December 20, 2022 — Carmel

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Former OPE site could be used for CCS employee child care, green space

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 9

Copyright 2022 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

The views of the columnists, cartoonist and, where applicable, advertisers in Current are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

EDUCATION

A portion of the building that previously housed Orchard Park Elementary could be repurposed as a site offering child care for Carmel Clay Schools employees, with the rest of the facility being demolished, according to a recommendation from district administrators discussed at the Dec. 12 school board meeting.

The recommendation calls for refreshing the part of the building constructed in 2006 for special-needs preschool students for use as the district’s third Edu-Care site. The program has a lengthy waiting list, and some potential CCS employees have turned down job offers because their young children wouldn’t be guaranteed a spot, according to Assistant Supt. Thomas Oestreich.

If plans are approved, the Edu-Care program is set to add space for 86 children, a nearly 40 percent increase. CCS aims to have the space ready by December 2023.

The school board is expected to vote on the recommendation, which is projected to cost $3 million, in January. It is being proposed as part of a $34 million bond that also includes upgrades at Carmel High School and several elementary schools. The bond is expected to be paid off in eight years and is not projected to alter the district’s tax rate.

The plans are also contingent on a ruling from a Hamilton County judge on whether the district should have made the building available to charter schools for $1 after the elementary school closed. Indiana Classical Schools Corp., which aims to open Valor Classical Academy in the building next fall, sued CCS in April, and a ruling is expected before the school board votes on the recommendation.

State law requires vacated school buildings be made available to charter schools for $1. CCS claims it did not violate the law because it has been using the building for storage and training space since OPE closed.

CCS closed Orchard Park Elementary after the 2020-21 school year after opting to build Clay Center Elementary 5 miles northwest instead of renovating the aging building. In June 2021, CCS announced its intentions to lease the site to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation to develop a park, but CCPR pulled out

of the deal after Indiana Classical Schools filed its lawsuit.

Other changes proposed at OPE include a 6,000-square-foot addition for storage and space for the central district maintenance team. CCS Associate Supt. Roger McMichael said the new construction would be designed to complement the portion of the existing building that would remain.

“We’re quite aware (the building) is in a neighborhood, so it would be consistent

with the existing space we’re talking about for Edu-Care,” McMichael said. “It would be an attractive facility and sensitive to the area it’s located in.”

Much of the building proposed to be demolished would be replaced with green space. CCS Supt. Michael Beresford said plans for the 12-acre site align with feedback gathered from residents who live near the school.

UPGRADES PROPOSED AT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

The proposed $34 million bond includes upgrades at Carmel High School to expand and improve space for students learning about construction, culinary arts and other job-related skills.

The school board is considering $9 million for a 14,000-square-foot Polytechnic addition proposed on the northwest side of the building to house advanced construction and automotive programs. More than 100 students interested in the programs this year were unable to take the classes because of lack of space, CHS Principal Tim Phares said.

Similarly, nearly 200 students interested in the culinary program were unable to enroll this school year because of space constraints. Plans call for spending $1 million to renovate the culinary area, which includes installing a commercial-grade kitchen.

Phares said he expects to have room for

all students interested in the construction, automotive and culinary classes once the renovations are complete.

The bond also calls for $1 million to upgrade radio and television broadcasting equipment and make minor renovations to the space.

If plans are approved, work at CHS is expected to begin in October 2023 and be complete by October 2024.

Other projects in the bond include $5 million for mid-cycle renovations to the freshman center, including replacement of wall and floor finishes, landscaping and paving; $3 million for outside mid-cycle renovations at Creekside Middle School; $4 million for mid-cycle renovations at College Wood, Prairie Trace, Towne Meadow, West Clay and Forest Dale elementary schools; and $4 million for technology upgrades.

The 12-acre site of the former Orchard Park Elementary campus is proposed to be used for Edu-Care, storage and green space. (Map courtesy of CCS)

West District councilor enters 2023 mayoral race

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

In 2019, Miles Nelson became the first Democrat elected to the Carmel City Council. Now, he’s aiming to become the city’s first Democratic mayor.

ELECTION

His party affiliation, however, is not his focus.

“My goal is to be the mayor of Democrats and Republicans and Libertarians and unaffiliated independents,” Nelson said. “I don’t know if I ever thought so much about being the first Democrat ever elected. I was running to be an advocate and a representative of the people of the West District. Many of the calls that I receive, I have no idea (the caller’s) party affiliation, and that’s a good thing.”

Nelson described himself as a moderate who has worked well with many of his Republican colleagues on the council to address various issues that are important to residents of all political parties, such as street maintenance and public safety.

He didn’t initially expect to run for mayor after his first term and said he was surprised by Mayor Jim Brainard’s announcement in September that he would not seek reelection. Nelson said he would not have run for mayor against Brainard, a Republican who has been in office since 1996.

Nelson said he supports much of the work Brainard has done to develop and grow Carmel over the years, including efforts to ensure the city is welcoming to all as its population becomes more diverse.

“I’m running because I want to keep moving Carmel forward,” he said. “I want to continue to make this one of the best places to

live in the entire country.”

Nelson said his campaign will also focus on environmental issues, which he said will help attract more young residents, and thus business headquarters, to the city.

Nelson and his wife, Carolina, have two children and have lived in Carmel for nearly 20 years. He owns executive search firm American Opportunity Incorporated.

In 2019, Nelson and his daughter, Olivia, formed the Carmel Cleanup Crew, which has become a nonprofit dedicated to improving the environment in Carmel by picking up trash and committing to plant 10,000 trees. So far, the group has distributed more than 2,700 trees throughout the city.

No other Democratic candidates have announced a run for mayor. Two Republicans on the council, Kevin “Woody” Rider and Sue Finkam, will face off in the primary in May 2023. Other candidates could enter the primary races until Feb. 3, when candidate filing ends.

Learn more about Nelson’s campaign at milesforcarmel.com.

Carmel City Councilor Miles Nelson has launched a campaign for mayor. (Photo courtesy of Miles Nelson)

Mayor: Voters should set term limits

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

he believes term limits should be set by voters on Election Day.

ELECTION

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook recently vetoed an ordinance setting term limits for the offices of mayor, city councilor and clerk-treasurer. The issue hasn’t been raised in Carmel, but if it were, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said he would be decidedly against it, too.

Cook, who is in his fourth term, vetoed the ordinance because he believes it conflicts with state law, which does not set parameters on how long an elected official in a municipality can serve. The council, however, voted to override Cook’s veto.

Brainard, who worked as an attorney before becoming mayor of Carmel in 1996, said he agrees with some Westfield officials and other experts that the ordinance might be challenged in court. But, more importantly,

“I’m in total disagreement with the Westfield City Council on this,” Brainard said. “They are taking away the ability of the voters of Westfield to decide who they want for mayor and city council.”

Brainard is the longest-serving mayor in Carmel history. He is nearing the end of his seventh term and announced in September that he will not run for office again.

“(Voters) could’ve thrown me out after two terms, or one term, or three, four, five or six terms. They chose not to, but they had the right to make that decision,” Brainard said. “Why should the city council take that away from the voters?”

Many state- and county-level elected positions in Indiana are restricted by term limits. Brainard said he does not believe term limits should apply to those offices, either.

CCS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS HONORED AT FINAL MEETING

Cook Brainard

From left, Carmel Clay Schools Board of Trustees members Mike Kerschner and Layla Spanenberg pause with Supt. Michael Beresford at the Dec. 12 school board meeting. It was the final meeting for Kerschner and Spanenberg, who decided not to seek reelection. Kerschner served on the board for eight years, while Spanenberg served for 12. District officials presented Kerschner and Spanenberg with a wooden box containing a compass to thank them for their service. (Photo courtesy of Emily Bauer)

‘LoveEternal’ sculpture debuts

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For years, John Moore would send every note to his wife, Zebbie, daughter, Jessica, and granddaughter, Serenity, with a symbol of a heart interlocked with the infinity sign to express his love for them.

CITY NEWS

“Before she took her last breath in my arms one day, she made me promise to do something special with ‘LoveEternal,’” Moore said of Zebbie, who died at age 57 in 2014.

The couple had been married 33 years, and Moore had been using that symbol for three-plus decades.

The “LoveEternal” sculpture was unveiled Dec. 1 by the Center for the Performing Arts at the northeast corner of The Tarkington and James building at Carter Green.

Plans for a sculpture began when Moore gave a gallery print of “LoveEternal” to Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard nearly seven years ago. He said he gave it to Brainard because his wife loved Carmel and loved what Brainard had done during his time in office.

“He was touched by the story,” said Moore, whose artist name is JAMoore.

Moore, who has lived in Carmel for nearly 40 years, said Brainard and Sharon Kibbe, executive office manager at the mayor’s office at the City of Carmel, thought it would be a great sculpture and a destination for people to take pictures.

The digital media library made a 3D print of the sculpture that was taken to Kibbe.

Moore said Jeremy Kashman, director of engineering for the City of Carmel, saw the print and suggested Indianapolis-based Smock Fansler Corp. do the fabrication. The city paid Smock Fansler $23,135 to make the sculpture.

“It’s been done for a couple of years waiting for the unveiling,” Moore said. “We’re hoping that people come take their pictures with ‘LoveEternal.’”

The city waited to place the sculpture until much of the reconstruction of the Monon Greenway in the area had been completed. Once the work reached a certain point, city officials were able to determine exact placement of the sculpture.

Moore, who previously owned his own family printing company, said he is working on other art and music projects.

Moore said people can view the process at loveeternal.me.

DISPATCHES

imately $5,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD at 317-571-2500 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. Reference CPD case number 2022-60075.

Theft suspect sought — The Carmel Police Dept. is investigating multiple thefts from Walgreens at 1424 S. Range Line Rd. that occurred between April and October. The individual pictured is suspected of stealing various items from the store on multiple occasions during that timeframe. The total value of the stolen merchandise is approx-

Super Smash Bros. success — Clay Stults of Carmel High School took fifth place in the Spartan Smash 2022 at Manchester University. Stults was among nearly 200 high school players competing at the North Manchester campus. At the one-day invitational, players compete in a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament for scholarships and bragging rights. Each of the top eight players are eligible for a $3,000 Esports Scholarship to attend Manchester. This would be in addition to any other financial aid for which they would otherwise qualify.

CARMEL SHOWROOM 99 E. Carmel Drive Suite 100 Carmel, IN

MERIDIAN-KESSLER STUDIO 5912 N. College Avenue Indianapolis, IN

ZIONSVILLE STUDIO 117 S. First Street Zionsville, IN

John Moore and his granddaughter, Serenity, pause by the “LoveEternal” sculpture. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Mt. Vernon senior tight end earns state position award

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Being named the top tight end in Indiana high school football wasn’t on Mt. Vernon senior George Burhenn’s radar before the season.

“I forgot there was even an award at the beginning of the season, but then I saw that this would be pretty cool to win if I perform how I should,” Burhenn said.

Burhenn recently was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award winner for tight end.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Burhenn caught 38 passes for 784 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 16 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown for Mt. Vernon (6-4).

“He had a huge year for us with the production on the offensive side of the ball and special teams,” Marauders coach Vince Lidy said.

As a junior, Burhenn had 28 receptions for 443 yards for the Marauders (14-1), who

MEET GEORGE BURHENN

Favorite athlete: Taysom Hill

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Wolf of Wolf Street”

Ideal vacation spot: Aruba

won the Class 4A state title in 2021.

Lidy said Burhenn was a difference-maker as a junior, but the team had more offensive weapons. This past season, Lidy said teams prepared to stop Burhenn. In practice, Lidy said they prepared for Burhenn to be double-teamed.

“He was super coachable as we put him

Mt.

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

anywhere from a running back, to a slot back, to tight end to wideout,” Lidy said. “ Burhenn said he has made the most im-

provement with his versatility.

“I improved on all my weaknesses, like blocking and running after the catch,” he said.

Burhenn also played safety, sharing the position with another player.

“Once we started playing the better teams, I was basically playing the whole game,” he said.

Burhenn, a hurdler on the track and field team, averaged 18.9 yards on kickoff returns and 19.5 yards on punt returns last season.

“Returning kicks is always a dream to do, and you don’t see many big guys like me doing it, so it was pretty fun,” he said.

Burhenn said has committed to play football for Purdue University, but with the recent coaching change, he is keeping his options open. Coach Jeff Brohm left Purdue to take the University of Louisville coaching job, and several staff members have left with him. Former University of Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was named Purdue’s coach Dec. 13.”

“I’ll probably check out Louisville a little bit because the coaches I know are there, but I’ll talk with my family and see what is best for me,” Burhenn said.

”

Jay R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Vernon tight end George Burhenn, 81, was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Muffler)

Burhenn

CHS senior adds national title to resume

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES

Carmel High School senior runner Kole Mathison recently added his first national championship to his impressive list of accomplishments.

two days after Thanksgiving. It hurt during warmups, but during the race I didn’t notice it at all. I continued to baby it leading up to the national races. It brought my mileage down, but I don’t think I lost any fitness, so it worked out.”

RUNNING

“It’s been a dream of mine ever since coming into high school and starting to run (my) freshman year,” he said. “Accomplishing it in my final high school (cross country) race is special. I’ll definitely remember it forever.”

Mathison captured the Dec. 10 Champs Sports Cross Country Championships boys 5,000 meters race in 14:56.6 in San Diego. Mathison finished fifth in the same national meet in 2021.

Mathison had the fastest time by nearly 11 seconds. It was the best time in that race since 2015.

Mathison won despite some challenges. He learned he had an inflamed tendon in his right foot after feeling pain on a Thanksgiving Day run.

“I did some bike workouts to try to keep off of it and let it heal,” Mathison said. “I

put myself in a boot and tried to stay off it before the regional qualifier, which was

Mathison placed second in the Champs Sports regional at Kenosha, Wis. Mathison then placed fourth Dec. 3 in the Nike Cross Country Championships in Portland.

Mathison, who has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in cross country and track and field for the University of Colorado, captured the IHSAA boys cross country state title in October. That helped the Greyhounds win the state team title.

“Winning the state team title was one of my memorable high school cross country moments,” he said.

Last season, Mathison was a double winner in the state track and field meet, winning the 1,600 and 3,200 meters with state meet records. CHS won the state boys track and field title in 2021.

Mathison will compete Jan. 21, 2023, in the U20 USA Cross Country Championships in Richmond, Va. The top six advance to the U20 World Championships in Australia.

Commissioner named president — Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt was elected to serve as 2023 president of the Indiana Association of County Commissioners during its annual conference.

As president, Heirbrandt will represent the elected county commissioners in Indiana’s 92 counties. He will be president of the IACC’s board of directors, which determines policies and legislative goals for the association.

Free COVID-19 tests — Genepace Solutions in Carmel is giving away excess COVID-19 testing kits that expire on Dec. 31. The business at 316 S. Range Line Rd. has been providing COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic but does not expect to be able to use the tests it has on hand before they expire. Each box contains two tests. The free tests may be picked up at Genepace Solutions. Learn more by calling 463-999-9877 or at genepacesolutions.com.

Carmel High School senior Kole Mathison holds the trophy he won at the Champs Sports Cross Country Championships title. (Photo courtesy of Jamison Michael)

Heirbrandt

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

CARMEL

Project: Roundabout, multi-use path construction

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and College Avenue is closed for construction of a roundabout. The multi-use path is under construction along 106th Street from Pennsylvania Parkway to College Avenue.

Expected completion: Road expected to reopen this month, with full and partial closures planned in the spring to finish the project.

Project: Culvert reconstruction

Location: The Monon Greenway is closed from north of west Smoky Row Road to the Hagan Burke Trail.

Expected completion: End of the year Project: New roundabout

Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard

Expected completion: The project is set to conclude with median reconstruction between Lexington Boulevard and Richland Avenue in 2023.

Project: Widening and improvements along Smoky Row Road

Location: Between the Monon Greenway and U.S. 31. The road will be fully closed during the project.

Expected completion: The road is expected to reopen this month with closures planned in the spring to complete the project.

Project: 1st on Main construction

Location: North Range Line Road is closed just north of Main Street to accommodate construction of the 1st on Main mixed-use development.

Expected completion: The road is expected to reopen in January 2023.

WESTFIELD

Project: New roundabout

Location: A section of Eagletown Road between 166th Street and Ind. 32 is closed until Jan. 2, 2023. The closure is for the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road.

Expected completion: Closed until Jan. 2, 2023

Unexpected journey brings woodworking duo to Christkindlmarkt

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Some things are just meant to be. That’s how Maria Murphy, CEO and market master of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, felt when she approached the workshop of a German woodworker for the first time in July and heard Christmas music pouring out of the building.

HOLIDAYS

“It was a very unique moment, very special,” she said.

Murphy had recently learned about woodworker Hans-Joachim Seitfudem while enjoying breakfast at an Airbnb near Oberammergau, Germany. The tiny town is known for a passion play it has produced every 10 years since the 1630s, which, according to legend, started in response to God answering the residents’ prayers to halt the Black Plague in their village. Murphy had always wanted to see the nearly daylong production, which draws enough visitors and economic activity to support the town for years, she said, and the timing worked out during a summer trip to Germany to scout vendors and artists for the Christkindlmarkt.

During breakfast one morning, a waiter pointed out Seitfudem’s wooden statues decorating the room and gave her walking directions to the artist’s workshop. After a 15-minute journey on foot, Murphy found

Seitfudem and was immediately impressed with his work, which included life-size carvings of Jesus on the cross. She also met Joachim Seitfudem, the woodcarver’s son, who is also a well-known artist.

Both men will visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt to work on their craft in the Werkstatt, or workshop, a hut making its debut this year. Joachim Seitfudem will be in the Werkstatt from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 15; 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24. He and his father will carve in the Werkstatt from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.

Learn more at CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com.

SCOUTS, CFD PARTNER TO ASSIST LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED

HOST

Eric Holcomb Governor of Indiana

Carmel Boy Scouts of America Troops 112 and 1120 and the Carmel Fire Dept. teamed Dec. 3 to sort and package nearly 200 boxes of food for those in need in the community. Additional volunteers delivered the

involved with the Troops at troop112.org. (Photo courtesy of Randall Lockner)

Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO and Market Master Maria Murphy pauses with woodworker Hans-Joachim Seitfudem in his workshop. (Photo courtesy of Maria Murphy)

Woodworker helps brighten holidays for Hoosier children

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Michael Sapper does his part to supply toys to disadvantaged children during the holidays, handcrafting them in a woodworking shop in his Carmel home.

GIVING BACK

Sapper works with the Central Indiana Woodworkers club, which was founded in 1948, to create the toys for children.

“I find it super rewarding,” Sapper said. “It’s a great group of people, and (the toys) fill a worthy cause for kids, whose parents sometimes don’t have funds to buy gifts. There are about 35 different agencies in (the Indianapolis area) that come to us with requests. The last seven or eight years we’ve averaged around 15,000 to 16,000 toys a year. They are not all cars. Some are educational toys. There may be games, there might be gender-oriented toys specifically for boys or girls.”

Other than cars, toys include planes, trains and cribs. Wheels for the toys are factory-made.

“I’ve had opportunities to take the toys out and meet some of the families, and it might be the only things the kids get,” Sapper said.

Sapper said the toys are stored throughout the year. They are taken to a warehouse in Fishers where they pack the toy to meet the agencies’ requests.

Sapper said he and Indianapolis Rowing Center friends made 100-plus wooden toys in one day. He also has a designated day making toys with his cycling friends.

“Some people know how to use tools and others don’t,” he said. “Some people who are petrified of tools, we just have them sand and do stuff that is really safe. We have people with all different skill levels come out, and we take them through the process of making toys.”

The toys are often made from wood that would be thrown away.

“I like that you can take firewood that might be for one person and turn it into something different,” said Sapper, who is a certified public accountant.

Sapper also makes bowls, cutting boards and other items from leftover wood or logs.

“I also feel like I’m honoring the tree to give it a second life,” he said.

Sapper, who has been making toys with Central Indiana Woodworkers since 2015, has a YouTube channel under Sapper Woodworking with instructional videos.

“I row and I cycle, but this (shop) is my happy place,” Sapper said.

Sapper makes items from used skateboards. He won a 2022 Indiana State Fair blue ribbon for a bowl he made from used skateboards in the turning division for woodworking.

“I also entered a lamp I made out of recycled plywood that came out of a friend’s floor, and that won a blue ribbon in the home decor,” he said.

From those individual category winners, Sapper’s lamp won grand champion.

DISPATCH

Best Buy theft — The Carmel Police Dept. is investigating a theft that occurred at 4:36 p.m. Nov. 28 at Best Buy at 10025 N. Michigan Rd. As part of that investigation, CPD is attempting to identify the individuals pictured. Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD at 317-571-2500 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. Reference CPD case number 22-76107.

Michael Sapper displays some of the toys he makes in his home woodworking shop. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

CITY CELEBRATES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE FOR EXPANDED CPD HQ

The City of Carmel held a beam-topping ceremony Dec. 9 to celebrate the milestone of placing the final steel beam in the expanded Carmel Police Dept. headquarters building. Before the beam was lifted into place, city officials and employees, construction workers and members of the public signed the beam. The new building, expected to open in late 2023, will triple the capacity of the existing CPD headquarters and add space for Carmel City Court and the City Clerk’s Office.

From left, Sam Butler and Eric Stuck of Ironworkers Local 22 place the final beam. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Pam Baker, a court reporter for Carmel City Court, signs the beam.

Rose Parade

By Edward Redd news@currentincarmel.com

A late Carmel resident will be honored as part of the Donate Life float in the annual Rose Parade set for Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif.

The float will feature McKenzie Leichtnam in a floragraph, a portrait made of natural materials. Thirty-nine other donors will be featured on the float, as well. Leichtnam, a 2009 Carmel High School graduate, was a lifelong sports fan, and his sister, Kelsey Leichtnam, believes her brother would have found the honor amazing.

McKenzie was born in October 1990, the second child of Paul and Collette Leichtnam. Within a week of his birth, it was discovered he had a fatal condition called hypoplastic heart syndrome, where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. At 13 days old, he underwent a heart transplant at Riley Hospital for Children.

McKenzie would need daily medicine, monthly blood work and yearly biopsies and stress tests to ensure his heart was healthy. Despite his circumstances, his family said McKenzie lived a fulfilling and normal life.

“He was so positive, and everyone loved his jokes,” Kelsey said. “He was always funny and coming up with silly things with his friends.”

According to Kelsey, McKenzie never complained, cried or wanted sympathy, and he was a selfless and happy person.

At age 16, McKenzie decided to become an organ donor while getting his driver’s license. Paul said his son was asked at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles if he wanted to have a heart put on his license to indicate his choice.

His mother was with him at the time.

“He looked at me like, ‘Can I, mom?’ and I’m sure in the back of his mind, he was thinking, “OK, I’ve already received an organ. Can I pay it forward?’” Collette said. “Even if I wouldn’t have been with him, he would have signed up.”

A few years later, on July 24, 2011, McKenzie died in his sleep on what seemed to be a normal day. He had recently had a regular checkup with the family physician before

driving to Indiana University in Bloomington to look for housing. McKenzie was going to transfer from

“He fell asleep on the car ride home, which he always did, and ate normal,”

Kelsey said. “(My parents) walked the dogs and came home. They thought he was sleeping but found out he wasn’t breathing.”

In death, McKenzie helped save and heal many lives by becoming a tissue donor. His parents, who still live in Carmel, chose not

to reach out to the recipients out of respect, saying they’d agree to meet anyone who wanted to reach out to them.

McKenzie was an avid sports fan. In 2004, Make-A-Wish organized a trip for him to see the Red Sox play in the World Series, the first time the team had been in the Series in nearly 20 years. McKenzie’s favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers.

McKenzie’s impact continues to be felt, as Kelsey, a Covington resident, was inspired to become a hospital liaison for the Indiana Donor Network, the organization that managed Leichtnam’s gift of life.

ON THE COVER: The Leichtnam family displays the floragraph of McKenzie Leichtnam. From left, Collette, Paul and Kelsey Leichtnam and Austin Boling (husband of Kelsey Leichtnam) (Photo by Edward Redd)

UNCHARTED TERRITORY

According to cardiologist Dr. Robert Darragh, Riley Hospital for Children was one of the few medical facilities in the nation with doctors who performed newborn heart transplants in 1990. Darragh was the cardiologist who diagnosed McKenzie Leichtnam and took care of him before and after surgery. He routinely saw McKenzie for medication and follow-ups throughout his life.

The first pediatric heart transplant done in Indiana was in 1988, according to the Indiana University School of Medicine. Doctors knew transplants worked but didn’t know how long they would last.

As a heart transplant recipient, McKenzie was in uncharted waters at age 20. The doctors had no prior knowledge to know what to expect as he got older, according to Kelsey Leichtnam, McKenzie’s sister.

“Once he hit 14, Riley kind of said to Mom and Dad, ‘We’re doing the best we can, but we’re learning with McKenzie, essentially because we have nothing to go off of,’” Kelsey said.

Late Carmel organ recipient, tissue donor to be honored during

Vincennes University to IU to complete his degree.

The Leichtnam family displays a picture of McKenzie Leichtnam. From left, Paul, Kelsey and Collette Leichtnam. (Photo by Edward Redd)

McKenzie Leichtnam’s legacy lives on through the lives he’s helped through his tissue donation and through his family and loved ones. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Donor Network)

Floragraphs are portraits of deceased organ, tissue or eye donors. They’re made with organic material such as flowers, seeds and spices.

(Photo by Edward Redd)

A medallion honoring Mckenzie Leichtnam’s tissue donation. (Photo by Edward Redd)

ESSAY

Crime and punishment?

Commentary by Terry Anker

While most of us are preparing for “peace on Earth” and “goodwill toward men,” there are others who remain vigilant of the vagrancies of the darker side of our humanity. The Islamic Republic of Iran recently vented its retribution by sentencing 400 of its errant citizens to hard time in prison for their roles in civil disobedience. Better, one can assume, than the fate of Mohsen Shekari, who was put to death this month for impeding traffic while holding a knife. While details from the trial, if there was one, are not clear, he was accused of injuring an Iranian paramilitary officer, but the execution was the result of Shekari’s “waging war against God.”

Shekari and the thousands of others like him protested the regime. They protested living conditions for women and minorities in their nation. And they protested for a voice in their own governance. It is unclear what evidence was used to show his defiance of the ruling class. As far as Western journalists have been able to uncover, even if offended, God has remained largely quiet on the claims.

Some honorable readers will take the side of the caliphate, suggesting that good order leads to a just society. Others will decidedly be aligned with the protesters, fighting to remind us that no one person has a lock on the word or intention of the divine. The equilibrium between freedom and responsibility is perennially swaying. A bit closer to home, the question of riot or police state might be anchored to a different mooring, but the claims of righteousness must likewise be limited. Regardless of one’s personal theories of relativity, can we find balance when the punishments are so great, or the restraint is too little?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

CHARLES DICKENS

There will be blood

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

When it comes to blood draws, I am a wimp. A baby. A big fat scaredy cat. For someone who’s birthed four children, undergone extensive hernia repair surgery, and more recently, had cortisone aggressively jabbed into her shoulder socket, you’d think I’d be able to handle a tiny needle prick. But no. If I could, I’d run for the hills every single time, like the chicken I am.

Unfortunately, my one and only primary care physician of 20-plus years retired (Oh. Dr. M, why have you forsaken me?), forcing me to find a replacement. And my new person insisted on a full lab panel since my last workup was literally ancient history: “We can do them right here. You can come in the morning. Remember to fast!”

Ugh. Fine. I returned the next day, overdramatically weak from hunger and nauseous from anxiety, hoping for a stay of execution. Not to be fooled or deterred, the nurse whisked me into a private room where I could lie down and keep an ice pack under my neck. Clearly, there’d be no fainting (or avoiding the scheduled and consensual medical stabbing) on her watch. Curse you, wise woman!

To her credit, it was over quickly, though she missed on her first try and then proceeded to inform me that my veins “really roll.” (Cue gag). And later, the crook of my arm looked like a disturbed copperhead, or “Twilight’s” Edward Cullen had landed a bite. Nonetheless, I survived, without barfing or visibly crying, so I guess that’s a win.

Hi. My name is Danielle. And I’m a coward when it comes to blood draws. Bawk, bawk.

Peace out.

associate

Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Danielle

Terry Anker is an

editor of

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

–

READERS’ VIEWS

On a mission for illumination

Editor,

I’ve been reading Terry Anker’s column for months now and I’ve yet to understand a single word he’s written, and while that may sound like a criticism, it’s more a reflection on my fading powers of concentration. Perhaps I should be giving myself a break, though, for Terry’s columns are less about comprehension and more about asking the big-picture, unanswerable questions about where we fit in the grand scheme of this magnificent universe.

All those questions that punctuate Terry’s columns, the ones that are never answered — they sound less like the deep, penetrating inquiries about the mysteries of existence and more like the deluge of questions my young son asks: Why is the sky blue? Who makes grass? Why do we have hair? Questions that are, of course, delightful and wondrous and perhaps somewhat tedious and punishing in their endlessness and can only be silenced by tossing a handful of Oreos in the backseat.

Again, this is not a criticism, just an admission that I, too, am on a mission for illumination, and that I’m convinced that with enough study, I’ll eventually figure out the deep mysteries that Terry alludes to in every column. Right now, though, I’m afraid I’m out of Oreos.

Chris Colcord, Carmel

Not a fan of show choice at Feinstein’s

Editor,

I saw an advertisement for a drag show brunch at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for Dec. 18. It said, “Remember to bring your dollar bills to tip your dancers!” Thankfully, it’s for 21-years-old-and-over.

Speaking for myself, I’d like to see Carmel continue to be a family-friendly city. I don’t want to see our city hotel hosting drag shows any more than I want to see strip clubs or adult bookstores take up shop here in Carmel.

Bridget Vickery, Carmel

I’ll never guess what I got you for Christmas

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

what it is. I’m the one who doesn’t have a clue.”

“It doesn’t seem right to tell you. That’s not in keeping with the spirit of giving, Dick.”

HUMOR

Over the past 20 years, I have written more than a few humor columns about the holiday season. Below is my favorite one and is pretty much exactly what happened. In December of 2016, a UPS truck pulled up to our curb and we were eager to see what was in store for us. Actually, nothing was in a store. We bought everything online that year.

The driver struggled with a carton the size of a big-screen TV. He maneuvered it to the front porch, and I went outside to look at it.

“Who’s it for?” my wife, Mary Ellen, asked.

It was addressed to me, but that could have been misleading. When a delivery is made, we are not sure who ordered it and who the gift is for. If the wrong person opens it, well, there goes the surprise on Christmas morning.

“It’s addressed to me,” I told her. “But I have no recollection of ordering anything so big. Maybe you ordered it?”

My wife thought for a moment, and so began the weirdest conversation in our 34year marriage.

“Dick, I know what it is. It’s that special item I mentioned months ago that I wanted for Christmas. You said you found it in a catalog. Don’t you remember? I’m so excited! Thank you.”

“I have absolutely no idea what it is. Can you give me a hint?”

“No, I can’t. That would ruin the surprise.” “Ruin my surprise? It’s supposed to be your surprise. But you already know

“OK, how about you whisper softly in my ear, and I promise I won’t tell you what you said.”

It scared me a little that for a brief moment this actually made sense to me. It was driving me crazy that I had no memory of what I bought her.

“Is it a high-tech item?” I asked.

“Not really,” Mary Ellen said.

“Do you plug it in?”

“No.”

“Is it artwork?”

“No, and I don’t want to play anymore. If you guess it, I’ll have nothing to look forward to on Christmas morning. I want to see the expression on your face when I open it.”

When Mary Ellen went out grocery shopping, I opened the box. It was a really neat present. I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife. Before Mary Ellen got home, I resealed it, gift-wrapped it and placed it under the tree.  Of course, now we both knew what was in the package. It will still be a surprise on Christmas morning, so long as we can both keep a secret.

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

I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Rad’s under new ownership

By Chris Bavender news@currentincarmel.com

&Rad’s, which serves breakfast and lunch in Brookshire Village Shoppes, is under new ownership. Cerissa and Steve Scholl took over Dec. 1 after the previous owner, Josh Hall, left for a new venture.

RESTAURANT

“Steve felt so passionately about the restaurant that he wanted to continue to carry on this dream,” Cerissa said of her husband, who has worked at Rad’s as the restaurant manager since it opened.

Steve helped Hall open the restaurant.

The couple’s background in hospitality is a natural fit for owning a restaurant. They met 10 years ago at the Minneapolis Marriott and continued to work there before Steve transitioned into the food and beverage side of hospitality.

Cerissa works at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis.

“My exposure to marketing in my current job has helped me to create some marketing platforms for the restaurant,” she said.

The couple’s focus now is to make Rad’s the best it can be. A new website and online ordering/delivery was launched, and a TV has been added so customers can watch the news during breakfast.

“We’ve had a couple of new additions added to the menu, including a Cobb salad, waffles and Grace’s hot chocolate. Grace’s hot chocolate is named after our daughter, who sometimes goes to work with Steve when she’s on break from school,” Cerissa said. “Grace’s hot chocolate has colorful sprinkles and house-made whipped cream.”

Regular customers have been supportive.

“We want our customers to feel welcome in a family-friendly environment. We want the guests to experience fresh, quality food with friendly service. Rad’s is a great option for Sunday brunch or a cup of coffee on the way to work,” Cerissa said. “We have guests come in and plug in to get work done during the week, small groups of people who meet during the lunch hour, regulars who come every day (that) we are open for breakfast, and families who look forward to coloring on the tables while they wait on their food.”

“Some have joked about us being the ‘Cheers’ breakfast spot where everybody knows your name,” Steve added. “We want it to be inviting and for customers to look forward to coming back to great food and service.”

The Scholls plan to keep Rad’s a family restaurant.

“The restaurant is named after the original owner’s grandfather, Rad Bailey, who was a World War II veteran,” Cerissa said.

“Hopefully, a second location can open in the future. We do plan to offer catering in 2023 and possibly try a weekend supper club again.”

DISPATCHES

HerMD to open in Carmel City Center — HerMD, a female-founded, physician-led organization that focuses on gynecology, menopause, sexual health and medical aesthetics, will open its first location in Indiana when it debuts Jan. 19 at 885 Monon Green Blvd. in Carmel City Center.

November home sale stats — Carmel experienced a quieter residential real estate market in November. According to F.C. Tucker Company, homes in Carmel spent 11 days, or 91.7 percent, longer on the market than in November 2021. The average home sale price in Carmel was $514,027, an increase of .5% compared to this time last year. The average

price per square foot for a home in Carmel also increased, up 12.4 percent to $211.31.

Holiday card design winner — CNO Financial Group announced the winner of its fourth annual corporate holiday and New Year’s card competition is a watercolor snow globe scene from Reed Barton, 12, son of Emily Barton, a paralegal for CNO in the Carmel office location. The winning artwork was used as the image on CNO’s official 2022 corporate holiday card. As the contest winner, Reed received an art kit, a $500 gift card and $500 from CNO to donate to a charity of his choice: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rad’s serves breakfast and lunch at 4721 E. 126th St. (Photo courtesy of Rad’s)

Petos opens on Main St.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A taste of Greece is coming to downtown Carmel.

RESTAURANT

Petos has arrived at 15 W. Main St. in the space formerly occupied by Donatello’s Italian Restaurant.

The restaurant is owned by Carmel residents Alain-Jesus Raphael and Nermine Fanous. Petos previously was at 6020 E. 82nd St. in the Castleton area, but it closed at the end of October when its lease expired. Petos opened at its former spot in November 2019.

“We’ve been looking for our new location for a while now,” said Patricia Raphael, daughter of the owners. “This year was a little tough on us at the old location. Our (air conditioner) was broken all summer. We also wanted to be closer to our customers. We wanted a better and safer location, and we ended up with this one.”

Patricia, 23, will help manage the restaurant and work as a server.

“I’ll do everything but cooking,” she said. Petos celebrated its grand opening Dec.

15-17.

“It’s very authentic Greek,” Patricia said. “Everything we make is from scratch. My mom cooks everything A to Z. My dad created the menu.”

Patricia said the family began renovating the Carmel restaurant when its lease began in September.

The name Petos comes from the island in Greece and also is a nickname for her brother, Peter, who is a senior at Carmel High School. Peter also will help in the restaurant. Patricia is a 2017 CHS graduate. Learn more at petosfamily.com.

Something Splendid expands

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Something Splendid started with three Carmel residents who had a passion for gift giving.

RETAIL

The business lauched online in 2019 by sisters Erynn and Elyse Petruzzi and their longtime friend, Allison Pirtle. The Petruzzi sisters are Carmel High School graduates, while Pirtle is a Hamilton Southeastern graduate.

With the success of the online gift box operation, Something Splendid opened its store Nov. 17 at 217 Mill St. in Westfield.

“We knew we wanted to open a retail shop and having really close ties to Westfield through our parents — and my uncles all own businesses in Westfield — we started looking,” Elyse said.

The business started as creating gift boxes. However, Erynn said while people can come in and buy gifts for any occasion, they can also buy items themselves for home decor.

“We build the store with the premise of just having a gift shop for gifts for any season,” Elyse said. “We have three facets of

the gift shop. You can come in and buy one item. We’ve got gift boxes that are already built for many different reasons.”

Elyse said the business has holiday boxes available, in addition to boxes for birthdays, that can be purchased.

Elyse said the online business has been busy year-round, but the Christmas season is the busiest with a lot of corporate gifts.

The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and most Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. The business plans to have a grand opening sometime in March 2023.

For more, visit somethingsplendidco.com.

The owners of Petos Greek restaurant have renovated the space that formerly housed Donatello’s Italian Restaurant. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

From left, Something Splendid owners Elyse Petruzzi, Erynn Petruzzi and Allison Pirtle. (Photo courtesy of Erynn Petruzzi)

CHS graduate makes waves as cyclist

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For cyclist David Gabrick, joining Team Skyline was a no-brainer.

ing seminars, and organizing awareness rides.

PROFILE

“Professional cycling in the United States is almost nonexistent today,” the 2021 Carmel High School graduate said. “There are only about four professional American teams left, with two of them being World Tour teams consisting mostly of Europeans. The development foundation for young American cyclists to progress to these world tour teams has collapsed in recent years. Team Skyline is one of the last remaining U.S professional teams that provide an environment to aid in growth. It has always been a dream of mine to race professionally, and the team offered me an opportunity to fulfill that dream.”

Gabrick said although Team Skyline has a strong focus on racing, its mission is to support a nonprofit called Winning the Race with Diabetes. Gabrick will host an awareness ride Dec. 28 for the nonprofit. The 40mile race, through Zionsville, will start at 11 a.m. at Gray Goat Bicycle Co. North, 4335 W. 106th St., Carmel. A casual reception will be held at 6 p.m. at Wolfie’s in Carmel.

Team Skyline founder Ryan DeWald, an elite cyclist with Type 1 diabetes, will be at the event.

“The primary mission is to inspire, teach and demonstrate how to manage Type 1 diabetes, thereby reducing its long-term health risks through an active lifestyle,” said Gabrick, a sophomore at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.

Gabrick said Team Skyline races to bring awareness to overcoming Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by conducting school visits, host-

Gabrick, who said he will be able to do his classwork in accounting and German studies online during the racing season, said the races are primarily in Europe. The season begins in March 2023, with a monthlong race block in Greece. In the summer, the team will be based out of Riccione, Italy, and travel throughout Europe to race. The team will return to the U.S. to compete in the U.S. Pro National Championship in Knoxville, Tenn., from June 22-25. The team will finish the summer racing in Europe and then conclude in September with the Maryland Cycling Classic.

Gabrick began swimming at age 7 with the Carmel Swim Club. He swam for CHS before falling in love with cycling. He decided to participate in the Carmel Swim Club-hosted sprint triathlon in April of his sophomore year.

“I did it on an old rusty steel bike that I found in my garage,” he said. “I instantly fell in love with the aspect of riding a road bike and began racing shortly after.”

Gabrick said at the time of the sprint triathlon his love for swimming was fading a bit.

“That same summer I watched the Tour de France and caught the bug,” he said. “I went all in.”

So he gave up swimming before his junior year to concentrate on cycling.

“Carmel swimming is a successful environment, and I was going into a sport I knew little about,” Gabrick said. “I’m super grateful for my time with Carmel swimming. Just being in that environment helped me grow.”

For more, visit winningtheracewithdiabetes.org and teamskyline.co.

David Gabrick competes at the 2021 Athens (Ga.) Orthopedic Twilight criterium. (Photo courtesy of Ron Short)

Merry flexible spending season

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

It’s that time of year again! When the dust settles on all the toy wrappings, tree needles falling and broken slot cars, we find ourselves on Dec. 26 starting to look at our unused health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. That’s when the panic sets in, because “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” What to do? And the mad end-ofyear rush starts.

VISION

Most folks aren’t aware of the “gift of sight” they are missing out on. It’s the perfect gift for your returning college kid, that husband who hasn’t had his eyes checked in “forever” or that 5-year-old who has never had a full “real” exam before. It’s also an opportunity to give to others who don’t have as much under the tree this year.

Fashion frames, sunglasses and contact lenses are eligible with most HSA/flex spend programs. Have you been eyeing that second pair of frames? How about computer lenses? Night driving lenses? Sport contacts for the pickleball players and golfers out there? There are myriad options available for you to help better your hobby, sport, fashion or functionality with new glasses.

So, this holiday season, when you are struggling to find that perfect gift for a loved one who already has everything, find a local optometrist and use your flexible spending/HSA before it runs out. The “gift of sight” is powerful and lasts a lifetime.

Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.

DISPATCH

Mask mandate reinstated — Community Health Network has reinstated its mask policy for caregivers, patients and visitors because of a steep rise in COVID-19, flu and RSV patients. The mask requirement, which took effect Dec. 12, is being implemented at all sites of care throughout central Indiana. The mask mandate comes a week after Community Health Network implemented temporary visitor restrictions because of an increase in flu cases. For more, visit ecommunity.com/visitor-guidelines-covid-19-flu.

FREE BONUS ROOM — UP TO $34,000 IN SAVINGS!*

The Central Collection has room to spare! It’s time for the greatest gift you could ever give yourself: a new home in a community that’s packed with things to do! This featured Shafer home has an upstairs bonus room with bedroom and full bath, plus a rear covered patio! Offer available on select to-be-built Central Collection homes (Brookville, Monroe and Shafer floorplans) and select Central Collection inventory homes when you sign a purchase agreement now through 12/31/22 and close.

This special offer makes the Osborne Trails lifestyle even more desirable.

Located at 193rd and Springmill

180 acres with proposed 3 miles of walking/biking trails

An abundance of outdoor living with front and rear covered porches available Stunning clubhouse with soaring 2-story fireplace, lounge area, fitness area, pool and multiple gathering spaces

Full schedule of fun-filled events and activities

Quartz

Great

*Offer available on select Central Collection floorplans (Brookville, Monroe, Shafer floorplans only) in the Osborne Trails community if

and

a purchase agreement between 12/05/22 and 12/31/22 and closes and fully funds on or before the date specified in the purchase agreement. Offer limited to the standard Bonus Room option and upgrade package offered in the specific community in which the home is located (“Standard Bonus Room”), as selected by the purchaser at the time the purchase agreement is fully executed (ARV not to exceed $34,000). Lennar offers other lower level options and upgrades not included in the Standard Bonus Room Package, and purchaser will be obligated to pay for such additional options and upgrades if selected by purchaser. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Lennar reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Age restrictions apply to the occupants/owners in this community as permitted under the Fair Housing Act. This means for some communities that a designated percentage of the homes in the community must be occupied by at least one person 55 years or older (80% or 100%, depending on the community). There may also be minimum age requirements for other residents in the home, and/or a certain number of younger residents permitted in the community. These communities publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as age 55 or older housing, and comply with HUD’s rules for age verification of residents. In other communities, all residents must be age 62 years or older (with limited exceptions). You are encouraged to review community documents and disclosures for applicable restrictions before purchasing. Please consult with a Lennar New Home Consultant regarding any questions regarding this community’s age policies. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Sq. ft. and acreage are estimated; actual sq. ft. and acreage will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate or be accessible to all vehicles. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Scenes may be of locations or activities not on a Lennar property. All product and/or company names are trademarks TM or registered trademarks ® of their respective owners, and use of these marks does not imply any sponsorship, endorsement, support, or affiliation between the trademark owners and Lennar. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2022 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Date 12/22 LNIND1197

Sister city deputy mayor to perform in Carmel

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The City of Carmel’s sister city relationship with Cortona, Italy, will bring a taste of Italian culture to Carmel in February 2023.

PIANIST

Cortona Deputy Mayor Francesco Attesti, who also happens to be a well-known classical concert pianist, will perform with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. The concert will be followed by a VIP reception in the Cole Porter Ballroom of Hotel Carmichael.

In addition, Attesti and his AB&C Trio, which includes Attesti (piano), Maurizio Bozzi (double bass) and Maicol Cucchi (drums), will perform a jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael for a special black-tie event that begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a celebration of Cortona food and wine. The weekend is called “Arte D’Italia.”

The Rotary Club of Carmel, in conjunction with the City of Carmel and the Carmel-Cortona Sister City Committee, is presenting the events. Rotary president-elect Julie Lundin-Shadinger is serving as chair of the committee for the shows. Proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Carmel and the many local projects it supports throughout the year.

Packages and tickets are available at the Center for the Performing Arts box office.

Lundin-Shadinger said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard talked with the Rotary Club about inviting Attesti to the city for the concerts.

“It seemed like a good fit,” she said. “He’s the deputy mayor, and to boot, he’s a world-renowned concert pianist. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate that kind of culture in a community where culture has been wonderful here. Carmel is kind of a cultural Mecca, I think. I think it’s wonderful that he has that kind of talent to share and help us celebrate the relationship.”

Among his generation of musicians, Attesti is considered one of the finest interpreters of the Romantic and early Twentieth Century Repertoire. He began practicing the piano at the age of 6 and performed his first concert at 11.

Attesti has recorded several albums and performs regularly in internationally prestigious concert halls around the world. He has performed approximately 1,000 concerts in 40 nations, including the United States.

Attesti has served as deputy mayor and councilor of culture and tourism for Cortona since 2019.

Cortona, which is known for its wineries, is a historic city in the Tuscany area of Italy with landscapes of low mountains and lakes.

Following the Feb. 19 concert, there will be an “Elegantly Italian” VIP dessert reception at 8:30 p.m., featuring desserts, coffees and liqueurs.

On May 23, Carmel and Cortona became official Sister Cities, signing an official agreement designed to promote interna-

tional goodwill, understanding, student educational exchanges and expanded business relationships between the two cities and their respective nations. Cortona is Carmel’s fourth international Sister City. Earlier this year, the city entered into a similar relationship with Jelgava, Zemgale, Latvia. Previously, Carmel established relationships with Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan and Xiangyang, Hubei, China.

Lundin-Shadinger has been a Rotarian in Carmel for seven years. She previously was a Rotary Club member in South Bend. She moved to Carmel 15 years ago.

“I’m a pianist and this meant a lot to me,” said Ludin-Shadinger, a minister of music at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Carmel. “Our college choir sang at various locations in Italy. In a way, this is a perfect fit for my background. It gives me a little extra joy to do this.”

Lundin-Shadinger is the organist and directs the adult and children’s choir at King of Glory.

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘HANDEL’S MESSIAH’

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will perform “Handel’s Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCHES

ATI’s ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ to return — Actors Theatre of Indiana has announced the return of “Million Dollar Quartet” June 16-17, 2023 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets went on sale Dec. 19. “Million Dollar Quartet” is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Because of this special event, Actors Theatre of Indiana will postpone its production of “The Mountaintop,” which was scheduled for February 2023. Season subscribers and single-ticket holders who have already purchased their tickets will have the opportunity to exchange them for “Million Dollar Quartet.” For more, visit atistage.org.

Heartland Film adds board members — Heartland Film, a nonprofit arts organization, has added six board members. They are Gabe Connell, founder of HotBox Pizza LLC; Fred Lockett, DJ Lockstar; Kristi Lee, news director & co-host of “The Bob and Tom Show”; Karen Mangia, vice president of customer and market insights, salesforce; Amy Pauszek, producer, publicist, photographer; and Susie Townsend, chief destination experience officer, Visit Indy.

Cortona Deputy Mayor Francesco Attesti, a classical concert pianist, will perform Feb. 23, 2023, at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Francesco Attesti)

Lundin-Shadinger

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

From left, CSO guest vocalist Josh Kaufman (Carmel), CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes (Carmel) with CSO patrons Monica Kozlowski (Indianapolis) and Dubbie Buckler (Carmel) attend the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Dec. 4 “Holiday Pops! 2022” concert with special guests Josh Kaufman and Leah Crane at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The CSO was joined by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Expressenz Dance Center. Carmel City Council member Jeff Worrell was the emcee. The concert included holiday favorites, dancing and a surprise visit by Santa. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

From left, Dave and Victoria Temple (Carmel) with Victoria’s parents, Marilyn and John Schneider (Carmel), attend the Dec. 10 “Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The gold- and platinum-selling recording artist and TV personality won the audience over with her beautiful, powerful voice, flashy diamond-studded wardrobe, and festive Christmas favorites, along with country and rock ‘n’ roll hits. For more about upcoming events, visit thecenterpresents.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

A savory fish story

Commentary by Mark LaFay

It’s the holidays, which means that we are in peak gnoshing season. In our family, we bust out all sorts of fun foods around Christmas and New Year’s. Sometimes on New Year’s we will get extra fancy with a bit of caviar to go with the sparkling wine. So, what is caviar, you ask? Well, true caviar only comes from sturgeon. The purists would say that it only comes from wild sturgeons, but let’s be honest, that isn’t sustainable. Today, only a small percentage of caviar is harvested from the wild. The majority is farmed around the world, with 70 percent coming from China. Recently, I tasted through three different caviars from Astrea. Astrea Caviar happens to be produced in the Yunan Province of China. Sturgeon from there are raised in a spring-fed lake and live for 10 to 25 years. No chemicals or antibiotics are used, and their processes and techniques for producing high-quality caviar is very cool! When the eggs are extracted, they are washed, salted and aged for 1 to 4 months, which gives them additional complexity. If you’ve never had caviar, now is the time! Here are

three delicious options:

Russian Oscietra Hybrid — Acipenser gueldenstaedtii and baerii sturgeon are crossed to make this hybrid sturgeon. The resulting caviar is rich and nutty, with a touch of sea brine. The texture is creamy as well.

Kalluga Hybrid — These sturgeon are a cross between Huso Dauricus and Acipenser Schrenckii sturgeon. The eggs are large, and it has a righteous buttery texture and flavor.

Grand Schrenckii — Also known as Amur Sturgeon, this is a tremendous caviar with great depth and complexity. The eggs are like the kalluga, if not a touch smaller. This caviar has an incredibly rich, nutty, and buttery flavor. Having tasted all three sideby-side, this caviar is mind-blowing.

The folks at Astrea were super cool and gave us a discount code to share. Order directly from them with the code CURRENT and save 15 percent off your order.

Westfield youth is served in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

How much fun is Fender Brokamp having while performing in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre?

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

“If you can describe touching a rainbow, that’s how much fun,” he said. “It’s really a great experience.”

PLAY

Brokamp, 11, is one of three Westfield youngsters in the Beef & Boards’ show, which began Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 23. The others are Allie Stacy, 7, and Greta Shambarger, 10.

This is a new experience for Brokamp, who plays Young Harry and Tommy.

“I’ve never done a nonmusical before,” said Brokamp, a Westfield Intermediate School fifth-grader. “Even if you do get to do the same role twice, a new director would do it differently, and that makes theater really cool. Even if the director does do it the same, you get to perfect it even more than you did last time, and that makes it really cool.”

Prior to getting the part, Brokamp had only seen bits and pieces of the 1946 movie, which the play is based on. When rehearsals started, Brokamp saw the movie.

Brokamp said balancing school with rehearsal can be tough, but it’s worth it.

“The rehearsals are a little longer, so those got a little hairy, but now that we’re in the full swing of shows, it’s smoother,” he said.

Brokamp said he has enjoyed acting with the adults and other younger performers.

“You can learn from anyone,” he said. “Everyone teaches, no matter how small or tall.”

Brokamp has been in two national commercials and several plays for Christian Youth Theater, Civic Theatre and Tipton Community Theatre.

Stacy, a St. Maria Goretti School second-grader, plays Zuzu.

“I like that I have a famous line, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,’” she said.

Stacy said the experience has been “really fun because I have made so many friends and I love being on stage.”

Stacy performed in the Broadway national tour of “Waitress.”

“I take voice lessons and have been in shows at Youth Inspirations Theatre. I take acting classes at Civic (Theatre) and dance

From left, Fender Brokamp, Greta Shambarger and Allie Stacy perform in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

classes at Dance Innovations,” Stacy said. “Last summer, I was accepted into the Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City and went there for a summer intensive program. I’ve also been in a short film and two commercials, thanks to Talent Fusion.”

Shambarger, a Shamrock Spring Elementary School fourth-grader, plays Young Violet.

“I like that I get to wear a wig in one scene,” Shambarger said. “I like that I’m in the ensemble also, so I get to wear a lot of costumes. Also, Young Violet is the perfect character for me to play because I played Veruca (in ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’), Miss Andrew (in ‘Mary Poppins’) and Miss Hannigan (in ‘Annie KIDS’), and Violet is kind of similar to those parts.”

Shambarger was only familiar with the movie version.

“But now that I know of it, it’s probably my favorite play,” she said. “I love having friends in the cast to hang with backstage between scenes. Also, I like that I’m on stage more than I originally thought I would be.”

Shambarger has previously acted with several theater groups, including Christian Youth Theater. She has taken classes at Jr. Civic Theatre, and this is her first time with Beef & Boards.

“I’ve only been in one other show with adults, which was ‘Matilda the Musical’ at Tipton Community Theatre, where I played Lavender, Matilda’s best friend,” Shambarger said. “It’s fun to be in a show with adults because it makes me feel more professional.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Not your run-of-the-mill pergola

Commentary by Bill Bernard

Originally, outside this busy family’s back door was a rather utilitarian, 12-foot square concrete patio. Like many of us, they wanted to be able to spend more time outside enjoying their backyard, and the size of their patio was rather limiting.

REMODELING

Our solution was to replace the drab concrete slab with a functionally versatile entertainment space that includes over 600 square feet of paver patio, a grill station and an amazing metal pergola. Beneath the pergola is a comfortable seating area. Beyond the pergola is additional space for a dining table and chairs.

Until recently, pergolas were routinely constructed of wood and topped with an open-air structure of beams and joists. They can be beautiful, but they do have their lim-

itations. This time, rather than constructing a more traditional pergola built of wood, we installed a metal pergola that has overhead adjustable louvers you can open and close, depending on the amount of light you want to allow through. The louvers even have internal drainage channels to keep water out. This manufacturer offers multiple size and color options. You can even incorporate LED lights, a ceiling fan, additional outlets and side panels. The factory finish is maintenance-free and will never need to be stained or treated.

Yes, please.

Stay home, be moved.

Bill Bernard works for SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks+. He has more than 30 years of experience. For more, email aaron@choosesurroundings.com.

This metal pergola has overhead adjustable louvres that can open and close. (Photo courtesy of Bill Bernard)

Goblin up self-indulgence

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Now, the Oxford English Dictionary is at it. In my previous column, I reported that “gaslighting” has been named the Word of the Year 2022 by the dictionary aficionados at Merriam-Webster. Each year, the Merriam-Webster dictionary chooses a word it believes captures a prevailing sentiment of the cultural zeitgeist. Not wanting to miss out on the lexical lingo retrospective, the OED is chiming in with its vote: “goblin mode.”

The OED defines goblin mode as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

GRAMMAR GUY

Goblin mode looks like eating the entire carton of Ben & Jerry’s while watching an entire season of “The Great British Baking Show.” It is playing video games until 3 a.m. on a Sunday night, fully aware that you have a budget review meeting at 9 in the morning. Goblin mode embraces our lazy and selfish impulses that don’t take tomorrow into account.

The OED brought three words to an online vote: goblin mode, metaverse and the hashtag IStandWith. Goblin mode won, garnering 93 percent of the 340,000 votes.

On its face, the term sounds like something stolen from Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. There’s an ancient YouTube video where a user calling himself Leeroy Jenkins runs into an impossible battle against a dragon, armed with the confidence of 1,000 soldiers. To me, that would be “goblin mode.”

As it turns out, I’m wrong. In fact, goblin mode stormed the Twitter scene in February as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across the U.S. and most of the world. As people emerged from their hidey-holes of prolonged social isolation, they decided to engage in oddly self-indulgent behaviors.

After all, don’t you deserve it? The past few years have been collectively terrible. As long as giving into personal “treat yourself” moments doesn’t turn into a bad habit or do something to hurt yourself and/or others, go for it. Besides, personal dignity is overrated. Wear two Snuggies if it makes you feel extra cozy.

I don’t think my top words of the year merit their own press release, but if I were to suggest Grammar Guy’s big three buzzwords of 2022, I would choose “IRL” (“in real life”), “low-key” and “ghosted.” What word or words sum up your 2022?

Visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Commentary by Don Knebel

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket Number: PZ-2022-00237 DP/ADLS

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel plan commission hearing officer meeting on January 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers Room, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr., Carmel, Indiana 46032 will hold a public hearing upon DP/ADLS Application in order to:

Construct a single-building, mixed-use project along the southwest corner of Illinois Street and Pittman Way. The future address will be 11380 Illinois Street.

The application is identified as Docket No.: PZ-2022-00237 DP/ADLS

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel #: 17-13-02-00-00-001.002

The file for this proposal may be viewed Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM in the officed of the Dept. of Community Services, 1 Civic Square, 3rd floor, Carmel, IN 46032. The materials mat also be examined on the City’s website, at the Public Documents page via Laserfiche.

Any written comments to the proposal should also be filed with the Secretary of the Plan Commission not later than 9 AM on January 17, 2023, the date of the Public Hearing. All written comments will be presented to the Carmel Plan Commission. Any oral comments concerning the proposal will be heard by the Carmel Plan Commission at the hearing according to its Rules of Procedure.

Joe Shestak, Administrator jshestak@carmel.in.gov

Carmel Plan Commission 317-571-2417

Petitioner Name: Cornerstone Companies, Inc.

By Jeff Shivley 8902 N. Meridian St, Suite 205 Carmel, Indiana 46260 Phone: 317-503-3374

TRAVEL

With the worst of Indiana winter approaching, today we begin a road trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, making a short visit to western Jordan. We will be on this trip for the next few months. Before starting, it is important to understand something about the geography of the land we will be visiting.

The land occupied by Israel and the Palestinian Territories (Israel/Palestine), lying along the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, is surprisingly small in light of its enormous significance to hundreds of millions of Jews, Christians and Muslims around the world. The entire area is about one-fourth the size of Indiana, with the distance from north to south about 290 miles, and from east to west about 85 miles at the widest spot. The geography and climate are very diverse, ranging from verdant forests in the north to hostile deserts in the south, with the fertile hill country in between.

The shore of the Dead Sea, at almost 1,500 feet below sea level, is the lowest land elevation on earth. Because Indiana and Israel/Palestine are about the same distance from north to south, you can think of Israel/Palestine locations in terms of the eastern quarter of Indiana. The Sea of Galilee would be near Ft. Wayne, Jerusalem would be near New Castle, the Dead Sea would be near Richmond and everything south of Shelbyville would be largely uninhabitable desert. The Palestinian Territories, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, occupy about the same area as Delaware, Henry, Jay, Randolph and Wayne counties. The total

population of Israel/Palestine is about 14.8 million, about twice that of Indiana.

As we travel, we will go from north to south, stopping along the way at important locations. For each place we visit, we will explore both its history and its religious and spiritual significance.

Don Knebel is a Zionsville resident. For the full column visit donknebel. com. You may contact him at editorial@youarecurrent.com.

The Negev desert in southern Israel. (Photo by Don Knebel)

The Sea of Galilee in Israel.

Dan Spring in Israel.

The Judaean Hills in Israel.

Personal dignity is overrated. Wear two Snuggies if it makes you feel extra cozy.

– GRAMMAR GUY

NOW HIRING:

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The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

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