iCode Fishers brings tech club to Brownsburg library
County celebrates the opening of Ronald Reagan Parkway Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Middle School Club gives back to community Page 5 Willow Center offers new program Page 10
Local shops embrace Small Business Saturday Brownsburg community raises $24K to help Rockstar Pizza replace failing oven
About us
Founded Oct. 14, 2025, at Brownsburg, IN Vol. I, No. 7
Copyright 2025 Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032
317.489.4444
Contact the editor
Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?
Contact Managing Editor Alicia Kelly at alicia@ youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at youarecurrent. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.
Share your thoughts
Letters to the editor may be sent for consideration to letters@youarecurrent. com. Letters have a maximum word count of 300 words. Please include your city of residence and a contact phone number for verification. Current Publishing may refuse letters.
Advertise your business
If you’re interested in reaching the Brownsburg market (10,405 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Brownsburg advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.
Obituaries obits@youarecurrent.com
Legal advertising legals@youarecurrent.com
Delivery questions
circulation@youarecurrent.com
Join our community facebook.com/youarecurrent x.com/youarecurrent instagram.com/youarecurrent
Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Brownsburg are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
7 Metro Indy locations | PuccinisPizzaPasta.com
I know, I know. I always overeat when I’m nervous.
iCode Fishers brings hands-on tech club to Brownsburg Public Library
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
The world of coding and hands-on STEM education has arrived in Brownsburg, thanks to an ongoing partnership between the Brownsburg Public Library and iCode Fishers. The organization, which specializes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education, is running a weekly “tech club” that introduces local kids to advanced concepts through gamified and hands-on learning.
The tech club meets every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Brownsburg Public Library, and the curriculum is designed to keep things fresh.
“We have such a great experience with the Brownsburg Public Library,” said Lauren Gehle, marketing manager for iCode Fishers. “The content changes weekly and they go through monthly curriculum changes, so the students are introduced to new things every week.”
The classes are typically open to children and teens, ranging from ages six to 14, though Gehle noted that most of the attendees fall between the ages of eight and 12. The programming is designed to be accessible, even for those with minimal background knowledge.
“There are kids who have come in with little experience,” Gehle said. “Whether they just like playing Roblox and Minecraft and things like that and the parents see it through that avenue. And then we take things on to more of an educational and a broader stance.”
In fact, camps focused on popular games like Roblox and Minecraft are some of iCode’s most popular offerings.
“The Roblox and Minecraft camps are very popular because they add a little bit of the fun, real world to what they’re doing for their hobbies,” she said.
While iCode has a main campus in Fishers, the organization emphasizes the importance of in-person, hands-on
learning.
“We always focus on the fact that it’s local and hands-on,” Gehle said. “The thing with us being in person is it’s all hands-on for the students to learn and be interactive.”
Classes at all iCode locations, including the Brownsburg Public Library, adhere to a strict instructor-to-student ratio, ensuring each child receives the attention they need. The quality of the instruction is also a point of pride for the company. Gehle said all instructors undergo extensive background checks and training, including CPR certification.
“That’s one thing that we really like to emphasize is different between us and other places is the quality of the actual education is a lot higher than what you typically find,” Gehle said.
Code’s proprietary curriculum is continuously evaluated and updated by a team of computer scientists, software architects and instructional designers to ensure it aligns with current technology and industry trends. Beyond tech-
nical skills, the program also integrates vital soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and public speaking.
The Brownsburg tech club serves as an important step in iCode Fishers’ vision for the future. Gehle said the organization has been exploring the west side of Indianapolis, including areas like Zionsville and potentially Avon.
“That’s kind of what the tech clubs are feeling out for us — to see how the market is over there,” Gehle said. “Obviously, we would love to expand to the west side of Indianapolis if we could.”
For now, there are no plans for a permanent “brick-and-mortar” facility on the west side, but the interest in Brownsburg has been encouraging.
The main goal for iCode Fishers is simple: expansion.
“We definitely want to just keep on expanding and getting more kids in the door,” Gehle said. “We love big class sizes or more kids coming through because there’s more energy and kids tend to enjoy it more.”
Children participate in a hands-on coding and STEM session during the iCode summer camp program at the Brownsburg Public Library in summer 2025. (Photo courtesy of iCode)
Ronald Reagan Parkway extension opens
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
Local and state officials marked a milestone in regional transportation Nov. 14 with a ribbon-cutting for Phase 1A of the Ronald Reagan Parkway extension, a project aimed at improving connectivity for Hendricks and Boone counties.
The newly completed stretch adds just over 1.5 miles to the existing corridor, running between 56th Street and E. County Road 750 North in Brownsburg. This phase was awarded for construction in March 2023 at a cost of nearly $38 million.
The segment includes a bridge that carries traffic over the CSX railroad tracks, four 12-foot travel lanes and a 10-foot multi-use path along the east side to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
Brownsburg leaders, representatives from the Indiana Department of Trans-
portation and county officials celebrated the opening, calling the expansion a key step in supporting future growth.
“With better connectivity and mobility, this project opens doors for new businesses, job opportunities, and economic development,” Brownsburg Town Council President Travis Tschaenn said in a statement. “It’s an investment in the future prosperity of Brownsburg and Hendricks County.”
The County Commissioners approved bids in November for Phase 1B, which will extend the parkway from County Road 750 North to County Road 1000 North. Construction on that phase is expected to begin in winter 2025.
Hendricks County Commissioner Dennis Dawes said leaders remain committed to completing the full north–south link.
“We look forward to the time when this roadway will go from I-70 in Hendricks County to I-65 in Boone County,” he said.
DISPATCHES
Fall leaf pickup extended — Leaves must be placed on the curb by 6 a.m. on the week of pickup. The Street Department visits the northside (north of Main St./US 136 and Summer Ridge, Arbor Springs, and Autumn Glen neighborhoods) and the southside (south of Main St./US 136) on alternating weeks. Leaves should be placed in a recyclable brown bag with the top taped shut - not stapled. Leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up. The remaining schedule is: North (11/24-11/26, 12/8-12/12) and South (12/1-12/5, 12/15-12/19).
Santa Cops — The Brownsburg Police Department and other Hendricks County agencies are joining Santa Cops to bring holiday joy to local families. Donate new,
unwrapped toys at 31 N. Green St. (lobby open 24/7) by Dec. 15. For toy drive applications, contact your child’s school before Dec. 5.
Holiday Drive for Riley Cheer Guild — Worthington Design & Remodeling is collecting new, unwrapped donations for the Riley Cheer Guild at Riley Children’s Hospital. Donations of small toys, art supplies, and games for all ages are accepted Dec. 1–12 at the Worthington showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr., Suite 100, Carmel, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Food, candy, latex and handmade items cannot be accepted. Full guidelines are at RileyCheerGuild.org. Contact Worthington at 317- 846-2600.
SATURDAY,
WINTER MARKET
4-8 PM | Town Hall Green Shop from 30 vendors, food trucks PRESENTED BY:
SANTA‘S WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 6
4-8 PM | Eaton Hall by Brownsburg Public Library
PARADE
6 PM | Downtown Brownsburg
Parade begins on Main St. at Eastern Ave. Travels west on Main St. to Green St., then turns north on Green St. and ends at Enderly Ave.
TREE LIGHTING & PHOTOS WITH SANTA
7:15 PM | Town Hall Green
Local and county officials cut the ribbon Nov. 14 on Phase 1A of the Ronald Reagan Parkway extension in Brownsburg. (Photo provided by the Town of Brownsburg.)
Deck the Halls Safely
Make the season brighter and safer with fire-safe decorations.
Flame-safe decorations: Opt for items that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
Use lights properly: Choose indoor and outdoor lights as intended for their specific locations.
Inspect light strings: Replace any worn or broken cords and loose bulb connections.
Check tree safety labels: Look for a fire-resistant label on artificial trees.
Pick a fresh tree: If using a real tree, pick one with green needles that don’t fall off when touched.
Water your tree daily: Keep it hydrated to reduce fire risk.
Keep trees away from heat: Place your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources and exits.
Avoid open flames: Never use lit candles to decorate your tree.
Students give back
By Melissa Gibson news@youarecurrent.com
Just Serve, a club at Brownsburg East Middle School comprised of sixththrough eighth-grader students, supports the community through hands-on service.
On Nov. 8, students volunteered at the Messiah Lutheran Church Food Pantry, where they stocked shelves, assisted guests in selecting bread, fresh produce, meat and other essentials and helped load items into vehicles.
It was one of several projects the club has taken on this year.
“We’ve volunteered at the food pantry, Oinking Acres (an animal rescue sanctuary), made lasagnas for people in need and donated items to Family Promise of Hendricks County (a nonprofit assisting those near or experiencing homelessness),” said Zach Beckman, an eighth-grade social studies teacher. Beckman co-sponsors the club with Michelle Linville, a seventh-grade science teacher.
The club began four years ago at the suggestion of a parent interested in
establishing a service-focused group. It has since grown to more than 25 students. About a dozen participated in the food pantry project, while the remaining members will take part in next month’s activity.
“We’ve seen the students get really excited about finding things we can do next and the parents are asking to get involved too,” Beckman said.
Beckman said the service foundation students build at BEMS often leads them to other high school groups that take on similar community projects.
Program encourages reading COMMUNITY
By Melissa Gibson news@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg kindergarteners are getting new stories — and new role models — this school year as the Brownsburg Education Foundation launches its annual Real Men Read program, inviting community volunteers to step into classrooms and spark a love of reading.
“Real Men Read is a nationwide initiative, but the premise is for men in the community to come in, read to the students and be a positive male role model in 32 kindergarten classrooms across our eight elementary schools,” said Rene Behrend, executive director of BEF.
Male volunteers arrive on the first Tuesday of the month, November through March with a book and a mini curriculum with questions to ask students, leading to critical thinking and comprehension.
A copy of the book is then given to each student to take home and build their home libraries.
“Most families are receiving 10 to 15
different books as their children come through the kindergarten’s Real Men Read program,” Behrend said.
He said the positive feedback and community partnerships keep the program returning year after year.
“BEF wants to support this program because it’s so impactful. It’s valuable and anything the teachers feel this strongly about, we want to try to support in any way possible,” Behrend said.
Men interested in volunteering can email Kelsey Penrod at kpendrod@ brownsburg.k12.in.us.
Students at Brownsburg East Middle School serve at the Messiah Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Brownsburg Nov. 8. (Photo courtesy of Just Serve)
J. Kirk Leblanc of LeBlanc Nettles Law LLC, reads to a Brownsburg kindergarten classroom. (Photo courtesy of the Brownsburg Education Foundation)
The Willow Center offers new treatment program
By Melissa Gibson news@youarecurrent.com
In the past year, The Willow Center, a substance use and mental health counseling facility with facilities in Brownsburg and Pittsboro, has introduced a new program designed to support individuals in addiction recovery.
The Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, program provides medications that help reduce cravings and lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms for patients experiencing addiction.
The program also offers psychiatric medication management for symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
“The Willow Center is very focused on receiving feedback from our surrounding community,” said Chase Cotten, community director for The Willow Center. “We found a gap in the area of medication treatment for addiction. It’s another tool to help stabilize a client medically so they can focus on the mental health side of things.”
The Willow Center in Brownsburg and Pittsboro is open to new clients in search of addiction recovery. (Photo courtesy of The Willow Center)
The MAT program offers a variety of medications except for methadone. Cotten said the facility is accepting new clients.
“The first step is to call us. You’ll hear a person on the phone – no robots, and we’ll get you scheduled for an assessment quickly,” Cotten said. “We know that when you’re calling, you need help right now, so we’re sensitive to that. We’re going to find the right individual treatment to meet your needs.”
For more, visit thewillowcenter.com.
HOLIDAY FILM SCREENING & WHITE CHRISTMAS ARTIFACT DISPLAY THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SAMANTHA FISH, CEDRIC BURNSIDE AND JON SPENCER: SHAKE ‘EM ON DOWN TOUR WED, DEC 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS: A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JEROME COLLINS: REWINDA JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
CHRIS THILE FRI, APR 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
SNARKY PUPPY: SOMNI TOUR 2026 SAT, APR 25 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS
DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LET’S SING TAYLOR: AN UNOFFICIAL LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW SAT JAN 17 AT 2PM & 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NEKO CASE: NEON GREY MIDNIGHT GREEN TOUR THU, JAN 22 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JOSHUA HENRY: GET UP STAND UP FRI, MAR 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS WORLD TOUR FEATURING SONGS OF ENIGMA
MAR 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL
JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FEB 14 AT 8PM |
&
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS: THE NUMBER ONE TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY, PERKINS, LEWIS AND CASH THU, MAR 19 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET
MAR 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH JAKE SHIMABUKURO FRI, MAY 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PALLADIUM DIRECT FROM ROME: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS SUN, MAR 29 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ILLUSIONIST RICK THOMAS SAT, APR 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PITCH-IN DINERS
Brownsburg community raises $24K to help Rockstar Pizza replace failing oven
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
When Rockstar Pizza’s main oven sputtered out in late October, owners Ron and Colby Mathews braced for a difficult stretch. The Brownsburg restaurant, known for feeding the community with generosity as much as with pizza, limped along using a smaller, far less efficient backup oven. They shifted toward selling take-and-bake pizzas simply to keep up with demand.
“We were barely managing to scrape by,” co-owner Colby Mathews said. “The old oven had really kicked the bucket.”
But Brownsburg resolved not to let the restaurant struggle alone.
In little more than a week, community members and local businesses rallied behind the couple, donating more than $24,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help Rockstar Pizza purchase a new commercial oven — a major expense for any small restaurant.
On Nov. 17, the owners announced on social media that they had found a new oven that meets the needs of their growing business. Installation is expected to be quick, thanks to the vendor coordinating removal of the old equipment.
“And the great thing about it is that they will come take the old ovens away, set up the new oven, and they told Ron they have it done in a couple hours,” Mathews said.
The fundraiser was organized by community member Diane Sharp, who had never met the owners before, but had followed Rockstar Pizza’s posts on Facebook about the failing oven. She said she couldn’t ignore the chance to help a business that had given so much to others.
Sharp approached Mathews about starting the campaign — an offer Mathews said she was surprised and deeply touched by.
“She was basically saying she wouldn’t take no for an answer, and that was the first time we had met,” Mathews said. “I think that’s the best part of all of this … the amazing people
we meet.”
Through the years, Rockstar Pizza has earned a reputation as a hub of goodwill in Brownsburg. The restaurant maintains a pay-it-forward meal board, offering free or prepaid meals for customers in need. They stock local Blessing Boxes, give food away when possible, and regularly step in to support people facing hard times.
Some donors chose to remain anonymous. Others purchased stacks of takeand-bake pizzas to hand out to anyone who walked through the restaurant’s doors while the oven was down.
“I’ve connected with several like-minded individuals who are forces in their community,” Mathews said. “It just makes me feel like my theme of giving back is getting stronger.”
The restaurant’s annual holiday traditions also reflect its commitment to supporting its staff. Each year, Rockstar Pizza opens on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day for any employees who want to work and let them keep the entire day’s profit.
“It’s always completely optional,” Mathews said. “But if they want to work, they can come in, and we let
them keep all the profit for the day. They split it, but they usually each walk out with a few hundred dollars at the end of the night.”
Sharp said she hoped the GoFundMe would raise enough money for the restaurant to buy a refurbished oven quickly and ideally before the holidays, when demand is typically at its peak.
The outpouring of donations far exceeded her expectations.
The campaign’s success means Rockstar Pizza will be able to replace the oven well before the holiday rush. Sharp formally closed the fundraiser, thanking donors and urging continued support for the restaurant through everyday business.
“A big thank you to everyone who donated,” she wrote. “Colby and Ron will be ordering their new oven, so this was a success thanks to you all.”
For Ron and Colby Mathews, the donations mean more than a piece of equipment. They said the community’s response reaffirmed their mission, which is one that’s rooted in giving back.
“There’s just no doubt,” she said. “The best part about all this is the people. This town shows up and we are so incredibly grateful. It’s been a very emotional couple of weeks.”
ROCKSTAR PIZZA’S COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Pay-It-Forward Meal Board: Free or prepaid meals for anyone in need
• Blessing Box Support: Regularly stocked with ready-to-eat items
• Holiday Tradition: Opens on Thanksgiving and Christmas so employees can earn—and keep— holiday profits
• Crisis Response: Frequently donates food to families facing hardship
• Pizza Rock Game: Hides a pizza-shaped rock around town and the finder gets a free large pizza
• Community Partnerships: Collaborates with local businesses on charity efforts year-round
ON THE COVER: Rockstar Pizza owners Ron and Colby Mathews with staff inside the Brownsburg restaurant after community members donated more than $24,000 to help the business replace its failing oven. (Photo courtesy of Rockstar Pizza).
Rockstar Pizza co-owner Colby Mathews serves pizza inside the restaurant, which will soon receive a new commercial oven funded by more than $24,000 in community donations. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
A freshly prepared take-and-bake pizza sits ready for customers at Rockstar Pizza in Brownsburg. While the restaurant’s main oven was down, owners Ron and Colby Mathews pivoted to take-and-bake options to keep up with demand. (Photo courtesy of Rockstar Pizza).
SLocal dentist expands care
By Melissa Gibson news@youarecurrent.com
Nearly three years after opening Tinker Tooth, a pediatric dental practice at 675 Patrick Place, Suite E, in Brownsburg, Dr. Andrea Shelton is expanding her focus beyond routine cleanings.
“We do a lot of work with lip and tongue ties so I always want my kids to be working with a lactation specialist, speech therapist and others who can help in this area,” Shelton said. “I’ve been working with Bethany Lovern, a lactation consultant and speech therapist, and she offers a couple of classes each week.”
Lovern provides free public lactation classes and sign language classes on Fridays. She and Shelton have also developed a solid foods class to help families transition from formula to solids.
The goal, Shelton said, is to engage the community early and start conversations about oral health long before problems arise.
“So many systemic health issues come from poor oral health, and the goal is to educate and prevent some of these things,” Shelton said. “Not only do we want kids to enjoy their visit to the dentist but if we can catch some of these issues early on, it alleviates problems with eating, sleeping and more.”
Shelton noted that it’s important to introduce solid foods to support bone development and growth. She also encourages families to begin visits in infancy rather than waiting for the typical first checkup at age two or three.
“We want to get ahead of things early to give kids the best foundation possible for oral health in the long term,” Shelton said.
For class times and updates, visit tinkertoothpd.com.
At Tinker Tooth in Brownsburg, young patients are immersed in a Disney-like environment, creating a stress-free trip to the dentist.
(Photo Courtesy of Tinker Tooth)
Commentary by Larry Greene
This charming Carmel home near Woodland Country Club gained new life with a front porch addition designed for comfort, character, and year-round enjoyment.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The new covered porch creates a welcoming entry and gathering spot for family and friends.
• Classic columns and stone-wrapped bases add architectural detail and timeless curb appeal.
• A stamped concrete walkway and spacious seating area enhance both style and function.
• Warm lighting and natural textures make the porch feel inviting in every season.
• This addition beautifully blends with the home’s exterior, bringing lasting charm and value.
Shops ready for rush
By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com
With Small Business Saturday set for Nov. 29, local business owners are preparing their stores for a flurry of customers shopping the sales for gifts, handmade items and all sorts of holiday home goods and decorations.
Small Business Saturday, an annual event held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourages consumers to shop at and support local small businesses, which in turn strengthens the local economy.
In Brownsburg, business owners say the event has steadily grown in popularity. Ryan Denhart, owner of Country Harmony Home & Garden Center, said the post-Thanksgiving weekend consistently rivals some of the store’s busiest stretches.
“We also get busy in the spring because we’re a garden center, but the weekend after Thanksgiving is huge for us,” Denhart said. “We sell a lot of poinsettias, Mr. Peanut peanut brittle, gourmet food lines, wreaths and handcrafted drop-in greenery pots that are made
by myself and our store employees.”
Denhart said the Brownsburg community shows up for small businesses in town, and he notices it increasing each year.
“The last few years have been great in terms of seeing local people shop our smaller stores in town,” he said. “It’s encouraging, especially when we’re trying to keep things balanced with all the tariff fees the shops are paying.”
Continued on Page 12
Mary & Martha Home in Brownsburg will have several holiday decorations for sale on Small Business Saturday. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Continued from Page 10
Country Harmony plans to offer a series of promotions throughout the store Nov. 29, such as half-off tables and additional deals on seasonal merchandise. Denhart said customers can expect a wide selection of giftable items, including food products and home décor.
“We have so many unique items that make great gifts,” he said. “And we will have charcuterie boards available from an Indianapolis-based business we partner with, Apricot Sun.”
Other shop owners in Brownsburg are also preparing for an influx of shoppers over the long holiday weekend. Sarah Chastain, general manager of Mary & Martha Home, said the home décor and boutique store will feature several special promotions.
Chastain said the store will offer sales throughout Thanksgiving weekend, with door busters from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. both Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.
four-pack. For more, visit at rebelfitstudio.com.
Beyond those businesses, several other locally owned shops plan to participate in the annual event, including Queen Anne’s Lace Flowers & Gifts, Valkyrie’s Vault, Mandy’s Ice Cream and Salt Breeze. Many plan to feature one-day specials or limited-time offerings to draw in customers.
Small Business Saturday has become a tradition for many Brownsburg residents, who use the day as an opportunity to support their neighbors and invest in the local business community. Store owners say they hope the strong turnout continues as they move into the peak holiday shopping season.
The Hayloft in Brownsburg will offer various specials for customers on Small Business Saturday Nov. 29. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
news@youarecurrent.com
The holiday season officially launches this weekend with Santa Claus making his first appearances across the community. Whether you prefer a quick photo op at the mall or a festive breakfast, opportunities to meet the man in red abound.
• Corner of Cedar and Main streets (Santa’s House)
• 7:15 p.m. Dec 6 and 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13
• Brownsburg Town Hall Lobby, 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg, IN 46112
Holiday arts season brings classics, concerts to the stage
news@youarecurrent.com
From the timeless tradition of “The Nutcracker” to high-energy holiday pop concerts, the 2025 performing arts season is officially in full swing across Central Indiana. Theaters and concert halls in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville are offering a diverse lineup of seasonal entertainment, ranging from local community productions to nationally touring acts.
Hendricks Civic Theatre: A Seussified Christmas Carol – Dec. 5-7 (times vary) at Hendricks Live!, 200 W. Main St., Plainfield. For tickets visit hendrickslive. org
Hendricks Symphony Orchestra: Deck the Halls with Silver and Gold – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hendricks Live!, 200 W. Main St., Plainfield. For tickets visit hendrickssymphony.org
A Beef & Boards Christmas 2025 –Nov. 28-Dec. 31 (times vary) at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan
Rd., Indianapolis. For tickets visit beefandboards.com
A Christmas Carol – Dec. 5-22 (select dates) at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis. For tickets visit beefandboards.com
Indiana Wind Symphony: Sleigh Bells and Snowflakes – 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Indiana Ballet Conservatory: The Nutcracker – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit thecenterpresents.org
Civic Theatre: A Christmas Story, The Musical – Dec. 5-27 (times vary) at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Carter Green, Carmel. For tickets visit civictheatre.org
N Meridian St #170, Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 848-3040
HOLIDAY FILM SCREENING & WHITE CHRISTMAS ARTIFACT DISPLAY THU, DEC 4 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SAMANTHA FISH, CEDRIC BURNSIDE AND JON SPENCER: SHAKE ‘EM ON DOWN TOUR WED, DEC 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS FRI, DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LET’S SING TAYLOR: AN UNOFFICIAL LIVE TRIBUTE SHOW SAT JAN 17 AT 2PM & 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NEKO CASE: NEON GREY MIDNIGHT GREEN TOUR THU, JAN 22 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN FRI, JAN 30 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CECE TENEAL’S DIVAS OF SOUL SAT, JAN 31 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN TOUR FRI, FEB 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS: A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS PRODUCTION WED, FEB 25 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEKING ACROBATS THU, FEB 26 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JEROME COLLINS: REWINDA JOURNEY TO MOTOWN AND BEYOND SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN SAT, MAR 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JOSHUA HENRY: GET UP STAND UP FRI, MAR 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS WORLD TOUR FEATURING SONGS OF ENIGMA SAT, MAR 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS: THE NUMBER ONE TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY, PERKINS, LEWIS AND CASH THU, MAR 19 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET FRI, MAR 20 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FROM ROME: THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS
AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ILLUSIONIST RICK THOMAS SAT, APR 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CHRIS THILE FRI, APR 10 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN FRI, APR 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SNARKY PUPPY: SOMNI TOUR 2026 SAT, APR 25 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE SAT, MAY 2 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH JAKE SHIMABUKURO FRI, MAY 8 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
Performers return in lead roles in Civic Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Story’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Parrish Williams will get another turn as the Old Man in “A Christmas Story: The Musical.”
The New Palestine resident reprises his role in Civic Theatre’s production Dec. 5-27 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Zionsville resident Mikayla Koharchik, who plays his wife, also played the same role in Civic’s 2022 production. Carmel resident Emily Rogge Tzucker returns as director.
“There are definitely things I wanted to tweak in my performance,” Williams said. “I was glad to get the second opportunity to do it, plus to get to work with (Koharchik and Tzucker). I learned I liked the show. I knew the movie, but I didn’t know the stage show. None of us knew the songs or the additional things that are different from the movie. I think we’ve been able to fine-tune things, maybe a lot more than we did the first time because we already had a base of understanding what the show was about.”
Williams said the interactions have improved, especially with Koharchik.
“It just comes with experience and familiarity,” he said.
Koharchik agreed it helps broaden the performance.
“It’s just because your relationship deepens and you build more trust with each other, then you can go deeper with the characters and their relationships,” Koharchik said. “I was really proud of the show we put on three years ago, but it’s fun to explore the characters in a new way.”
Two new actors portray the couple’s boys. Preston Blair, a Carmel seventh-grader, plays Ralphie Parker, and Colin Davis, a Carmel fifth-grader, plays the younger brother Randy. The story centers on Ralphie’s quest to get a BB gun for Christmas.
Evan Cohen, a Carmel eighth-grader, plays Scut Farkus, the older bully. He played Grover Dill in Civic’s previous production.
Williams said he watches the movie every year.
“My dad loves it, so I like to watch it at least once a year with him, generally on Christmas Eve,” he said. “I almost have the movie memorized.”
Koharchik said she doesn’t really love the movie but does love the musical. She said the relationships on stage between the characters seem to stick out better.
Williams said the show expands what goes on in the family dynamic.
“It’s odd to say because usually everything is truncated in a musical version of a movie, but I don’t think that happens in this show,” he said.
Returning to a Civic role isn’t unusual for Williams. He has played Moonface Martin in “Anything Goes” twice
and Santa Claus in “Elf” three times. Koharchik said she has reprised roles before, but this is the first time at the same theater with some of the same cast members.
Tzucker is enjoying the experience.
“I love returning to a show because you get to do some things the same, but you get a lot of new people or you get people with a new perspective,” Tzucker said. “So, it makes you understand the story in a way you hadn’t the first time, and the first time was good, too. This story, for me, is such a wonderful story about celebration, ritual and family.”
At each rehearsal, Tzucker asks a cast member to share a memory from a holiday celebration
“I love the musical and the movie,” she said. “I think the musical has a lot more love and a little bit more heart. The movie is very funny and silly.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘A BEEF AND BOARDS CHRISTMAS!’
“A Beef and Boards Christmas!” runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Tim Wright & Steel Petals is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Indiana Ballet Conservatory presents “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and at 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
‘JINGLE & SWING’
The Fishers Community Chorus and Mudsock Jazz Combo will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Fishers Art Center Theater. For more, visit fisherschorus. org.
‘BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT’
Carmel Apprentice Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” Nov. 28 to Dec. 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, vist thecat.biz.
Reilly returns as ATI executive director – Actors Theatre of Indiana announced the return of Jim Reilly as executive director. Reilly previously held this position from 2012 to 2023. Reilly, who retired from ATI in December 2023, replaces Brian Frost. A long-time patron and supporter, Reilly first joined ATI in 2011 as a consultant before moving into the executive director role. The Actors Theatre of Indiana Board of Directors thanked Frost for his leadership during the past two years.
From left, Preston Blair, Parrish Williams, Mikayla Koharchik and Colin Davis appear in “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty Photography)
‘Beef & Boards Christmas!’ returns
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kenny Shepard loves the family feel of “A Beef & Boards Christmas!”
“I think the show has remained a family show since Doug Stark began it years ago. My friend and choreographer, the late Ron Morgan, always called it a show with ‘TV revue-show energy for everyone in the family,’” Shepard said.
The Christmas revue is set for Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
Shepard, who is the co-host with Deb Wims, has been performing in the show for 26 years, starting in its second year in 1994.
“This year, my former student, AnnaLee Higgins, is choreographing the show with her husband Dan Bob Higgins, and it’s a real full-circle moment,” said Shepard, a former Fishers resident who now lives in the Geist area. “AnnaLee and Dan Bob are great friends now, and after years of telling her where to go and what to do on stage, it’s fun to sit back and let her take the helm. I’m an assistant teaching professor at Ball State, and one of my favorite things about my job is seeing students, like AnnaLee, claim their space in the professional world.”
Shepard was living in New York when he heard Beef
& Boards was staging an annual revue.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Deb Wims and Kenny Shepard perform at previous “A Beef & Boards Christmas!” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)
“I missed the first season (in 1993), but I thought, ‘I have to be part of this, so I can be home for the holidays each year,’ and that’s exactly what happened,” Shepard said. “Over the years, I’ve played Frosty, a surfing Santa, a tap-dancing penguin puppet and probably a lot of other things I’m forgetting, until finally co-hosting the show with my long-time pal, Deb Wims.”
Shepard said performing “The Christmas Waltz” is one of his favorite parts of the revue.
“It’s a classic waltz done in tandem with our quartet of incredible singers, and to me, it just feels like the holidays every time I hit the stage with Deb,” he said.
11. Top vote-getter in Marion County in the 2024 US
Presidential election
12. Kind of band
20. Skip over
21. Bowl 32 game unit
22. Energy source
23. In the past
24. 9th Street Bistro handout
28. Scheme
29. Plainfield Correctional Facility resident, for short
33. Type of bike or road
34. Entirely (Latin)
36. Snitch
37. Moving vehicle
38. Indy newspaper
42. WRTV network
43. Somewhat, informally
44. Unoccupied
45. Runaway bride or groom
46. Solid
47. O, on the periodic table
50. Razor sharpener
51. Mackey or Market Square
53. Above
55. Horse’s neck hair
56. Auto pioneer
60. Zoo beast
61. A Simon
62. Pacers shooting stat
ANSWERS ON PAGE 35
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.
