Founded March 12, 2024, at Indianapolis, IN Vol. I, No. 51
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20% off total
IMPD 5-year plan focuses on recruitment, communication
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Newly appointed Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Tanya Terry recently announced the release of the 2026-2031 IMPD Strategic Plan, which focuses on recruitment and retention, effective communication with neighborhood residents and investing in department infrastructure.
“Today is a transformational day for IMPD and for our entire Indianapolis community,” Terry said.” While I have not spoken publicly about this plan before today, I have been actively involved in its development since the very beginning. … This plan belongs to all of you. It belongs to our officers and our professional staff who shared their voices and expertise, and to the community members whose input helped shape our priorities.”
used to create a draft plan. That draft was distributed to community members and officers for review before the plan was finalized.
“This strategic plan represents not only the goals of IMPD, but also the priorities of the people who serve this city and the community we are sworn to protect, as we have done from the beginning,” Terry said. “We want our employees and our community to know what comes next. A strategic plan is only meaningful if it is put into action. The document you see today is not the finish line, but rather the starting point.”
vide feedback for the plan.
“My community doesn’t always have a seat at the table or get the opportunity to be part of something like this, yet IMPD’s work impacts us just like it impacts everyone else in our city,” she said. “It was truly meaningful to have a voice in this process and to know so many others who represent the diversity of our city, too. Seeing our ideas reflected in this plan and working with IMPD inspires trust and understanding with all of us in the community (and) gives me hope for the future.”
Terry noted that the planning process started about a year ago under then-IMPD Chief Chris Bailey, who recently started his new position as chief deputy mayor.
“Our goal was simple — to create a measurable, realistic plan that reflects the expectations of our officers, our professional staff and the community we serve,” Terry stated. “IMPD does not belong to just one group. It belongs to all of us.”
Terry said the development process involved community input and feedback from IMPD officers, which was
Terry DISPATCH
Festival Princesses announced — The 500 Festival recently announced the 33 Indiana women selected to serve as 500 Festival Princesses throughout the 2026 season. The Princesses represent 19 Indiana colleges and universities, 21 cities across the state, and have a cumulative
IMPD worked with Taylor Advising to create the plan. Marla Taylor provided some specifics of the plan.
“The three strategic priorities that will guide the department for the next five years focus on supporting IMPD employee wellness and development, reinforcing trust and transparency with our community, and investing in department infrastructure to strengthen public safety services for our city,” Taylor said. “We are proud to say that these priorities were shaped directly by the voices of over 1,500 IMPD officers and professional staff representing all IMPD districts and divisions, and more than 2,800 community members representing every ZIP code here in Marion County.”
Dafney Lavache, a community leader among Indy’s Haitian residents, said she appreciated the opportunity to pro-
GPA of 3.75. Four Princesses are graduates of Noblesville High School, Megan Broviak, Jackie Lawrence, Emma Pearce and McKinley Underhill. There are three Princesses from Westfield, Melanie Gutierrez, Cameron Noe and Hannah Pensyl. Noe and Pensyl are Westfield
Terry noted that the police department can’t do its work without help from citizens.
“Public safety is something that’s going to take all of us to achieve and part of this strategic plan leans into maintaining and expanding community partnerships so that we can work together,” she said.
She added that the plan includes measurable goals and the department will keep an eye on its progress over the next five years. Some of those goals include establishing an internship program, revamping the cadet program, expanding leadership and career advancement opportunities, increasing officer visibility and accessibility within the community, strengthening community partnerships, establishing a community academy, conducting a facilities assessment and creating a 10year building plan.
For more, visit indy.gov/activity/ impd-strategic-plan.
High School graduates while Gutierrez is a graduate of Early College High School at Midland College. Brownsburg High School graduate Sruthika Gangisetty and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School graduate Paola Perillo Parra, an Indianapolis resident, also were selected.
86th & Ditch Rd or 82nd & Dean Rd
New commander appointed to IMPD North District
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s North District has a new commander. Major Corey Mims will start his new job immediately, with a ceremony to be held at a later date, according to a news release.
“Major Mims is well-acquainted with North District, having served in multiple roles that enabled him to build strong relationships with officers, community leaders and neighbors in the community,” IMPD Chief Tanya Terry stated. “His hands-on experience working shoulder to shoulder with the district’s officers and neighbors to address challenges and celebrate successes has earned him their respect and trust. That trust provides the continuity, stability and confidence our officers and neighbors deserve.”
Mims joined IMPD in 2015 and was a patrol officer and field training offi-
cer on the Southeast District. He also spent time as a member of the IMPD Traffic Unit. In 2021, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the North District, where he worked with the violent crimes task force and the community relations unit. In 2023, he advanced to lieutenant and was assigned to the commercial crimes branch, overseeing investigations related to vice, human trafficking and nuisance abatement. He later served as a lieutenant with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force.
Since July of 2024, Mims held the rank of major in the community engagement and outreach bureau. In 2025, he received the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 Under 40 Award.
A lifelong Hoosier, Mims grew up on Indianapolis’ east side and graduated from Speedway High School before attending IUPUI, where he studied criminal justice.
DISPATCHES
Indy environmental efforts recognized — The City of Indianapolis has been recognized by environmental nonprofit CDP for its work toward environmental transparency, climate action and resilience planning, securing a place on CDP’s annual A List. This is the eighth time it has received an A rating. To be recognized with an A, a city must meet a series of criteria, including publicly disclosing environmental data, maintaining a comprehensive city-wide emissions inventory and publishing a credible climate action plan.
‘Cowboy Culture’ exhibit planned — A new exhibition, “Cowboy Couture: The Fashion of Jerry Lee Atwood,” opens March 28 at the Eiteljorg Museum and continues through Aug. 2. The exhibition features the embroidered Western suits created by Indianapolis fashion designer Jerry Lee Atwood, who has designed for entertainers such as Post Malone, Lil Nas X and David Harbour. For more, visit eiteljorg.org.
Making
Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel Primary Care
Laurel S. Patient
Mims
AES announces acquisition agreement
northindy@youarecurrent.com
AES Corp., which owns AES Indiana — the electric utility that serves Marion County — recently announced that its board has agreed to sell the company to a consortium that comprises Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock; the EQT Infrastructure VI fund; and co-underwriters California Public Employees’ Retirement System and Qatar Investment Authority.
In a March 2 news release, AES stated that the consortium will fund 100 percent of the transaction, equal to $15 per share — representing a total equity value of $10.7 billion.
The acquisition — which is still subject to approval by AES stockholders and various regulatory agencies — was unanimously approved by the company’s board of directors and is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027.
“This acquisition is not expected to impact customer rates in AES’ regulated utilities,” the news release stated. “Following the close of the transaction, AES’ regulated businesses, including AES Indiana and AES Ohio, will continue to be regulated by local, state and federal/national authorities.”
AES’ electric utilities in Indiana and Ohio are experiencing demand growth, according to the news release.
“As a private company, AES will continue to invest prudently in utility assets to meet the growing energy needs of all 1.1 million customers,” the news release stated. “AES Indiana and AES Ohio will remain locally operated and managed regulated utilities, with continued community commitment and investment.”
The company stated that the transaction will better position AES to drive long-term growth, including regulated electric utilities and competitive clean energy in the U.S. and energy infrastructure in Latin America.
Airport announces new food vendors
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis International Airport is adding new and enhanced food-and-beverage experiences in the terminal — including a new incubator space for emerging Indy culinary talent.
The incubator space will be guided by Steve Oakley, a local chef who will provide support, mentorship and visibility for emerging chefs to establish customer connection and brand identity, according to a news release.
“This opportunity provides public value to the community by giving local rising culinary talent a massive stage,” stated Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “More than 10.6 million people move through IND each year, and that kind of visibility can be a game-changer for a new chef or restaurant striving to break into the market.”
The incubator space, which will be operated by CC Holdings, will open in 2027 in the main Civic Plaza, where travelers and nonticketed guests can try new menus.
“Our goal is to make food fun, approachable and exciting while bringing hospitality with a very personal touch to our guests,” stated Oakley, a James Beard award-winning chef who was born and raised in Indiana. “We’ll be offering many local culinary favorites
that give a sense of nostalgia with a fun twist, and that offer travelers an experience to remember.”
In addition to the incubator space, the Indy airport is adding well-known local names to its dining and beverage experiences.
Lift Off will feature the Daredevil Brewing Co. brand, founded in Speedway and known for its tavern-style pizzas and award-winning beers, including Lift Off IPA and Indy Lager. Java House Bistro, founded by Purdue University graduate Ted Gelov and originally established in Carmel, will feature cold brew coffees along with recipes created by Chef Oakley.
Indy’s iconic Shapiro’s Delicatessen will redesign its airport location and offer new travel-friendly portions.
Lift Off and Java House Bistro will be in Concourse A, and each plan to open by the end of 2026. Shapiro’s, in Concourse B, will close by early 2027 for the redesign with an anticipated reopening in late 2027.
The new food-and-beverage experiences are anticipated to create approximately 45 additional jobs at the Indy airport, which now employs more than 11,000 people on-site, according to the news release.
For more about the airport’s dining options, visit ind.com/ dining-shopping-services/dining.
Indianapolis International Airport is adding new and enhanced food and beverage vendors for travelers. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Airport Authority)
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 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 real estate agents might already know a painter or flooring contractor, Homestretch offers all these 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.
COMMUNITY
Urban coyote sightings popular on social media
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Coyotes are a recurring theme on social media for neighbors throughout Hamilton County — Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, etc., — as well as Zionsville and north Indianapolis, with weekly, and sometimes daily, posts, photos, warnings and extended conversations about the wild canid — a native Indiana species closely related to dogs and wolves.
Wildlife biologist Geriann Albers is the furbearer and gamebird program leader for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. She said coyotes have a long history in Indiana and for most of that time were found primarily in prairie habitat.
“We would have mostly had coyotes in the northwest part of the state and in the southwest part of the state, where we had more of our prairies,” she said. “The populations got pretty low for a while, because there were a lot of programs like bounties and things like that to try to remove coyotes. And then they started rebounding in the 1970s.”
Albers said the population bounced back because of less predation, less competition — there are no longer any wolves in Indiana — and the coyotes’ ability to adapt beyond the prairie.
“Now, they’re across all of Indiana,” Albers said. “They’re in every county. They do really well in urban areas, which is often why you see chatter like you’re seeing right now (on social media), because there’s a lot of food for coyotes in urban areas. They like fruits. They like gardens — things like tomatoes and stuff like that. They like rabbits and squirrels and mice, which are common around people’s homes.”
The DNR doesn’t track coyote populations, but Albers said biologists have a rough estimate for rural areas of one pair for every 3 to 5 square miles — a range determined by how much food is available.
“They can have much smaller home ranges in urban areas, just because there’s so much more food,” she said. “So, they can be more common than that in some of our urban areas, just because of the abundance of resources.”
She noted that the coyote population likely isn’t greater than in recent de-
Coyotes are found throughout Indiana, including rural and urban areas. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources)
cades, but sightings are more prevalent because more people have residential security cameras.
Some posts on social media express concern at the proximity of coyotes to urban neighborhoods, with residents wondering whether pets and children are safe. Albers said fear is a common reaction, because many people view coyotes as small wolves.
“The thing we usually tell people is human-coyote interactions are extremely uncommon,” she said. “In Indiana, we’ve never had a coyote come up and bite a kid or anything like that. The way we want to make sure that continues to be true is that we want to make sure people don’t feed coyotes.”
For example, bird feeders can attract mice — a food source for coyotes. Other attractive food sources for coyotes are fruit trees, unsecured outdoor pet food, compost bins, etc. Albers said coyotes can attack and kill small pets — noting that owls also are known to kill small pets — and while coyotes are less likely to approach a person walking a dog, it’s not unheard of.
“They will sometimes see the dog as a threat, especially if they have pups,” she said. “There will be a pair of coyotes and they’ll try to keep other coyotes out of their territory. And dogs are not that distantly related to coyotes.”
She suggested carrying pepper spray or an air horn for protection while walking dogs if coyotes are known to be in the neighborhood.
Albers added that coyotes are an important part of the natural ecosystem.
For more, visit in.gov/dnr/fishand-wildlife/wildlife-resources/ living-with-wildlife/coyotes/
Level Up 31 construction project enters second phase
INDOT’s Level Up 31 construction project at I-465 and U.S. 31 is moving into its second phase.
Traffic impacts already underway include:
• Full-time inside shoulder closure and intermittent stoppages on I-465 eastbound and westbound from Spring Mill Road to College Avenue and Meridian Street northbound and southbound at the interchange
• A new traffic pattern at southbound U.S. 31 at the I-465 ramp and Meridian Street split
• Southbound U.S. 31 reduced to a single lane between 106th street and the I-465 interchange
In addition, the westbound I-465 ramp to southbound Meridian Street is set to close March 15, and eastbound 106th
Street underneath U.S. 31 is set to close March 16. Both closures are expected to last through late spring.
Beginning on or after March 9, westbound 106th Street is expected to close underneath U.S. 31 for one week.
A detour route for motorists traveling on 106th Street takes motorists north to 111th Street, which can be reached from
Keeping Indiana Heart Strong
Indiana’s heart beats strongest when we do it together. Neighbors, families, caregivers, and communities. Every simple step toward heart health, every connection, every story adds up. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Indiana for generations to come.
Together, we’re keeping Indiana Heart Strong. Learn more at ascension.org/StVincentHeart
Pennsylvania Street to the east of the closure and Illinois Street west of it.
INDOT encourages motorists traveling from westbound I-465 to southbound Meridian Street to take Exit 125 onto 106th Street, use the roundabout to re-enter U.S. 31 southbound/Meridian Street and travel south toward Indianapolis.
The speed limit is 45 mph in the construction zones on I-465 and U.S. 31. Learn more at LevelUp31.com.
COMMUNITY
Blind Owl Brewery announces transition
northindy@youarecurrent.com
Blind Owl Brewery, 5014 E. 62nd St. off Binford Boulevard, recently announced an ownership transition and upgrades to the north Indianapolis restaurant and brewery.
Founded in June 2015 by Steve Berg and his former business partner Rick Lux, Blind Owl Brewery was purchased in whole by the Berg family in 2025, making it a fully family-owned business, according to a news release.
Siblings Aaron Berg and Mackenzie Lindau, along with their partners Lindsey Berg and Brad Lindau, are leading the transition, which includes a new scratch menu, upgraded audiovisual systems for sports viewing and expanded live entertainment.
The updated menu includes wings with house-made sauces, hand-cut fries, house-recipe crab cakes and the return of the chipotle chicken sandwich. The food pairs with Blind Owl’s rotating seasonal beers and flagship selections.
Head Brewer Ian Boswell will continue to lead the craft beer program, according to the news release. Boswell has earned awards for the brewery’s pilsner, Mexican lager and IPA.
Blind Owl Brewery invested in a new AV system for sports viewing, an 80-seat private dining and event space, and an enhanced patio featuring a stage for live music. The main covered patio seats up to 96 guests, with a private patio accommodating an additional 42.
“It’s all about the guest experience,” Lindsey Berg stated. “We want guests to feel acknowledged and appreciated when they choose to spend their time with us.”
In addition to live music, Blind Owl hosts games and seasonal leagues on the patio. The outdoor space also includes bocce ball and cornhole, with shade sails planned before the warmer months.
For more, visit blindowlbrewery.com.
Airport surpasses record — The Indianapolis International Airport ended 2025 with another year of record‑setting passenger traffic. Airport officials announced that the facility welcomed more than 10.6 million passengers during the year, about 100,000 passengers more than in 2024.
Blind Owl Brewery in north Indianapolis recently announced a change in ownership and some upgrades. (Photo courtesy of Blind Owl Brewery)
BRIDGING THE GAP
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis and Fishers representatives gathered on a sunny Friday to celebrate the completion of the 96th Street pedestrian bridge — a link that connects segments of the Nickel Plate Trail in both cities and spans the border of Marion and Hamilton counties.
With busy traffic passing underneath — and many drivers honking a friendly “hello” — a crowd of more than 100 people arrived early to check out the bridge, which was completed a few months before the official Feb. 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
City of Fishers Engineering Director Hatem Mekky said the bridge is a “monumental link” to the Nickel Plate Trail’s 17-mile system connecting Fishers, Noblesville and Indianapolis.
“This is a connection that has been definitely needed,” Mekky said. “As you can see, there’s traffic going back and forth … This project provides a vital and a very safe passage across 96th Street.”
Mekky noted that the Nickel Plate Trail is part of a 40-mile loop that includes the Monon Trail, and connects to other neighboring communities. He thanked project partners, including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which provided a $4.5 million Next Level Trails grant.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness touted the cooperation between Fishers and Indianapolis.
“(Indianapolis) Mayor Joe (Hogsett) and I have known each other for a long time and anytime we get an opportunity to work together, I’m excited about it,” Fadness said. “You know, the City of Indianapolis and Fishers have worked tirelessly towards regionalism for many, many years, and I want to thank the mayor’s commitment to that regional perspective and regional viewpoint. And anytime we have the opportunity to connect a community or to connect communities together, we need to do that — we need to double down on that investment.”
Fadness noted the vitality of 96th Street, which marks the border between Indianapolis and Fishers.
“To our south, our friends in Indianapolis, you have Roche (Diagnostics) — their North American headquarters is just down the street — and to (the north in Fishers) is going to be the new headquarters for Formula One,” he said. “If you think about the dynamic opportunity that 96th Street represents, to not only Fishers, but to Indianapolis, we have a real opportunity here to breathe incredible life and vitality into this corridor and I think this trail is a key component of that.”
Hogsett also spoke about the cooperative relationship between Indianapolis and Fishers, noting that the ability to work together is beneficial to the entire
region.
“I’m not going to overstate that I want development to happen on (the south) side of 96 Street. Scott wants the development to be on the north side of 96th Street, but it is important that both Fishers and Indianapolis take advantage of our trails, of our greenways, of our pedestrian safety related efforts — all of these are incredibly important for the residents, for the quality of life and the quality of place enjoyed by Indianapolis and Fishers and the people who call this area home,” he said. “We gather today to celebrate the completion of the Nickel Plate Trail. Now, Indianapolis has been a little slow in getting here, but we’re finally here, and
NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
The Nickel Plate Trail is a pedestrian and bicycle path that follows the former Nickel Plate Rail line, with completed sections in Hamilton and Marion counties. The Indianapolis portion is the latest to be finished, adding about 10 miles to the trail plus a connection to other trails.
The Indianapolis segment leads from Keystone Avenue and 38th Street near the Indiana State Fairgrounds north to 96th Street, where the new bridge connects to the Hamilton County portion of the trail. One small segment is not yet open — part of the I-465 Clear Path construction project.
Additional bridges are planned later to allow pedestrians and cyclists using the trail to safely cross Keystone Avenue and 82nd Street.
it’s a great day for both Fishers and Indianapolis as we cut the ribbon.”
Hogsett said that about 100,000 Indianapolis residents live within a mile of the Nickel Plate Trail, providing them the opportunity to experience the natural beauty that city residents sometimes forget about — while also providing safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists.
“I want to be clear —it’s these kinds of investments that are propelling our cities collectively into the national spotlight,” he said. “The Indianapolis metro area is one of the fastest growing metro areas in all of America. If we want to keep our momentum, we not only need to support our thriving economy, we also need to support the residents who power that economy through incredible quality-of-life investments like this one.”
Dale Brier, deputy director with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, said the department was happy to provide grant funding toward a project that epitomizes a core value of making connections.
“This opening reflects years of vision and persistence and it wouldn’t be possible without the passion of all the local governments, the cities, the trail advocates, volunteers, neighborhood leaders — all the people that come together to make this possible,” he said.
Indy, Fishers celebrate Nickel Plate Trail link at 96th Street border
ON THE COVER: The 96th Street pedestrian bridge connects segments of the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers and Indianapolis. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett speaks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 96th Street pedestrian bridge. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
A crowd of more than 100 gathers for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 96th Street pedestrian bridge.
Commentary by Larry Greene
This basement transformation in Carmel turned previously open and underutilized space into a stunning custom wine room designed for both storage and experience. The new addition blends architectural detail with functional design, creating a refined destination within the home.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The enclosed wine room converts underutilized square footage into a dedicated space for collecting and entertaining.
• Custom wood racking provides organized bottle storage while creating a balanced design.
• A barrel-vault wood ceiling adds warmth and craftsmanship, enhancing the classic cellar look.
• An arched glass door offers a striking focal point while keeping the room visually connected to the basement.
• Updated lighting and finishes elevate the surrounding area, turning a once plain basement into a sophisticated retreat.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
WestClay basement transformed
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Ads may run any Tuesday between now and May 5, 2026 for the primary election or between May 12 and Nov. 3, 2026 for the general election. Ad Deadline is one week prior to the desired date of publication.
Heart to stop at Fishers Event Center
By Dave Gil de Rubio edtitorial@yourecurrent.com
In 1975, Watergate came to an end with the sentencing of John Mitchell, H.R. Halderman and John Ehrlichman, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft and a little show called “Saturday Night Live” debuted on NBC. And in September of that year, Heart’s debut album “Dreamboat Annie” was released.
Fast forward a half century, and Heart is still around, hitting the road again for their Royal Flush Tour, which will stop at 7:30 p.m. March 15 at Fishers Event Center. The string of dates was originally set to be performed last year until lead singer Ann Wilson was diagnosed with cancer. According to sister Nancy Wilson, her sibling underwent treatment and the band is back on the road.
“She’s actually really doing 100 percent great — looking good, sounding good, feeling good,” Nancy said. “She really did all the homework and got herself really well. Now, it’s back to the loud office, back to the rock job. We’re really happy to get out and finish what we started last year. We were really just getting our million thrills on stage every night, and then it was like (sad trombone music). We were getting into our groove big-time until we had to go home and twiddle our thumbs for a few months.”
Over the course of the tour, Heart has brought out several different opening acts, including Lucinda Williams — who opens at the Fishers Event Center concert — and Squeeze, Starship and Cheap Trick, and has played some shows without an opening act. In either setting, the depth of Heart’s catalog allows for a lot of latitude in choosing the songs to perform.
“We’re going to have a real flexible set,” Nancy said. “You could do the rocked-out, big hits at the beginning and then do more acoustic, less rock in the second half or something in-between. It’s nice to have all these cool songs to look at, pick from.”
Although both sisters readily admit that The Beatles’ appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” were a major inspiration for them to become professional musicians, theirs was a household where myriad forms of music filled the air from the big bands of the 1940s to folk and pop of the day.
“Growing up, the culture was kind of in a late ‘50s/jazzy cornball turn for music,” Nancy said. “(Frank) Sinatra was awesome. We grew up on Ray Charles, Judy Garland, Patti Page and all those late ‘50s guys like that. Harry Belafonte’s ‘Live at Carnegie Hall’ was a favorite and we knew all those show tunes from musicals like ‘West Side Story.’ We were deeply steeped in every style of music from blues and jazz to classical and then The Beatles happened. I was maybe eight or nine years old and it was a message from above.”
That cosmic sign set the Wilson sisters on a path that led to 16 studio albums, 20 Top 40 singles and 35 million albums sold worldwide, in addition to being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Although it hasn’t been easy, Nancy doesn’t complain and attributes Heart’s longevity to a combination of discipline and being able to laugh at themselves.
“We have a sense of humor around all the insanity, stress, drama and static that comes with the position we
have as leaders of the band,” she said. “Leadership is not an easy position to be in, and you don’t want to be the leader if you don’t have to, but we are anyway. I think the other thing is just military, dogged, stick-to-it-iveness. Call it a dogged work ethic. Getting there, showing up on time, not being a flakey musician. Being a consummate, reliable and capable musician.”
As for the future, creativity continues to be the fuel that drives Heart forward. Not unlike their heroes in Led Zeppelin, the Wilson sisters love the idea of juxtaposing heavy and light dynamics in their music.
“There is some new material,” Nancy said. “Ann has got a new song we might try from her writing with her Tripsitter (solo band) guys. I have a new song that I want to try maybe with Heart. I’ve tried to push the agenda on the band. Everybody was up for it — an acoustic Heart album being our next idea. That’s one thing as a rock band like Led Zeppelin — we can rock with the best of them — but having the ability to do both of those things, the acoustic part as well as the heavy rock stuff, kind of sets us apart. And people have always asked when we’re going to do an acoustic album. It might be a cool, fun thing to put together.”
For more, visit fisherseventcenter. com.
‘PRETTY WOMAN’
“Pretty Woman” runs through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents the Dave Matthews Tribute Band March 12, followed by “The Wizard and I: The Music of Stephen Schwartz” March 13 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.
‘VANITIES’
The Belfry Theatre presents “Vanities” through March 15 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat. biz.
‘SCARLET LETTER’
Civic Theatre presents “The Scarlet Letter” March 13 through 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘GET UP, STAND UP’
“Joshua Henry: Get Up, Stand Up” is set for 8 p.m. March 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘SONGS OR ENIGMA’
“Gregorian: Pure Chants featuring the Songs of Enigma” is set for 8 p.m. March 14 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘MUSIC & LEGACY OF THE EAGLES’
“The Music & Legacy of The Eagles” tribute act set for 7:30 p.m. March 15 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Heart will perform March 15 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Criss Cain)
ENTERTAINMENT
Puppet comes to life in ‘Scarlet Letter’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Civic Theatre is taking a unique approach to its production of “The Scarlet Letter.”
Instead of using a child performer, Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon uses a puppet to play Pearl, a 4-year-old child. The play runs March 13 through March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“The Scarlet Letter” is based on the historical novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 17th-century Boston. Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for adultery by being forced to wear a Scarlet “A.” Pearl is Prynne’s child from the affair.
“Pearl and I are kind of one and the same,” Bohannon said. “I’m moving her around, but I will not be hidden for the production. I will be saying her lines and she is an extension of me. The goal is to have all the other actors not look at me and just focus their energy and their attention on the puppet.”
Bohannon said she has performed some puppet improv but nothing with a whole-body puppet.
“I’m on my knees most of the time,” said Bohannon, who has already gone through several knee pads during rehearsals. “It’s very physical. I’m coming up with creative ways to move her around in the most realistic way I can.”
Bohannon said she has settled on a light and airy voice for Pearl.
“It’s kind of childlike and innocent, but with a direct tone of voice,” Bohannin said. “I think it feels very real.” Pearl is on stage nearly 75 percent of the time.
“Emily has made my life very (easy),” said Emily Tzucker, the play’s director. “She is so creative with coming up with great solutions and acting choices for the puppet.”
Tzucker, who is directing “The Scarlet Letter” for the first time, said the puppet is a Japanese-style Bunraku puppet.
“I’ve directed quite a few productions of books that have been adapted into plays or what we call classic theater when you think of Shakespeare or that sort of thing,” she said. “So, I feel like I’m still at home directing this kind of piece.”
Tzucker said the cast of six is a perfect fit for the Studio Theater. Civic Theatre typically presents one show a year in the smaller Studio Theater, and the rest are in The Tarkington.
“Since it’s a brand-new adaptation that’s very modern, it’s only 90 minutes,” she said. “It’s very fast-paced and a lot more conversational. It almost feels like a thriller and romance in a way.”
The cast wears period costumes in Kate Hamill’s adaptation. Prynne is played by Indianapolis resident Brittany Magee.
Indianapolis resident Evangeline Bouw performed in Civic Theatre’s “The Great Gatsby” in February while making the puppet. The puppet is made from vinyl, plywood, upholstery and insulation foam made from elastic and wooden balls. Bouw said it took approximately 60 to 70 hours to create.
“I’ve done a lot of different kinds of puppets, but this is the first style of this type of puppet I’ve done,” she said. “My background is in theater and sculpture. I love 3D art, so anytime I can get to do this sort of work, I love it. It’s such a blessing and wonderful.”
Bouw said the puppet has a handle on the head, torso and arms.
“That creates a juggling act for (Bohannon) to create when and where those handles are grabbed,” Bouw said. “She is making the inanimate object come alive.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
Puppeteer Emily Bohannon, left, and Brittany Magee examine Pearl, a puppet. Magee plays the role of her Pearl’s mother, Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter.” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
Cole Porter premiere set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Magic Cabaret Thread Cabaret founders Dustin Klein and Tom Alvarez feel fortunate to have Ann Hampton Callaway headline a concert.
“She’s a friend of ours and she graciously offered to do a benefit for us and, of course, we are paying her,” said Klein, a music teacher at West Clay Elementary School in Carmel.
Callaway will present the world premiere of “I Get A Kick Out of Cole” at 7:30 p.m. March 20 at The Cabaret in downtown Indianapolis.
“I am excited to hear Ann, one of the most renowned interpreters of music from the Great American Songbook, sing in a premiere of a program consisting entirely of that music of composer-songwriter Cole Porter,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said it’s fitting the premiere of her Porter show is in Indiana.
“Where better to pay tribute to his work than in the capitol of the state in which this Peru, Indiana, native was born and raised,” he said.
Klein said The Cabaret is a special venue.
“It feels like you are in Old Hollywood, it’s like a glamor venue from the 1930s,” he said. “It’s stellar, and they bring in a lot of big names, Broadway performers.”
Proceeds from the concert benefit Magic Thread Cabaret’s operational expenses and production costs associated with “Cabaret Latino, Songs of the
Americas,” which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. That concert is set for Oct. 3 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.
“Our mission is to spotlight central Indiana talent because we feel there is so much talent here that doesn’t get the spotlight,” Klein said of Magic Thread Cabaret, which was founded in 2016. “We’re kind of an incubator. I coach them musically, vocally, and I serve as the music director and piano accompanist. Tom co-writes the shows and he’s good at marketing. We’ve worked with probably 100 artists, performers, musicians, costume designers and tech people. We have paid them all since we started, but we have to rely on donors and sponsors. Ticket sales only cover, like, 40 percent.
“We also want to inspire. We’re all about diversity and inclusiveness.”
For more, visit magicthreaadcabaret. com.
Dustin Klein, left, and Tom Alvarez started Magic Thread Cabaret in 2016. (Photo courtesy of Dustin Klein)
ENTERTAINMENT
Films get Oscar nods
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Heartland Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig has a personal favorite contender at the upcoming Academy Awards.
“I’m rooting for ‘The Singers’ to win Best Live Action Short as it would be the first short film to take home an Oscar that qualified directly through the (2025) Indy Shorts Film Festival,” he said.
The Academy Awards are set for March 15 and will be telecast by WRTV-6.
“This is another year that a major event title at the Heartland Film Festival is nominated for Best Picture and additional categories. ‘Train Dreams’ was our centerpiece film nominated for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Original Song,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident.
Sorvig said he was surprised that Joel Edgerton was not nominated for Best Actor in “Train Dreams.”
“I was also surprised that the 2025
Indy Shorts Grand Prize and Oscar-qualifying short film, ‘Éiru,’ was not nominated for Best Animated Short Film,” he said. “I was hoping Brendan Fraser might get another lead nod for his acting in the 2025 Heartland Film Festival Opening Night film, ‘Rental Family.’ This won the Narrative Special Presentation Audience Award.”
Sorvig said he hoped for nominations for the Heartland Film Festival’s 2025 Closing Night film, “Nuremberg.”
“Our audience also really loved this film as it won the Overall Audience Choice Narrative Award,” he said. “I was surprised the film didn’t receive nominations in the best supporting actor categories, especially for Russell Crowe.”
SPRING SESSION
ATI comedy reading set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
David Taylor Little started out with a radio play on Indiana Public Radio in Muncie in 2003.
“(The station) does a radio drama every year at the holidays, and this was the second time I had written for that,” said Little, a Ball State University associate teaching professor of theater.
“Then I kind of set myself the challenge of not writing a musical but writing a piece that has original music in it, and that’s what this play has become. There are five original songs in it, and some are fairly brief.”
Sorvig said Heartland Film Festival, which is held each October in Indianapolis, showcased four of the five Best International Film Feature nominees, including the forecasted favorite “Sentimental Value” as its International Closing Night film. show,” Taylor said.
The premise is Dorothy Sullivan, a major Broadway star, who returns to her hometown of Argyle, Ind., in 1947 to save the local radio station and its annual Christmas broadcast. The radio station owner is her childhood friend Jack Edwards.
A performance of the one-act play was staged at Muncie Civic Theatre in December 2025.
Now, Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “All Out for Christmas: A Showbiz Radio Fable” as part of its Lab Series at 2 p.m. March 14 at Carmel Clay Public Library. Tickets are free with registration at atistage.org.
“I have continued to work on it, so this is the third public draft of the
Jim Rhinehart wrote the music for the songs, and Little wrote the lyrics.
ATI Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell, who will take part in the reading, said ATI was attracted to the story because of its sweet nostalgic depiction of Indiana in the mid-20th century as well as the setting of a small-town radio station with a Broadway connection.
“It felt like a classic comedy film from the era of Katherine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Frank Capra and George Cukor,” Murrell said. “It is a wholesome and comforting look back at a simpler time filled with colorful and endearing personalities and a familiar setting.”
Cynthia Collins, one of ATI’s co-founders, portrays Sullivan.
This spring, we are offering themed 6-week sessions for students grades 1-8. Each session will focus on developing creative skills while using songs and other materials related to the theme.
DR. SEUSS
ROALD DAHL
Sorvig
Little
Indy Opera to feature Italian connections
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey, partnering with the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana was a natural fit.
“Libiamo!, A Renaissance of Taste and Tempo” is set for March 21 at the Basile Opera Center. 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. A VIP reception for the fundraiser is set for 4:30 p.m., followed by cocktail hour at 5:15 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Libiamo translates to “let’s drink” but can mean “let’s toast.” The event will include several opera singers, including Indianapolis opera star Angela Brown.
“We have been excited about expanding relationships with a lot of cultural institutions,” Starkey said. “The Italian Heritage Society is connected to some of the most significant influences of the history of Indianapolis and immigration of all kinds of different cultures that have come to our region.”
A Geist-area resident, Starkey said the Italian Heritage Society was looking to expand its artistic footprint.
“You have the inspiration of the Olympics in Italy and inspiration of the significant Italian operas we are highlighting this season,” Starkey said. “On top of that, the Italians are really big into fashion, food and auto sports in our city, and opera is the connection.”
Dallara manufactures the chassis for IndyCar. Founder Giampaolo Dallara, is a passionate opera fan, Starkey said
Starkey said five top Italian restaurants in Indianapolis and the area will be part of the event. There are Italian fashion designers for female performers’ gowns and male singers’ attire.
“We’ve just found an amazing new signature event celebrating opera’s international cultural influence and tying into all these other elements of culture,” he said.
Starkey expects the event to return.
Indianapolis resident Carol Faenzi, president of the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana, said the fundraiser is a natural collaboration.
“We both are nonprofit organizations who have many activities that are geared toward scholarship, student education and vocal camps for the opera,” Faenzi said.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
Angela Brown will be among the performers at the Indy Opera fundraising event. (Photo courtesy of Tom Mueller)
Starkey
VIEWS
Why can’t I DIY?
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My doctor’s office is not very up to date with magazines. Recently, I had the opportunity to read the last print edition of Newsweek from 2012. Last year, I breezed through Life magazine right before my EKG.
One piece of reading matter that caught my attention was Family Handyman. Here were the cover stories:
• Measure once/panic twice
• My drill keeps screwing around
• I built a gate and, yes, I nailed it
• Why my door and I are both off our hinges
The lead story was, “Five Great Sawhorse Designs.” I couldn’t wait to read it, because off the top of my head, I could only think of four. Also, on the cover was, “How to Make a Screw Organizer from a Leftover Piece of PVC Pipe.” I didn’t want to read too much exciting stuff like this since it can temporarily raise your blood pressure before they slap the cuff on you.
I turned to a feature story about what to do if your Gorilla Glue gets hard in the tube, and also one on how to dig post holes in sandy soil. I read both of those carefully. After 46 years, my wife Mary Ellen and I are always looking for something new to talk about. There was a three-page spread on “How to Cure a Sick Ceiling Fan.” What would the fan be complaining of? Periodic dizziness?
One piece was called “Best Advice for DIYers.” I thought it was about how to successfully drink beer and drill at the same time. Then I learned that a DIYer is a Do-It-Yourselfer. Another entry was titled, “How to Make a Hidden Cutting Board.” I can never find ours
when we need it, so I decided to skip that kitchen improvement project.
“Maintaining Your Chimney” begins with a list of what you’ll need to do the job, items found around most houses. You need brush-able crown sealer, chimney water repellent and a stainless-steel chimney cap. I had all of that in the garage except for the brush-able crown sealer, the chimney water repellent and a stainless-steel chimney cap. Another article started, “Trying to run fish tape through an insulated stud bay can be a nightmare.” You have to have a pretty dull imagination if this is what you have bad dreams about.
The regular monthly column was “How to Make Your Own Tools.” The author showed how to take a long flexible piece of tubing and attach a flashlight at the end for working in dark, hard-to-reach places, as in a doit-yourself plumbing project. It was really a neat gizmo, but I ripped the page out and tossed it in the trash. My next colonoscopy is coming up later this year, and with all the cost-cutting in medicine, the fewer doctors who know about this, the better.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
COLUMNISTS ON THE WEB
This week’s commentaries by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker and humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.
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