Mark Ambrogi
Verified- Writer, Current Publishing
- Sports Correspondent, Associated Press
- Sports Correspondent, Daily Journal (Los Angeles and San Francisco)
Indianapolis
Current newspapers writer, Daily Journal of Johnson County and Associated Press correspondent. Ex-IndyStar sportswriter. IU grad. Carmel resident, Cincy native.
Articles by Mark Ambrogi
Ballet INitiative’s Happy Hour For a Cause set
Ballet INitiative co-founder Christina Voreis firmly believes in giving back to the community. “We do change the beneficiary for Happy Hour For a Cause each year to highlight a different local nonprofit that resonates with our dancers and choreographers,” Voreis said. “This year, our chosen charity is Gennesaret Free Clinics.
Father-son duo’s ER musical set for Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center
The adage of writing what you know seemed appropriate for Dr. Jeff Foy. An emergency room physician in Indianapolis, he always thought the ER would be an ideal setting for a musical. “I thought it would be awesome if I could be the one to tell that story,” he said. But he didn’t think it could happen because he can’t play or write music. When hearing his then-15-year-old son Jacob Foy work on a melody in his room, the 53-year-old Fishers resident had an idea that they could work together.
Late Carmel resident’s World War II heroism subject of new book
Kevin Clark knew his mother had an amazing story to share. Janina Korzeniewska Clark worked with the Polish resistance to spy on Nazi Germany during World War II. A resident of Carmel Senior Living, Clark died at age 97 in October 2019. As a 17-year-old, Korzeniewska worked in a restaurant because she could speak German.
Carmel FC has season to remember
Charlize Knott figures her Carmel FC soccer team has discovered the right formula for success. “We’re able to laugh at funny moments but also (are) able to lock in and play good games,” said the Carmel Middle School seventh grader, who has been with the program for six years. The girls team, which includes players born in 2013, in May became the first Carmel FC team to win the Indiana State Cup.
Short examines how fly fishing aided Carmel resident
Al White still remembers hearing his sister’s scream when he got the call that their grandfather had been brutally murdered in New York. “I lost other family members to violent crime,” said White, who was 9 years old and living in Dover, Del., at the time. “My father was in and out of lockup. I had my own challenges as a result and made some wrong decisions.” In 2020, the 56-year-old Carmel resident found fly fishing to be a peaceful activity that proved cathartic.
Former Carmel High School baseball player enjoys Collegiate National Team experience
JD Stein has had quite the eventful summer. First, following a successful freshman season at shortstop for the Wake Forest University baseball team, the 2025 Carmel High School graduate transferred to University of South Carolina. Then he was selected to the USA Collegiate National Team roster, which played four games in the World Collegiate Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan.
Zionsville resident Vinatieri set for Hall of Fame induction
For former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, this has been quite the memorable year. “It’s been an incredible year with the Hall of Fame knocking on the door right before the Super Bowl, and then, obviously, now with the Colts Ring of Honor, that’s an incredible honor as well,” Vinatieri said. The Zionsville resident will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio. Following that, he will become the 21st member of the Colts Ring of Honor Oct.
Lynyrd Skynyrd set for Noblesville show
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke gets tremendous joy when he looks out over “Skynyrd Nation.” “Our fan base is usually (age) 8 to 80,” he said. “They come to hear ‘Simple Man,’ ‘What’s Your Name’ or ‘Tuesday’s Gone,’ ’Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Free Bird,’” Medlocke said. “Every night the songs take on a little bit of a change to keep it fresh.
Real estate agent helps seniors downsize
Justin Steill and his team has developed a forte in helping older adults downsize their homes. “Downsizing has always been a service we offer but it has become increasingly a larger part of our business over the past five years,” Steill said. “We help a lot of people downsize into smaller homes. Then the next step is senior living communities.” Steill Justin Steill is the owner and team leader of Homes With Steill Real Estate Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty.
Second career: Carmel resident finds niche as investment banker
Bob Zoccola found another niche in his second career. After 26 years as a trial attorney, Zoccola decided to make the move into investment banking after learning more about the work. “One of my clients was in international business, and she gave me the opportunity to get into international business, which I jumped at,” he said.
Zionsville, Brownsburg girls help Carmel FC
Zionsville Middle School eighth grader Savannah “S.J.” Shaver knows why her Carmel FC girls soccer team has been so successful. “Our coaches have been amazing,” Shaver said. “I’ve grown with this group of girls. They are kind and nice. They’re very welcoming.” The team is made up of girls born in 2013. Shaver said team members have a dance competition at every tournament at hotels to loosen up. “We then judge them and they’re always so fun,” she said.
Volunteers prepare for final Colts camp at Westfield’s Grand Park
Lois Craig knows she is going to miss volunteering at Indianapolis Colts training camp. Lois Craig is the volunteer coordinator for transportation for Colts players and families from the field at Grand Park. (Photo courtesy of Lois Craig) Craig is the volunteer coordinator for transportation for Colts players and families to and from the field at Grand Park. The 73-year-old Westfield resident has been in the role since the first Colts camp in Westfield in 2018.
Realtor helps seniors along downsizing journey
Lee Ann Balta’s specialty is assisting seniors during their downsizing journey. Balta is a certified senior housing professional for Century 21 Scheetz. She partners with Betzy Bautista to lead the team. Balta has worked with Bautista since 2010. Bautista was Balta’s administrative assistant until two years ago, when Bautista obtained a real estate license and they became partners. “We are better together, for sure,” said Balta, who works out of the Century 21 Scheetz office in Zionsville.
Indianapolis Rowing Center team makes national waves
The Indianapolis Rowing Center had its share of memorable finishes in June at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Fla. Mary Bain, a 2026 Brownsburg High School graduate, and Colleen “Callie” Carpenter, a 2026 Carmel High School graduated, won the beach sprints women’s youth double sculls title . “Getting the gold with Callie was so amazing,” Bain said. “Callie and I have been on the team together for six years now, but somehow had never been in a double together.
Coxhall Guild Posh Picnic fundraiser goes ‘Outside the Box’
The Posh Picnic always features unique concepts. Fittingly, the latest category to encourage creativity is called Outside the Box, said Sandra Pirkle, who handles publicity for the Coxhall Guild. The eighth annual Posh Picnic is set from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Coxhall Gardens Cripe Pavilion tent at 11677 Towne Rd. in Carmel. The event, for adults only, is a fundraiser to benefit the Coxhall property and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation.
Tremble Pilates studio coming soon to Carmel
Victoria Glascock was seeking a particular type of studio. “I was looking for one that had an elevated Pilates feel to it,” she said. “I’ve trained in classical Pilates, and I was looking for something more than that. TREMBLE has that to offer as well as the community feel. It’s not owned by a corporation, it’s owned by the CEO and founder. That was very important to me after coming from 12 years in corporate America.
Styx set for Windy Cities tour stop in Noblesville
To Styx vocalist-keyboard player Lawrence Gowan, the band’s “Windy Cities Tour” has been a long time coming. Styx and Chicago, which both started in the City of Chicago, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center. Gowan answered the following questions for Current. Discuss having the first co-headlining tour with Chicago? “I’ve been hoping for this to happen for years, quite honestly, because I’m a huge Chicago fan.
Hendricks Civic presents ‘Anastasia’ at Hendricks Live!
This is a special role for Brighton Nehring. Nehring has the lead role in Hendricks Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia,” which runs July 31 through Aug. 9 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Nehring “I love Anya’s spunk, kind heart and determination,” Nehring said. “There are so many moments where we see her strength and vulnerability.
Carmel M&M’s collector’s quest earns film award
A Current in Carmel article in October 2024 on Rick Stephan’s extensive M&M’s collection led to a story on WRTV-6 TV. The exposure caught the attention of Mars, Inc., which produces M&M’s, and eventually led to a prestigious marketing honor. “Someone from Mars contacted me to see if I would work with them on a video that they wanted to put on TikTok and YouTube,” he said. Stephan, 76, thought it was a hoax until he was convinced it really was a Mars representative who contacted him.
Pianist Simpson set for contemporary jazz concert in Carmel
Brian Simpson has built his career on strong collaborations. The contemporary jazz pianist will be joined by saxophonists Jessy J and Jackiem Joyner in an 8 p.m. concert July 31 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “We work together quite a bit and we’re all old friends,” Simpson said. “It’s always special to do a package show like this. Most of my shows are on my own but it’s always fun to play other people’s music and we play on each other’s songs.
Tim Wright’s Steel Petals set for Feinstein’s date
Although the Wright Brothers retired as a group in February 2023, Tim Wright stays busy playing with a few different bands. Wright will play pedal steel guitar when the Steel Petals perform at 7:30 p.m. July 30 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael Wright, a Carmel resident, is joined by vocalists Catherine Federspiel and Jenn Moe. The trio, which formed in 2022, often performs with different band members. “We found out we have a good harmony together,” Wright said.
NFL FLAG Championships set for Grand Park in Westfield
Flag football has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. It is estimated the sport is played by 20 million people in more than 100 nations. It will become an Olympic sport in 2028. The NFL is in on the movement, too. The NFL, ESPN and RCX Sports will host the third NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota July 23-26 at Grand Park in Westfield. An estimated 350 girls and boys teams from across the U.S., as well as 12 international teams, will compete for championships.
Carmel filmmaker’s ‘Sylvia’ to premiere at Indy Shorts
The tragic story of Sylvia Likens has long weighed on Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman’s mind, even though it happened long before he was born. Gleckman, 25, has made a short documentary about Likens, who – at age 16 – was tortured and murdered in 1965 by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski, her children and neighbors. Likens’ parents., who were carnival workers, left Sylvia and her sister in Baniszewski’s care. “From the time I was growing up I remember hearing about this case,” Gleckman said.
Carmel residents to bike in Pan-Mass Challenge to help fund cancer research
Two Carmel residents share a passion for supporting cancer research. Sean Edwards and Rob Beeler are fundraising for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leader in adult and pediatric cancer research, in the Pan-Mass Challenge Aug. 1-2, which starts in Needham, Mass. Official routes range from 25 to 177 miles. “I lost my sister, Jenelle Callahan, to pancreatic cancer in 2016, and in 2019 I was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer myself,” said Beeler, 60.
FAST member sets national age group record
At age 10, Gabe Brown has the distinction of being faster than Olympian Michael Phelps at the same age. “It’s motivation that all my training has paid off,” said Gabe, a member of Fishers Area Swimming Tigers. Gabe set a USA Swimming national age group record for 10-and-under in the 200-yard freestyle time with a time of 1 minute, 56.12 seconds at a meet in McFarland, Wis. The previous record was 1:56.41 in 2017. Gabe has one advantage over his fellow youth swimmers.
Former Gennesaret director aims to assist homeless in Indy
Theresa Patterson’s decision to take a phone call under difficult circumstances proved to be life-changing. “My husband suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night (in the summer of 2023),” the Carmel resident said. “I woke up to the noises he was making. I was able to perform CPR on him for five minutes while we waited for a police officer and used an AED for the first time.” The EMTs then came in to take over.
Noblesville High School grad plays biggest role
In her final role in a youth production, Lilah Cross faces her biggest challenge. The 2026 Noblesville High School graduate has the title role of Alice in Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Alice in Wonderland,” which runs July 16-26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. “This is the largest role I’ve had in a show so far,” she said. “I’ve never played a leading role in a performance, so that’s a big change for me.
Carmel actress lands coveted role in ‘wrong’ play’
Nathalie Cruz knew the ‘wrong’ play was right for her. The Carmel resident will appear in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which runs from July 16 through Aug. 23 at the Indianapolis venue. The comedy follows an accident-prone theater group that attempts to stage a murder mystery. “This was one of my favorite shows I’d seen some nine years ago in New York City,” Cruz said. “I had no idea what I was about to watch and had a ball. I’ve never laughed so hard.
First Lady honors Carmel teen at White House
A 13-year-old Carmel student had a memorable start to his summer vacation. Cooper Lawhorn, who will be a seventh-grader at Clay Middle School in August, was a national finalist June 7-10 in the Presidential AI Challenge in Washington, D.C. Cooper learned about the competition when his mother, Sarah Lawhorn, received an email from 4-H. That led him to develop a proposal about PantryPal.
ATI to host tribute to Indiana composers
Actors Theatre of Indiana Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell is returning to a tribute to Indiana composers Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter he created nearly 30 years ago. “Hoagy and Cole: Indiana Music on My Mind” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. The performance is a fundraiser for ATI’s season. Murrell “It’s a new version of this show,” Murrell said.
A solid pitch: Carmel High School grads win state innovation competition
Riya Koya and Zaina Khan’s final high school project was quite productive. The 2026 Carmel High School graduates won the STARTedUp Challenge innovation pitch state competition June 12 at Butler University. Koya and Khan’s project, Occlusense, is a device designed for use in a hospital setting to assess IV pump alarms and reduce the burden on nurses.
Noblesville High School graduate set for second Songbook Academy stint
Soren McLaughlin enjoyed her first Songbook Academy experience so much that she applied again. The 2026 Noblesville High School graduate was selected as one of the 40 national finalists at Songbook Academy, set for July 11-18 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The weeklong Songbook Academy features Broadway instructors.
Songbook Academy has strong Carmel High School connection
Carmel High School will be well-represented at the Songbook Academy. A combined record number of seven former and current CHS students are among the 40 finalists from across the nation participating in the summer intensive program from July 11-18 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The week includes Broadway performers acting as mentors and instructors. Participating for the first time are Hannah Sevening, Ian Jones and Annabelle Kim.
Fishers company partners with IU players
For Erik Braden, partnering with the national championship Indiana University football program made a lot of sense. Last year, Fishers-based Braden Business Systems partnered with Purdue University basketball player Braden Smith, who was traded to the Indiana Pacers after he was drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
Musical farce set for Red Barn Theatre
Red Barn Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor is convinced audiences will embrace the season finale. Taylor “It’s a newer show with a very contemporary feel that is based in the Renaissance times,” Taylor said. “It’s the story of the creation of the first musical. It’s funny. It’s a great way to end the season.” Red Barn will present “Something Rotten!” July 9-12 and July 15-19 at the Frankfort venue.
Carmel clubs partner to present Irsay Acts of Kindness Day
The late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was known for his charitable acts. So, to help celebrate Carmel’s 50th year as a city, the Jim Irsay 1976 Acts of Kindness Day is set for Aug. 5. A Carmel resident, Irsay died in May 2025.
Retired director returns in interim role at Carmel Clay Historical Society
Debbie Gangstad’s retirement was short. Gangstad, who retired Jan. 1 as the Carmel Clay Historical Society’s executive director, returned as interim executive director June 1. Suzanne Yoder, who started in December 2025, left in May to become director of marketing and communications at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville.
ZCHS grad set for Songbook Academy
Clara Keiper is eager to expand her musical repertoire. The 2026 Zionsville Community High School graduate will participate in the Songbook Academy July 11-18 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. She was one of 40 participants selected from across the nation. “I’m also excited to meet and work with other vocalists from around the country who share a love for singing and performing,” she said. Keiper said she knows there will be several talented instructors.
Father, son come up aces
Most golfers go a lifetime without getting a hole-in-one. Joel Kirsh, 66, and his son, Trevor Kirsh, 33, got their aces in the same round June 7 at Bridgewater Club in Westfield. “It was amazing and it was both of our first holes-in-one,” said Joel, who lives with his wife on the fourth tee box on The Bridgewater Club. Joel’s younger son, Harrison, 24, was there to witness the remarkable occurrence.
Farrell’s show repertoire grows
Since leaving his role as Actors Theatre of Indiana artistic director in September 2023, Don Farrell has stayed busy. Farrell and accompanist Terry Woods regularly appear at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael on an average of twice a month. Farrell, a Westfield resident, said he and Woods have created 13 different shows, including the most recent, “Velvet Voices: A Coroner Celebration.” The concert begins with a lesser-known crooner, Russ Columbo.
Indy Opera set for final Lobster Palooza
This will be Indianapolis Opera’s 16th annual Lobster Palooza and will be special because it’s the last one. Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey said the rising cost of lobsters over the last several years will force the organization to find a new signature fundraiser. Lobster Palooza is set for 6 p.m. July 11 at Basile Opera Center, 4011 N.
Westfield High School vocalist set for Songbook
Westfield High School student Jacob Cintron is ready for the full Songbook Academy experience. Cintron, who will be a senior this school year, was one of 40 finalists selected for the Songbook Academy, which is set for July 11-18 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Cintron “I’m really excited to dive into the music that they provide,” he said. “It’s not very common that kids want to get into the old jazz music that spans from the 1920s to the 1970s.
Carmel Symphony Orchestra music director ready for 1st CarmelFest concert
David Commanday looks forward to experiencing CarmelFest, a two-day event celebrating Independence Day. Commanday, who officially starts his second stint with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra as music director and conductor July 1, previously served in the role for the 2023-24 season, but his tenure didn’t begin until October. For Commanday, the opportunity couldn’t come at a better time. CSO will perform at 8 p.m. July 4 at the CarmelFest Gazebo stage, right before the fireworks begin.
Carmel Parents Jazz Ensemble set for Gazebo stage
The Carmel Parents Jazz Ensemble is ready for its biggest gig yet. The group will perform at 12:30 p.m. July 3 at the Gazebo Stage at CarmelFest. So far, it has mostly played at senior living facilities. “The members are all very excited about the opportunity to perform for the local community,” ensemble member Kevin Seibert said. Seibert, 58, a vice president at Eli Lilly who plays alto saxophone, said the group started in January 2024.
Indy Shorts features wide variety
The Indy Shorts Film Festival will have something for the tastes of all filmgoers. “We have a wide range of world-class short films,” Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said.
New Noblesville High School girls basketball coach to stress defense
Justin Bennett has long admired the Noblesville High School girls basketball program. In May, he took the reins after Donna Buckley resigned after 18 seasons. Under her leadership, the Millers won four sectional titles and the Class 4A state championship in 2022. “What was attractive for me was, one, the pedigree and competition of being at Noblesville High School, and the challenge of helping sustain or help enhance the success that they’ve had on that girls side of the program,” Bennett said.
Carmel Pride features ‘RuPaul Drag Race’ contestant
There will be a special guest during Carmel Pride’s Sunset Drag Showcase this year. Carmel Pride runs from 1 to 8 p.m. June 28 at Carter Green. The Sunset Drag Showcase, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m., is an 18-and-older event held at the main stage at Carter Green in a roped-off area. Admission is free, but guests need an 18-plus wristband from Carmel Pride’s info booth to enter the area. Jane Don’t from the recently completed 18th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will perform at the Showcase.
Opera singers ready for Lobster Palooza fundraising game
Rachelle Woolston is ready to take a spin at opera jukebox. The soprano from Carmel will be one of the Indianapolis Opera singers at the annual Lobster Palooza fundraiser, set for 6 p.m. July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis. “It’s a fun, fast-paced fundraising opportunity, and our guests are treated to opera snippets as a reward for raising money for the education and outreach efforts,” Woolston said.
Cross fulfills hospice patient’s wish at Carmel concert
Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and Christopher Cross made a terminally ill patient’s wish come true. Patrick Armstong’s wish was to see Cross perform live with a longtime friend, Carmel resident Traci Runge, by his side. Armstrong is in hospice care at Morning Light in Indianapolis. Morning Light’s Making Memories Program’s mission is to make wishes come true for its terminally ill residents.
Discovering Broadway launches First Listen
Discovering Broadway is taking its next step with an inaugural program called First Listen. “First Listen equips Broadway authors with commission funds to create groundbreaking work from scratch,” said Joel Kirk, founder of Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broadway incubator. Jesso Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, will direct and help create the yet-untitled musical by composer-lyricist and writer Zack Zadek.
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