January 17, 2023 — Fishers

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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XII, No. 52

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

Local man creates custom wood pieces

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The views of the columnists in Current in Fishers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

What began as a need to build a fence in his yard turned into a successful woodworking business. With borrowed and repurposed pieces of wood, a longtime Lawrence resident is now a full-time craftsman.

ART

Michael Gant created his woodworking business, The Gant Collective, from the ground up over the last eight years. The business has enjoyed organic growth thanks to referrals from family and friends. From smooth-finished bowls to cigar ashtrays that gave him a name, Gant oversees his dream business of crafting custom-made wood products.

When The Gant Collective was first established, Gant decided to try his hand at building a pallet fence. Six years later, the COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for Gant and his wife, Shannon, to focus on their own business.

“It kind of actually started when we moved into our house. We had a husky (pet dog),” Shannon said. “We didn’t want her to have to be on a chain (in the backyard). So, we built a pallet fence. Then, it turned into (Michael) saying, ‘Well, I can make this, and that.’

“He even made the dog’s food and water bowls, and then it took off from there.”

Shannon plays an integral role in the business. She ships, sells and helps market the business and accompanies Michael to the Binford Farmers Market to sell the products.

“The last two summers, we’ve worked at the Binford Farmers Market,” Shannon said. “I also help ship products across the country, but Michael is the creative brains behind this process.”

When the pandemic began, Michael was laid off from his previous full-time job with Wenger Corp. as an athletic sales representative. The layoff, he said, was the catalyst that made it possible for him to focus on building The Gant Collective.

“When the layoff came, my wife and I had said that it sped up our calendar,” Michael said. “At the beginning of 2020, we had decided that it would be two more years of working for someone else, and then we would focus on the woodworking business. So, really, (the pandemic) was the impetus.”

With the opportunity to jump into his business wholeheartedly, Michael began creating works from spare wood and even donated pieces from friends and family. He started making tables for the couple’s

home, and when friends and family saw what he created, they requested pieces for their homes and offices.

“People would see tables in our home and say, ‘I love that table, can you make me one?’ And it’s hard to say no,” Michael said. “The more people that I gave my work to, the more creative clients became with their asks.

“Now, I’m pretty comfortable following any custom request someone may throw at me.”

Michael and Shannon enjoy cigars. Michael made an ashtray specifically for the couple that later earned him the moniker, “The Cigar Ashtray Guy,” according to Shannon.

“I posted the ashtray on Facebook, and the next thing you know, I got friends who

requested custom trays for themselves,” Michael said. “The more they shared their trays on social media, the more requests I got. The ashtrays are kind of my specialty now, given that we’ve shipped them out to 26 states in the last two years.”

The success of The Gant Collective is completely organic, according to the Gants. Each order Michael has completed has been requested through family, friends and referrals, with no additional marketing assistance. Products are only sold through the business’ private Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Michael creates his client’s custom orders at the Maker Playground at Hub & Spoke at 8100 E. 106th St., Suite 260, in Fishers. He has been a member of the makerspace for a little more than a year and said the space has the tools and resources needed to make “great products” for his clients.

“(Maker Playground) enables me to not have to worry about heating and cooling a 16-foot-high ceiling in our two-car garage,” Michael said. “I get to utilize a number of pieces of their equipment and also bring my own to create my pieces.”

Although Michael loves what he does, he said clients’ reactions to his work are what “makes it worth it.”

“I know I’m on the right track because I see how people appreciate my work,” Michael said. “I just do what I like to do and, fortunately, people like it.”

To see more of The Gant Collective, visit instagram.com/thegantcollective.

A platform centerpiece made by The Gant Collective. (Photo courtesy of The Gant Collective)

Michael Gant in his workshop area at the Maker Playground at Hub & Spoke in Fishers. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

DISPATCHES

photos

Have a story suggestion? Want an event covered? Know of a new business or have photos for submission? Please email Current in Fishers Managing Editor Rebecca Fending at rebecca@youarecurrent.com or call 317-489-4444. Remember our deadline is about eight days prior to publication.

Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe officially opens

— The cafe, located at 7852 E. 96th St. in Fishers will host a soft opening Jan. 25 from 3 to 7 p.m., followed by a grand opening on Jan. 28 featuring the cafe’s regular hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more, visit smittenkittencatcafe.com.

500 Festival launches Living Well Program

— The 500 Festival has launched the Living Well Program, a no-cost, resident-based health initiative for apartment complexes to promote resident wellness and build community. It includes discounted registration for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, training resources and built-in support to reach health goals. It also features headto-head competition against other apartment complexes for an award for resident participation. Learn more at indymini.com/p/ mini-marathon/register/living-well-program.

Fishers opens grant programs — The City of Fishers is now accepting applications for its 2023 grant programs, including the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Grant and the Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant. Both grants award anywhere from $1,000 to $7,500 to the respected grantee. The Arts & Cultural Grant supports artists, art organizations and cultural events and the Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant that help Fishers residents make the city a better place to live. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31. To learn more about these grants, or to apply, visit fishers.in.us/grants.

Fishers Dept. of Public Works receives American Public Works Association Accreditation — For the third consecutive year, the City of Fishers Department of Public Works achieved the American Public Works Association Accreditation and remained the only accredited public works department in Indiana, according to the city. The accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that the agency is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual.

Senior provides strong leadership to ZCHS girls basketball team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The only number Zionsville Community High School girls basketball player Mallory Heerdt is concerned about is the victory total.

“Mallory does not worry about her stat line. She does all the little things that have made us successful this season,” Eagles coach Andy Maguire said of the senior forward. “She is the heart and soul of our team on the floor and in the locker room. We had a leadership academy this fall, and it was unanimous that Mallory was the leader of the team. Mallory is our most vocal leader, and she always leads by example.

“She knows everyone’s responsibilities on every play, and she does a great job of coaching her teammates up during the game. Mallory also is very helpful at practice with our JV and freshman kids when we are doing skill work, especially post work.”

As of Jan. 11, the 6-foot Heerdt, a three-

MEET MALLORY HEERDT

Favorite subject: Calculus

Favorite movies: All Marvel movies

Favorite musician: Zach Bryan

year starter, was averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Class 4A No. 2 Eagles (18-0).

“The success that we’ve had so far is the result of all the hard work that my team has put in behind the scenes, and so it is really special and means a lot to us to see it pay off,” Heerdt said.

Heerdt said she has improved the most in her leadership ability.

“My job is to make sure the team is running seamlessly on the court, whether that be on defense or offense, and this season I have taken that role very seriously,” Heerdt said. “My role has never been to get the most stats or score the most but to be the

voice for my teammates

“I am also very blessed that my teammates have so much talent that it allows me to fill this role.”

Senior Laila Hull, who will play for the University of North Carolina next season, averages team-highs of 22.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

“Laila is my best friend, on the court and off,” Heerdt said. “When she moved here in sixth grade, we have been inseparable playing basketball with each other every single year since. I’ve seen her journey and her growth, and I am so, so proud of everything she has accomplished, and it makes me very happy to see her reach all her goals and dreams.”

Heerdt’s father, Brian Heerdt, is the ZCHS junior varsity boys basketball coach, so she has been around the game her entire life.

Although Maguire said Heerdt could play college basketball at the NCAA Division III or NAIA level, she doesn’t plan to pursue playing opportunities.

“Although I have a great passion and love for the sport, I know it is time to move on and start a new chapter of my life,” Heerdt said.

BRAIN AND SPINE CARE FOR WHAT MAKES

YOU, YOU.

Athlete and professional. Student and parent. Caretaker and loved one. We provide exceptional brain and spine care so you can get back to being everything that makes you, you.

Learn more at GoodmanCampbell.com

Zionsville Community High School forward Mallory Heerdt is the Eagles’ senior captain. (Photo courtesy of ZCHS athletics)

Heerdt

Fishers Police Corp. offers

$1,500 to students

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

High school seniors in Fishers looking for college financial help are encouraged to apply for the Fishers Police Corp. Jen Grillo Memorial Scholarship. The $1,500 scholarship is available to a City of Fishers’ senior student who has an interest in pursuing a career in the criminal justice field.

a nonprofit based in Carmel that provides people with special needs physical, occupational and speech therapy by working with horses.

Grillo was killed in a car accident 15 years ago.

SCHOLARSHIP

Students who attend Fishers High School or Hamilton Southeastern High School or who are home schooled or attend a high school elsewhere but are Fishers residents are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

James Alvis, an officer with Fishers Police Dept. and creator of the scholarship, said the program has grown over the last 15 years.

“It’s been a long time, but I think the scholarship was my idea during one of the organization’s roundtable discussions,” Alvis said. “It started out as a $500 scholarship, and now it’s grown to $1,500.”

The scholarship was created to memorialize a previous treasurer for the organization, Jen Grillo. Alvis said Grillo volunteered throughout the Fishers community, including with the TherAplay Foundation,

“Jen was a really great person and amazing to work with,” Alvis said. “Really, the scholarship is about honoring her by helping out local kids with college costs. We know $1,500 isn’t a lot, but it helps a Fishers student get a leg up on the costs of school.”

To apply, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be accepted to an accredited college or university, seek to attend school full-time and possess school leadership, community commitment and a desire to contribute to society. Students must fill out and submit the application found at fisherspolicecorps.org/scholarship, and include a typed or handwritten 500 minimum-word essay on why they have chosen a law enforcement-related career and how they specifically plan to meet their goal.

Two letters of recommendation are required: one from a school teacher and one from either a school counselor, coach or community leader.

The deadline for applications is March 29. For more, contact Alvis at alvisj@Fishers. in.us.

DISPATCHES

Brighton Hospice looking for volunteers

– Brighton Hospice is looking for volunteers to help our office staff perform a variety of office duties such as organizing admission paperwork, filing, preparing and sending mail, answering phones, stocking supplies and helping with special projects and events. Hours and days for this volunteer opportunity are flexible and training will be provided. To learn more about this opportunity please contact Volunteer Coordinator Katresha Taylor by calling 317-798-2160 or email ktaylor@brightonhospice.com.

Prevent catalytic converter theft — Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. have partnered to launch the Catalytic Converter Identification Initiative to combat a trend of catalytic converter thefts and support vehicle safety. Through this initiative, Hoosiers that visit a Jiffy

Lube store in central Indiana can opt to have their technician engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle’s VIN on the catalytic converter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of protection to any vehicle at no additional cost (and no purchase necessary). Services will remain in effect indefinitely.

Volunteers needed for water availability study — The Hamilton County Surveyor's Office is seeking volunteers for the county’s three year Water Availability Study. The study is being done by INTERA, the engineering firm employed by the county, and will monitor aquifer levels throughout the county in order to better understand the groundwater availability within the county. If interested, reach out to the Hamilton County Surveyor's Office at 317-776-8495 or email at surveyor@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Alvis

FISHERS

CITY OF Geist Waterfront Park Nickel Plate Trail

Fishers

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Heartland Film has announced it is moving its headquarters to the Sterrett Center at 8950 Otis Ave. on the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. The local nonprofit arts organization has renovated the center and will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony, which will be followed by an open house until 6 p.m.

The Sterrett Center, initially called the Fort Harrison Service Club, provided leisure opportunities to enlisted men and had a combined military and recreational library. The center was then used as a community center maintained by Lawrence’s parks department before becoming the base for Heartland Film.

“The Sterrett Center is the perfect space for Heartland Film to live out our vision to be the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film,” President Michael Ault stated. “With the Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort, musical swings, amphitheater and visual arts center, the Fort Ben Cultural Campus is where art and community meet.”

Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier will welcome Heartland Film to the Sterrett Center at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I am thrilled to welcome Heartland Film to Lawrence,” Collier said. “The addition of this well-established, internationally recognized film organization is another indicator of the growth taking place in our great city. Through their engaging films, multiple festivals and community outreach, residents and visitors will enjoy the perks of Heartland Film making Lawrence their home.”

Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to “curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives,” according to the organization’s website.

As Heartland Film looks to the future, it will launch a new building fund at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to help raise funds for additional needs like a new projector, sound system and other updates that will help make its new event center more functional for community programs.

For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.

Road Corridor

Heartland Film moves to Lawrence

Fishers to close portion of 141st St. for construction

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers closed 141st Street to traffic across Ind. 37 on Jan. 11.

CONSTRUCTION

The closure will likely last until the end of 2023 and see the removal of the stoplight on Ind. 37 and 141st Street. to increase the flow of traffic similar to the intersection of 116th Street and the crossing.

The change will allow motorists on Ind. 37 to continue through the intersection without stopping. The new configuration will keep motorists on 141st Street from being able to cross Ind. 37. Motorists on Ind. 37 can only turn right to exit onto 141st.

The stoplights will be removed as part of the temporary change, according to Hatem Mekky, assistant director of engineering for the city of Fishers. He said detours will be posted for motorists who had wanted to turn left at the 141st Street intersection. Rising construction costs have delayed

141st Street will be closed to remove the stoplight at the intersection of 141st Street and Ind. 37. (Photo courtesy of 37 Thrives)

making 141st Street a roundabout. Fishers will look to resume the project this fall.

“The goal was to wait until the market cooled, and we anticipate that will be the case this year,” Fishers spokeswoman Ashley Elrod said.

For more, visit 37thrives.com.

Conner Prairie launches podcast

news@currentinfishers.com

On Jan. 9, Conner Prairie launched “This is Problematic!,” a new podcast spotlighting controversial history and the ramifications still felt today.

HISTORY

The podcast is hosted by Hannah Murphy and Easton Phillips, both curatorial research associates at Conner Prairie. In this season of the podcast, Murphy and Phillips discuss topics ranging from Native American representations and misrepresentations to gentrification in Indianapolis to the history of William Conner and the property Conner Prairie occupies today.

“Conner Prairie is currently undergoing a shift towards telling a more complete history,” Murphy said. “Part of that is acknowledging the problems of the past. There are more wrongs of the past than (there is) time and space to exhibit on-site. The podcast format allows for deeper conversation over a wider variety of topics to engage with a broader audience.”

Podcast guests include Conner Prairie staff, such as President/CEO Norman Burns, local historians and other scholars with

expertise in historical events and people.

“We hope that our conversations spark curiosity to learn more about history and explore some of our topics further,” Phillips said. “Each episode comes with a source list for further research but also resources for engagement in case guests want to get involved with community work also.”

To learn more about “This is Problematic!” and to listen to the complete first season, visit connerprairie.org/this-is-problematic.

Easton Phillips, left, and Hannah Murphy are curatorial research associates at Conner Prairie and host the “This is Problematic!” podcast. (Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie)

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Ann Manship

Ann Manship has played violin with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1975. She lives in the Geist area and works as a pharmacist.

What is your favorite piece of music to perform? To hear?

Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” literally gives me chills when performing this piece or hearing it. What is the most memorable thing that’s happened when you’ve been on stage with an orchestra?

During one of our educational concerts when older folks were invited on stage and a woman. possibly 80-plus years old, came up and enjoyed the experience of sitting within the orchestra. What is your best habit?

The art of conversation. I literally “interview” new people I meet and can get them comfortable talking. I have always said I could go to a stranger’s wedding reception and have a perfectly good time talking to the folks I meet.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I turn my concentration to an entirely different subject and explore it in my mind.

Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

I have two books that surface to the top: No. 1, “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jared Diamond. It is a “whirlwind tour of 13,000 years of world history.” It gives insight to the fates of human societies. No. 2, “Napoleon” by Andrew Roberts. I really do love history, and this gave insight to the political and cultural happenings of his era.

Is there a musician you admire? Why?

Joshua Bell, violinist, and Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor. Not only do I enjoy their performances, but I am fascinated about their life journeys.

January 20– 22, 2023

• Professional ice carving demonstrations in the Arts & Design District

• Fast-paced ice carve-off competition at The Ice at Carter Green

• Carmel Fire Department chili cook-off

• Skating to a live DJ

• And more!

February

10 – 11, 2023

Exciting winter fun awaits!

The 2023 Festival of Ice at Carter Green features:

This event builds real team spirit through on-ice, non-skating competitive games like:

Cheer on our hometown heroes at 6 p.m., February 10.

Human Hungry Hippo Human Curling Ice Trike Relays

Daily skating every Thursday-thru-Sunday until February 26 • Special event days!

A special thanks to Allied Solutions for participation and sponsorship of many of our holiday events.

Nonprofit backs foster bill

news@currentinfishers.com

Leaders at the Indiana nonprofit Foster Success, an organization that provides support to foster care youth when they are about to or have already transitioned out of the foster care system, announced their support Jan. 9 of Senate Bill 151, which the organization has dubbed the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund Bill. The measure was filed by State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence).

BILL

SB 151 includes four key provisions:

• An appropriation for the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund of $1.5 million each year of the 2023-2025 state budget.

• Reduces barriers to entry into the State Auto Insurance Plan for foster youth.

• Expands the Foster Care Tax Credit Program to donors of the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund and includes extending the program through Jan. 1, 2028.

• Free access for foster families to Indiana State Parks.

“Senate Bill 151 has been years in the making and will go a long way toward ensuring young people with foster care experience are empowered with the support and tools necessary to be successful now and self-sufficient later,” Foster Success President and CEO Maggie Stevens stated. “I commend Sen. Kyle Walker for understanding the importance of this issue.”

Walker authored successful legislation last year that established the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Fund and directed the Indiana Dept. of Child Services to administer it. The public and private dollars in the fund will be used to provide payments to foster youth to help bear the costs of automobile insurance and supervised driving hours.

“It’s critical we secure funding for the program so Indiana’s foster youth have access to car insurance, and ultimately the ability to broaden their lives with transportation to work, learning and quality living experiences,” Walker stated. “Everything we do to help Indiana’s foster youth stands to benefit our communities and state overall.” For more, visit fostersuccess.org.

Walker

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

With a mission to connect with the local community through house-made baked goods and coffee brewed with special care, a Fishers coffee shop has become a destination for local residents.

Offering unique, fresh-brewed drinks made with ingredients sourced in-state is how Geist Coffee Company at 10110 Brooks School Rd. in Fishers derived its name. Jeremy Balch owns and operates the coffee shop with his wife, Tristan. They celebrated the shop’s five-year anniversary on Jan. 1. Together, they have forged strong relationships with people in the community.

Jeremy isn’t just the owner. He also runs shifts behind the coffee bar and fills the role of barista as needed. He enjoys being involved with the day-to-day operations.

“I like doing it,” Jeremy said. “I also help in the back, in the kitchen. We bake a lot. We have a breakfast menu, and we make all the bacon, sausage, eggs, chicken, everything is all made in-house that we source from local farms in the state.”

Geist Coffee Company makes all its pastries in-house, too. From cinnamon rolls to muffins, the owners want to ensure quality in each product they offer.

Jeremy comes from a background in corporate management. He was the vice president of Iron Mountain, a records and data management company, for nearly 20 years before leaving to focus on spending time with his family. He then became associate pastor at Geist Community Church before stepping away from ministry.

“I found (being an associate pastor) to be somewhat restricting,” Jeremy said. “You’re in this little church box and you’re not able to connect with a wide range of people in the same way that I would have at my previous job. (Tristan and I) wanted to be more involved with our larger community.

“We realized that the way we were able to do that was at coffee shops. So we thought, ‘We really should have our own coffee shop.’”

At about that same time, the couple heard that the cafe that previously occupied the space had closed, and they jumped at the opportunity to purchase it.

“The place previously had six owners,

the last four of which went bankrupt,” Jeremy said. “No one really had the money to invest in it and it resulted in us having to completely reconstruct the coffee bar and buy a really nice, new imported espresso machine.”

When the Balches bought the cafe, it was called Northwoods Cafe. Jeremy said he wanted to “honor” the cafe for what it was before the family took over, resulting in the well-known rustic decor and feel of the shop.

Geist Coffee Company uses coffee beans from Utopian Coffee in Fort Wayne. The owners of the business visit coffee farms around the world to personally source their beans.

“We want to make great coffee,” Jeremy said. “We want to expand our knowledge in it and the skill of our baristas, and that’s because coffee is the tool that helps us connect with our community. It’s the reason we come together. It’s the reason we have

repeat customers. It’s because we enjoy (coffee) and it’s soothing, something comforting to gather around.”

Most patrons on a given day are repeat customers who come to meet a friend, work or catch up with friends who already happen to be in the shop. Local resident Josh McNair, owner of Geist Realty, said Geist Coffee Company has become the “unofficial town hall” of the area.

“This is the best coffee shop at Geist Reservoir,” McNair said. “It’s unofficially the Geist town hall and the go-to meeting place for Geist locals. The staff is so friendly, and the service is great.”

Jeremy’s goals for the new year include exploring roasting coffee in house, although it’s likely any changes won’t happen until 2024.

Other goals for the year include focusing on staff by growing employees’ knowledge of the product and offering them the opportunity to become involved in developing the

Geist Coffee Company offers hot and iced drinks, including lattes, cold brew and lemonades.

menu.

“We want to start building coffee knowledge and offering coffee cuppings (studying different techniques of how to brew coffee) with our team,” Jeremy said. “We want our staff to be able to get their ideas out there, whether they work out or not. Whether that be a new syrup flavor or a seasonal drink, we really want to build out the team.”

For more, visit geist.coffee.

BREWING TECHNIQUES

There are many ways to brew coffee. Here are just a few ways to elevate your coffee brewing experience:

• POUR OVER: Pouring hot water through coffee grounds in a filter.

• FRENCH PRESS: Pour hot water over coffee grounds, steep for five minutes, then strain.

• AEROPRESS: Similar to the pour over method, but with applied pressure to strain the brewed coffee into the mug below.

• COLD BREW: Pour cold water over coarse coffee grounds and let it sit overnight. Strain and enjoy in the morning

Unique coffee shop connects with customers, community

ON THE COVER: Jeremy Balch, owner and operator of Geist Coffee Company, stands proud in front of the coffee bar and menu.

(Photo by Rebecca Fending)

The Balch family owns Geist Coffee Company. From left, Anabelle, Jeremy, Tristan and Josh pause inside the store. (Photo courtesy of Geist Coffee Company)

TOM WOOD SUBARU SUPPORTS MEALS ON WHEELS

One of our 4 charities during Tom Wood Subaru’s “Share the Love” initiative is; Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal – to support our area senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually!

MEALS ON WHEELS IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN TWO AREAS, VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS

VOLUNTEERS

Meals on Wheels could not serve our clients on 36 routes all over greater Indianapolis without our dedicated volunteers! Whether they deliver meals once or several times a month, the need to serve our senior, disabled and chronically ill clients is more important than ever. Volunteering is a win-win: a win for the clients and a win for the volunteer(s) to serve a basic need in the community.

• There are nine meal pick up sites: 7 hospitals and 2 healthcare facilities.

• Meals are delivered at lunchtime on weekdays (minimum once a month).

• Training is provided.

• 1 hour orientation + an experienced volunteer accompanies new volunteers on their first delivery day.

DONATIONS

Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle. For example, a $100 donation will provide 25 meals! The impact is tremendous. Supporting this mission to innovate, collaborate and advocate to end hunger and malnutrition is vital to our success. Every dollar donated goes directly to purchase meals for our low-income clients who struggle.

Here is how to donate:

• Online donations can be made at: www. mealsonwheelsindy.org/donate

• Or mail checks to: Meals on Wheels: 708 E. Michigan St. , Indianapolis, IN 46202

During the month of December , thru Jan 3rd, 2023, Tom Wood Subaru donated $250 for every vehicle you leased or purchased.

The donations went to your chosen charity; Meals on Wheels, or one of the other “Share the Love” charities. (the ASPCA, National Parks Foundation or Make-A-Wish or Miracle Place)

To find out more about Meals on Wheels and how you can help, be sure to visit their website at: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

Adding insult to injury?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Famed fashion icon Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, Coco to most of us, is reputed to have said, “I’m so sick of immaturity, of name-calling, of labels, of gossip, of high school. It doesn’t make sense anymore, and I find myself being nice to people that I want to strangle.” Chanel long attributed her rise from extraordinarily humble beginnings to become a symbol of wealth, access and good taste as the result of her immunity to the critiques of others. She is believed to have said that it was her very differences from the rest, at the time, that granted her advantage. Attributed with changing the perception of sun tans from being the bastion of the working-class laborer to representing the idle leisure of permanent vacation, Chanel soaked-up criticism as she did the sun. Coco owned her cuckoo.

While name-calling appears to be something hardwired in nearly every human, it has a remarkable impact on most of us. Even the youngest child intuitively attacks her perceived transgressors with a pointed verbal assault. She demands, “Give me

back my toy, you monkey head!” And the so-called “monkey-headed” nursery mate retorts, “No chance, stinky face.” Now the fight is on! Words, then shoving, then tears — all from a denunciation that makes no sense.

Adults are little better. We wither as the insults are hurled at us. We resent those who’ve sent them. We plot our vengeance because of the offence. Mostly, the abuses are inconsequential. Often, we could care less about the person labeling us. Yet, why does it get under our skin? Why do we care so much about something so insignificant asserted by someone so inconsequential?

Likewise, how often are we responsible for wrongly castigating others? Would we care less about the invectives launched at us if we weren’t so keen to shoot them at others?

Wasn’t the best idea

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

This year for my birthday, I decided to nix the annual family Escape Room experience and throw myself a good old-fashioned murder mystery dinner soiree. I may have chosen poorly. It started out OK. Sure, I was exhausted from taking down the last of the holiday decorations (you’re welcome, neighbors!), vacuuming virtually enough dog hair to make another, hiding nine potential murder weapons in creative yet not-impossible-to-find locations, going to the grocery, setting the table for 10 (even though it only comfortably seats eight), artistically arranging a body, and then, of course, transforming myself into Alex Cited, an overly dramatic 1920s theater owner with a penchant for spontaneous duets.

– DANIELLE WILSON

HUMOR

My guests arrived around 4 p.m. (it’s my party and I’ll start obscenely early if I want to!), looking fabulous as either flappers or Peaky Blinders. But I’d forgotten to preheat the oven, so already the schedule was delayed 20 minutes. And as the hostess, not only was I responsible for feeding everyone, but also facilitating the game. One minute I’m tossing the salad, and the next

I’m screaming hysterically about finding a dead guy in the basement. Then I’m back to checking the Stouffer’s. And on it went for three hours, through multiple meal courses and preposterous clue rounds.

Don’t get me wrong, I did have moments of fun. My redheaded daughter played her role with such a thick French accent and a professed disdain for gingers that I laughed every time she spoke. But I think it was simply too much work for me to enjoy.

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year, I’m booking an Escape Room.

Peace out.

Left to right: Patrick Sebanc (Communications Coordinator of Meals on Wheels), Hope Steel (Volunteer Coordinator of Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana). Marisol Davalos Esqueda (Outreach Coordinator), Barb Renshaw (Director of Outreach for Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana), and Scott Reckley (Tom Wood Subaru GM).

Zach Wilska (Sales & Leasing Consultant ) and Scott Reckley. (Tom Wood Subaru GM) deliver a Meals On Wheels.

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

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

I’m glad I tried something new, but lesson learned. Next year,

I’m booking an Escape Room.

Already broke these resolutions

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HUMOR

For the year 2023, I made 12 New Year’s resolutions. I’ve already broken every single one. Here is the dirty dozen:

1. In a restaurant, when the waitress sees my totally cleaned plate and asks how I enjoyed my meal, I will not say, “I didn’t like it one bit.”  According to a survey I read, they hear this all the time and they do not think it is funny.

2. When people ask, “How’s Barney?” (my famous dog who passed 20 years ago), I will stop saying, “Still dead.” No one finds this amusing, and they think I am an insensitive jerk.

3. I will stop salting what Mary Ellen makes for dinner before I even taste it. In future years, I will tackle my addiction to pepper, Heinz 57 and teriyaki sauce.

4. I will put a cover on food when I heat it in the microwave, so the meal doesn’t end up as splatter all over the inside (amendment to resolution: I’ll try to remember not to use aluminum foil).

5. For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use. We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work.

6. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

7. When someone says, “You remind me of Dick Wolfsie,” I will not jokingly reply, “I’m sorry to hear that. I found him very annoying on TV.” I will stop this because when I have said it, many people have agreed with me.

8. I will not cut the crust off a sandwich, realize I’m still hungry, and then eat the crust.

9. I will not cheat when I play Words with Friends. Last year, with the help of a word-finder website, I

placed “oxazepam” (a drug) on just the right squares for a whopping 192 points. Now, no one will play with me, so I call the game, ‘Words All By Myself.’

10. I will not open the fridge looking for a snack and stare for two minutes hoping that some miracle will appear, like a corned beef sandwich on rye.

11. I will not whistle in my downstairs office while writing my column. My wife says that if I whistle while I work, I sound like one of the Seven Dwarfs. Which dwarf am I? See the next resolution.

12. When I watch a movie with Mary Ellen, I will not nod off, because when I wake up, I make her tell me what I missed.

“Mary Ellen, why are those people jumping off the ship?”

“It’s the Titanic, Sleepy. I hope you had a good nap.”

READERS’ VIEWS

New benefits for foster kids, families

Editor, Thirteen thousand children are in foster care across Indiana. There is a great need to place foster children in homes, so many have multiple placements. The amount of money foster parents have to spend is limited. To help Indiana’s foster families, we support Indiana State Senate Bill 151, sponsored by State Sen. Kyle Walker. We encourage foster families, the public and legislators to do the same.

This bill would benefit foster families in different ways, one is to allow free state park access. Many foster kids are facing trauma and they need to play to cope.

Increasing access to state parks through reduced cost would be beneficial so foster kids can play. Many foster kids can’t stay in crowded places for long before becoming overstimulated and wanting to leave. If we want foster kids to grow and learn socially, they have to be introduced multiple times to activities and that can be costly for foster parents.

We surveyed foster parents across Indiana and the results were that lowering

the cost would increase the opportunities for foster kids to play, which would allow them to cope with trauma and thrive in social situations.

Learn more about SB 151 or contact your local legislator at iga.in.gov.

Sophie Holladay, Grace Link and Makenna Kenworthy are eighth-graders at Fishers Junior High and members of Girl Scout Troop 1937

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him

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 special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

From left, Sophie Holladay, Grace Link, State Sen. Kyle Walker, Katie Bergman and Makenna Kenworthy stand in support of Senate Bill 151 in support of foster kids and families. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia Holladay, leader of Girl Scouts Troop 1937.)

at wolfsie@aol.com.

For stocking stuffers next Christmas, I will not buy kitchen gadgets for my wife that she will never use.

We have 11 devices engineered to open jar lids. None of them work. When Mary Ellen asks me what I want for dinner, I will not say, “I don’t care.” I still won’t care, but I will stop saying it.

– DICK WOLFSIE

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

Flu cases rising in state

Personalized

Personalized

Care With A Gentle Touch

With A Gentle Touch

11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070

info@fishersdentalcare.com Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070 FAMILY DENTISTRY

D.

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news@currentinfishers.com

PREVENTION

D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911

Influenza is circulating in Indiana and the number of cases is trending above last year’s figure, according to state health officials. Indiana has recorded 94 flu deaths so far this season, an increase from last year’s total of 83.

ease Control and Prevention, people with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start.

Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S. info@fishersdentalcare.com

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S.

D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive

Moreover, state health officials say there has been an increase in hospitalizations for Hoosiers with flu-like illnesses.

McKinney

“Like many states, Indiana is experiencing very high levels of flu activity right now,” Indiana State Health Commissioner Kristina Box stated.

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, body aches, congestion, chills and fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, the flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The flu spreads much like other viruses, in that it travels through the air in droplets, and when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets can be inhaled. According to the Centers for Dis-

“For the best chance of staying healthy, be sure to get the flu vaccine, stay home when you feel sick, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth while coughing,” said Luke McKinney, an infection preventionist at IU Health Saxony Hospital in Fishers.

With higher levels of transmission, the Indiana Dept. of Health urges residents to protect themselves and their families by getting the flu vaccine.

“It is more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you from this highly contagious respiratory infection,” Box stated “This year’s flu vaccine continues to be a good match for the circulating strains, and it is your best protection against a severe, and possibly tragic, outcome.”

Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:

• Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.

• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue.

• Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.

Arugula for ulcers — Arugula, a peppery type of salad green, contains sulforaphane, a compound already known to reduce the risk of cancer. Now it appears that the same compound can also help prevent ulcers. It helps the body eliminate H. pylori, a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers and increases the risk for gastric cancer.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Eat sprouted garlic — If your old garlic has started to sprout, is it safe to eat, or should you throw it away? Actually, garlic that has been sprouted for five days has twice as many antioxidants as unsprouted garlic, and it has greater flavor and pungency.

Source: Dr. John La Puma, ChefMD

Get some sun — Sunlight is necessary for vitamin D production, and low levels are associated with increased risk for death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. A recent study showed that women who avoided the sun entirely were twice as

likely to die over a 20-year period as women with the greatest sun exposure. So, enjoy the sun - in moderation.

Source: Journal of Internal Medicine.

Improve your focus — Do you have more trouble concentrating than you used to? Studies show that our attention spans are declining, largely due to the use of technology. We feel we have to respond to every text, alert and call immediately. Instead, try putting the phone on “do not disturb” mode for a few minutes when you need to focus.

Source: Cynthia Green, Ph.D.

Wake up faster — If you have trouble waking up in the morning, try using your shower as a stimulant. Switch the water temperature from hot to cold several times, holding each temperature for about 10 seconds. The changes in temperature can rev up your blood flow, which can help make you more alert.

Source: BottomLineHouseholdMagic.com

DISPATCHES

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Lawrence residents Christi and Aaron Parker celebrated the grand opening of their Le Macaron franchise at 8701 E.116th St. Suite 150 in Fishers

BAKERY

on Jan. 7. The patisserie offers macarons, beignets, croissants and many more traditional French baked goods.

The Parkers fell in love with Le Macaron and its atmosphere after visiting the Carmel location at 14550 Clay Terrace Blvd.

“We really liked the product,” Christi said. “The store is amazing and so are the treats. We kind of fell in love with the look of the store, and then fell in love with the company.”

The overall look and feel of Le Macaron were something that Christi felt was much needed in the Fishers area.

“The area is experiencing a lot of growth,” Christi said. “It’s an exciting, up-and-coming area that we really wanted to be a part of. With our store being so close to the Nickel Plate Trail, we really feel it’s a great place to be.”

Le Macaron offers a variety of traditionally prepared French goods, including 20

different flavors of macarons, cakes (some featuring macarons as decorative toppers), chocolates and candies, cream puffs, eclairs, tarts, crepes, beignets, croissants and more.

However, the menu has more than French pastries. The store also serves hot and iced Lavazza European-style coffee drinks, house-made gelato, sorbet and French-style teas.

Christi recommends first-time customers try the macarons and eclairs.

“Anyone coming for their first visit definitely needs to try at least one of the macaron flavors,” Christi said. “But I also recommend trying one of the eclairs. Traditional French eclairs are so different from American ones. They’re a lot smaller and more delicate, with many different flavors.”

As business grows, the Parkers want to get more involved with the communities of Fishers and Lawrence.

“Although we’re still just working to keep ahead with the grand opening, we really want to do community outreach and support things,” Christi said. “Looking at the long-term goal, it’s definitely to give back to our communities.”

For more, visit lemacaron-us.com.

Christi and Aaron Parker enjoy treats in their new Le Macaron franchise in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Christi and Aaron Parker)

Fishers classical concert pianist helps create multimedia performance

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Clare Longendyke’s grief during the COVID-19 pandemic provided inspiration for her project.

‘CLUE’

“Clue” performances run through Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

TAY BRONSON & THE TACKLE BOX

PROJECT

The Fishers classical concert pianist was awarded a 2022 Faith, Justice, and the Arts grant through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Indy to create a new work of multimedia performance art called “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.”

“(The project) combines the live performance of four new solo piano works by composers with the presentation of a new film presented in three short chapters and the reading of poems by contemporary poets to create an hour-long performance.”

Longendyke said. “The inspiration behind the project was to create a multi-movement artistic work that includes multiple artistic forms and perspectives that address issues of social justice/injustice, all within the structure of a classical requiem, which is historically a piece of music that accompanies a funeral mass and offers repose to the soul of the deceased person.

“In the performances of ‘Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered,’ the music, film segments and poems will alternate, making the performance truly multimodal.”

The film was created by Deonna Weatherly, an Indianapolis-based videographer and film director. The premiere will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at St. Paul Episcopal Church Indy, 6050 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free. There will be a second performance at 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Admission is free, although a donation to the IHC is suggested.

Longendyke said she felt grief when deep in thought, practicing or speaking with her husband, colleagues and collabo-

rators during the pandemic.

“The feeling of uselessness that overwhelmed me when I would open my New York Times app every morning, and then question how my life as a concert pianist was making any difference in a world filled with hatred, unkindness, violence and destruction,” she said. “We all saw it happening around us during the pandemic, the rotating media cycles that sparked fear, the growing distance between humans, the crumbling of our planet with no clear direction for how to stop or slow it down. I needed a way out, a spark of inspiration, during that time, and it came in the form of creating new work.”

Longendyke said the piano pieces she commissioned were by four composers from a variety of cultural backgrounds. They are Rex Isenberg, an American composer from Philadelphia now living in Los Angeles; Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer on faculty at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia; Reinaldo Moya, a Venezuelan composer who is residing in Minnesota; and Nkeiru Okoye, an American-born composer of African American and Nigerian ancestry.

“Each composer was prompted to

compose a piece from a deeply personal place that aligns with their social justice advocacy, and the result was four divinely individual works of art,” Longendyke said. “Each of the four piano pieces responds to an issue or an emotion that the composer felt was vital to put into the world after the global upheaval of the last three years. Rex’s piece explores the search for solace in a troubled world. Emily’s piece is a response to the silencing of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans in the United States. Reinaldo’s work is a response to the grief of losing a family member, and Nkeiru’s piece is about hope, giving listeners something to root for. Deonna’s film is about the search for self.

“Each piece fits into a specific movement of the classical requiem form, some of which are more hopeful and uplifting, celebrating the life of the person who was lost. Other parts of the requiem are more tragic.”

Longendyke said “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered” are designed to provide a forum for audience members to listen, learn from the artistic voices being represented and grieve within the performance space.

“There is no one emotion that I expect people to feel, but I do hope that the performance sparks deep feelings in those participating, especially since the art being presented is all deeply meaningful to the artists involved in its creation,” she said.

Longendyke said she and Weatherly began discussing the project in February 2022, shortly after she was awarded the grant

“Having worked with Deonna before, I knew that I could pitch her an idea and let it simmer while she found the perfect story to tell through her film,” Longendyke said. “We touched base several times as she was story-boarding the film, but I mostly let her lead the film portion of the performance since that is her area of expertise and not mine.”

For more, visit clarelongendyke.com.

The Live at the Center series features Tay Bronson & the Tackle Box at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at The Tarkington. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

‘DRINKS WITH DEE DEE SORVINO’

“Drinks with Dee Dee Sorvino: A night of comedy, cocktails and chords” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21 at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Community Players has named Hannah Janowicz its artistic director.

The Noblesville resident has been involved in performance art from a young age, performing in more than 20 productions and providing costuming, makeup, prop making and assistant direction.

Janowicz graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in public communication and theatre studies, with an emphasis in arts administration and advocacy. Since then, she has worked in marketing, ticket sales and community outreach for various theater companies, including Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre and Muncie Civic Theatre. She recently returned to the stage and was featured in CCP’s 2022 productions of “The Fantasticks” and “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment.”

Janowicz is replacing Lori Raffel, who she met while working on CCP’s production of “Shipwrecked!”

Raffel, who has served on CCP’s Board of Directors since 1999, stepped down as artistic director in November 2022.

Clare Longendyke will play the piano pieces for “Requiem for the Adrift and Shattered.” (Photo courtesy of Clare Longendyke)

Weatherly

CCP names artistic director

Janowicz

CABARET

Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band to perform with CSO

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes has always been a big fan of Earth, Wind & Fire.

fectly with an orchestra.

MUSIC

“I have been listening to this music since I was in high school,” Hymes said. “This genre of music is appealing to so many as it covers different styles — funk, R&B, jazz, soul and more. The music is timeless, and people familiar with this music as well as people new to the group will enjoy it.”

Serpentine Fire, a tribute act for Earth, Wind & Fire, will join Carmel Symphony Orchestra for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Serpentine Fire performs the music of East, Wind & Fire. The show is billed as “a fast-paced journey through those ‘70s and ‘80s EW&F hits that everyone knows.” The band’s name is derived from one of those hits.

Hymes has not seen Serpentine Fire perform in person.

“I have heard they are fantastic musicians and wonderful entertainers,” Hymes said. “All of my favorites will be played at the concert, and there are many.”

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire fits per-

“The orchestral arrangements are excellent and fit perfectly into the style of Earth, Wind and Fire,” Hymes said. “The brass parts are especially suited to their style, and I think the audience will truly enjoy this special concert. Sometimes pops concerts fall short because the arrangements don’t feature the orchestra and the orchestra is just filler. I look for programs that highlight the orchestra and make it more interesting to perform.”

Tyriq Johnson formed Serpentine Fire and is the lead vocalist.

FAMILY FUN CONCERT SET

CSO’s Family Fun concert is set for 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium. Children will have an opportunity to sit on the stage with the CSO musicians during the interactive concert.

“Every time we perform this concert, we feel it is a success because the audience gets so excited coming on stage, being close to the musicians and present ‘in’ the sound,” Hymes said. “We plan this program to suit all ages and it never disappoints.”

Tom Chen, Carmel High School director of orchestras, will be conducting the program.

For tickets for either show, visit thecenterpresents.org. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Serpentine Fire to perform in concert with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

The Mavericks set for Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For The Mavericks’ guitarist Eddie Perez, there is no shortage of concert material.

CONCERT

Perez said there is a lot of music over the band’s 30-plus years to cover in a two-hour concert.

“So, we try to hit the mark on just about all of it, from the country music stuff we first got our start with until present day with the Spanish record and everything in between,” Perez said. “It can be challenging to cover all the music and make sure you hit everything everyone wants to hear.”

The Mavericks will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Perez said some of the band’s concert staples include hits such as “Back in Your Arms Again,” Dance the Night Away” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.”

The Mavericks’ latest album, which is all-Spanish, was released at the height of the pandemic in August 2020. The band has covered a variety of genres through the years, crossing through musical boundaries.

“The roots were based in honky-tonk, country and ‘50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll,” Perez said. “When we started picking up instruments, that’s what we looked at. All of our music encapsulates all of the music over the years.”

Perez, a Mexican American guitarist from Los Angeles, joined the band in 2003.

Not long after Perez joined the band, the group took a break.

“It turned into an eight-year hiatus,” he said. “But in the incarnation that we are in now we’ve had seven or eight records in the last 11 years. We’ve toured extensively.”

During The Mavericks’ hiatus, Perez, who is based in Nashville, Tenn., was touring and making albums with Dwight Yoakam.

Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter, did some solo albums and toured during that time.

“A couple of us kept going (in the music world) and a couple tried other things,”

Perez said. “But we decided to see if there was any music left in The Mavericks, and we’ll probably know quickly. Here we are 11 years later, and I think it’s been the most advanced and prolific time.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Explore the world of hams

Commentary by Mark LaFay

When thinking about meats that are used on a charcuterie board, I group them into three categories:

• Spreadable meats like pâté, nduja, terrines, or rillettes.

• Ground meats, which are mainly salami.

• Whole muscle meats, like speck, lomo, bresaola, or ham like prosciutto.

In the whole muscle category, the king, in my opinion, is prosciutto, or simply put — ham. Dry-cured hams are simply whole hind quarters that are salted down and slowly dried and aged over extended periods of time. As the ham is dried and aged, it develops rich flavors that can be absolutely sublime.

The two most popular hams in the world are lesser-known Iberico ham and the more widely known Prosciutto di Parma. Iberico ham is made from aged hind quarters of Iberico pigs that live on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. They are finished largely on acorns on the oak forest floor. Prosciutto di Parma is ham made from pigs in the Parma region of Italy that are finished with whey from the parmesan-making process.

Pigs don’t sweat, and so they tend to take on flavors of the ingredients of their diet. Parma ham takes on a slightly cheesy flavor as it ages and, you guessed it, Iberico ham takes on a nuttier flavor. Both hams when aged past 24 months become truly unforgettable. There are several other types of hams made in regions around the world. However, these two hams can’t be passed up. Domestically, we have a handful of producers of ham that are made in the tradition of Parma, but by law are not Parma hams. There are hundreds of producers of Iberico and Parma Ham. Start exploring and make notes as you find brands and ages that you prefer.

For a great domestic ham, check out La Quercia, an Iowa-based ham producer.

There are countless options for epic prosciutto, both domestic and international. Enjoy the exploration!

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

IT’S gr e at TO

DINE OUT!

The Great Dine Out in Hamilton County January 2–31, 2023

It’s great to dine out—enjoy the company of others, participate in local culture, and support local restaurants all while earning special deals on food. Simply check in at participating Hamilton County restaurants with the Great Dine Out digital passport. If you check in five times, you’ll get a $25 local restaurant gift card—while supplies last.

Claim your digital passport at DineOutHamiltonCounty.com or scan the QR code.

Will ChatGPT replace writers?

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

might purchase your product or service. But what if the writing is lousy?

GRAMMAR GUY

Welcome to the year of AI content creation. From writing to artwork created by artificial intelligence software, the internet is embracing this “make-the-computer-do-it for-me” approach.

Soon after OpenAI launched ChatGPT at the end of November 2022, the company was valued at a cool $29 billion. But my question is: Will AI chatbots replace human writers? Not anytime soon.

As a content manager for a robotics startup, my day job involves writing relevant and interesting articles, case studies and thought leadership on my industry. It takes time to do this well, but quantity of content is simultaneously as important as the quality of the work.

For website articles, SEO, or search engine optimization, is king. In theory, you could crank out a ChatGPT essay once per day and load it up with all the keywords you want your potential customers to find in a Google search. This would direct customers to your website, where they

After weeks of experimenting with ChatGPT, I’ve found that the service creates vague and repetitive articles. If you type in a prompt such as, “Write a blog article discussing the limitations of AI-written website articles,” you’ll get a result that is a solid “C”-grade essay. If that is your standard of quality, then feel free to publish it on your website.

During winter break, Princeton computer science major Edward Tian built software that can sniff out a ChatGPT plagiarism checker called GPTZero. Essentially, GPTZero can determine whether a human or a bot wrote an article.

I’m sure we’ll be able to harness AI technology to create interesting and useful content, but it’s not going to replace this columnist anytime soon.

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

Visiting where Jesus taught

Commentary by Don Knebel

Continuing our tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we go around to the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee to sites important in Jesus’ ministry.

TRAVEL

In the first century, Capernaum, home to four of Jesus’s disciples, was a fishing village, which became the center of Jesus’ ministry when Nazareth, his hometown, drove him out. According to biblical accounts, Capernaum was the location of many of Jesus’ healing miracles, including the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law in Peter’s Capernaum house. Jesus taught in Capernaum’s synagogue, where he healed a man possessed by demons. Jesus also performed miracles in Chorazin, a farming village famous for its wheat set on a hillside about 2.5 miles north of Capernaum, and in nearby Bethsaida. Because the people witnessing those miracles did not repent as he had expected, Jesus expressly denounced all three villages by name.

Archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of Capernaum and Chorazin but disagree about the location of Bethsaida.

Today, Capernaum includes a memorial to Peter, perched on columns above what has long been regarded as Peter’s house. Capernaum also includes the ruins of a fourth-century synagogue erected over the one in which Jesus taught. Although archaeologists have not yet found the remains of first-century Chorazin, they have uncovered ruins from the third century, including a large synagogue constructed of black basalt. Just west of Capernaum is the Church of the Beatitudes, perched on a hill over-

looking the Sea of Galilee associated with Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. It was built in 1936 with the financial support of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. In the nearby area of Tabgha, associated with Jesus’ reported miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes, a statue remembers the account in the Gospel of John when Jesus forgave Peter for having three times denied knowing him after Jesus’ arrest.

Memorial to Peter in Capernaum. (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.

Church of the Beatitudes.

Statue of Jesus and Peter in Capernaum.

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, goodnatured 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