January 24, 2023 — Fishers

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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIII, No. 1

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

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

January 24, 2023

Current in Fishers currentinfishers.com

Retired FBI agent recounts highlights of memorable career

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

as recently as 2015, 11 years after his death at age 84.

CAREER

When Elaine Smith became an FBI agent in 1979, she knew it would be a challenging job — especially for a woman. Many of her male co-workers kept her at a distance, she said, avoiding her as a partner in the field and inappropriately prying into her personal affairs in the office. She thought she’d find support from the few other female agents in the office, but — to her surprise — they were even colder, at least initially, driven more by competition than congeniality.

But in February 1983, Elaine, a wife and mother still relatively new to the FBI, became the only agent capable of advancing a case that led to the unraveling of much of Chicago’s organized crime. After surviving three bullets to the head in a failed assassination attempt, Ken Eto, who ran a gambling operation for the mob, singled out Elaine to hear his story.

“Anyone that had been kind to him in his life had been a woman,” said Elaine, a Carmel resident since 2005. “Everybody says a woman can’t be an FBI agent, but this guy only trusted women. He remembered my name. He said, ‘I’m property of the FBI, and I’ll only speak to Elaine Smith.’ They were dumbfounded. I was dumbfounded.”

A SECOND CAREER

For many, securing a job as an FBI agent fulfills a lifelong dream. Not so for Elaine Smith.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, she spent 11 years working as an elementary school teacher, moving frequently as her husband — FBI agent Tom Smith — was reassigned. Tom first planted the thought of a career change in Elaine’s mind.

“She was a good teacher, and she had a lot of interpersonal skills,” Tom said. “The other reason is because she didn’t understand why I was late or why I had to work on the weekends. I thought, ‘Hey, maybe if she does this, she’ll understand,’ which actually turned out to be the case, because she worked more than me.”

Elaine became an agent at age 34, just before she would have aged out of eligibility. She quickly fell in love with the job, and it helped her and Tom — former high school sweethearts who will celebrate 57 years of marriage in March — deepen their bond,

despite its challenges.

“When he went (to investigate) bank robberies and kidnappings, it always happened on Friday nights,” Elaine said. “They’d always scrounge around for agents, and I was one of the scrounged. I would always go with him. I wanted to be with him on Friday nights, so we would go out to a bank robbery and then go and have dinner.”

As a new agent, Elaine said she was bypassed for the most interesting cases. She eventually managed to join a squad specializing in organized crime and was assigned to investigate an “old dog,” a stalled case that had been passed from agent to agent. That’s how she first learned of Eto and his gambling ring.

Elaine became laser-focused on the case, and in September 1980 her efforts paid off when the FBI successfully raided Eto’s operation. Soon, she found an opportunity to ask him to become an informant and was quickly rebuffed.

Less than 18 months later, however, everything changed.

‘HE KNEW EVERYTHING’

A ringing phone awakened Elaine from a deep sleep during a February 1983 ski trip with her family. She was stunned to learn that Eto had been shot in the head three times — and survived. But she was even more shocked to learn that he had said she was the only investigator with whom he would share what he knew about the mob.

Thus began the next phase of their relationship, one which included Eto providing details of the inner workings of the Chicago organized crime scene. His information led to several arrests and convictions, including

Eto, who was interned at the Minidoka War Relocation Center during World War II because of his Japanese heritage, entered the U.S. Federal Witness Protection Program after his trial, hidden from those with mob ties but frequently in touch with Elaine and her family. She described their relationship as being like a father and daughter.

‘A MOVIE, FOR SURE’

Over the next 20 years, Elaine continued her work as an agent, becoming an expert in money laundering. In September 2001, she began investigating the financial backgrounds of the terrorists involved in the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks.

Elaine retired from the FBI in 2002, and she and Tom moved to Carmel a few years later to be near their daughter, Kim. From her new home, she worked to help financial institutions prevent and detect money laundering, as well as consult in financial fraud cases.

Not long after Eto’s death, a Japanese doctor asked Elaine to write a book about her career and friendship with the mobster turned informant.

Reluctantly, Elaine — who never intended to become an author — agreed. “A Gun in My Gucci” was initially printed in Japan, and in 2011 she reworked it to refocus the story on her perspective throughout the ordeal and published it in the U.S.

Her book caught the attention of film producer Donna Gigliotti, whose many credits include “Hidden Figures,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and an Oscar for “Shakespeare in Love.” Gigliotti has optioned the rights to Elaine’s book and is developing a screenplay based on it.

“Elaine’s story is amazing. I was struck by what a pioneer she was within the FBI ranks in the 1980s,” Gigliotti said. “Add to that, her unlikely alliance with Joe Eto — that these two outsiders managed to bring down some of Chicago’s biggest mobsters — it’s a movie, for sure.”

Elaine, 77, acknowledged her career makes a “great story,” but she believes it’s more a result of “circumstances falling together” than anything else.

Tom, 78, describes his wife as a “reluctant heroine” but said her story has inspired women of all ages.

Learn more about Elaine and the book at AGunInMyGucci.com.

Elaine and Tom Smith pause in their Carmel home. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

HSE receives $5.7M for mental health initiatives

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern Schools received a grant of $5,762,815 Jan. 10 from the U.S. Dept. of Education as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals serving the district’s 21,500 students.

GRANT

The School Based Mental Health Services, or SBMH, grant will provide funding to recruit, prepare, hire and train highly qualified school-based mental health professionals, which includes school counselors, school psychologists and school social workers over the next five years.

“Currently, the ratio of school-based mental health professionals-to-students in Hamilton Southeastern is high, resulting in barriers for K-12 students to access needed supports and interventions,” Mental Health and School Counseling Coordinator Brooke Lawson stated.

Lawson, who will help administer the grant, said HSE will focus on adding support at the secondary level by hiring additional school counselors; primary students will be better served by an increased number of school social workers; and districtwide, extra school psychologists will be added.

The American School Counselor Association recommends a 1:250 ratio of school counselors-to-students. The most recent statewide data shows that Indiana ranks last for the number of school counseling professionals serving young Hoosiers.

“We know students can’t perform to the best of their ability when they are experiencing mental health challenges,” HSE Supt. Yvonne Stokes said. “Through this grant, HSE has the opportunity to expand its capacity of diverse service providers to address the unique individual needs of each student and family we serve.”

HSE will begin seeking qualified candidates for the additional positions in the coming weeks.

Stokes

Fishers plans new roundabout

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers announced plans Jan. 10 to replace the traffic light at the intersection of 116th Street and Allisonville Road with a roundabout. Additional design and environmental fees were determined to be necessary by the Board of Public Works and Safety. An additional amount of $38,970 brought the total contract amount to $413,825.43 for the city to complete the project.

The makeover is a result of the Allisonville Road Corridor Study approved by the board last year.

City Planning and Zoning Director Megan Vukusich said the reason the corridor study focused on the areas from 106th Street to 126th Street was because most commercial developments are located in the area.

“We felt that we do have some development happening at 96th Street and Allisonville Road, new commercial development and felt the focus on development from 106th Street to 126th Street is where the main commercial development is located,” Vukusich said.

The study is in response to concerns of residents that the area was in need of the

Fishers conducted a study of the Allisonville Road Corridor and determined that a roundabout was needed at the intersection of 116th Street and Allisonville Road. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

same attention paid to areas such as the Nickel Plate District.

The roundabout is expected to be completed by February 2024.

Hub & Spoke to offer classes

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Hub & Spoke, at 8100 E. 106th St., Suite 260 in Fishers, will host a free five-week, 40-hour introductory construction course for people aspiring to join the construction profession.

Designed for students and adults looking for a career change, coursework will provide registrants with an overview of the academic knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, student credentials will be entered into the National Center for Construction Education and Research database that will follow the craftsperson throughout their careers.

If attendees are enrolled at Ivy Tech, they can also receive credit for prior learning for the class “Introduction to Construction Technology (BCTI 100).”

“When you look at the class as a whole, the thing that’s really awesome about it is

you get the opportunity to reach out into the community,” said Joe Evans, director of sales for ACo, a kitchen remodeling company in the Hub & Spoke building. “You’re talking to students, business owners and community members. You never know who you’re going to make contact with.”

During the course, students will learn:

• Basic safety skills

• Introductory construction math

• Basics of power and hand tools

• Basic rigging

• Basic communication skills

• Construction drawings

• Basic employability skills

• Material handling

Registration is available online at hubandspoke.works/workforce-development/ entremaker-program. The course runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 25 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

For more, visit hubandspoke. works/workforce-development/ entremaker-program.

DISPATCHES

Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe officially opens — The cafe, located at 7852 E. 96th St. in Fishers will host a soft opening on 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 head-to-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.

Peoria, IL.

Reed went to Heaven on January 10, 2023, at the age of 91 in Fishers, IN. She was born on July 18, 1931, to Ruth Wernert and William Gurtler in Wilkinsburg, PA. In 1937, her mother died of leukemia, and Barbie and her brother, Bill, went to live with their grandparents, Charles and Mary Gurtler, in Chicago, IL.

From an early age, Barb accepted Christ as her personal Savior, thanks to the spiritual counsel and witness of her Uncle Lester Gurtler. She always trusted God and looked to the Lord to direct her path.

Barbie graduated as valedictorian from Reynoldsburg High School in Ohio in 1948. She graduated as salutatorian from Hillsdale College in Michigan in 1952 with a BA teaching degree in child development.

Barbara worked as a college switchboard operator, was active in the Chi Omega sorority, on the editorial staff of the college yearbook and newspaper, a cheerleader, in the homecoming court, and involved in the International Relations Club, which focused on the newly created United Nations.

In April 1952, Barbara married her college sweetheart, William H. Kuni, from Detroit, MI. To this union were born eight children: Denise (Mike) Charlston; William Henry Kuni, III; Diane (Paul) Thorsell; David Kuni; Bruce (Kim) Kuni; Donna (Matt) Rollins; and twins, Deborah Kuni Hines and Daniel (Jill) Kuni. Throughout the years the family lived in Chicago, IL; Long Island, NY; Cleveland, OH; Atchison, KS, and East

Barb was very involved in leadership of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She served in her local church as pianist and in ministries: Sunday school, Ladies Bible studies, Youth for Christ, and VBS. Barb’s career was being a teacher at Lowpoint Washburn Elementary School in IL. In 1989, Barbara received a grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities on teaching the US Constitution to students. She earned the “Outstanding History Teacher” award by the DAR.

Later in life, Barb married Maynard Branch in 2001. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. He passed away in 2012. In 2019, Barb married Dr. John Reed from Dallas Theological Seminary. They were thankful to God for the time they had together before John went to Heaven.

Barbara is survived by her eight children, two brothers, Bill Gurtler and Paul Gurtler (Kimberly), 21 grandchildren, 32 greatgrandchildren, and many relatives. Barbara had a deep love for the Word of God and her greatest desire was for everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Visitation was Wed. 1/18/23 and Thurs. 1/19/23; Celebration of Life Service followed at Trinity Baptist Church, 1010 E. 126th St., Carmel, IN 46033. Burial service was at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, IN. Memorial gifts may be made to the ministry H.O.P.E. Inc. (Home of Parent-directed Edification) at https://www.parentshope.org/ donate.

Lawmakers serve on committees

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Lawmakers from Hamilton County recently received appointments to serve on key standing committees in the Indiana House of Representatives.

POLITICS

House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of members’ two-year terms. House lawmakers convened for the 2023 session Jan. 9.

“We have a talented group of legislators who are ready to get to work and tackle issues important to Hoosiers,” said House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers. “I’m also excited about our House leadership team and continuing to work together as we take our caucus priorities across the finish line this session.”

State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville, will serve as chair of the K-12 Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, and as a member of the House Education Committee, and the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee. He said committees will begin meeting at the start of the 2023 legislative session.

“I look forward to helping craft a balanced state budget that maintains our commitment to fiscal integrity,” Goodrich said. “Education makes up more than half of the state’s budget and will continue to be a top priority. I’m especially excited about identi-

fying ways we can provide more hands-on work experience during high school to ensure our students are better prepared for jobs today and into the future.”

State Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, received an appointment to serve as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and as a member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, and the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee. Jeter said committees are responsible for vetting bills, including hearing public testimony and considering amendments.

“Committee meetings are a vital part of the legislative process, and it’s a great opportunity to hear directly from Hoosiers and make improvements to a bill or hit the pause button,” Jeter said. “It’s great to be able to use my legal background to best serve our district and Hoosiers.”

State Rep. Donna Schaibley, R-Carmel, received an appointment to serve as vice chair of the House Public Health Committee, and as a member of the House Statutory Committee on Ethics and the House Insurance Committee.

“Committees are a great way for the public to voice their opinions about legislation,” Schaibley said. “This session we’ll examine a lot of important issues, including lowering health care costs for Hoosiers. This will be a busy session and I look forward to getting to work.”

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

For more on legislation, visit iga.in.gov.

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger,

11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911

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

D.D.S.

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S.

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

Huston Goodrich

Schaibley

Torr

Jeter

Barbara Louise Gurtler Kuni Branch

Hamilton Southeastern senior point guard guides team to success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior Olivia Brown is the consummate point guard.

“She has a knack of knowing where to be and reading the other team’s offense to get her hands on a lot of passes,” Royals girls basketball coach Brian Satterfield said. “Olivia has also been great at creating opportunities for her teammates and herself at times. She sees the floor so well and looks to find her teammates whenever they are open. Her biggest improvement from last year is taking care of the basketball. Her decision-making and places she gets to on the floor have allowed her to lower her turnover average from a year ago. She is our best defender and doesn’t always score a lot of points, but she has a hand in most of the points we score.

“She leads us in assists, steals, deflections and tied for the lead in blocks while second in rebounding.”

MEET OLIVIA BROWN

Favorite subject: Health sciences

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite movie: “The Princess and the Frog”

Prior to Jan. 17, the 5-foot-7 Brown was averaging 6.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 3.8 steals per game for the Royals (17-2). She commits only 2.7 turnovers per game.

“One of my big goals is to keep turnovers down and assists up,” she said. “I try to keep a 3-to-1 assists-to-turnovers ratio.”

Brown said she has improved on being a leader.

“One of the things (Satterfield) challenged me is to open my mouth even more than I have before and really get across to my teammates what we need to get done,” she said.

Brown, who has played varsity all four

years, is a three-year starter.

Satterfield said Brown is a fierce competitor.

“She is one of our hardest workers every day,” he said. “The staff wishes she would be more vocal on the court at times, but she, along with our other seniors, are always reaching out and talking to players to make sure everything is good.”

Brown said the team has many scoring options. Riley Makalusky was leading the team with a 18.8 points per game scoring average, followed by her sister, Maya Makalusky, at 15.3 ppg.

“As the point guard, I see all the things that are happening on the court,” Brown said. “I think we have such a wide skill set and everyone knows how to play their roles really well. I love the team chemistry we have going.”

Brown competed on the Royals’ track and field team as a middle-distance runner. Although she said track kept her in shape for basketball, she gave it up after her sophomore season to concentrate on basketball for recruiting purposes. Brown has signed with the University of Akron of the Mid-American Conference.

BRAIN

AND

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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

Hamilton Southeastern senior point guard Olivia Brown averages 7.4 assists per game. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Brown)

Brown

A sensory-friendly event for families, especially designed for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder or any type of special need.

Free admission and skate rental for the entire family. Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice and ice walker supports are available to share. Rink will be closed to the general public.

Guardians must accompany on ice.

February 10 – 11, 2023

CURRENT Q&A Getting to know Daniel Beyer

Daniel Beyer is the manager of communications for the City of Lawrence. An Indianapolis resident, he has worked for Lawrence for five years.

Are you

an early bird or night owl?

Right now, I’m kind of forced into being an early bird. My 2-year-old seems to have an internal alarm and wakes up at 5 a.m. every day, and I’m on morning duty.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can cook. Does that count? I love watching YouTube cooking videos and learning how to make awesome food.

What’s a no-skip album for you?

“Either/Or” by Elliott Smith, and my favorite bands right now are Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Sylvan Esso.

Do you have a role model?

My boss, the mayor of Lawrence, Steve Collier is a great mentor. He really trusts people to do their jobs and gives people credit for the work they do. He’s open to change, listens to people and he really cares deeply about the City of Lawrence.

Podcasts or music for a long drive?

What’s your go-to for either?

Podcasts! I’m big on NBA and video game podcasts.

Do you have a favorite meal to have in Lawrence?

My go-to lunch spots are Foster’s Cafe in Ivy Tech (Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl), Porter Books & Bread (The Austen Sandwich) and Fitzgerald’s Lunch House (The Rooster Sandwich).

What’s your favorite season? Why?

Exciting winter fun awaits!

Fall. I love sweatshirts, bonfires and football. I don’t like being too hot in humid Indiana summers.

What’s your favorite drink?

Beer. I love all kinds, but usually just PBR. If I’m getting a local growler, I’ll go with an IPA like Rail Splitter from Triton (Brewing Co.).

Tuesday, January 24 & Sunday, February 26

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!

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Socialization is something many experts believe adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities require to live a fulfilling life. A local social club for disabled adults wants to make a difference in that regard.

Fishers-based Thrive Social Club, an organization specifically for “20-somethings” with disabilities to socialize and participate in various activities, offers members the chance to “get together, hang out and do fun activities,” according to club leader Mari Kennedy.

The club, however, isn’t only for the benefit of members. Thrive Social Club also helps caregivers build a support system.

“It is a social opportunity for caregivers to meet and network, too,” Kennedy said. “The mission of Thrive is to connect young citizens of all abilities in our community to participate in life-enriching social activities.”

The club was founded by the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability in 2020. It was the brainchild of committee member Kennedy, whose son, Ryan, 20, has Down syndrome.

“We created Thrive to provide people of all abilities a welcoming and inclusive way to participate in all the social opportunities in Fishers,” Kennedy said.

Thrive Social Club is guided by an advisory board that consists of members with a strong interest in the club’s mission. Joining Kennedy on the board are Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble, chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability; Kelly Hartman from Outside the Box, a services provider for people with disabilities; and Dana Pottschmidt from Opportunities for Positive Growth, a service provider for individuals with disabilities. Pottschmidt is also involved with the Kiwanis Aktion Club, a program for adults with disabilities. Terri Smith, Zenobia Curtis and Angela Touseull are parent board members.

Coble said the club offers socialization to fill the gap that exists after high school for those with disabilities.

“My daughter, Crysta, is 20 years old,” Coble said. “After she graduated from high school, the inclusive social opportunities that are in place in a school setting were difficult to find. Many individuals with intel-

lectual and developmental disabilities find themselves very isolated and disconnected from the community. This social club provides a way for people to meet, make friendships, find support and engage in community events.”

The issue of ensuring recent high school graduates with disabilities are still able to learn, socialize and feel enriched in their lives was something Kennedy wanted to spotlight.

“There are very few age-appropriate, community-based social opportunities for young adults with (intellectual and developmental disabilities) after high school,” Kennedy said. “Their typical peers go off to college, so those inclusive friendships disappear.

Also, these adults generally don’t drive nor have great communication and social skills. Because of all this, these individuals lose their friendships when they graduate. Thrive was created to fill this gap after high school.”

The founders of Thrive hoped that the club could help build community connections during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many people felt isolated, which is why the club was created in 2020.

“As human beings, we all want to feel connected with others and to participate in community events,” Coble said. “The COVID-19 situation brought even more isolation to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their

families. The Thrive Social Club helps us to connect with one another and engage in the community.”

The first club meetup was on Oct. 3, 2020. Club members volunteered at Flat Fork Creek to participate in a park cleanup as part of Keep Fishers Beautiful, a citywide initiative to support the vibrancy of the city and neighborhoods.

Now, the club meets twice a month and has more than 70 members, ranging in age from 18 to 30. Previous events have consisted of swim parties, hikes, attending Fishers Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park, dance parties at 31Svn, pizza hangouts and volunteering.

Recent club outings included bowling, attending an Indy Fuel hockey game, attending A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie in December and hosting a Friendsgiving event in November that included food and bingo.

Kennedy said her goal for Thrive is to help members make long-term friendships and let others know that Thrive Social Club is where those with disabilities can have a “safe, good time.”

For more, visit facebook.com/ThriveSocialClub.IN.

MAKING FRIENDS

Socialization is crucial for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to a study published in September 2022 by Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, a research journal, poor social skills development is linked to a difference in the ability to form friendships. Individuals with intellectual disabilities usually encounter difficulties in making and maintaining friendships.

The study’s recommended solution? Encourage people with disabilities to talk to more people and get involved in hands-on activities — exactly what Thrive Social Club was set up to do.

Fishers social club offers community options for people with disabilities

ON THE COVER: Thrive Social Club attends the Dec. 30 Indy Fuel hockey game. (Photo courtesy of Thrive Social Club)

The first-ever club meetup was on Oct. 3, 2020. The club volunteered at Flat Fork Creek to participate in a park cleanup as part of Keep Fishers Beautiful. (Photos courtesy of Thrive Social Club)

Club members attend Parade Day May 28 for the Indy 500 Festival.

Earn up to

Connect Savings Account

Common-model luxury

Commentary by Terry Anker

Moving along our nation’s highways, we encounter all manner and sort of peculiarity. The world’s largest ball of twine is just ahead. Or, at Exit 328 B, we can enjoy the “world’s best” cup of coffee in air-conditioned comfort 24 hours a day. Wow! Still, most of what we meet is more mundane. It is the commonplace.

As such, both windscreen and rearview are filled with base-model modes of transportation piloted by base-model humans. There is nothing wrong with driving the most common car on Earth. In fact, that vehicle, the Corolla, has been well-tested and can be commonly repaired. Some would argue that owning it is a genius move. Can we take the same position in being a very common commoner?

In most options, we are not granted much choice. Our color, age, trim package and nameplate are determined before delivery to the lot. We are left to take what we get. The luxury edition went to the last person, and we are stuck with something with crank windows from 2004.

Monster truck or Italian sports car, we decide on maintenance. We decide which after-market accessories to install. We decide how and where we drive it. Sure, some got the hybrid with abundant “free” fuel. Others found themselves with a family truckster with 19 cup holders. Yet once delivered, we determine if we stay at base model or work to move up a bit. Education, exercise and relationship maintenance all add to our standard stock. We may not have been born rich, brilliant or beautiful, but we can clean update, and improve the model we are dealt.

The way we care for this one might give us a head start when St. Peter stands to negotiate our trade-in. But for most today, a top-performing Kia is likely better than a stalled Lamborghini.

Life is a (crazy) dream

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

wind and the dead-people visits distracted me from closing up shop, so to speak.

HUMOR

I don’t know what is going on inside my head lately. I had a dream last night that went from my grappling with a personal case of head lice while babysitting a couple of preteen strangers to me at an Easter parade where deceased friends kept stopping to say hello. I didn’t awake until the zombie horde forced a semi off a bridge next to where I was drinking coffee. I asked my husband, Doo, what he thought these visions meant, and he responded with a short monologue ala Sigmund Freud, emphatically telling him to, “Get out. Now!” Hilarious.

Doo also reminded me that I had left a bathroom drawer open, wide enough so that when he stumbled in this morning, he clocked his left thigh so hard he now has a noticeable bruise. I vaguely recall rummaging for Advil around 4 a.m. while peering through a window to determine if a tornado was approaching. I guess the screaming

All this is to say that, clearly, I have too much on my plate, at least subconsciously. As I type, I am mentally listing today’s “chores,” along with work and family “stuff” that needs to be addressed in the near future. But what’s a girl to do? Ignore parenting, wife-ing, teaching, cleaning, managing, shopping, sudoku-ing, exercising, planning, living altogether?

I’m certain my latest intake of Thai food and psychological thrillers aren’t helping, but in my defense, have you watched “The Menu” yet? Wonderfully disturbing. So, I’ll just have to deal with the crazy dreams and hope life settles soon.

Peace out.

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 didn’t awake until the zombie horde forced a semi off a bridge next to where I was drinking coffee.

– DANIELLE WILSON

Getting testy over dark chocolate

recycle bin. Here’s the feature article’s headline:

Some Trader Joe’s dark chocolate has dangerous levels of lead and cadmium.

HUMOR

My wife read some troubling information in one of her monthly magazines. You might think the source of this bad news was Prevention, where every page is full of things you should not be full of, like red meat, trans fats, cakes and pies. Next thing you know they’ll be telling us to lay off cheese. Or did I miss that issue?

No, this time the messenger was Consumer Reports. As a result of our subscription, over the years we learned we purchased a lemon of a car, an energy inefficient freezer, unsafe snow tires and a dangerous snowblower.

At the back of the magazine, they list what items they are presently testing in their labs. So, there’s a good chance we also bought the wrong toaster, mattress and insect repellants. Last month, they were rating blood pressure monitors, which I really need when reading one of their reports. We’ve learned that we wasted lots of money buying useless vitamins and organic food options. I have trouble sleeping at night because CR rated my pillow choice very low — lower even than MyPillow. I bought a MyPillow years ago, but I returned it. I emailed the owner and told him that sleeping with my head on his product made me lean to the left.

So, what did CR report on that upset my wife? Mary Ellen is a chocolate lover, and the darker, the better. Well, things could not have gotten any darker than last week when the new CR landed in our mailbox, just minutes before she tossed it in our

Say it ain’t so, Joe! That’s where Mary Ellen gets most of her chocolate. She will also occasionally pick up nonessentials like eggs, milk, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

For years, my wife’s consumption of chocolate was encouraged by reports that chocolate was good for us — especially the dark variety, which is full of antioxidants. True, it contains some caffeine, but if you can’t sleep, what better way to stay awake than scarfing down a candy bar?

CR tested dark chocolate bars at Trader Joe’s. For some bars, eating just an ounce a day puts someone over a level that CR’s experts say may be harmful. Well, there goes Halloween. Scary, huh?

Mary Ellen wanted to know whether the CR folks had to taste the candy, and if so, were there any openings available for those jobs?

My wife is health conscious and will cut down on her chocolate consumption. She asked if I’d be willing to make some similar sacrifices, based on past CR reports. I’m proud to announce that the vitamin pill I took last Tuesday was the last I will ever take.

POLICIES

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We’ve learned that we wasted lots of money buying useless vitamins and organic food options. I have trouble sleeping at night because CR rated my pillow choice very low

– DICK WOLFSIE

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

currentnightandday.com

Actress Huffman gets challenged in ‘Bright Half Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s only fitting that Kate Huffman helped bring the play “Bright Half Life” to Indianapolis with her deep ties to the Indianapolis area.

Huffman, a 2001 Cathedral High School graduate from Indianapolis, has ties to Hamilton County as well.

Her sister, Molly, recently moved back to Indianapolis from Carmel. Huffman has two cousins living in Carmel and one in Noblesville.

The two-person play, written by Tanya Barfield and directed by Amy Harmon, was staged in Los Angeles with Huffman in 2022. Huffman and South Asian actress Krishna Smitha will return in their roles in the play, which will be presented Feb. 1619 at The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis.

The play is a love story about interracial gay marriage.

“It’s a simple story that spans decades, and you Rubik’s Cube it up and we’re in our 30s for a page and half, and then 20s for a full scene,” Huffman said. “It’s brilliantly crafted. It lets you feel like you are getting the story of this relationship somewhat in order, even though it’s all over the place.”

Huffman said the play is an incredible challenge for an actress.

“The ability to authentically go back and forth between all those different stages of where you are in your life and relationship (is challenging),” Huffman said. “The first time I read it, (I thought), ‘This is beautiful,’ and ‘Oh, my gosh, this is so challenging to take on.’ I was lucky enough to get casted.”

Huffman said audiences have responded well to the performances.

“It’s been a beautiful journey,” Huffman said. “It’s fun. It’s funny and it’s relatable. It’s devastating. It’s like a dream-like ex-

perience to go through the play the way it’s told. It was written for any woman of color to play Erica’s love interest. The initial script had it for an African American. In the back there are scenes that are written for (a) Latina actress or East Asian actress and a couple others. There wasn’t anything for a South Asian actress, so we got to go back and forth with the playwright a little bit.”

Huffman said The District Theatre General Manager Pauline Moffat reached out to her about bringing the play to Indianapolis.

Huffman had brought her solo show, “I’m Too Fat for This Show,” a comedic look at her eating disorder, to Indy Fringe and The District Theatre previously. She toured with the solo show for several years.

“I told Pauline, ‘I didn’t write this play and don’t own it. If you want to us to come out, we have to work together to get the rights,” she said. “I’m thrilled it’s really happening because I think it’s a cool story for Indianapolis to get to see.”

Huffman said the play is one of the most special productions she has been involved with.

“I’ve had a lot of cool experiences, and at the end of all of them, I’d say that’s my favorite,” she said.

Huffman has a recurring role in the Apple Plus TV show, “Physical,” which stars Rose Byrne. She has been in a variety of TV shows, including “Fresh Off the Boat,” “On the Spectrum,” “Castle” and “$#*! My Dad Says.”

Huffman also is a body positivity coach and speaker in Los Angeles. Sometimes she includes screenings of her show, “I’m Too Fat for This Show.”

“I would do my show again if someone paid me so very much money. It’s a pretty exhausting show,” she said. “I’m grateful I have a recording of it.”

“Bright Half Life” has performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-18 and 4 p.m. Feb. 19. For tickets, visit indydistricttheatre.org. For more, visit katehuffman.com.

‘CLUE’

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

TAY BRONSON & THE TACKLE BOX

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

‘GHOST LIGHT CABARET’

Civic Theatre will present ‘Ghost Light Cabaret,” a fundraiser, in performances at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

THE MAVERICKS

The Mavericks will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

SERPENTINE FIRE

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will join with Serpentine Fire, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

“FAMILY FUN!’

Camel Symphony Orchestra will present “Family Fun!”, an interactive show where children can join the musicians on stage, at 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Handler, The Wallflowers to perform at Palladium — Comedian and talk host Chelsea Handler and The Wallflowers are the latest additions to the schedule at the Center for the Performing Arts. Each is appearing for the first time at the Palladium. Handler performs at 8 p.m. April 14. The Wallflowers, led by singer-songwriter Jakob Dylan, the son of Bob Dylan, perform at 7:30 p.m. April 26. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.

PLAY

Krishna Smitha, left, and Kate Huffman star in “Bright Half Life.” (Photo courtesy of Kate Huffman)

Huffman

ATI feature greatest hits in show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will draw on its past for its first fundraiser of the year.

FUNDRAISER

“ATI Greatest Hits, Vol. 1” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the 200seat Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show will feature ATI co-founders Cynthia Collins, Don Farrell and Judy Fitzgerald, along with other area performers.

“We will have our own solos from past productions, such as ‘Cabaret,’ ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ ‘Gypsy,’ and as co-founders, we will open the show together with a number,” Collins said.

Collins said she looks forward to performing “Nowadays” from “Chicago” with Holly Stults.

Farrell said he is eager to revisit some of his favorite shows in ATI’s history.

“For me, personally, it will be nice to reprise some songs from ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘La Cage aux Folles,’” Farrell said. “(It will be nice) seeing some other of my favorite actors reprise roles in shows such as ‘A Year With

Frog and Toad’ (and) ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’ Just so many great hits will be brought back that evening.”

Magician Jon Mobley will perform his “Sleight of Mind” show at 2 p.m. Feb.11 at the Studio Theater for another fundraiser.

“I personally saw Jon at another event and was frankly spellbound by him,” Farrell said.

In the final February fundraiser, Farrell will perform songs from Barry Manilow’s show, “One Voice: The Music of Manilow” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Studio Theater.

For tickets, visit atistage.org.

Nunziata, Wray to share stage

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

director Michael Orland works with Wray. Nunziata and Wray have talked over the phone but have not yet met in person.

“This is such a huge opportunity for me, and I am genuinely so excited,” Wray said.

MUSIC

Singer/Songwriter Anthony Nunziata has become a regular visitor to Carmel. Nunziata will make his fourth engagement in 16 months at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael.

“The community of Carmel has embraced me and my music with such open arms and hearts,” said Nunziata, who is based in Nashville, Tenn. “It has quickly become one of my favorite cities to play in and I look forward to coming back frequently.”

Nunziata will be joined by special guest Amelia Wray, a 17-year-old singer and actress.

“Amelia is a huge talent and I’m excited for her to share her talents with her hometown audiences of Carmel,” Nunziata said. “(We’ll perform) a classic song, an original and a surprise duet we will be debuting just for the Carmel audience.”

Nunziata’s friend and sometimes musical

“Performing is my favorite thing in the world, and I cannot wait to do it with Anthony. It’s not only going to be an amazing experience for all, but it’s going to be full of music and good food.”

Wray will play her new single, “Disappear,” a classic song by Elton John, and a duet with Nunziata. Wray, who played a recurring character on Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max,” released “Disappear” on streaming platforms in November 2022. She wrote the song with Orland and Bill Grainer.

“It’s an empowering song I wrote from a personal experience of mine that discusses heartbreak and healing from it,” Wray said. “It’s such a special song and I hope everyone who hears it loves it.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

A PLAY BY Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

BASED UPON “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl”

NEWLY ADAPTED BY Wendy Kesselman

Nunziata Wray

From left, Judy Fitzgerald, Don Farrell and Cynthia Collins are Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founders. (Photo courtesy of ATI)

‘The Son’ is powerful filmmaking

“The Son” is a heart-wrenching dive into mental health and the struggles of parenting.

drowning child, his burden of fault and his desperation to protect his son -- all the things the parenting books don’t teach us.

‘THE SON’

Writer-director Florian Zeller (“The Father”) takes a powerful look into mental health, divorce and parenting through a teen’s struggle with depression and the parents who are helpless to rescue him.

One day, Peter (Hugh Jackman) is interrupted when his ex-wife, Kate (Laura Dern), shows up with news that their teenage son is deeply troubled. Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is despondent, withdrawn from life, skipping school and lying to his parents. He’s frustrated and can’t escape the pain he bears every day. Hoping to change his mental state, he moves in with his father.

The story centers on Peter as he struggles to manage his dream job, his new wife, Beth (Vanessa Kirby), and their baby while adjusting to more time with Nicholas. The film explores the guilt and shame Peter carries amid not knowing how to save his

In one of the film’s more revealing scenes, Peter visits his father (Anthony Hopkins) to check on his health. The two are estranged. His father is callous in their exchange and unapologetic for prioritizing work above his family.

Jackman gives one of his best on-screen performances as a father fighting to save his son. Dern is equally emotional as she teeters between reminiscing over happier times and the difficult decision to protect their son.

A happy tale of rainbows and butterflies, it is not. Instead, “The Son” confronts the sins of a father’s past and grants the audience a few sunbeams between the moments of distress.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

BEHIND BARS: SIGNATURE MARGARITA

The Signature Margarita mixed by St. Elmo bartender, Kiya. This drink features Hiatus blanco, Grand Marnier, and lime, served over crushed ice.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

Blueprint

Built in Carmel’s Eden Estates neighborhood in 1980, the home’s owners were looking to improve the kitchen’s functionality and update the room’s style — without losing the room’s warm and inviting character.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The fridge and double ovens once dominated the space, interrupting the room’s flow. Relocating the appliances increased the amount of counterspace, improving the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic.

• Glass, stone and ceramic mosaic tile behind the range creates a beautiful focal point that unifies the room’s color palette.

• Removing the soffits provided ample room for taller cabinets, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling while increasing the kitchen’s storage space.

• Organizational additions — including a pull-out spice rack, cantilevered drawer organizers and a knife block drawer — ensure everything has its place.

After

Before

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Commentary by Larry Greene

Modifiers are misplaced words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I didn’t wear glasses until I was 19. As an up-and-coming visionary word nerd, I had never thought I needed corrective lenses. Of course, I always fancied monocles, although I didn’t know how to keep one in place.

sentence in one of two ways. We don’t know if “often” modifies “karate-chopping” or “causes injury.” To correct this, we need to move “often” so it is clear which phrase it is affecting.

GRAMMAR GUY

As it turned out, I was near-sighted. I learned this by attending a large lecture hall-format class in college. I found myself squinting to see the professor’s handwritten notes scrawled on the chalkboard.

I began to get headaches from the eyestrain. Soon enough, I went to an optometrist and got my first prescription glasses. Now, I look 17 percent smarter!

You knew a grammar tie-in was coming, and here it is: The headache caused by a squinting modifier. Yes, squinting (or ambiguous, as they’re sometimes called) modifiers are misplaced words or phrases that are placed in a sentence so that they could refer to one or two parts of a sentence.

Here’s an example: Karate-chopping often causes injury. Due to the placement of the modifier “often,” we can interpret this

Byron told a stranger at the bus stop eventually the moon would shrink to the size of a walnut. In this example, does “eventually” modify “told” or “would shrink”? Did Byron wait until the stranger at the bus stop was walking onto the bus? Either way, I’d be suspicious.

Gluten-free creperies are open on Leap Day only in the village of Coubisou. Now, for those of you who don’t know French towns, Regardless, the placement of “only” in the above sentence makes you wonder: Are the specialty creperies only open on Leap Day, or are they only open in Coubisou?

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

A brief tour of Nazareth

Commentary by Don Knebel

As we continue our tour through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Nazareth, where Jesus lived before he established his ministry around Capernaum.

TRAVEL

Nazareth is about 25 miles southwest of Capernaum. At the time of Jesus, it was so small that it did appear on any maps. The road from Nazareth to Capernaum wound through the Arbel Pass and ended at the village of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, an early follower of Jesus. The caves above the Arbel Pass, where people had lived for thousands of years, were the site of a failed Jewish revolt against Roman rule in 40 B.C.

Today, Nazareth is the largest city in northern Israel, with a population of more than 75,000. Each year on March 25, nine months before Christmas, thousands of pilgrims come to Nazareth to remember the Annunciation, the time most Christians believe the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary she would conceive the Son of God.

Roman Catholics head for the Franciscan Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, built over a cave claimed to have been Mary’s home, with stairs leading to a room claimed to be Mary’s kitchen. A column is said to mark the spot where the archangel Gabriel stood while making his announcement. Greek Orthodox visitors go instead to the smaller Church of St. Gabriel, which lies over an ancient spring, also claimed to be where Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Travelers to Nazareth can stop at the Arbel Pass and see the caves where Jewish

rebels held out before being thrown to their deaths by Roman soldiers. An ancient well still stands beside the road that Jesus probably took to Capernaum when residents of his hometown rejected him. Many sites in Israel claim to allow people to “walk in the footsteps of Jesus.” The Arbel Pass really does.

Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. (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.

A cave under the Church of the Annunciation.

Arbel Pass near Nazareth.

Speech Pathology Services is looking to hire a part-time business manager for a small pediatric private practice located in Carmel. If interested, please contact: info@spscarmel.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, 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