July 18, 2023 — Carmel

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School board approves resolution to place operating referendum renewal on Nov. ballot

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees on July 10 took its final step toward placing renewal of the district’s operating referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot.

classes at other facilities, such as the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis, which offers some programs not available in Carmel.

EDUCATION

In a 3-0 vote, the board approved a resolution that sets the wording of the referendum renewal question to go before Carmel voters and outlines the referendum tax rate and its proposed uses.

The district is proposing to keep the referendum rate at 19 cents per $100 of assessed property value. Nearly 90 percent of voters cast ballots in favor of that rate in 2017.

According to the district’s proposed revenue spending plan, the referendum is expected to generate nearly $24 million in 2023 for CCS. The document states that $23.5 million is expected to be used to retain and attract teachers, educational staff and other support staff.

“This will very much directly be for what usually is referred to as ‘in the classroom (expenses),’” said Roger McMichael, CCS associate superintendent.

The remaining $450,000 is set to be used for transfer tuition, which covers costs associated with CCS students taking

Although the tax rate is set to remain the same, school board member Greg Brown said property tax bills have grown significantly bigger in recent years as assessed values have grown in the area.

“I would like to see us try to see if we could return some of that money (to taxpayers), be frugal,” he said. “It’s like closets; you tend to fill them up if you’ve got closet space. If you’ve got money, you tend to spend it.”

McMichael said the district is constantly looking for ways to be financially streamlined and said it does not tax beyond its

REFERENDUM REVENUE

Revenue generated for Carmel Clay Schools annually through its operating referendum approved in 2017, which has a rate of 19 cents per $100 of assessed property value:

• 2018 — $17,601,266

• 2019 — $18,427,936

• 2020 — $19,360,174

• 2021 — $20,330,759

• 2022 — $21,243,993

• 2023 — $23,956,464

needs. He pointed to the public safety referendum as an example, which taxed residents below the permitted rate and raised it only as programs rolled out.

BALLOT QUESTION

The referendum question on the Nov. 7 ballot is proposed to read:

“Shall Carmel Clay Schools continue to impose increased property taxes paid to the school corporation by homeowners and businesses for eight (8) years immediately following the holding of the referendum for the purpose of retaining and attracting teachers, educational staff, and other support staff and fund educationally related programs at the current maximum referendum tax rate of $0.19 per one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation? The property tax increase requested in this referendum was originally approved by the voters in 2017 and if extended will increase the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a residence within the school corporation by 28.3% and if extended will increase the average property tax paid to the school corporation per year on a business property within the school corporation by 28.3%.”

Democrat joins Northwest District council race

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

another a rising senior, she is interested in serving the community in another way.

ELECTION

The Hamilton County Democratic Party has appointed Melanie Brown to run for the Northwest District seat on the Carmel City Council. She will face Republican Ryan Locke in the Nov. 7 general election.

No Democrats filed to run for the seat ahead of the May primary election, but state law allows the party to fill the vacancy through a caucus process. The deadline was July 3.

Brown, a Northwest District resident for 18 years, has volunteered in several capacities in recent years at Carmel Clay Schools. With one child recently graduating and

“I was looking for ways to continue to give back, and with all the openings on the city council, I thought ‘What better way to give back than to the whole city of Carmel?’” she said.

Incumbent Republican Laura Campbell, who represents the Northwest District and has served on the council since 2016, is among six of nine city councilors not seeking reelection this year.

Brown, a consultant for a medical technology company, said her campaign will focus on transparency and ensuring Carmel residents have a voice in local government.

“I want to make sure that if someone has something they want to speak about within

the district, they know they can come to me and their voice will be heard and brought to the council,” she said. “(I also want to focus on) transparency, (both) fiscal and developmental. I want to make sure the citizens know that they have a part in what’s going on in the city.”

Brown grew up in Alcoa, Tenn., and graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and from Samford University with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

In addition to her volunteer work in the schools, she has volunteered as a coach with the Carmel Dads’ Club. She has been married to her partner for 22 years. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, baking, hiking, pickleball and working out.

Brown

McMichael

COMMUNITY

Developer submits revised plan for apartments, outlot

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

REI Real Estate Services has submitted plans to the City of Carmel to construct 252 multifamily units and a commercial outlot along Michigan Road, a revised version of a development the Carmel Plan Commission denied last year.

DEVELOPMENT

The previous plan originally called for 244 apartments and four commercial outlots. The plan commission voted 5-4 to deny the proposal in May 2022.

In documents filed with the city’s planning department, REI described changes from the original plan.

“REI has worked to refashion the layout to increase the distances between the 3-story multifamily buildings and adjacent residences,” the planning document states. “Further adjustments have been made to incorporate an eight-foot-tall wood fence around the northern, eastern and southern borders.”

The new plan for the development, known as The Edge at West Carmel, also includes additional street trees along the main

thoroughfare and increased landscaping throughout the site. An outlot previously planned at the southwestern corner of the site has been removed to incorporate additional greenspace.

The 22-acre site, which is zoned B3 and in the Michigan Road corridor overlay zone, was previously home to Altum’s Landscape and Nursery, which moved to Zionsville in the summer of 2021.

Apartments are typically permitted in B3 zoning, but the site is subject to commitments approved in 1988 that exclude them. Per the commitments, apartments may be granted as a permitted use by the plan commission.

Carmel’s Technical Advisory Committee is set to review the proposal at its July 19 meeting.

Conner Prairie proposes relocating planned eco-lodge

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

site. At the June 29 meeting, the Conner Prairie planning team explained several proposed changes to the PUD ordinance. They include:

DEVELOPMENT

The Carmel Plan Commission committee as a whole met with Conner Prairie officials and consultants June 29 to continue discussing plans to expand development of the living history museum into Carmel.

Conner Prairie owns more than 1,000 acres that straddle the White River south of 146th Street but has only developed land in Fishers. It is proposing a rezone of its property west of the river, which is in Carmel, for an expansion that would include a White River Education Center, eco-lodge and cabins, office building, agricultural exhibits and a modern farm.

Project planners have been working with city officials for months to create a planned unit development ordinance, which would set development guidelines specific to the

• Relocating the eco-lodge further north to be further from a nearby school, setting the maximum number of guest rooms to 70 and limiting the potential number of cabins to 25

• Limiting primary access to the property to a roundabout at River Road and Cherry Creek Boulevard

• Reducing the general commercial area to a maximum of 20,000 square feet with an additional maximum of 5,000 square feet for a single use

• Reducing the size of the Land, Water and Energy Innovation Center building and moving it northeast to minimize removal of existing trees

The plan commission committee of the whole is set to continue reviewing the project at a meeting set for 6 p.m. July 25 at Carmel City Hall.

A rendering of a three-story apartment building proposed as part of The Edge at West Carmel. (Rendering from documents filed with the City of Carmel)

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is set for July 20-24 in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Purdue Extension Office)

County fair set for July 20-24

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair will return to Noblesville with plenty of food, animals and other activities for the public to enjoy.

EVENT

This year’s fair is set for July 20-24 and will feature the 4-H Showcase that will highlight what 4-H members have learned over the past year, said Kathleen Bohde, Hamilton County 4-H youth development extension educator. Bohde said judging of various 4-H projects ranging from aerospace to veterinary science takes place in advance of opening day.

“4-H’ers are working on their projects and are excited to let the public see what they’ve been working on throughout the year,” Bohde said.

Bohde said although many people think of 4-H as an agriculture program, it has grown and adapted over the years by incorporating robotics, photography and other areas. 4-H members had the opportunity to choose from 60 project options, according to Bohde.

“It’s really neat to see how youths have dived deep and have something to show at the county fair that they’ve learned,” she said.

There are 1,400 4-H members in Hamilton County, a figure that is slightly lower than prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 4-H is offered at all school corporations throughout Hamilton County, according to Bohde.

“It is a countywide program that brings youths together, and it is a great way to get that sense of community and the youths can be competitive, but cooperative together,” Bohde said.

Bohde said there were 1,600 4-H members

in 2020. She projects 2024 will be a year in which 4-H grows exponentially in Hamilton County.

While many 4-H activities take place in the summer, Bohde said it is a year-round program and noted that the organization will accept applications from interested youths starting Oct. 1. Individuals who join 4-H can not only take away lifelong friendships, but also develop life skills such as decision-making, time management and more, Bohde said.

But among the highlights of the county fair on an annual basis are the livestock competitions, which Bohde said gives 4-H’ers an opportunity to showcase their animals. Some 4-H members who plan to participate in the county fair’s beef show have been working with their steer or heifer for more than a year, according to Bohde.

Those individuals also spend a lot of time grooming, feeding and monitoring the nutrition of their animals as well, she added.

“We are learning about making sure that we have quality livestock that we know someday will come into the food supply,” Bohde said.

Bohde said many 4-H’ers are competitive and have enjoyed success at the Indiana State Fair and at national shows.

“(They are) highly competitive, but at the end of the day, when they come out of the show arena, they are good sportsmen and strive to be the best they can be,” Bohde said.

Other than livestock competitions, the Hamilton County 4-H Fair also will feature various activities for the public, including a county extension homemakers’ flower show, a 4-H agriculture tractor driving contest, live music, a pet parade and more. For more, visit https://bit.ly/3NMoHxL.

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Carmel Swim Academy debuts new facility on City Center Drive

By Kiersten Riedford kiersten@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Swim Academy opened its new facility July 5 at 830 City Center Dr.

DECLAN 2022 Top Fundraiser

NOW OPEN

The facility contains a six-lane pool — 5-feet deep and 25 yards long for each lane — and a small pool that is 3-feet deep for people to be safely introduced to water.

“Our goal in constructing this facility, which was a huge undertaking for us, was to create a safer, healthier and stronger community through swimming,” said Maggie Mestrich, director of business development for Carmel Swim Club and CSA.

CSA will offer swim lessons for ages 3 and older, lifeguard certification classes and community swimming hours.

Swimming lessons are divided into groups: 3- to 4-year-olds, 5- to 7-year-olds, 8- to 10-year-olds and 11 and older.

Community swim hours will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2 to 9 p.m.

Community swim memberships are offered through monthly memberships, 20-visit punch cards and day passes. Monthly memberships range from $45 to $50, 20-visit punch cards range from $85 to $100 and day passes range from $5 to $30.

Any child who is on free or reduced lunch or whose family is on an accounting utility assistance program is eligible to participate in CSA’s free swim lesson program.

“We all know that drowning is one of the leading causes of injury related death in

young children,” Mestrich said. “However, participation in formal swimming lessons, while it doesn’t make you drown proof, can reduce that risk by 88 percent.”

Mestrich said children who are in households that have annual incomes of $50,000 or less have a higher risk of drowning. She said CSA wants to make sure that they are helping to prevent those tragedies by offering free swim lesson programs.

“By opening up this pool, not only do we have space to grow our programs in general, but we are quadrupling the capacity of that free swim lesson program immediately, just by having all of this space available to us right now,” Mestrich said. “Building this facility required significant fundraising, growing programs like that continued fundraising needs exist, and we welcome any questions or donations to help support that.”

To date, Mestrich said CSA raised more than $700,000 to support the facility. The Carmel Swim Club made an additional investment of $635,000.

DISPATCHES

Police Citizens Academy registration —

Registration for the fall session of the Carmel Police Citizens Academy is now open. The free 11-week class allows citizens to get a better understanding of how the Carmel Police Department works. The class will meet on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. starting Aug. 10. Learn more and register at bit.ly/44lYFIY.

Homemade pie contest — The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers will host a homemade pie contest during the Hamilton

County 4-H Fair. Entries will be accepted from 1 to 2 p.m. July 22 in the Exhibition Center Hall B at the fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. Individuals are asked to submit a homemade pie from a recipe handed down through generations and include the recipe with directions. No pies needing refrigeration will be accepted, while entries must also include 50 to 100 words telling how the pie became part of your family history. Judging will begin at 2 p.m. with prizes awarded to the winner. For more, call 317-776-0854.

The Carmel Swim Academy facility contains a 6-lane pool — 5-feet deep and 25 yards long for each lane — and a small pool that is 3-feet deep.

(Photo by Kiersten Riedford)

Colts to return to Grand Park

By

Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook is frequently asked what the most exciting thing is about hosting the Indianapolis Colts training camp at Westfield’s Grand Park.

FOOTBALL

Cook said most people believe he’ll say that it is meeting all the players and coaches.

“The greatest thrill to me is to watch the hundreds, if not thousands, of families, especially children, many of which would never get a chance to see a real NFL player, to see cheerleaders and, yes, maybe to see Blue,” Cook said at the camp dates announcement June 27 at the Grand Park Events Center. “When you see these little kids with their eyes as big as saucers when they get to see Colts City and get to see their first real live NFL player, they’re thrilled, absolutely thrilled.”

This is the fifth season the Colts have been holding training camp at Grand Park. There will be 13 open training camp practices at Grand Park, starting July 26 and ending Aug. 17. The highlight will be two 6 p.m.

joint practices Aug. 16-17 with the Chicago Bears before the teams’ preseason game Aug. 19 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Some special days include Kids Day, July 28; Back Together Weekend, July 29; Salute to Service, Aug. 1; Youth Sports Day, Aug. 3; Give Back Sunday, Aug. 6; Fan Appreciation, Aug. 10; and Thirsty Thursday, Aug. 17.

“It takes more than 200 volunteers from Westfield and other cities to make this whole thing work,” Cook said.

Training camp tickets are free, but guests must register at Colts.com/Camp to get tickets for each date. Koorsen Fire & Security is the camp’s title sponsor.

Team places 2nd in tourney

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For head coach Kristin Norris, mental toughness was the determining factor in her volleyball team’s success.

VOLLEYBALL

The 12-and-under Tigers celebrate with their trophy. (Photo courtesy of Katelyn Storms)

son was the most rewarding she’s ever had.

Far was one of three Carmel team members, joining libero Laney Buchanan and setter Amingoo Gantulga. Caroline and Laney’s mothers were assistant coaches.

often see at this age.”

“In addition to training for the game, we incorporated a mental toughness curriculum throughout the season, and it paid off,” Norris said. “We were outsized or outmatched and found ourselves in very tough spots several times, but we were able to crawl our way back. This is a talented group of players, and they understood the pressures of the game, how to capitalize on momentum and have a drive you don’t

The 12-and-under Tigers volleyball team at The Academy Grand Park finished second June 25 to Ocala (Fla.) Power United in the 12 Premier Division at the AAU National Championship in Orlando.

Grand Park joined The Academy Volleyball Club, based in Indianapolis, in 2018. The team changed its name July 1 to The Academy Monon Select, based at the Monon Volleyball Academy, 800 E. 169th St., Westfield.

Middle hitter Caroline Far said this sea-

“Working with this incredible group of girls has been the highlight of my coaching career,” said assistant coach Becky Far, a teacher in Carmel Clay Schools. “They demonstrated grit, determination, and hard work throughout this season and their success was a direct reflection of these efforts.”

Gantulga said it was the best season she has ever had.

“We’ve made so much progress and I had so much fun and experienced a lot of great stuff with this team,” Gantulga said.

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook addresses fans at the training camp announcement at Grand Park Events Center. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

Rugby team overcomes turmoil to capture state championship

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A season that began in turmoil ended with a state championship for the Carmel High School girls rugby team.

ACHIEVEMENT

Kelly Romano, who had won two state championships as coach, was let go in mid-March by the Carmel Rugby Club board of directors. Shayla Meinders started March 20 as the team’s interim head coach. The club is now seeking a full-time coach.

Carmel Rugby Club finished 8-0-1 after beating Warsaw 38-8 May 29 in the Rugby Indiana state final. The two teams had tied earlier in the season. It was a repeat championship for Carmel in the 15 players division. Carmel also won the state title in the seven players division in the fall of 2021.

“I think having a coaching change at any point in an athletic career is difficult, but it is always how your team handles the change that matters,” Meinders said. “From Day 1, I told my players that we will persevere and succeed only if they were willing to put in the work necessary to do so. They always did what was asked and challenged themselves. They all saw their growth and how much they improved in the short time I was with them, which led to their success at the state tournament.”

Meinders was a captain for the Purdue University’s women’s rugby team for two seasons. In addition, she was a coach for a small portion of Purdue’s spring season after she graduated.

Meinders said the captains were a huge part of the team’s success.

“They kept the team together through the transition of coaches and keeping Carmel Rugby traditions alive,” she said. “Being a new coach to Carmel, they helped bring me up to speed on things they had already been working on rather than starting over from scratch.”

Meinders, a Carmel resident, said her friend Josh de Leon recommended she take an interim position at Carmel Rugby to give it a try.

“I learned just as much about coaching as they learned from me,” Meinders said. “I could not ask for a better group of ladies that gave me their best every practice.”

Carmela Campbell, a 2023 CHS graduate, and Lissa Salisbury were the two captains.

“We had strategic plays in place that really helped bring our rugby to the next level,” Campbell said. “It was a more three-dimensional offense. We had determined athletes. People were getting to practice 30 minutes early, working on kicks and passes. That drive brought us to success.”

Campbell said there was an emphasis on fitness and recovery time.

“We had players sit out of games, even in borderline situations, whether they could play if really needed,” said Campbell, who plans to play club rugby at Purdue.

Campbell said the transition in coaches was smooth.

“It showed what people really care about is the opportunity to play rugby,” Campbell said. “Everybody was willing to work hard no matter who was coaching.”

Salisbury will play Division 1-A rugby at Life University in Marietta, Ga., next season. Celia Watson also will play NCAA Division I rugby at Princeton University.

The Carmel High School girls rugby team repeated as state champions this year under a new coach. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Rugby)

5K to benefit Dayspring Center

By Jeff Decker news@currentincarmel.com

A fund- and awareness-raising relay run is returning to Carmel High School with loftier goals and a new beneficiary but with the same objective: to bring about change.

EVENT

Be the Change Indy, a youth organization advocating for social equity, will host its second Relay for Change starting at 8 a.m. July 29 at Carmel High School near the football stadium. Runners and their partners will each complete three alternating kilometers. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. The cost is $25 plus a $2.50 signup fee per participant. Registration will be open until midnight the day before the event at runsignup.com/Race/Events/IN/ Carmel/RelayforChange.

Izza Khurram, a Carmel resident and director of communications for Be the Change Indy, said last year’s event included more than 60 participants and raised more than $1,000 for the Indianapolis-based Patachou Foundation, which feeds children impacted by poverty and hunger. This year’s beneficiary is Dayspring Center, an Indianapolis homeless shelter that works with families to develop plans to address the underlying issues of their situation.

The goal is to double the participants and money raised, Khurram said. Though the format is the same, organizers last year learned the importance of small details, including ensuring bathrooms are accessible and having enough volunteers, Khurram said.

“Not only this, but our team also learned the importance of setting goals and due dates for tasks, getting the community involved and working on overall team communication to ensure the event was successful and enjoyable for all,” she said.

Like last year, participants are encouraged to bring items for a drive. Organizers are asking for toilet paper, paper towels, bed sheets (twin size), 55-gallon garbage bags, pillows and kids clothing for ages 5 and older to be given to the Dayspring Center. People who bring items will be entered into a raffle. New this year is a best-dressed team contest.

Brought to you by and

Khurram

Food pantry opens at cathedral

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentincarmel.com

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral has opened Carmel’s newest food pantry. Saint Basil Food Pantry, which operates on the cathedral property at 106th Street and Shelbourne Road, is a partnership between the congregation, Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana and Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank.

FAITH

The Rev. Gregory Hohnholt said the food pantry is named after Saint Basil the Great, a fourth-century bishop known for his philanthropy.

The food pantry offers family-size care packages, with an emphasis on supplying healthy and nutritious food. Anyone in need living in Hamilton County is eligible to receive one and can visit up to four times each month.

A large garden on the cathedral property helps fill the care packages with vegetables and herbs.

“Although the garden has been in existence for a few years, it now serves a new

purpose and is generating new excitement,” Hohnholt said.

Monetary donations as well as nonperishable items are appreciated. Financial contributions may be made online or by mail, and food donations may be dropped off in marked boxes in the Founders Walk.

Saint Basil Food Pantry is open each Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and by appointment. To learn more or donate, visit htcindy. org/st-basil-food-pantry. A list of preferred food for donation is available on the website. To schedule an appointment, call 317900-1714 or e-mail foodpantry@htcindy.org.

OBITUARY

Laura Ellen (Wright) Rutherford, age 87, passed away on June 30, 2023. She was born west of Salem, Indiana on Stevenson Farm on June 16, 1936, the daughter of Will Wright and Lydia Ellen (Chamberlain) Wright. It was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit that day at a time with very little air conditioning anywhere.

She married John William Rutherford on May 24, 1958.

Laura was a 1954 graduate of Campbellsburg High School where among her many activities was as a clarinetist in its marching band, which competed at the annual Indiana State Fair. She was a 1958 graduate of Franklin College where she made many lifelong friends and began her lifelong association as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. She received a Master of Education from Indiana University.

Laura started her teaching career in Evansville, Indiana, was a substitute teacher in Columbus, Indiana, and spent most of her career teaching sixth grade at Carmel Middle School in Carmel, Indiana.

She was a member of the Wednesday Literary Club of Carmel. She volunteered for years at the annual Carmel Lions Club Fish Fry. She also served for many years

as the Secretary of the Governing Council of the Carmel United Methodist Church and regularly attended the Empty Nesters class on Sunday mornings. For many years she was one of the organizers of the annual reunion of the Campbellsburg High School Class of 1954, held at Spring Mill State Park.

She took great pleasure in the success of one of her cousins on her mother’s side, a famous actor.

Laura is survived by her son Mark and his partner Laura Betzinger, her daughter Anne (Rutherford) Brockman and her husband Mike Cook, and Anne’s children and Laura’s grandchildren Mark and Jennie Brockman. Her husband John William Rutherford predeceased her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023, with visitation starting at 5 pm and Celebration of Life services at 7 pm at the Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Laura’s memory may be made to Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032, www.carmelumc.org

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

Saint Basil Food Pantry includes food grown in a garden at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

(

Photo by Shelly Gattlieb)

MBA program open to all Hamilton Co. residents

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Washington Schools and Indiana State University are partnering to offer a Master of Business Administration program this fall.

EDUCATION

The Professional MBA program, which is open to all Hamilton County residents, will be held in person on Thursday evenings at Westfield Washington Schools’ central office. It will be led by a faculty member from Indiana State University’s Scott College of Business.

Applications are being accepted by Indiana State University for its first cohort of Professional MBA students through the 21-month program, which costs around $30,000. The program is open to individuals who have an undergraduate degree and have five or more years of professional work experience.

“The Scott College of Business is committed to providing a distinct student-centered

education in our Professional MBA program that combines world-class faculty with individualized career development and coaching to help professionals advance in business. Strong community collaborations make this possible and we are proud to serve the Indianapolis area,” said Terry Daugherty, dean of the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University.

Under the program that begins Sept. 7, students will take two courses per term with classes being offered from 5:30 to 10 p.m. once a week. Classes would alternate from one week to the next, according to ISU, which will assist students with registration and textbook delivery.

Westfield Washington Schools will host an informal information session at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Westfield Washington Schools’ central office community board room, 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Suite B. To RSVP, visit indianastate.edu/westfield.

For more information or to register, visit indstate.edu/business/mba/promba.

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The AGES Band held a concert July 8 at the gazebo at Carmel City Hall to raise funds to support victims of the Timber Creek condominium fire. The April fire affected more than 35 units and displaced dozens of residents. ‘

Scott Haigh Mortgage Loan Originator (513) 405-3892

The Ages Band is, from left, Dan Lockhart, Mark Stevens, John Anderson, Julie Guest, Rufus Campbell and Larry Lux. (Photos by Adam Seif)

From left, Mark Stevens, Julie Guest and Larry Lux perform.

Mark Jones of Carmel enjoys the sounds.

Cyndie Estes of Carmel, a member of the Timber Creek HOA, attends the concert.

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Carmel. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.

ART APPRECIATION

Sale of late Carmel teacher’s paintings to benefit EmilyStrong Foundation

By Jeff Decker news@currentincarmel.com

Art was just one aspect of a well-rounded life led by Robert Brower. But it was an important one.

Brower, an art teacher at Carmel Junior High School, principal at Westfield High School, school superintendent, husband, family man, world traveler, student of science, coach (he led Carmel High School’s softball team to its first state title in 1994) and prolific artist, died Oct. 6, 2022, at age 71. His interest in art started when he was a student in Logansport and continued through college, his career in education and retirement. He loved landscape painting, said his widow, Dr. Sheri Brower, who was married to Robert for 52 years. They would travel together, and he took photos of landscapes so he could recreate them in oil and acrylics. He considered himself an abstract artist who worked quickly, but his paintings also were realistic, Sheri Brower said. He loved art history, visited museums worldwide and could give impromptu lectures about famous artists.

“He understood his personal artistic limitations but appreciated all kinds of art, particularly those that were beyond his realm,” Sheri Brower said.

Honoring his wishes, no public services were conducted after his death. But an upcoming event will serve as a tribute to his artistry and the values by which he lived.

More than 200 of Brower’s original paintings will be shown and sold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 in the Community Room of the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main Street in Carmel. The sale is being organized by the EmilyStrong Foundation for pediatric cancer research, with proceeds going to the Riley Childrens’ Foundation.

The EmilyStrong Foundation is named for Emily Alberts, daughter of Joe and Julie Alberts of Carmel and a Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School graduate. Now 19, she is a student at the University of Michigan, pursuing dual degrees in psychology and communications/media studies and is in the school’s honors program.

In August 2018, Alberts was 14 and in her second week of high school when she began to feel sick with common cold symptoms and swollen lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with Stage IIA Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“Getting the diagnosis was the scariest moment of my life, because I had no idea what was coming next,” she said. “I quickly had to learn to take everything one step at a time.”

She received treatment, including outpatient intravenous chemotherapy, at Riley Hospital for Children. On Dec. 14, 2018, she was elated to learn she was in remission, but she feared lingering side effects and the possibility of future health issues. She also dealt with “survivor’s guilt,” knowing that not every patient has such a positive outcome.

Emily Alberts wanted to give back. After her remission diagnosis, she led a team that raised $55,000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Indiana. Bolstered by the success, she and her family established the EmilyStrong Foundation in the summer of 2020.

A family connection led to the art show and sale. Robert Brower was an uncle of Joe Alberts. According to Luke Alberts, 16, Emily’s brother, the Alberts family approached Sheri Brower and the Browers’ adult children, Adam Brower and Amy Keller, about the possibility of selling his works for a worthy cause.

“Fortunately, they graciously agreed and are enthusiastically supporting the show and sale,” said Luke Alberts, who has been helping promote the event. The goal is to raise at least $2,500 for Riley, he said.

Sheri Brower said the benefit sale fits with her late husband’s goal of helping others through teaching, coaching, leading and supporting. Not everything he painted will be offered. Some of his family’s favorites hang on walls in

their homes. Robert Brower also gave away hundreds of his works, Sheri Brower said. The show and sale will allow others to share in his artistic gift.

“The only difficulty will be that he will not be there to see his paintings enjoyed by others,” Sheri Brower said. “His mantra was always that his paintings were like puppies. He wanted them to go to good homes.”

ON THE COVER: Artwork by Robert Brower. Much of the late Carmel teacher’s artwork will be displayed and sold July 29 at a fundraiser for the EmilyStrong Foundation. (Photo illustration by Zach Ross)

REMEMBERING DR. ROBERT BROWER

Former students and athletes of Dr. Robert Brower, a teacher, coach and administrator who died Oct. 6, 2022, explain how he impacted their lives:

• Jennifer Schumacher, a graphic design artist in Montreal, was a student in Brower’s art classes at Carmel Junior High School from sixth through ninth grade starting in 1974: “Even though junior high was a painful experience for most of us, walking into his classroom was a much-needed antidote to that angst. Bob supported each and every student. Because of his passionate teaching style, we fell in love with the world of art.” Schumacher said she kept in touch with Brower, last seeing him at lunch in Carmel in April 2022. When she learned of his passing, “needless to say, I was devastated. Dr. Brower was a very special man, and his passing was a great loss. Adieu, Bob.”

• Rob Day, an artist and illustrator who lives in Indianapolis, was in Brower’s art classes and was coached by him in track and cross-country at Carmel Junior High School in 1976-77: “Dr. Brower had a gift of teaching and mentoring young people. He was able to motivate, inspire and challenge students and student-athletes to get out of their comfort zones. When young people experience unexpected achievements, they gain self-confidence. Dr. Brower cared deeply about people and his students. He continued to remain friends with many of his former students, and I count myself fortunate to be one of them.”

Schumacher

Emily Alberts

Robert Brower pauses near one of his paintings on display. (Photo courtesy of Luke Alberts)

Robert and Sheri Brower. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Brower)

HEALTH

Physique 57 offers Teen Sculpt

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Physique 57, a barre fitness studio at 350 Monon Blvd. in Carmel, has launched a girls-only summer program called Teen Sculpt.

FITNESS

The program is a high-energy, low-impact workout class for girls age 13-17. Physique 57 offers a new-client special of $20 for the first two classes. Teen Sculpt is $15 per class after the first two classes.

“Our class considers not only the movement their body should be doing but also on giving the girls energy and confidence,” Physique 57 owner Leslie Lupton said.

According to Physique 57, the class is an opportunity for teens to grow stronger, physically and mentally, in a safe and comfortable space. Because of that goal, no adults are in the studio during the sessions.

“We want the girls to have an inclusive experience targeted directly toward them, including the choreography and the music,” Lupton said.

The class takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, with one trainer leading the class. There are five trainers on

staff who can teach the class.

Teen Sculpt takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Lupton)

“Our teen class is incredibly rewarding to teach,” Physique 57 master trainer Daryl Grob said. “After class, I hear the girls talk about how strong they feel or how fun the hour was.”

The class is for teen girls of all fitness levels, including athletes like 12-year-old Kyla Patel.

“I dance and play tennis, and I love doing this class because it allows me to exercise with friends in a comfortable environment,” Patel said.

Lupton wants to extend Teen Sculpt into the school year. It will shift to Fridays and Sundays to avoid conflict with school sports and activities.

For more about Physique 57 and Teen Sculpt, visit physique57.com/indianapolis.

We are thrilled to announce our expansion, and can’t wait to start seeing patients in Fishers. We are actively hiring for multiple

Carmel couple opens winery

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Carmel couple Brent and Frances Kumfer on June 24 opened The Rejoicing Vine winery, which specializes in using regenerative and sustainable farming practices to create sparkling wine, at 8440 W. 82nd St. in Indianapolis.

NEW BIZ

Brent Kumfer said regenerative farming is a method of nurturing land in a way that it becomes naturally rich in nutrients. Cover cropping, for example, is used for plant protection and soil improvement.

“Rather than the plants having bare dirt under them, we’ll have plant life underneath the vines,” he said. “When you build a healthy soil, you build a healthy plant.”

This farming method leads to growing plants that are more resistant to diseases and mining their own nutrients without the need of chemicals.

Complementing the Kumfers’ farming practices is their preference for sourcing locally grown produce to minimize the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.

“You’re not going to find wines from California, Oregon or Washington,” Frances Kumfer said.

Brent Kumfer said the winery’s featured wine is the Regenerative Rosé.

“Our Regenerative Rosé is a bottle fermented rosé,” Brent Kumfer said. “It’s similar to how champagne is made. We take a still stable wine called a cuvée and we add sugar and another culture of yeast that we developed. It creates a little more alcohol but more importantly, more bubbles.”

Customers can purchase bottled wine or enjoy a glass in one of the store’s lounging areas. They can sample flavors in the tasting room or visit the bar for a toast and learn about regenerative winemaking. The Rejoicing Vine also has outdoor patio seating.

With their wine customers can enjoy cheese and crackers from Tulip Tree Company, a local company. The Kumfers plan to add in-house food prep to their operations soon as well.

Frances Kumfer said Rejoicing Vine welcomes families with children and that there are options for those who do not drink alcohol.

“Our hope is through wine we can have conversations with people and connect them with their community,” Brent Kumfer said. “It’s important to know how your food is grown.”

The Rejoicing Vine’s operating hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m. Learn more at RejoicingVine.com.

DISPATCHES

Headquarters relocation — The BAM Companies, an institutional real estate owner/ operator, has relocated its headquarters to Carmel. After several years of growth, The BAM Companies began its search for a new headquarters that would accommodate its rapid expansion while still aiming to remain geographically centralized. The new headquarters on N. Pennsylvania Street has more than 16,000 square feet of renovated office space with onsite parking, an employee fitness center and locker rooms, a training facility, multiple conference rooms, a kitchen, and an employee lounge.

Meet the manager — The Fresh Market, a grocery store that recently opened at 1392 S. Range Line Rd. in Carmel, will present

an opportunity for shoppers to meet store manager Korey Mauer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 22. Mauer will greet guests as they enter the store with free orange juice, coffee and pastries. The store will also offer samples in various departments.

Most Purchasing Power — SmartAssest released its annual study on the places with the most purchasing power. The study measures the places where average living expenses are most affordable for people living there by measuring the cost of living relative to local income in each county. According to the study, Hamilton County has a $54,165 cost of living and a median income of $98,173, ranking it first in Indiana with a purchasing power index of 91.70.

From left, The Rejoicing Vine owners Frances and Brent Kumfer. (Photo courtesy of Brent Kumfer)

READERS’ VIEWS

Moms for Liberty ‘wins’ not victories for all

Editor,

I was extremely disappointed in the article about Moms for Liberty apologizing for using a Hitler quote that was in the July 4 print issue. The article did include quotes from those who were appalled that a group would use a Hitler quote, but the entire last column of the article listed Moms for Liberty “wins.” These are not considered wins for everyone in our community.

Moms for Liberty acts like they are fighting for parents’ rights, but really they are about the rights of conservative, white, Christian parents. These “wins” don’t feel like wins to my family. It was really disappointing to see this article presented as news when it felt like Current was justifying and endorsing the views of a hate group and further allowing them to share their talking points. I do hope you will consider how you report on this group and not simply repeat their talking

points about their “wins,” when those wins often discriminate against and alienate many families in Carmel.

Mary Ajango, Carmel

Nothing funny about Wilson’s dog column

Editor,

When I read Fonda Poland’s (letter to the editor) regarding Danielle Wilson’s article about her dog, I completely agree. Your decision to print such a (column) was in very poor taste.

Ms. Wilson’s response to what she had done was cruel and thoughtless. There was nothing funny about what happened to their dog. Didn’t anyone in her family notice

the dog was missing? Does Ms. Wilson truly hope the dog “would quietly disappear?” Simply said, some people just should not have animals.

In the future, I hope Current will make better decisions about what stories are entertaining and appropriate to print. I am extremely disappointed!

Nancy Tatum, Carmel

Keep party endorsements out of school board races

Editor,

I am writing in response to the letter from Mike Jamieson from Fishers. I disagree with his view of ideologically opposed members in our Carmel school board.

We are fortunate to have elected candidates that were not endorsed by a political party (except for one) so we don’t have to deal with ideology at all like Fishers has since their elected candidates were promoted by a political party. I hope that Carmel

stays that way and we avoid electing what amounts to political appointees in our schools.

The list of countries that see the need for political liaisons in schools to ensure “good ideas” are promoted is not good and includes the likes of Russia and North Korea. Let’s keep Carmel free of political liaisons in schools.

Armando Hernandez, Carmel

code to learn more.

“The entire last column of the article listed Moms for Liberty ‘wins.’ These are not considered wins for everyone in our community. ”

– MARY AJANGO

Challenges of sticking together

Commentary by Terry Anker

Funny you should ask…

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

There are more than a handful of handy, intuitive inventions that, once discovered, seem to have been with us from the beginning. We wonder how humans might have survived before the simple, elegant and eminently useful ideas, gadgets and solutions came along, but each one had an origin point in some dreamer imagining a resolution to a vexing problem, with prototypes, refinements and collaborations until a stable and replicable process took hold. Someone rubbed sticks or sparked a particular kind of stone to carry fire in their pockets. Someone imagined and built a box to hold and store — then someone else fabricated a pair of wheels to make the whole thing mobile.

In 1941 a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral was walking his dog and, annoyed by the burrs sticking to his woolen socks and the animal’s thick fur coat, was inspired to eventually create hook and loop fabric strips that became Velcro. The relatively modest leap in engineering became a global blockbuster. Now, the product is every-

where, connecting everything. For Mestral, inspiration came from burdock seeds. Others have been initiated by Mestral’s Velcro to push the limits of its uses. Still more have applied the ubiquitous awareness of the straightforward function and utility of Velcro as a metaphor for countless other interactions.

Why is it that some people are like Velcro? We seem to stick to them quickly and effortlessly. Even if life pulls us apart over time and geography, when together again we reconnect as if we’d never been separated. And in parting once more, we don’t harm one another. Yet for others, no matter how great the effort, we cannot attach. Is it because there needs to be a hook-andloop to have the effect? Is it our differences that make this work? Or consistency? Or providence?

Love the hate mail

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve got mail! Hate mail, to be precise. Two avid readers have finally had enough of my nonsensical shenanigans and chosen to share their loathing with me. One was an honest-to-god handwritten postcard! Talk about your old school. I love the commitment, Carol! (This is not her real name, of course. Or is it?)

HUMOR

There was a time when notes like these would have sent me into either a defensive spiral or rage haze, both entailing creative combinations of swear words and harsh adjectives. But I’ve been doing this for more than 16 years. Sixteen! And I’ve seen some stuff, readers. This is nothing. I’m honestly rather flattered that two women took the time from their clearly busy lives to have a go at me. I matter, I really do!

I was disappointed, however, in the level of critique. There were no righteous accusations of spousal, child or alcohol abuse; no cruel indictments of my un-American stupid liberal politics; no brutal declarations that my hopefully-soon-to-be afterlife be spent in, ‘Hell-o operator, give me No. 9.” Come on! If you’re going to dish it out,

make sure it’s got meat on it. Mean-girl correspondence should be juicy, people. No, my new special friends simply think I’m boring, irrelevant and a waste of paper space. They’ve been reading me forever but can’t stand another minute of my dumb column and they’re vowing to, from now on, throw me out with the trash where I belong.

Beverly, I hear you, I do (again, this is not her real name. Probably). But I also thank you because mail is mail, hate or otherwise. I’ll take it! Peace out.

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

Through the years, I have written about 1,200 columns. I find that people are curious about the humor-writing process. So, this week and next will not be humor columns; they will be columns about humor. Here are some of the most common questions I get.

HUMOR

Do you write about things that really happened, or do you make all this stuff up?

You know how sometimes a movie begins with this phrase, inspired by a true story? That’s pretty much like my column. The idea is always based on something real. A week or so ago, I fell out of a small bed at a downtown inn where we were staying for our anniversary. That was 100 percent true. As soon as my head hit the floor, I knew I had a column. And a headache. Did I exaggerate the story just a bit? Of course.

Have people ever been angry at you for a column you wrote?

Yes. Here’s an example:

Several years ago, I wrote about why my wife never mows the lawn. In the piece, I suggested that I didn’t want her to mow because it would jeopardize her femininity as evidenced by other women in the neighborhood who were outside grunting and sweating as they pushed their mowers. I got a lot of nasty notes from the ladies on our street. My wife said I had to go apologize to each of them. I had a better idea. We moved.

You make fun of your wife, Mary Ellen. Is she OK with that?

The truth is that in most of my columns, I make fun of myself, not her. Self-deprecating humor is the best form of comedy. About 75 percent of President Barack Obama’s jokes at the 2012 annual White House Broadcasters Dinner were mocking himself. Trump only managed self-deprecation 30 percent of the time when he had his turn. Even Biden has now started to parody his advancing age. I recently wrote a column about all the dumb questions Mary Ellen asked me about baseball. Truth is, I couldn’t answer any of them myself. I was poking fun at myself for pretending I was an expert. The last line of your story is my favorite part. What’s the key to a good ending?

I once had a newspaper (no name) whose copy editor chopped off my last several sentences when he needed the space. That’s when I started believing in capital punishment. People were telling me they liked my columns but didn’t understand the endings. The last line or two of a humor column are crucial. It ties it all up and goes back to something I may have mentioned maybe 400 words ago. I work really hard on that. I hope you like the ending to this one.

Do you ever run out of funny ideas?

I did this week. That’s why you are reading this column.

POLICIES

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 specialinterest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.

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

“If you’re going to dish it out, make sure it’s got meat on it. Mean-girl correspondence should be juicy, people.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

“As soon as my head hit the floor, I knew I had a column. And a headache. Did I exaggerate the story just a bit? Of course.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Pavel & Direct Contact to bring Latin flavor to Carmel Jazz Fest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Pavel & Direct Contact will present its unique Latin jazz sound in a prime spot in the Carmel Jazz Fest.

“We’re always excited to bring exposure to the culture to different parts of the city and state,” said Pavel Polanco-Safadit, a pianist who grew up in the Dominican Republic. “As far as I know, we are the only Latin-flavored band this year in the Carmel Jazz Fest. I give it up to (the organizers) to do something different, to do some Latin jazz.”

The Indianapolis-based Pavel & Direct Contact will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on the Carter Green stage. The twoday festival is set for Aug. 11-12 at six sites.

Vocalist Leah Crane said the band is known for its high-energy performances.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to follow that much energy, so I think it’s good we’re going to close out the night,” Crane said.

Evelyn “Champagne” King will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on the Gazebo stage. King had a hit disco single, “Shame,” during the height of disco’s popularity in 1977.

Polanco-Safadit said the band’s music features Afro-Cuban rhythms during the set.

“What people love is we take cover songs that people know and put a Latin rhythm to it,” Crane said. “I’ll sing songs in Spanish, and some of the songs have both English and Spanish in it.”

One cover they usually put a spin on is “I Will Survive.”

Polanco-Safadit said the band also will feature its Latin jazz originals.

Direct Contact’s music contains an experience of Latin jazz, salsa and Latin-infused American pop songs.

“For us, it’s very important to connect cultures,” Polanco-Safadit said. “Sometimes, they hear the rhythms. Some might say I don’t know that song, in particular, but I like it. They recognize the rhythms.

We have amazing musicians for this.”

Besides Polanco-Safadit and Crane, the band consists of Steve Dokken, bass; David Allee, trumpet; Rob Dixon, saxophone; Freddie Mendoza, trombone; and Matt McGraw, percussion. Allee is the owner of The Jazz Kitchen and has been the band’s trumpet player for more than 15 years.

“We had the opportunity to come to Carmel when we played for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra,” Crane said. “That was the first time they ever had a local Latin band.”

Polanco-Safadit said that to say the

band has been very busy of late is in an understatement.

“In this past year, we’ve traveled to different countries -- the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada,” Polanco-Safadit said. “We’ll be doing the Indy Jazz Fest (in September). We’re doing a lot of private gigs as well.”

Polanco-Safadit will join Blair Clark at 11 a.m. Aug. 13 at Feinstein’s at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

For tickets and the complete lineup, visit carmeljazzfest.org.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“The Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. ATI Live presents Un5Gettable at 7:30 p.m. July 21, and Wayne Powers will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 22. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS’

“Broadway Under the Stars” will be presented at 8 p.m. July 21-22 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

The Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy, a summer intensive program, will conclude with a concert at 7 p.m. July 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Indy Shorts presents ‘The Hoosier Way’ —

The Indy Shorts International Film Festival, set for July 18-23, will hold a free, all-ages screening of “The Hoosier Way” at The Toby Theatre in Newfields, 4000 N Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, at 5:30 p.m. July 23. Using a tapestry of clips from more than 40 16mm educational, promotional and home movies, the program features people, places and events that make Indiana unique. Footage includes the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911; Oscar Robertson leading Indianapolis Crispus Attucks to become the first all-Black high school sports team in the U.S. to win a state championship; Kurt Vonnegut at home; behind the scenes inside Gary’s steel mills; and more. The program will be introduced by curators/directors Jennifer and Jon Vickers and will be followed by a brief Q&A with filmmakers and Indiana University archivists. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for interactive 16mm film handling demonstrations. For more on Indy Shorts schedule of films, visit heartlandfilm.org/indyshorts.

Pavel & Direct Contact members, from left, David Allee, Freddie Mendoza, Matt McGraw, Leah Crane, Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Rob Dixon, Gerardo Becerra and Steve Dokken at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Mark Sheldon)

Pavel Polanco-Safadit and Leah Crane performing with Pavel & Direct Contact. (Photo courtesy of Larry Goshen)

YAP takes on ‘Mean Girls’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Keegan Connor is taking a break in her duties as Miss Indiana’s Teen to explore her love of theater.

“I’ve never played a super-mean character like her,” Kauffman said. “She’s horrible. It’s definitely fun because in real life, I don’t act like her, so it’s kind of challenging for me.”

MUSICAL

Connor, who will be a Westfield High School senior, captured the title June 17 and since then has done some TV shows and personal appearances.

“It’s been crazy since I was crowned,” said Connor, who recently was in a parade and sang the national anthem at a South Bend Cubs baseball game. “But I found time to prioritize the show because I wouldn’t have signed up for it if I didn’t think I could handle both.”

Connor is now preparing for her lead role of Cady Heron in Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Mean Girls,” set for July 27-30 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I think Cady is relatable from the get-go, even if you didn’t move from school to school to school,” Connor said. “She resembles a lot of people who are going through high school life, because no matter, what you are going to get picked on, going to get judged. She does have a big character arc. By the start of Act 2, she steps into (queen mean girl) Regina’s role, and I think that shows how you can be influenced by people around you. Peer pressure is really real.”

Connor said this is the largest role of her career. The musical is based on the 2004 movie.

“I’m very honored and humbled to step into this role,” said Connor, who saw “Mean Girls” on Broadway and twice on tour. “A lot of the things from the movie are pulled into the musical as well, with iconic lines. I think the musical is a lot better than the movie, in my opinion. It brings more sense of community by the end of it all.”

Connor started with Jr. Civic when she was in seventh grade. She performed in “The Sound of Music” on the main stage this spring.

Claire Kauffman, who will be a Zionsville Community High School junior, plays Regina George.

Kauffman said her favorite song is “Someone Gets Hurt.”

Kauffman has been in several shows for YAP and Jr. Civic, including YAP’s “42nd Street” in 2022 and “Matilda the Musical” on the main stage last year.

Kauffman played the title role of “Annie” at Beef & Boards in 2018. She also performed in “Annie” at Civic Theatre.

Maddux Morrison, a 2023 Noblesville High School graduate who will attend Ball State University to major in musical theater, plays Cady’s gay friend, Damian.

“I was a fan of the movie, and then when it became a musical and went to Broadway, I was a fan of that as well,” Morrison said. “Damian is a fun role to play. He’s very confident and sassy. He really knows who he is. Playing the character has helped me as a person. He’s helped my confidence as a performer and also in real life. Something I love about the show and also this character is the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. When I was in high school, I took everything seriously. I didn’t stop and have fun that much. Doing this show and role has helped me to explore that side of myself.”

Morrison has been performing at Jr. Civic and YAP for eight years.

Amelia Schoeff, who will be a senior at Lebanon High School, plays Cady’s friend, Janis.

“She’s a goth and a victim of Regina,” Schoeff said. “I’ve never played a goth before, and it’s so different from me in real life. She’s so fun. She has a hysterical, dry sense of humor. She’s also relatable to a common high school experience for girls where she has been picked on by the main character.”

This is her first performance with Civic Theatre.

“Everyone that works on the show and the cast members are all incredible,” Schoeff said.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Kauffman

Morrison

Connor

Schoeff

Beat the heat with lighter fare

Commentary by Mark LaFay

WHS grad’s original song wins

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Spenser Johns was stunned when she won the CarmelFest Has Talent 17-and-older division

FOOD

It appears the summer heat and humidity have finally found us. I normally like to avoid the heat and humidity, unless there is a frosty beverage in my hand and some water nearby. But even in the absence of such vacation-esque accommodations, I still love to be outside as much as possible.

The higher heat and humidity do cause some behavior modification in me, if only in what, and how much, I eat. Maybe you’re like me and you gravitate toward the lighter fare in the hot weather. We tend to consume more fresh fruit and vegetables in this weather, and meals can often look more like party grazing than a proper meal. You don’t have to eat like a rabbit to eat lighter and fresher in the warm weather. There are several different fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese combos that we like to assemble for a filling but lighter approach to dinner inside and outside, such as:

Prosciutto and cantaloupe: Pork and melons are two things you can find plenty of in Indiana. This combo is, however, very Italian in origin. Once in Italy, we enjoyed fresh, ripe cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto, with a little high-quality olive oil drizzled over the top. Sweet and savory, but overall, somewhat mild in flavor and not heavy in the belly. Try LaQuercia Acorn Prosciutto.

Sharp Vermont cheddar and apple slices: I’m sure you’ve heard of apple pie with cheddar cheese slices, right? If not, try crisp Granny Smith apples and thin slices of Vermont cheddar cheese. The sharp and savory nature of the cheddar pairs nicely with the tart and sweet apple. The difference in texture is nice as well — crunchy and creamy. Try Cabot Sharp Cheddar.

Grapes and brie cheese: Another classic light snack is grapes and brie. The sweet nature of the grapes goes wonderfully with the brie, which can be, at times, a little sharp with a bitter edge. Try this with Point Reyes Quinta, Tulip Tree Creamery Trillium or an imported triple-cream cheese from France.

style and interests are always changing,” she said. “I’d say I mainly sing pop, classic rock and alternative music, but I try to throw some other genres into the mix and I am always experimenting and evolving my sound.”

TALENT SHOW

“I did not believe I’d have any shot at winning,” she said. “I went after three amazing acts, with another one going right after me, and I truly believed I couldn’t even compete with any of them.”

The 2023 Westfield High School graduate was victorious in the July 3 competition after performing an original song called “The Real World’s Game.”

She said she wrote the song during her sophomore year. It’s about being confused on what she wanted to do with her life while getting questions about college and her future.

Johns, who will attend IUPUI to major in business and minor in music production, likes all genres of music.

“I don’t like tying myself to one box, especially since I am so young and my

Johns also won a Noblesville’s Got Talent in April and will get the opportunity to perform July 22 at the Noblesville Street Dance.

Vivian Vreeman, who will be a junior at Carmel High School in August, won the ages 13 through 16 competition. She performed “Someone Like You” by Adele.

“The best part of the competition was meeting the other performers and making connections with other talented artists,” Vreeman said.

Noblesville resident Azalia Davidson won the 12-and-under category. She sang “Yodeling at the Grand Ole Opry.”

Davidson said she enjoyed watching everyone showcase their talent.

This was the first appearance for Johns, Vreeman and Davidson in the CarmelFest talent show The winners each received $300.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4021 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis.

Vreeman

Foreigner set for farewells

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

With Foreigner’s heavy touring schedule for the past 18 years, keyboardist Michael Bluestein knows it’s appropriate that this tour “feels like the last time” for the band.

“There certainly is a collective exhaustion that has crept up in the band,” Bluestein said. “I mean, we’re proud of the fact that we still put on a killer show, but there’s a sense that the ability to do that won’t go on forever, and we’d like to ‘go out on top,’ as they say.”

Foreigner will perform at 7 p.m. July 21 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Loverboy is joining Foreigner as a special guest on the tour, which began July 6 and extends into 2024.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Bluestein said. “We’re all proud of what we’ve done and very excited to give it all on this farewell tour, but we’ll certainly miss performing for our awesome fans and miss playing these fantastic songs with each other.”

Bluestein said he always looks forward to performing “Juke Box Hero” and “Long,

Long Way from Home” because they are hard-driving rockers that always pump up the band and the fans.

Guitarist Mick Jones is the last original member still with the band, which started in New York in 1976. Kelly Hansen replaced Lou Gramm as the lead singer in 2005. Bluestein has toured with the band since 2008.

“It has been touching to see how special this band has been to so many people,” Bluestein said. “We have people practically begging us not to stop touring, and that definitely is moving.”

Concert with Children’s Musician and Author

Tuesday, July 25 @ 10:30am Main Library Community Room

High-energy, interactive fun awaits in this special concert event on July 25. Children's musician and author Lucky Diaz will entertain families with kids of all ages as he talks about his writing and performs some of his Latin Grammy Award-winning music.

Keyboardist Michael Bluestein has been with Foreigner since 2008.

(Photo courtesy of Live Nation)

CONCERT

CARMEL CLAY PUBLIC LIBRARY presents

Traveling Alaska by ship from Seward to Juneau

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we travel by ship from Seward to Juneau, Alaska’s capital, where we make the first of two stops.

TRAVEL

Disenchantment Bay, a narrow inlet at the head of Yakutat Bay, is a popular stop for cruise ships sailing to or from Seward’s well-equipped port on the Gulf of Alaska. It was named for Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina’s disappointment that it did not lead to the legendary Northwest Passage.

Ship captains now willingly sail to the end of Disenchantment Bay to take passengers to see Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. The 76-mile-long glacier is 7 miles wide and 600 feet high where it meets the water, with 250 feet below the water line. The ice in Hubbard Glacier moves forward at about 1,000 feet per year, which means that the ice at the face is 400 years old. Some of the so-called “calves” that constantly break off and fall into the water are more than 100 feet tall, creating hazards for ships in the area.

Juneau, about 200 miles southeast of Hubbard Glacier, includes both an area lying between the base of Mount Juneau and Gastineau Channel, and Douglas Island, across the channel. Surrounded completely by mountains and water, no roads connect Juneau with the rest of Alaska. Visitors and goods come and go only by ships or planes. Despite its location, Juneau has

been the capital of Alaska since 1906, and efforts to move the capital have failed.

Today, Juneau has a permanent population of about 32,000, making it the third-largest city in Alaska after Anchorage and Fairbanks. In the summer, about 6,000 people a day enter the city from cruise ships. Many of them take the Goldbelt Tram from the cruise ship dock up 1,800 feet to get a spectacular view of the city.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana

Department Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: Miscellaneous Path Connections – 22-ENG-13

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana will receive sealed bids for the above described “Project” at the office of the Clerk Treasurer, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (City Hall) until 9:45 EST and in the Council Chambers at the same address between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. EST on or before August 2, 2023 , and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – Miscellaneous Path Connections”

A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

Asphalt and concrete path connections and curb ramp construction at various locations throughout the City of Carmel. The project also includes curb installation and pavement marking installation.

Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at the following locations:

City of Carmel

Department of Engineering - 1st Floor One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 571-2441

Copies of such drawings and project manuals must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix.com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on July 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Engineering Conference Room at City Hall (One Civic Square). A virtual option will also be provided. Please email Caitlin Muhlenkamp at cmuhlenkamp@ crossroadengineers.com to receive a link to this option. All prospective bidders are invited to attend the prebid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory.

For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2

Sue Wolfgang Clerk

Juneau, Alaska, from Goldbelt Tram. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

5. IU grad

9. A/C measure

13. Black, to 15-Across

14. Anthony’s Chophouse steak order

15. Masters of rhyme

16. Indiana’s “Summit City”

18. Fairy tale meanies

19. 12th grader at Fishers HS 20. Rhino relative 22. Hawaiian island 25. Shirt part 28. Butler anatomy class display 32. Miss Indiana pageant accessories 33. Kind of band or story 34. Windshield device 36. Colts punt path 37. “I smell ___!”

38. Fancy tie

39. I-69 sight

40. Big ___ Conference

41. What dogs and babies do

42. Speak

43. Mattel rival

45. Document file format

47. Covets

48. Genesis patri-ark?

49. “Ghosts” playwright

51. Bird in some clocks

56. Crooked Stick pro shop purchase

58. Indiana’s “Wagon City”

61. ___ Hospital for Children

62. German wife

63. Author Bagnold

64. Mine finds

65. Amazes

66. Goes bad Down

1.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

partner

28. Criticize harshly

29. Seoul man

30. Indiana’s “Pocket City”

31. Permit

35. Salk’s vaccine target

38. Stood up

39. Colts QB stat

41. Formally attired

42. Slangy affirmative

44. Holy books

46. Desert plant

50. Website warning letters

52. Radio-active trucker

53. Numbers game

54. “Step ___!”

55. Hoosier Park race figures

56. Sis’ sib

57. Number one cause of inflation?

59. Spanish gold

60. GM labor group

Answers on Page 27

Hinkle Fieldhouse whistle blowers

2. ISO woodwind

3. Weather-beaten

4. Opposed

Landfall for 48-Across

“Now I ___ me down...”

IMA vase

Noblesville HS swimming competition

Isn’t up to par? (Var.)

10. Indiana’s “Queen City of the Wabash”

11. Eiteljorg Museum Western tribe

12. Leak sound

15. Indiana state tree, by another name

17. Suitor 21. Liability’s opposite 23. “In what way?”

24. Mythical horse with a horn

26. Polygon’s corner

27. Zionsville HS prom

6 WRTV Storm Team Words 4 German Cities

3 Indiana State Fair Barns

2 Adhesives

5 Royal Titles

1 “Libations by the Levee” Festival Site

NOW HIRING LOVE DOGS?

NEED PART TIME JOB?

HUNT CLUB IS HIRING Part time Kennel

Assistant : responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel upkeep, and other tasks related to keeping our guests happy and comfortable. Hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM or 3 to 8 PM with potential for 18 - 35 hours per week. Part-time Front Desk Assistant: responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions

Email:huntclubkennal@gmail.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured work environment. 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. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net

40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Words: CLOUDY, COLD, RAIN, SNOW, TORNADO, WINDY; Titles: BARON, DUKE, EARL, MARQUESS, VISCOUNT; Cities: BERLIN, FRANKFURT, HAMBURG, MUNICH; Barns: CATTLE, SHEEP, SWINE; Adhesives: EPOXY, GLUE; Site: RUSHVILLE