianapolis Public Schools before relocating and graduat ing from New Palestine High School. She studied at Ball State University – where a debate program sparked her interest in public policy – and earned a master’s degree in public affairs from IUPUI, now IU Indianapolis.
She’s worked for the Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, AARP and in the pharmaceutical industry.
Zionsville Parks Board — The parks board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Zions ville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The parks board oversees maintenance and development of parks and recreation in Zionsville.
Zionsville Plan Commission planning commission meets at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The commission makes recom mendations to the town council regard ing development projects.
Genealogy for Beginners vanMunce will have a beginner’s class from 10-11:30 a.m. Feb 28 on how to research one’s ancestors and create a family tree. The class will cover common genealogy websites, key terms and best
pedestrian safety, among other crite ria. For more information, visit https:// www.aarp.org/livable-communities/ community-challenge/. $49 can save your life.
GO FRAMELESS
DISPATCHES
College fair — Local high school students have an opportunity to attend the Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at the Carmel High School Greyhound Activity Center, 2400 E. Smoky Row. The free event will provide access to college information and feature more than 100 colleges/universities. Students are encouraged to register for the fair in advance at StriveFair.com. Registered students will receive a barcode they can bring with them to the college fair in order to share their information with admission reps electronically.
Menards hosting food drive — Local Menards home improvement stores are hosting drop boxes for food pantries through March. Donations of nonperishable food items, from boxes of cereal to cans of soup, can be placed in large collection boxes near store exit doors, with donations going to nearby food pantries.
Witham Health scholarships — Witham Health Services Foundation and the Witham Health Services Volunteer Organization are offering scholarships to graduating seniors at Lebanon and Western Boone high schools. Scholarships are available to a senior at each high school who intends to go into the medical field. Applications are available at www. witham.org/scholarships and should be submitted by March 20.
Military banner applications available — Applications for 2026-27 military banners honoring local veterans are available at the Zionsville American Legion. Banners are displayed at the Bloor Lane/Ford Road roundabout and pocket park. Seven banners are available. Applications are available at American Legion Post 79, 9950 E 600 S.
Airport exhibit celebrates Children’s Museum — An exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport’s KIND Gallery, “Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years,” offers a tribute to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit showcases a selection of objects and photographs from the museum’s collection. The exhibit will be on display through January and is accessible and free to all ticketed passengers. For more about the KIND Gallery and the airport’s arts program, visit IND.com/ PublicArt.
Meet at Mahj raises funds for Isaiah House
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
The Boone County chapter of Isaiah 117 House was the beneficiary of a social tournament and after-party at Meet at Mahj.
The sold-out Jan. 31 event featured 44 women. Included in the registration fees was a donation to Isaiah House. Players could also donate additional funds. There also was a silent auction, which raised $1,500 by itself.
Isaiah House provides housing for children who are removed from their homes, before they are placed with a foster family, as well as new clothes and other personal items.
“For those who think it’s not a need in Boone County, it absolutely is,” said Susie McKenna, who participated in the event and works at Meet at Mahj.
McKenna said the tournament was a more relaxed style of play compared to competitive tournaments.
“We think we have a good pulse on what our players want,” she said.
The group chose the organization as one of Meet at Mahj’s employees volunteers with Isaiah House.
McKenna said Isaiah House has had increased interest from volunteers since the event.
The fundraising total was still being tallied as of Feb. 3, but McKenna said the group cleared its goal of $5,000.
Meet at Mahj is at 260 S. First St. offering leagues and daily classes on how to play.
Home prep company
opens in north Indy
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
A new home preparation company has opened a franchise in north Indianapolis.
Homestretch, which specializes in cosmetic fixes for homes about to go on the market, opened the franchise last month.
The franchise’s service area ranges from Zionsville to Pendleton and most cities in between, including Carmel, Westfield and Noblesville.
Homestretch quickly provides services meant to prepare a home to go up for sale. Services include clean-outs, painting and carpet and flooring. The business is not a general contractor.
“We are not going to build a wall, we are not going to tear down a wall,” said Todd Wright, owner of the north Indy franchise. “We’re not going to go in and re-do plumbing.”
Instead, Homestretch offers cosmetic
upgrades to make a home standout either on Zillow or during a home tour.
Services include repainting an oddly colored room to something more neutral or replacing old carpet.
“We do the right cosmetic improvements that will allow a home to sell more quickly,” Wright said.
Landscaping, junk removal and cleaning to prepare for listing photos also are among the services offered.
Wright said Homestretch is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the nation.
Homestretch’s customer base are realtors who would hire the company on behalf of the homeowner.
Although realtors might already know a painter or flooring contractor, Homestretch offers all those services under one umbrella, which is the business’ selling point, Wright said.
Homestretch can be reached at 317-854-0230 or contact.NIND@homestretch.com.
Women play
mahjong Jan. 31 at Meet at Mahj during a fundraising event.
(Photo by Spencer Durham)
MR. ZIONSVILLE
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Elliott Brown was mobbed on stage the second he was declared the winner. And with that, the celebration was on for Mr. Zionsville 2026, who egged the crowd on to cheer even louder.
The annual Mr. Zionsville event at Zionsville Community High School, held Jan. 22, is a spoof on beauty pageants and dates to 1987. Senior boys are the contestants and girls direct the show, which is almost entirely student led.
It also is a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter
Mr. Zionsville includes skits and musical numbers, and each contestant gives a performance on stage.
“It’s a really good way to celebrate the school,” said Alex Gall, one of the faculty sponsors.
The show opened with a video introducing each of the nine contestants set to the “Mission: Impossible” theme. Students and contestants starred in a “Breaking Bad” parody about forging test answers that played during breaks in the main show.
For Brown, the title is a feather in his senior year cap.
He set out to check a few boxes before graduating, including leading the Black Student Union and student cheer section. Trying out for Mr. Zionsville was on that list, too.
“I didn’t want to leave high school and regret anything,” Brown said. “I just felt like, YOLO (you only live once), might as well try out.”
Still, he wasn’t expecting the crown. Brown also received the Mr. Spirit award, chosen by the contestants.
Jacob Jackson was this year’s Mr. Talent.
He won over the judges with his parody of Steve Jobs introducing a new Apple product but instead describing how Zionsville was created.
Wearing Jobs’ signature look — black turtleneck, jeans and sneakers — Jackson covered the origins of some of the town’s landmarks, including the hill at Mulberry Fields and Lincoln Park.
A student dressed as Abraham Lincoln briefly appeared on stage.
“He only stayed for 12 seconds, but we had to name a park for him,” Jackson said.
The performance, which also poked fun at roundabouts and the million-dollar homes in town, drew plenty of laughs.
Jackson said he tried out for Mr. Zionsville because he wanted to express himself.
“I thought it was super fun,” Jackson
said of the experience. “Definitey one of my favorite extracurriculars.”
Performances ranged from comical — Graham Wilson used rubber chickens to make music and had backup dancers in inflatable rubber chicken costumes — to heartfelt, as when Tyler Cook sang “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan, dedicating it to a friend who died by suicide.
Atlas Kaufman sang “The Anthem” by Good Charlotte. Kaufman’s appearances on stage and on screen drew some
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The Mr. Zionsville event benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter via donations raised for the Eugenio People’s Choice Award.
This year’s award went to Luke Steele. More than $7,000 were raised via audience donations.
The people’s choice award is named after a former 2020 Mr. Zionsville con-
testant who died by suicide.
Chelsea Whitaker, one of the faculty sponsors, came up with the idea of using the event to benefit a charity in 2017.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter has been the recipient for many years — a decision made by students.
“It’s a testament to the community,” Whitaker said.
of the loudest cheers of the night. Organizers said Mr. Zionsville draws a diverse range of students, not only musical and theater students. Some knew for years they wanted to be a part of it.
Meredith Herbon, who was one of the directors, kept a list of ideas for Mr. Zionsville since she was a freshman. Her brother was a contestant one year and her older sister directed one of the shows.
“I wanted that to end my senior year,” she said.
Herbon said it takes patience to work with a bunch of boys.
“You have to get on their level and see where they’re coming from,” she said. “It’s really sweet to see each of the boys celebrate each other.”
ON THE COVER: Elliott Brown celebrates winning the 2026 Mr. Zionsville crown Jan. 22 at Zionsville Community High School. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Community Schools)
Atlas Kaufman sings “The Anthem” by Good Charlotte. Kaufman received some of the loudest cheers during the Jan. 22 Mr. Zionsville show. (Photos courtesy of Zionsville Community Schools)
Graham Wilson performed a musical number that included both a piano and rubber chickens.
Torchy’s Tacos now open
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
The newest spot to grab a taco and margarita after work is now open in Zionsville.
Torchy’s Taco, a Texas-based causal taco chain, opened its third Indiana location in Zionsville Feb. 2 at 1186 Sylo Crossing, Suite 602.
Torchy’s offers a range of tacos — chicken, beef, seafood, breakfast — and is known for its freshly made flour tortillas and queso.
Its signature taco is the Trailer Park, which is a flour tortilla, green chiles, a chicken tender, lettuce, pico de gallo, poblano ranch and cheese. There’s also the Trashy Trailer Park, which replaces lettuce with queso.
Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the company, said all food is made to order.
Torchy’s also sells alcoholic beverages, including margaritas.
There are monthly special tacos and drinks. This month’s special is the Independent, a meatless taco, and an original menu item. The Tochata, an iced coffee with cinnamon horchata and Tito’s vodka, is the drink of the month.
Regional construction remains stable in ’25
news@currentinfishers.com
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis has reported single-family building permit activity across central Indiana closed out 2025 on stable footing, with year-end totals modestly exceeding 2024 levels.
A grand opening was celebrated Feb. 2. Last month’s snowstorm delayed the opening by a week.
Miller said more than 100 people lined up before the store opened at 10 a.m. The first 100 customers received free queso for a year.
“It was a successful opening,” Miller said.
Torchy’s started as a food truck in 2006 in Austin, Texas. It has about 130 restaurants nationwide, with most in Texas and Colorado.
Torchy’s is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
According to a news release, the nine-county region recorded 10,173 permits in 2025 — compared to 10,044 permits in 2024 — reflecting a 1 percent year-over-year increase. Permit activity remained consistent during the final months of the year, in line with typical winter seasonality and broader national housing trends.
The U.S. Census Bureau and an analysis from the National Association of Home Builders indicates that single-family permitting and construction softened nationally late in 2025, as elevated interest rates, affordability constraints and
economic uncertainty weighed on builder confidence. However, central Indiana’s year-end performance remained relatively steady.
“Central Indiana’s housing market finished 2025 in a balanced position,” BAGI CEO Chris Hancock stated. “Builders responded thoughtfully to changing conditions throughout the year — managing inventory carefully, aligning with buyer demand and maintaining a disciplined approach to new construction.”
Hamilton County had the highest number of total building permits in 2025, with 2,809; followed by Marion County with 1,674. Hendricks County had 1,518; Hancock County, 1,268; Johnson County, 855; Boone County, 901; Madison County, 477; Morgan County, 377; and Shelby County, 194.
For more, visit BAGI.com/ Permits.
Convenient care
The Community Clinic at Walgreens in Zionsville offers convenient care with evening and weekend hours. Whether you need cold and flu care, treatment for minor injuries or help managing chronic conditions, our exceptional care team is here for you.
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 7 pm Saturday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm
People line up outside for the Feb. 2 grand opening of Torchy’s Tacos at 1186 Sylo Crossing, Suite 602 in Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Torchy’s Tacos)
Eye myths busted, Part 2
In my last article, we debunked some common eye myths—but it turns out there’s still plenty of “eye advice” floating around that deserves a closer look. From carrots giving you perfect vision to crossing your eyes causing permanent misalignment, our eyes seem to attract more old wives’ tales than any other part of the body! Let’s separate fact from fiction -- science first, superstition second.
MYTH 1: CARROTS GIVE YOU PERFECT EYESIGHT
This classic started in WWII, when the British Royal Air Force claimed their pilots had amazing night vision thanks to carrots—to hide the real reason: new radar technology. While carrots are high in vitamin A, which supports overall eye health, eating more won’t improve your vision beyond normal levels or improve your refractive error.
MYTH 2: CROSSING YOUR EYES WILL MAKE THEM STICK
Most of us heard this as kids. The truth? Temporarily crossing your eyes is harmless -- they won’t get stuck. Persistent or involuntary crossing, however, could be a sign of strabismus, which deserves a professional eye exam.
MYTH 3: TAP WATER OR SALIVA CAN RE-WET CONTACTS
This is a dangerous one and a big no! Saliva and tap water aren’t sterile and can introduce bacteria, risking serious sight threatening eye infections. Only use sterile contact lens solutions, and if none are available, it’s safer to leave the lens out until you have proper solution.
With these myths busted, you can rest easy — and maybe even share a few more eye-opening facts with your friends and family!
Dr. Amy Iddins of RevolutionEYES completed her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Commentary by Dr. Amy Iddins
Trumpeter to perform Palladium concert
By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com
In the time leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Chris Botti wasn’t sure if he’d add any new albums to the 10 studio releases that had made up his catalog through 2012.
Album sales had tanked as streaming and downloading took hold, and with Botti’s touring business being robust, he began to think there was no need for more of his music. He even was entertaining the thought of leaving Columbia Records, the label that signed him before his fourth album, 2001’s “Night Sessions,” and had helped elevate him to a place where his albums consistently hit the top of the jazz chart.
“(Columbia Records) did such a great job for me,” said Botti, who will perform at 8 p.m. March 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “But as (of) 2015, 16, 17, 18, right in there, I could kind of tell that Columbia Records was basically kind of in the Adele business, which I don’t fault them for. I think it’s a fine business. And so, I kind of spent those years just touring and letting our touring do the talking.”
But coming out of the pandemic, two things surfaced that changed Botti’s thinking. Now, he’s on tour with an album, “Vol. 1,” that arrived in October 2023, and he’s planning more trips to the studio to make at least two more albums.
“This opportunity came up to go to Blue Note, and that was thrilling because it’s such an iconic label,” Botti said. “And (label president) Don Was has been lovely to me, letting me kind of do whatever I want. Then obviously, having David Foster produce was the kind of kick in the butt. I felt if I could get him to come out of retirement and produce me, it would be super special and we should do this. So over dinner, I asked him and he said ‘Sure.’” Foster, of course, has had a storied
career as a producer, songwriter, recording artist, keyboardist and record executive, working with Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Josh Groban, Celine Dion and Michael Bublé, among many others. Along the way, Foster has won more than a dozen Grammy Awards.
In approaching “Vol. 1,” project, Botti and Foster decided it would be a small group project featuring acoustic instrumentation and a selection romantic standards such as “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” along with a couple of more contemporary tunes, including a cover of Coldplay’s “Fix You” – all centered around Botti’s trumpet.
Although Botti has frequently used full orchestras on his previous albums, he knew the album called for a leaner treatment for the material.
“Part of the problem when you do one of those big orchestra records, you Google for an arranger and you turn over like everything to arranger. Then you fly all the way to London, and you stand before the orchestra and if it doesn’t work, it’s toast,” Botti said. “But when you’re doing something that is more stripped back like this, you can change songs, change (arrangements).
This was so much more immediate, and we wanted to do a lifestyle record that was definitely stripped back, that was central to the sound of my horn and do kind of a more jazz record, but still make it lifestyle and approachable for people to listen to.”
Botti and Foster got the album they wanted, as “Vol. 1” is an elegant, highly melodic ballad-focused work.
Elegance and sophistication have been constants for Botti throughout a career that began in the mid-1980s. He first began gaining notice when he joined Paul Simon’s touring band in 1990, a touring relationship that would continue through the 1990s.
Botti began his solo career in 1995 with the CD, “First Wish,” but it was in 2000 that his career got a pivotal boost when Sting hired the trumpeter to join his band for his “Brand New Day” tour. In the midst of that tour with Sting, Botti was signed by Columbia Records and released the “Night Sessions” CD. His profile and reputation as a player have only continued to grow since then as albums like 2004’s “When I Fall In Love,” 2007’s “Italia” and his biggest release, the 2009 concert album “Chris Botti In Boston,” have topped the jazz charts, and especially in the case of that latter album, crossed over to pop.
“In order to get an audience to feel music in their seats, so to speak, in their core, you can’t just play necessarily all of the beautiful stuff,” he said.
“You’ve got to hit them with some visceral, kind of flashy and musical chop-oriented stuff that makes them go ‘Oh, my god!’ You know, like, ‘Boom!’”
Botti considers the “Vol. 1” title very much signaling a new phase in his career, and looking ahead, he sees himself picking up the pace on making albums while he maintains his heavy touring regimen.
“I’ll hopefully be on board with Blue Note for at least ‘Vol. 1,’ ‘2’ and ‘3.’ And we can knock them out pretty (quickly), like every year or year and a half,” Botti said. “That’s kind of what my thought process is, maybe do three things for Blue Note.”
‘THE MOUSETRAP’
“The Mousetrap” runs through Feb. 15 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Summer Nights, The Music of Grease” Feb. 12, followed by “Esque, Burlesque at Feinstein’s” Feb. 13 and “Paul Hughes, Songs for the Lovers” Feb. 14 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.
‘THE PAGEANT’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “The Pageant” through Feb. 22 at The Florence at Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘LUCKY STIFF’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Lucky Stiff” through Feb. 15 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
‘THE GREAT GATSBY’
Civic Theatre presents “The Great Gatsby” through Feb. 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘ALMOST, MAINE’
Main Street Productions presents “Almost, Maine” through Feb.15 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
‘MASQUERADE BALL’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Masquerade Ball” is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Chris Botti will perform at 8 p.m. March 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Randall Slavin)
Opens February 19
Movie music in spotlight
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hendricks Symphony’s “Music of the Silver Screen” concerts will cover an array of music from various film genres. The concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. The performances are part of the “Silver and Gold” theme for the 2025-26 season.
Fall in love all over again with this modern musical fairy tale, based
“The upcoming program includes movie music masterpieces from ‘Tara’s Theme’ from ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Over the Rainbow’ from the ‘Wizard of Oz,’ all the way through the ‘Raiders March’ from ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and the ‘Star Wars Suite for Orchestra,’” said Carmel resident Amy Eggleston, Hendricks Symphony’s music director and conductor. “The hauntingly beautiful ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ from ‘The Mission,’ a charming choral version of ‘Moon River’ from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and an exciting chorus and orchestra version of ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ from ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly ‘are sure to be audience favorites.”
This is the fourth show of the six-con-
cert season series at Hendricks Live!.
The April 23 and 25 concerts, “The Gold Record,” will feature music from the Voyager Golden Record. The concerts will include “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2” by Johann Sebastian Bach and “The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky.
“(They were) the records that were sent out into space many decades ago with the sounds of Earth that we wanted to communicate to anyone that might be out there in the universe, somewhere on a different planet,” Eggleston said.
For more, vist hendrickssymphony. org and hendrickslive.org.
Play to examine Riley’s life
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
James Whitcomb Riley is known as a famous writer and poet from Indiana.
“But many don’t know how he got started,” Carmel resident Keith Miller said. “I was shocked to learn he started out on the traveling medicine show and even posed as a blind man cured by a magic elixir. He was really quite the character. He was not the stodgy poet that we know from later in his life photographs. He was a showman.”
in a fictional conversation with an assistant stage manager, Caleb Jonson. Nolan Daugherty plays Caleb Johnson and Paul Hansen plays Riley.
“It really put me at ease when the audience laughed for the first time and then they applauded when I hoped it would applaud,” Miller said. “So, I know we have a really good play that everyone can enjoy.”
Miller’s play “An Evening with James Whitcomb Riley” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The performance will benefit Riley Children’s Foundation. The play had a reading Oct. 11, 2025, at Carmel Clay Public Library as part of the Actors Theatre of Indiana Lab series.
The two-person play centers on Riley’s appearance with Mark Twain in 1894 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where he talks about his life
Following the reading, Miller said many audience members stuck around for nearly an hour to offer feedback,
“They wanted to know more about Riley, and they wanted to hear more poetry, which was encouraging,” he said. “So, we added a new scene and we added additional poetry.”
The play spotlights some scandals in Riley’s life.
Now retired, Miller, 68, is pursuing his passion for writing. He is working on his fifth novel in a five-book series. The books haven’t been published yet. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org.
Hendricks Symphony Music Director Amy Eggleston will conduct “Music of the Silver Screen” Feb. 13 and Feb. 15. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Symphony)
Miller
ENTERTAINMENT
Guest clarinetist joins IWS
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jay Gephart knows there is a buzz around a special guest musician.
Jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens will perform in the “Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball” concert at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“This is going to be huge for us,” Gephart said. “I told the band she was coming, and the immediate response was overwhelming. They couldn’t believe it.”
Ketchens will perform a piece that was written for her for the National American Bandmasters Association Convention. The piece is “Troubles of the World” by William May.
“It has a little bit of a jazz bent to it, but he also writes in a really wonderful classical style,” Gephart said. “So, there is a combination of the two styles that showcase Doreen as more of a jazz play
Doreen
Ketchens, a jazz clarinetist, will be a guest performer Feb. 15 at the Indiana Wind Symphony concert in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of IWS)
es in the second half of the concert.”
Ketchens will perform Paul Hemmer’s arrangements of “Caravan” and “Amazing Grace.”
The concert will open with “Fanfare from La Péri” by Paull Dukas, followed by “Occident et Orient” by Camille Saint-Saens.
The concert closes with Brant Karrick’s “Bayou Breakdown” and “Satchmo,” a tribute to Louis Armstrong by Ted Ricketts. It features IWS principal trumpeter Brian Hoover.
For more, visit indianawindsympho
INDIANA
Advertorial
This Is What Personal, FamilyCentered Care Is Meant to Feel Like
Dr. Susan Jacob
In today’s healthcare system, speed has quietly replaced connection. Appointments feel rushed. Stories are repeated. Decisions are made without context. Over time, many people stop expecting their doctor to truly know them.
At our practice, we believe care should feel different — because it can be.
One of the most valuable things a physician can offer isn’t a test or a prescription. It’s time. Time to listen. Time to ask better questions. Time to understand not just symptoms, but the life surrounding them. That’s how trust is built — and why trust is the foundation of everything we do.
Dr. Jacob practices medicine the way it was always meant to be practiced: relationship-first, not volume-first. By intentionally limiting
the size of her patient panel, she’s able to provide care that’s deeply personal, thoughtful, and proactive. Patients aren’t rushed in and out. Concerns aren’t brushed aside. Every visit is grounded in context — your family, your work, your stressors, your goals.
That context matters. Two people with the same diagnosis rarely need the same plan. Personalized medicine means understanding why something is happening, not just what’s happening. It means care decisions that fit real lives — not generic protocols.
Family medicine, at its best, is about continuity. It’s about caring for people through different seasons of life and, often, caring for entire families. There’s something special about knowing the full picture — parents, children, and shared health histories — so care can be coordinated, preventive, and intentional. One of the greatest joys of family medicine is walking alongside families as they grow and change, and building relationships that last years, not visits.
That level of care only
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Now is the perfect time. Dr. Jacob’s patient panel is nearly full, and we want to make sure your family and friends have the opportunity to enroll before spots are gone. Keeping a limited panel allows us to preserve what matters most: time, trust, and personalized attention for every patient we serve. If you have people in your life who value being known by their doctor — who want healthcare that’s proactive, family-centered, and grounded in real relationships — we would love the opportunity to care for them too. Because medicine works best when it’s personal.
I am now beginning my 26th year of writing this humor column. It seems like yesterday I was floundering for ideas, unable to put together a coherent sentence and making bad puns. Wait, that was yesterday. You were way ahead of me on the joke, weren’t you?
This insight has made me realize that there are countless things in my life I am no better at than when I started on this earth 79 years ago. I say countless, but I’m going to count some of them, anyway.
1: Am I better at fixing things? No! I still hire a handyman for everything. All that has changed is the price. It’s about 50 bucks an hour. It’s $65 an hour if I try to assist him. Sometimes when I do try to assist, Randy will ask, “Why are you trying to help? What did I ever do to you?”
2: Am I a better typist? No! After 2,500 columns, 12 books and thousands of emails, I still hunt. Then, after quite a while, I peck. My wife can watch her favorite TV show while composing a letter on her laptop and never once look at the keys. I tried that. Here’s what it looked like: DeAr joE, gooD TO hEAr from You. Let,s get toGether fOR a DRINK!
3: Am I a better listener? No! This is especially true with directions. I listen to the first sentence and then space the rest. Yes, I do have a GPS, but I don’t trust the device. It’s a man’s voice. What do they know? I could have changed it into a woman’s voice telling me where to turn, but Mary Ellen wasn’t available that day to sit next to me.
4: Am I better at making friends? I
have always had two or three close friends. That has never changed, but the friends keep changing. That should tell you something.
6: Am I a better driver? No! But I admit it. I once accidentally went over a median when I was making a left-hand turn. A policeman pulled me over and wanted to give me a breathalyzer test. “I’m not drunk,” I told the officer, “I’m just a lousy driver.”
7: Am I any better at putting down the toilet seat, eating without staining the tablecloth, remembering to wipe my feet when I come in the house and putting the dishes in the dishwasher in the correct slots? No! No! No! No! (And thanks to my wife, Mary Ellen, for helping me with No. 7).
8: Am I any better at following the plot of a movie? No! “Mary Ellen, why is everyone jumping off the ship? “It’s the Titanic, Dick. Sorry if the shipwreck disturbed your nap.”
10: Am I a better writer? Well, I’m not sure, but you did get all the way to No. 10. By the way, I didn’t get any better at numbering, either.
COLUMNIST ON THE WEB
This week’s commentary by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker may be read at youarecurrent.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
The views expressed in this column are that of Dr. Susan Jacob and FreedomDoc.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
16. Battery terminal
17. “Kapow!”
18. ___ Wayne, Ind.
19. Like some patches
20. Building supplies salesladies in
MILLERSBURG?
23. IU Health triage sites
24. Mount Everest guide
25. Ship of fuels?
27. Smoke House vape pens, briefly
30. Artist’s lifetime work
33. IMPD rap sheet letters
36. Kind of band or show
38. Stir up
39. Anxious feeling
41. ___ room
42. Does tough work
43. Move, to a Realtor
44. In a tidy way
46. Ruby or Sandra
47. Magazine with an annual “Sexiest Man Alive” issue
49. Cambodian currency
51. Frisbee maker
53. Japanese hostess
57. Teacher’s favorite student
59. Chart topper about being miserable over an unrequited relationship in HORTONVILLE?
62. Single-celled organism
64. Lambs’ moms
65. Subside
66. Aroma
67. Philosopher Descartes
68. ___ mater
69. St. Nicholas, to some 70. Hoosier Park gait
71. Consider DOWN
1. Prominent bulldog features
2. “You bet!”
3. Guilty feeling
4. Sound quality
5. Part of a Mellencamp song
6. Frenzied
7. Actress Spelling
8. The Jetsons’ dog
9. Annoyance
10. Opposite of WSW
11. Missing a crew member in RIVERWOOD?
12. Aroma
13. Bears’ lairs
21. Disney theme park
22. Colt foe
26. French coin
28. “Pretty Woman” star
29. Bad-mouth
31. Anger
32. “If all ___ fails...”
33. 50+ org.
34. Patella’s place
35. Beaming adolescent in EAGLETOWN?
37. Start of a Belfry The-
atre play
40. Second-year student at WHS
42. Colts 2026 Pro Bowl tight end Warren
44. Nautilus captain
45. Kit with toy bricks
48. “Deck the Halls” syllables
50. “Arabian Nights” sailor
52. For all to see
54. Fissile rock
55. Blackjack request
56. First-stringers
57. Pacers point guard option
58. Austen novel
60. Decorative pitcher
61. Fallon’s predecessor
63. Muldoon’s on Main sandwich, for short ANSWERS ON PAGE 19
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