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A bill written by Indiana House Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) supporting the mental health of officers’ and first responders was passed by the Indiana House Committee on Veteran Affairs and Public Safety on Feb. 20.
House Bill 1321 passed by a vote of 11-0 and would require annual in-service virtual training for all first responders, including the professions of law enforcement, fulltime professional firefighters and EMS.
“I wanted to be a legislator so I could address the very real and enduring mental health struggles our first responders face,” Wilburn stated. “I want all of our brave law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel to know you’re not alone, and you can get help. We have an ethical obligation to protect those who protect and serve us, and right now, our active law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.”
The training would address mental health and wellness and suicide prevention. The resource would help officers and first responders deal with thoughts of suicide, trauma and other mental or emotional obstacles in order to reduce stress and anxiety.
“Thank you to my legislative colleagues
for voting this bill out of committee so we can take another step toward making good on this promise,” Wilburn said. “I am honored that my first bill passed out of
committee is one in service to our first responders.”
Wilburn’s bill will go to the House floor for further consideration.
especially as employers continue to experience challenges filling job openings.”
A pair of bills by a Noblesville lawmaker have advanced to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville, authored House Bill 1290 to increase the state’s income tax credit from 10 percent to 12 percent. The legislation would provide additional tax relief to working Hoosiers struggling to make ends meet and is available to low- to moderate-income workers, Goodrich said.
“Increasing this tax credit could be a great benefit for working families around the state and can play a role in combating generational poverty,” Goodrich said. “We want to support those in the workforce,
Goodrich said the bill would also couple Indiana to the current federal earned income tax credit. By coupling with the federal tax credit, Goodrich said Hoosiers will benefit from the expanded relief, including families with foster children or more than three children.
A second piece of legislation, House Bill 1382, authored by Goodrich is also under consideration by the Indiana Senate. The bill would expand opportunities for Hoosier students to learn about the growing field of robotics.
Goodrich, who is a member of the House Education Committee, said the legislation would create a grant program for Hoosier schools to establish their own robotics teams.
“Robotics programs are instrumental to the future of STEM education, and can create hands-on, real-world learning experiences,” Goodrich said. “Creating this grant opportunity would allow students in schools large and small to explore the innovative and creative world of robotics.”
Goodrich said the legislation would create a grant fund managed by the Indiana Dept. of Education for K-12 schools to create and develop competitive robotics programs. Grant dollars could be used to pay for a team mentor, supplies, to participate in competitions, and to establish or maintain the team, he added.
Goodrich said the grants would ensure programs provide hands-on learning experiences, foster community partnerships and highlight career opportunities through the use of adult mentors, which he noted would prioritize a connection to manufacturing and machinery skills.
Ellery Minch quit playing basketball in first grade because she didn’t like it.
Fate intervened in terms of a parental bribe.
“My dad played in college, so he was pretty upset when I quit,” Minch said. “Shortly after that, we were at Target, and I really wanted this polar bear. He bribed me with that and said if I played my next year, he would get me the polar bear. I enjoyed it and haven’t stopped playing since.”
Now a Mt. Vernon High School junior, Minch still has that stuffed animal and has several NCAA Division I college basketball offers to go along with it. The offers include the University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo and Butler University.
Minch, whose father Ted played at Florida Atlantic University, said she will likely wait to see if other offers come in after AAU play this summer.
Favorite athlete: James Harden
Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”
Favorite subject: Anatomy
Favorite movie: “Step Brothers”
“She has become an all-around player,” Mt. Vernon coach Julie Shelton said. “She had to play point guard for us many times this year and she has also gotten a lot better in the paint. So, her versatility is her biggest improvement. She leads more by example but is always working hard and doing what she is supposed to with a great attitude.”
On the back of her horse is Ginger’s favorite place in the world. When her chronic back pain became so bad that it kept her out of the stables, she realized how limited she’d felt for years. She turned to the expert care at Goodman Campbell to get her back in the saddle.
Learn more about Ginger and her story at GoodmanCampbell.com.
The 6-foot-3 Minch averaged 16 points and six rebounds for the Marauders (19-7), who won conference and sectional championships before losing in the regional.
“She is an amazing team player who is
extremely unselfish and coachable and just wants the team to win and isn’t worried about her own stats,” Shelton said.
Shelton said Minch started some games as a freshman and every game the past two seasons. She averaged 17.5 points per game as a sophomore.
“I used to be pinned as a 3-point shooter, for the most part,” Minch said. “But the past two years, I’ve been working on improving other aspects of my game, driving and pullup shots and posting up. I think I did a good job of improving my ball handling.”
Minch considers herself a small forward but said she played all five positions for the Marauders this past season. She plays on the Indiana Girls Basketball program’s 17U team.
“I want to continue to work on my foot speed and getting that quicker,” she said. “I’m working on moving laterally and agility. I want to be able to make those moves against quicker, faster opponents at the national level.”
Minch said she is honored to be named to play in the new Indiana All-Stars Futures Game, which includes freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
A Hamilton County Superior Court judge says the county’s commercial courts are helping to resolve business and commercial disputes faster with more predictability.
Hamilton County is one of 10 Indiana counties with a commercial court. Businesses can file their complaints in any of the commercial courts, but both sides must agree to participate.
Common cases include shareholder disputes, breach of contract, trade secrets, noncompete agreements, indemnification issues, unfair competition, securities, insurance disputes, environmental claims and antitrust cases. Hamilton County’s commercial court launched Jan. 1, 2021.
Jon Brown, who presides over Hamilton County Superior Court 2, is a former bankruptcy and commercial litigation attorney who took the bench in 2017. He said he understands how drawn-out and cumbersome complex litigation can be.
“Commercial courts help improve court efficiency and allow business and commercial disputes to be resolved quicker with more predictability,” Brown said. “Plus, the e-filing, e-discovery and video conferencing technologies help us come to resolutions faster. It’s really like playing open-hand euchre.”
Attorney Sean Clapp, who works for Fishers-based Clapp Ferrucci Attorneys at Law, was part of the original committee that helped the Indiana Supreme Court create commercial courts.
“The courts were too busy with nonbusiness-related cases to leave sufficient time to properly review and analyze complex business cases,” Clapp said. “These cases are much more document-intensive, so commercial court requires mandatory disclosures at the beginning of the case. It’s similar to the federal court system.”
Once a commercial case has been filed, parties must confer to discuss case management and create a plan to expedite the exchange of evidence between the parties. The case management conference with the court must occur within 45 days.
2023 DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH KICKOFF & AWARDS: BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER
Wednesday, March 1 | 8:30 – 10 AM
Launch Fishers Huston Theater
FISHERS PARKS’ STORYWALK: WE MOVE TOGETHER
Daily, March 1 – 31 | Brooks School Park
ONEZONE MARCH DISABILITY AWARENESS BREAKFAST
Thursday, March 2 | 8:30 – 10 AM
Hotel Carmichael, Carmel
2023 DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH ARTIST RECEPTION
Friday, March 3 | 6 – 9 PM | Conner Prairie
FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL'S SECOND FRIDAY GALLERY RECEPTION
Friday, March 10 | 6 – 8 PM
The Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation
Learn more and register for events at fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness.
2023 HAMILTON COUNTY TRANSITION FAIR
Thursday, March 23 | 6– 7 PM
Carmel High School Main Cafeteria
Check out workshops hosted by Hamilton East Public Library, read stories from the disability community, get involved in the Ally campaign, and learn more about the work of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability at fishers in us/DisabilityAwareness
Fishers City Clerk Jennifer Kehl is determined to continue to make a difference for the city she loves.
easy access. I am very detailed-oriented and like to have easy access to files. It’s always a work in progress.”
Kehl said the job has become much easier through the years.
By Jeff Decker news@currentinfishers.com
dates as a volunteer.
“I have been a devoted volunteer for several not-for-profit and police organizations for over 35 years,” Kehl said. “I enjoy the work that I do and want to continue my service to the community by running for reelection. The Kehl family have been public servants with an overall combined total of 250 years of service.”
Kehl, who has lived in Fishers for almost 40 years, is facing a reelection challenge from Rachel Segars in the May 2 Republican primary.
Kehl was elected as Fishers first clerk in 2014 as the city transformed from a town to a city.
“There are a lot of records starting back in the late 1800s,” Kehl said. “I think the thing I am proud of the most is making sure all of the minutes, resolutions and ordinances are scanned and organized for
“With access to the internet and moving from permanent paper files to electronic files has made filing and storage so much easier and less time consuming,” Kehl said. “Being allowed to work remotely or attending meetings virtually has also been an asset when that is needed to be done.”
Kehl, 63, has been married to former Fishers Police Dept. Chief George Kehl since 1983. George Kehl retired in 2016 after serving as police chief for 38 years. The couple has two sons, Greg and Geoffrey. Greg is a lieutenant for the Noblesville Police Dept.
A 1977 Carmel High School graduate, Kehl attended Indiana University and IUPUI. She volunteered with the Fishers Freedom Festival from 1990 to 1993. She served as executive director of the Fishers Freedom Festival from 1994 to 2018, from 1994-1999 as a volunteer and 2016-2018 as a volunteer.
For more, visit kehl4clerk.com.
Quality schools brought Rachel Segars from California to Fishers in 2003. She has enjoyed what she described as “consistent quality of life and surroundings” living in the area since making the move.
She is hoping to contribute to that quality of life by using her business background to help fast-growing Fishers as an elected official.
Segars, a first-time political candidate, will face incumbent Jennifer Kehl in the race for Fishers City Clerk in the May 2 Republican primary. Janet Pritchett is uncontested in the Democratic primary.
Segars, a media and business development executive for Simon Property Group, also lists WISH-Channel 8, Comcast and Nexstar among her work experiences. She said she has been a Republican throughout her adult life, has served as a party precinct committee member and has assisted and advocated for local and state candi-
“I am confident my engagement within the community joined with my business skill set is more than adequate to fulfill the duties this position holds,” she said. “As a fiscal conservative, I plan on bringing a high level of integrity to the position of city clerk for Fishers and maintain a professional/courteous/ efficient department.”
Segars is married to Fishers City Council member Pete Peterson, a Republican who is seeking reelection. She was a single parent when she moved to Fishers from Sacramento, and her two children attended Hamilton Southeastern Schools and graduated from Fishers High School.
In her research before moving in 2003, Segars said she found that the district’s schools ranked among the nation’s best. She bought her first home in Fishers that year.
“Knowing I could send my children to public school and still have them receive a meaningful and safe education was the linchpin of my decision to move here,” she said.
For John DeLucia, the decision to run for Fishers City Council was an easy one.
school board, I feel that I am well-equipped to start tackling these topics on Day 1.”
His school board term was his first time as an elected official.
“I’m running to serve my community and all the people in Fishers,” DeLucia said. “I’ve served my country overseas in the Navy and during my years on the school board, and now I feel ready to make the leap to city council to represent my community at that level.”
DeLucia is running unopposed in the Republican primary May 2 for the North Central District. Crystal Neumann is serving the district and is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.,
DeLucia, 56, served two terms on the Hamilton Southeastern Schools board from July 2010 through 2018. He was elected in May 2010, but the election for school board was moved to November during his first term. He served as president for two years.
DeLucia, an investment loan officer for Citizens State Bank, moved to Fishers in 1993 and has lived there ever since, except for a one-year stint in the late 1990s in Greenville, S.C.
“Personally, I feel that we live in an amazing city, and I feel truly blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to raise my family here,” he said. “I think that we need to make sure we stay on the steady course we’ve been on as a city. I want to see low taxes, good schools, quality roads and tons of amenities for our citizens. Especially with my background in finance and experience on the
“I ran for the board to serve my community and our kids, and I think I did a great job at that,” DeLucia said. “The future generation was always my focus, and that’s exactly my mindset as I’m running for city council. I’m running to give back to my community and ensure Fishers remains a wonderful place to live for your children, my children and for generations to come.”
DeLucia said he works with small to medium-sized businesses with his job.
“Landing Andretti Motorsports (in Fishers) is phenomenal. Those are big things,” he said. “But we want to help. We don’t lose sight of an ecosystem for small- and medium-sized business. I really (want to) create a lot of jobs and opportunities as well. It’s a balancing act to land the big businesses but also helping the small and medium businesses grow and succeed to stay in Fishers or move to Fishers.”
After his school board stint, DeLucia said he needed a break from service in adddition to demands at work. But now the time is right to serve again.
“I was looking for an opportunity to get back to service. As it worked, it seemed like the timing was right,” he said.
DeLucia and wife Amy have three children, Josh, a 2006 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate; Jillian, a 2010 Fishers High School graduate; and Jack, a 2013 FHS graduate.
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March 27 - June 14 2023
Hamilton County residents facing eviction or housing instability now have a free legal resource at their fingertips.
A new desktop computer, scanner and printer with access to IndianaLegalHelp.org were installed in the court’s Legal Self-Help Center in early February. The center can be found at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville.
9780
Fishers, IN 46037 (317) 585-9015
“In Indiana, housing evictions are considered a civil matter,” said Jill Acklin, Hamilton County Court administrator. “(That) means individuals are not provided legal representation and are often left to navigate the legal system on their own. Resources like these are critical in helping Hoosiers access the resources they need, especially those who don’t have access to reliable internet connectivity.”
The Indiana Bar Foundation received a $13 million, two-year grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to fund the development and
A new desktop computer, scanner, and printer with access to IndianaLegalHelp.org were installed in the court’s Legal Self-Help Center in early February. The center can be found at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
deployment of 120 self-help kiosks. At least one will be placed in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.
Each kiosk provides legal forms, instructional videos, referrals to free and low-cost legal services, and a statewide calendar of free legal advice clinics. The kiosks will begin offering other legal topics later this year.
Duke Energy customers could see another rate decrease coming for the second time this year.
Duke Energy, which passed along a 5.5 percent decrease in electric rates in January, recently filed for a nearly 16 percent decrease with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission that would take effect in April if approved by state utility regulators. The company filed the two rate decreases in part to lower fuel price forecasts, Duke Energy spokeswoman McKenzie Barbknecht said.
Duke Energy’s request to drop its rates follow several hikes that were approved in 2022 for Indiana customers.
Duke Energy filed its latest case Jan. 31 as part of its quarterly Fuel Adjustment Clause, or FAC, tracker, and said it intends to decrease its current residential customer electric rates by 15.9 percent. If that decrease is approved, that would reflect an estimated $26 per month drop for an average residential customer, according to Duke Energy.
It would also result in a 12.9 percent drop for commercial rate customers, while industrial customers would see a decrease of 18.6 percent according to the filing by Duke Energy.
Barbknecht said customer electric bills were higher in 2022 primarily because of soaring fuel costs to produce power. In addition, she noted that global demand and tight fuel supplies, as well as labor shortages at coal mines and railroads, affected the cost of power Duke Energy produced and what it purchased in the energy markets.
“While energy markets remain volatile, we’re starting to see costs stabilize, and we’re glad to pass those savings along to customers,” Barbknecht said.
Barbknecht said four times a year, Indiana utilities rates are adjusted to reflect changing fuel and purchased power costs. Those changes, she said, must be reviewed and approved by state utility regulators.
IURC regulators are scheduled to review the matter during an evidentiary hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. March 17.
T h e C a r m e l A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e o n D i s a b i l i t y i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h
C a r m e l A r t s C o u n c i l i s p r o u d t o p r e s e n t a v i r t u a l a r t e x h i b i t i o n f e a t u r i n g n e w w o r k ( i n a n y v i s u a l m e d i u m ) b y C a r m e l a r t i s t s o f a l l a g e s , w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s .
T o s u b m i t y o u r a r t w o r k ( s ) o r f o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n s c a n t h e
R b e l o w .
Fishers resident Josh Mathews is 2023’s History Teacher of the Year, receiving the award from the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter building on N. Illinois St. in Indianapolis.
for the Blind since 2004. During that time, he has also served as speech and debate coach and founded the school’s student council. He has also served hundreds of hours volunteering as a student mentor.
DAR presented the award to Mathews Feb. 2 at its annual awards event. The educator teaches history and social studies at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Along with the plaque, DAR leaders presented a statement that students at his school “are fortunate to have a truly inspiring teacher, whose mission is to engage each child, challenge them and celebrate their success.”
Mathews received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education from Indiana University in 2002 and his Master of Arts from the University of Indianapolis in 2004.
Mathews has been teaching at the School
Mathews cited a childhood love of education for steering him him toward his career.
“I’m fortunate, because I get to share my lifelong love of history with others.”
DAR, which has several chapters throughout Indiana and in all 50 states, is a service organization founded in 1890. Most of their causes are aimed at promoting patriotism and history. Each year, they honor teachers like Mathews across the U.S.
“I do this for my students, not for awards. I am deeply honored,” Mathews said. “That a storied organization like the Daughters of the American Revolution would see me as deserving (is rewarding). But ultimately, I love teaching my students, because they challenge me to be better and to have a more positive outlook on life. My students, who are special education students, have overcome some very daunting challenges. It’s very inspiring for me.”
Nickel Plate Arts is presenting “Floral Tour of Bermuda” by Bobbi K Samples at Meyer Najem Construction. The exhibit will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until March 28. Bobbi K Samples’ floral artworks, inspired by Bermuda’s culture and landscapes, promise to provide a captivating experience for visitors.
“WE MOVE TOGETHER”
Fishers is hosting a free StoryWalk event titled “We Move Together” at Brooks School Park, 11780 Brooks School Rd., from March 1 to March 31. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park while reading pages from the book “We Move Together” by Kelly Fritsch. The event promotes literacy and physical activity and is open to all. For more, call 317-595-3111.
Adults and children ages 7-12 are invited to enjoy a night of fun with dancing, a themed photo booth, light refreshments and more activities at this semi-formal event. Spring Formal will run from 6 to 8 p.m. March 4 at the Fishers Parks HQ, 8100 E. 106th St. Reg-
istration is $25 per person. For more, visit playfishers.com/609/Spring-Formal.
The Fishers Arts Council and Conner Prairie are presenting “March Disability Awareness: Building Our Future Together,” a free art exhibition featuring works created by individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and exceptional learners. The exhibit will be on display from March 1 to March 30 at the Collaboration Hub Gallery and Conner Prairie Museum Center, with hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meet the artists and enjoy performances and lectures March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Conner Prairie, and March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Collaboration Hub Art Gallery. For more, call 317-537-1670
FREE YOGA WEDNESDAYS
Free Yoga Wednesdays return in March at Billericay Park in Fishers. Roots & Wings Yoga Wellness will lead the free classes from 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday in March, starting March 1 and ending March 29. Pre-registration isn’t required. For more, visit https://playfishers.com/533/ Free-Yoga-Wednesdays.
SUN WILL BEAT ON IT. WINDS WILL RIP AT IT.
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Wheeler Mission’s next leader has only worked for the nonprofit since 2021, but Perry Hines’ ties to the organization stretch back decades.
During his time in the corporate world, he would frequently take food left over from his company’s suite at the Hoosier Dome to the downtown Indianapolis facility serving those experiencing poverty and homelessness.
“I hate to throw the food away, so (we) would pack it up and bring it down to Wheeler Mission. I was melding my passion for community service with my corporate duties,” said Hines, a 25-year Carmel resident. “I’ve loved the organization ever since.”
Hines plans to continue combining his business expertise with service as CEO of Wheeler Mission, a role he will assume next month. He will succeed Rick Alvis, who is stepping down after more than 30 years leading the nonprofit. Alvis will continue his involvement in an advisory capacity as president emeritus.
“Nothing is broken. Wheeler doesn’t need fixing, but what we do need is to continue to progress forward, to continue to open new doors and form new partnerships and progress with the times,” said Hines, chief development officer at Wheeler Mission. “Our mission remains the same, and our mission is clear: We’re going to keep God at the forefront of what we do.”
Wheeler Mission opened in 1893 and has grown to operate nine facilities throughout Indianapolis and Bloomington. In 2021, it provided assistance for 10,832 men, women and children; served 318,112 meals; and provided 268,493 nights of shelter. It also offers programs that focus on addiction recovery, counseling, job and life skills training, adult education, mentorship and more.
“People can go in and out of homelessness several times in their life,” Hines said. “We want to make sure we have the services here to help them through that period.”
Wheeler Mission relies on thousands of volunteers to keep its programs running. Many, like Hines, live in Hamilton County. Fishers resident Ginger Home has volunteered at several of the nonprofit’s facilities
but lately has focused her efforts at its thrift store on 96th Street in her hometown.
“It’s so rewarding to see the generosity of people and to know that with Wheeler what I’m doing really makes a difference to people,” she said.
Carmel resident Robyn Brown began volunteering with Wheeler Mission in early 2022 because of the opportunity to work remotely, making lunches at home and delivering them in downtown Indianapolis. Later she began serving in the women’s center.
“The more hands-on opportunities provide a lot of reward in the sense of contributing directly to encourage others. The remote opportunities provide ways to work with friends to contribute to everyday needs of others,” Brown said. “I enjoy giving at Wheeler because I feel a lot of confidence that they are using resources well and making a big difference in the lives of the
people they serve.”
Hines said Wheeler Mission offers a range of volunteer opportunities, from sorting donations to serving meals to providing barber or hairdresser services. The nonprofit will work with volunteers to match their skill set with their service work.
“My wife is a big pickleball fan,” Hines said. “She’s working with our women’s shelter right now to develop some health and nutrition classes (that incorporate) pickleball.”
Home said she remains committed to volunteering with Wheeler Mission because of the opportunity to contribute “in some small way to someone getting their life back together.”
“I’ve had some bumpy places in my life. I was fortunate to have family to support me, but the people that Wheeler takes care of by and large don’t, and Wheeler is there
for them,” she said. “If I can help, it’s a good day for me.”
Learn more about Wheeler Mission and volunteer opportunities at WheelerMission. org.
A native of western Kentucky, Perry Hines is a first-generation college graduate, having earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Western Kentucky University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Before joining Wheeler Mission, he worked as a marketing executive. He will be the first African American to lead the nonprofit.
Hines said leaders of organizations like Wheeler Mission usually have a pastoral or social services background, but that hiring trends have evolved in recent years.
“I’m not your typical rescue mission CEO, although the landscape is changing,” he said. “What we’ve seen the last five to 10 years is more folks with a business background or a different kind of background.”
Hines has served on several boards, including the Indianapolis Urban League, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana Youth Institute, Madame Walker Theatre Center, Boy Scouts of America Crossroads Council and others. Currently, he is a board member for the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and Horace Mann Educators Corp.
Hines and his wife, Lisa, have two sons. He enjoys mentoring inner-city youth, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.
“People can go in and out of homelessness several times in their life. We want to make sure we have the services here to help them through that period.”
— Perry Hines, Wheeler Mission’s next CEOWheeler Mission operates a thrift store in Fishers at 8640 E 96th St. (Photo by Adam Seif)
Indy Stem Camps is gearing up for another summer of Minecraft, an innovative STEM program for creative gameplay.
The camp has locations in Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville and Indianapolis, with two separate locations in Fishers. Registration is underway. The camps run from June 5 through July 28.
“My son loves these camps. The counselors are fantastic,” said Aubrey Able, the parent of a student camper.
Founder Matt Mulholland, a physics teacher at Zionsville Community High School, began offering Minecraft camps in the summer of 2012 when his children became obsessed with the game.
“When my two daughters were about 10 years old, I noticed that they were playing this new video game nonstop, so I started playing with them and quickly realized the educational value of Minecraft in teaching children to create and problem solves,” Mulholland said.
Campers in first through eighth grade experience Minecraft through a customized educational version of the game on a secure server that includes only other campers and is continuously monitored by camp counselors.
All campers have their own computer workstation and can play Minecraft in multiplayer worlds with other campers. With eight unique camp titles to choose from, there is something for every child.
“Minecraft Camp was the highlight of my child’s summer to the point where he is signed up for four camps this coming summer,” Dana Harrison, a camper parent, said.
Each Minecraft Camp lasts three hours day. Camps are offered five days a week for a total of 15 hours of gameplay and instruction. Indy Stem Camps maintains an 8-to-1 camper-to-instructor ratio, allowing parents to opt their child out of any player versus player game activities.
All eight-course titles provide a unique curriculum and theme and has three experience levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced, according to Mulholland. Two modes of play, creative and survival, are emphasized. Additionally, a grade-level recommendation for each camp is provided to help parents find the right camp for their child.
“There are a million summer athletic camps, but very few for kids more interested in computers and gaming. Our Minecraft Camps fill a void by offering something different but just as enjoyable for children to do during their summer,” Mulholland said.
For more, visit indystemcamps@gmail.com.
Children will have no shortage of activities to stay busy during summer camps offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville.
The nonprofit offers something for campers who want to stay indoors through its Club Daybreak program, while those who are seeking something more adventurous outdoors can register for Camp Crosser that is situated on 20 acres of land near the White River. Abby Stutesman, director of club operations, said both programs begin June 5 and run for eight weeks.
Camp Crosser remains a popular destination and allows campers to enjoy zip lining, archery, a gaga ball pit, greenspace, trees, trails and campfire cooking opportunities, according to Stutesman. A nature center is also available that provides outdoor educational opportunities, she added.
“All of these activities happen throughout the week,” Stutesman said.
Stutesman said days begin at 7:30 a.m. with all campers being first dropped off at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville before they depart on a bus to the camp property. Campers will be at the Camp Crosser property each day from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Camp is open to individuals ages 6 to 13, and Stutesman noted that there are different weekly themes with all activities planned around those themes. She said the
zip line is among the most popular activities at Cam Crosser.
“It’s definitely a focal point for Camp Crosser and it allows our campers to be challenged, but not too challenged that they can’t accomplish it,” Stutesman said. “Once they start zipping, they don’t want to quit.”
Meanwhile, Club Daybreak also gives campers an opportunity to enjoy programs within an indoor setting and is held at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, 1700 Conner St. Participants can enjoy the facility’s game room, tech center, arts studio and enjoy field trips, according to Stutesman.
“We schedule guest speakers, we schedule events in our gym, so we can keep all the program areas within this facility that allows us to do art and education and technology and social recreation,” Stutesman said.
Stutesman said when school gets out, kids are ready to have an enjoyable summer and that is an important focus for the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville.
“We’ve got to make sure that we have activities ready to go that are engaging and fun, because summer can get really long for a kiddo if they’re not involved in something that’s stimulating for them,” she said.
Camp Crosser and Club Daybreak officially end at 4 p.m. each day, but parents will have the option of extended care for their children that requires a separate fee, Stutesman said. For more, visit bgcni.org/.
By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com
If kids are looking for some fun this summer, Guerin Catholic High School’s Camp Purple has something for youths of all ages.
Camps ranging from sports, baking and music are offered in June and July to children entering kindergarten through eighth grade.
“We are lucky to have both athletic and enrichment camps that cover a variety of interests. Some of our most popular athletic camps include boys and girls basketball, lacrosse and soccer,” said Colleen Ward, director of marketing and communications at Guerin Catholic. “If campers are looking for something different, we recommend checking out our popular STEM camps such as Summertime STEM, Mad Scientist Camp and our new Guerin Catholic Space Camp. These camps are fun ways to engage with important academic content while having a blast.”
Ward said what makes Camp Purple unique is access to Guerin Catholic’s community and staff.
“Camp Purple is more than just a place to spend summer break,” she said. “It’s
an experience that becomes a tiny part of who each child is. Campers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, as they develop valuable skills and discover their God-given gifts in a safe and noncompetitive environment.”
Ward said camps are led by Guerin Catholic’s teachers, alumni and varsity-level coaching staff who are passionate about their programs and the outcome of each camper they serve. A new program, Camp Chaos, is being offered this year and should be a fun experience for campers in first- to third-grade, said Marcia Murphy, director of fine arts at Guerin Catholic.
“We’ll make messy foods, make slime, dig in the garden and do other messy activities,” Murphy said.
Murphy said what makes Guerin Catholic’s fine arts camps unique is the fact that leaders are trying to inspire students to be creators while recognizing and seeking beauty. She noted that Guerin Catholic’s promise statement, “Love the children first, then teach them,” applies to students who attend camps.
For more, visit guerincatholic.org/ summer-camps/.
Luke Andritsch was sold immediately on the Indianapolis Sailing Club.
“I started going to sailing camp when I was in second grade and immediately fell in love. The counselors were amazing and the experience of learning a new sport in a camp environment that took place on the water and on land hooked me,” Andritsch said. “I went back every summer for multiple weeks, learning new things about sailing, myself and working with others every year. This led me to becoming a counselor at sailing camp and getting to teach and show how special this place is to others.”
Andritsch, a 19-year-old Fishers resident, will be a counselor.
“Sailing camp is a place for me that symbolizes joy, and our staff works hard to make sure that is how the campers experience it each summer,” said Andritsch, a 2022 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate who attends Butler University.
The camps, located on Geist Reservoir, run for six weeks from June 12 to July 28 for ages 8-17.
Michelle Sarber, the club’s junior sailing
director, said there are beginner to advanced levels. Campers get divided by age and experience.
“Each week is different due to the different experience levels of the campers,” Sarber said. “That helps to keep each week new and fresh. We have a ranking system if campers choose to participate. There are seven levels. Kids who really want to learn to sail come back year after year to complete the ranks.”
The Indianapolis Sailing Club accomplished a major goal in 2022 by establishing a nonprofit education organization to better support its training programs. The charitable educational organization is called Indianapolis Sailing Club Academy Inc.
For more, visit indianapolissailing.org.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Park Tudor’s summer camps aim to provide many elements similar to what its students experience during the school year.
“Park Tudor’s summer camps and classes feature small class sizes and lots of individual attention – hallmarks of the Park Tudor educational experience,” said Rachel Dabertin, director of auxiliary programs at Park Tudor. “Many of our camps and classes are taught by our own exceptional teaching staff, along with highly qualified outside instructors. So, in addition to having fun, students learn and grow.”
The school at 7200 N. College Ave. in Indianapolis offers summer camp options for children from age 3 to 18 years old. Offerings include a general day camp and sessions focusing on arts and crafts, sports, performing arts, science, robotics, literature, Spanish language immersion, chess and gaming and more. Half- and full-day options are available.
“Our wide variety of options offer something for everyone and will give families a taste of the Park Tudor experience,” Dabertin said.
Registration for the camps opens in March and will continue until spots are filled. Dalbertin recommends signing up early, as the camps and classes can fill quickly. Learn more at parktudor.org/summer.
Carmel-based Civic Theatre summer camps provide opportunities for students with a wide range of ages and abilities.
Except for an intensive camp for older students, Holly Stults, Civic Theatre education program director, said the camps often include newcomers and kids who have performed before.
“Every child has an even playing field,” Stults said. “Every child is a star. Every child has the same amount of material to perform.”
The one-week camps are run by Stults and Brent E. Marty, director of music and education.
The Little Stages camp is for ages 4-5 and will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 26-29.
“Every year the theme changes and it coincides with the Junior Civic musical,” Stults said.
With the Junior Civic Theatre musical being “Newsies” June 23-28, the camp is called the Headline Edition.
“We do a song that has to do with headlines or papers,” Stults said. “They do story-
telling through music. They have costume pieces. We do a presentation for family and friends on the last day.”
Marty said all camps end with a presentation. Musical Theatre Mini-Camp is for ages 6-7 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. June 26-29.
The Jr. Civic Musical Theatre Camp for ages 8-14 will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the weeks of July 10-14 and July 17-21. Those camps culminate with a performance on The Tarkington stage at 6 p.m. on the final day of camp. There is a 60-children limit on camp size each week.
“One year we did songs that were from particular theaters on Broadway,” Stults said. “Each age group has a different theme, and they learn songs from that. It allows us to give them an opportunity to not only learn singing, dancing and acting but the history of particular Broadway performers, composers or choreographers.”
Marty said all camps are process based.
The Musical Theatre Intensive camp for ages 10-14 is for advanced students. Marty said there is an application process to get into the camp, which is held July 5-7. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
Week 1 - June 12-16
Week 2 - June 19-23
Week 3 - June 26-30
Week 4 - July 10-14
Week 5 - July 17-21
Week 6 - July 24-28
Indianapolis Sailing Club is now the Indianapolis Sailing Club Academy. We have started a non-for-profit organization to support all of our training programs.
Sailing camp is held on 13 beautiful acres on Geist Reservoir. The camp is for novice to advanced sailors ages 8-17. It is designed to teach basic sailing & water safety for beginners and more advanced sailing and racing to veterans. Camp is divided by age and ability.
Camp runs every day rain or shine with lots of sailing, knot tying, weather awareness, swimming, on/off water coaching and educational games. Please see the website for openings prior to registration, sessions fill up quickly.
Please contact Michelle Sarber at office@Indianapolissailing.org or by phone at 317-335-7385.
Also see indianapolissailing.org for photo tour and camp application.
By Natalie Gargiulo Natalie@youarecurrent.com
From swimming in aquatics camp to creating arts and crafts, kids enrolled in the Zionsville Eagle Recreation and Enrichment Camps have plenty of activities to choose from.
The Eagle Recreational Enrichment Foundation offers enrichment classes and athletic camps for preschoolers through high school students. Many of the classes and camps are taught by Zionsville Community Schools faculty and staff. Camps are offered from June through July.
There are a variety of challenging camps ranging from academics, arts and crafts, STEM, sports, robotics, engineering, foreign language and technology. All programs are located at one of ZCS’s schools.
“We are able to serve a variety of academics, sports and enrichment programs for not just Zionsville but also the surrounding counties,” said Ann Hall, manager of Zionsville Eagle Recreation and Enrichment Camps. “Students do not need to be registered in Zionsville schools to attend Eagle Recreation and Enrichment Camp classes.”
Z’Camp, a day camp, at Zionsville West Middle School, is for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Weekly activities include archery, tennis, fishing, crafts, STEM, campfire, and nature field trips. Campers receive weekly swim lessons at the Zionsville Community High School Aquatic Center and will go on one field trip per week.
Our summer programs are open to all Central Indiana students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, and offer a great introduction to the extraordinary opportunities available at Park Tudor.
From Cub Camp for 3 & 4 year-olds to options for high school students, Park Tudor summer programs offer something for everyone – arts & crafts, sports, performing arts, science, literature, Spanish language immersion, chess & gaming, and more!
For more information, visit parktudor.org/summer.
“Children of all ages are welcome for year-round swim lessons, summer swim camps, summer swim team, family swim, lap swim, adult masters workouts, aquafit, elementary swim and infant and toddler,” Aquatics Director Lisa Brown said.
Brown said the center teaches more than 13,000 swim lessons a year with the goal of making every child safer in the water. The Aquatic Center staff of instructors are trained to teach children and adults safe swimming.
Z’Camp Zionsville Aquatic Center offers camps for children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. The camps include swim lessons, pool games, water safety, field trips and arts and crafts with water safety as the main focus of all of the facility programs.
For more, visit zionsvilleeaglerec.com or zcs.k12.in.us/aquatic_center.
The YMCA’s summer camp schedule is filled with activities designed to give children ages 3-12 the opportunity to participate with other kids or enjoy time with the family.
Northern region clubs in Westfield and Fishers and Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence are offering traditional camps and discovery camps. Enrichment clinics are available as add-ons.
Association Director of Camps and Family Programs, Desiree Brando-Gouveia said,
“Traditional camps have a lot of the traditional elements that people think of when they think of camp at YMCA,” said Desiree Brando-Gouveia, association director of camps and family programs for YMCA. “They have a lot of camp elements.”
Campers will have access to the clubs’ facilities, such as pools, gyms, sports fields and other outdoor space. Traditional camp activities include swimming, camp circles, arts and crafts, songs and more. Traditional Camps will be offered at all four YMCA locations.
Brando-Gouveia said the discovery camps
are slightly different from the traditional camps.
“They are STEAM- (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) based camp,” Brando-Gouveia said. “Every week they have a theme, and the theme is a STEAM-based theme.”
Campers can participate in activities designed to keep them physically and mentally active in indoor and outdoor space at an offsite YMCA location, such as Thorp Creek Elementary School.
The enrichment clinics will be offered at both camps, giving campers a chance to try something new or explore a passion.
“It’s a way for families to allow the kids to do an added activity at an added portion of the day, beyond the normal camp day,” Brando-Gouveia said.
Campers will have the chance to learn a new skill, such as cooking or pottery. They can explore interests such as dance or LEGO building. Sports such as flag football and bowling will be available at the enrichment clinics.
For more or to registers for the summer camps, visit indymca. org/youth-development-center/ summer-day-camp/
After a 30-year career as a dentist, Angie Hutter is aiming to use the same connection skills in her new endeavor as owner of Camp Bow Wow in Noblesville.
“My patients were my extended family, and these pups are going to be extended family, as well, and their pet parents,” Hutter said. “We want to be friendly, and for everyone to know everyone when they walk in. That’s our desire.”
land Rd. is set to open in June. It will provide the same programs and standards that are found at Camp Bow Wow’s more than 200 other sites nationwide.
According to Hutter, Camp Bow Wow places a top priority on safety for its employees, known as counselors, and canines, known as campers, with the counselors all being pet first aid- and CPR-certified. Live webcams capture the action throughout the day. Pups can play in large groups separated by weight or be directed into smaller
group settings or one-on-one time with a counselor.
Most programming is the same yearround, although themes change with the seasons and the pups get more outdoor time during nice weather months.
All campers must pass an interview process, which includes meeting and interacting with other dogs, before being accepted to camp.
Learn more at campbowwow.com/ noblesville.
Registration is underway for Finch Creek’s All Sports Camps at Mojo Up Sports Complex in Noblesville. A variety of camps will be available for ages 6-16. Registration is open until June 24.
Summer camp counselor opportunities are available for ages 16 and up.
Campers are welcome to sign up with friends or meet new ones while they participate in sports-related activities.
Eric Schellhammer, President of the MUSC facility said,
“We have something for everyone with the All Sports Camps,” Eric Schellhammer, president of of the Mojo Up Sports Complex. “These are a great way for kids to stay active and off the iPad during the summer days.”
Games and activities include kickball, whiffleball, soccer, capture the flag and more.
To register for the summer camps, visit mojosc.leagueapps.com/ camps/3583710-summer-camps-2023.
Anyone interested in being a camp counselor can contact Schellhammer at eschellhammer@mojoupsportcomplex.com.
Finch Creek will also offer a spring co-ed baseball league for ages 4-5, 6-8 and 9-11, starting April 15. The league will include smaller-sided gameplay with teams of 6 to 8 players to allow more practice time and training. Professional coaches will help train and develop participants and volunteer coaches.
Games will be played inside the Mojo Up Sports Complex. The league ends May 20.
For more or to register, visit mojosc. leagueapps.com/leagues/baseball/3505488msc-at-finch-creek-spring-2023-rec-baseball-leagueAny
Coaches interested in volunteering can email Mojo Up Sports Complex Vice President Matt Nicholson at mnicholson@mojoupsportscomplex.com.
JUNE 5 - JULY 28
JUNE 5 - JULY 28
TWO AFFORDABLE OPTIONS TWO AFFORDABLE OPTIONS
B.J. McKay speaks on “Employee Retention and Turnover: What Can I Do about This?” at the Feb. 15 OneZone luncheon at FORUM Events Center in Fishers. McKay is a senior leadership consultant with ADVISA and entrepreneur. He has worked with hundreds of companies and leaders in his 13 years with ADVISA. (Photo by Adam Seif)
Hiring a tax professional — In most states, including Indiana, tax preparers do not have to meet any licensing standards, so you need to do your homework if you plan to hire a professional to do your taxes. Ask about any professional certifications, such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent. Find out what your recourse against the preparer is if you get audited and penalties are assessed. Finally, ask for references and check them out.
Source: BottomLineInc.
Discounts that actually cost you money — Retailers have latched onto a way to offer giant percentages off that are mesmerizing to shoppers but are not what they seem. The pitch: You get a gigantic discount, typically up to 70 percent off, but the fine print notes that you get that discount only on a second or third of multiple similar items. Signs in store windows and on store shelves (and online) shout out the percentage and shoppers often don’t do the math to see just how unimpressive these offers typically are. For example, based on an offer of “buy two, get the third 50 percent off,” you take three items to checkout, where
you then receive a total discount of 17 percent because you pay full price for the first two items.
Source: BottomLineInc.com
Cryptocurrency risks — Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson wants to remind Hoosiers to be cautious about such investments. Common cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Unlike traditional currency, these have no physical form and are not backed by tangible assets. They are not insured or controlled by any central authority and are subject to very little regulation. As a result, the potential for fraud is high. To learn more, visit IndianaMoneyWise. com
Safe Exchange zone created — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has created a Safe Exchange Zone in the main parking lot located at 18100 Cumberland Rd. Residents who need to complete internet transactions or parents who need to do child custody exchanges can use this area. A Safe Exchange Zone also is available inside the main lobby of the Sheriff’s Office and is open around the clock.
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:
Water: CREEK, LAKE, OCEAN, POND, RIVER, SEA; Wheels: AUTO, BIKE, TRAILER, TRAIN, TRUCK;
Menu: ENCHILADA, FAJITA, SALSA, TACO; States: FLORIDA, GEORGIA, TENNESSEE; Colors: CRIMSON, GREY; Rank: GENERAL.
Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its contractors that employ qualified utility line clearance tree workers will be trimming and/or removing trees and brush to clear the lines of vegetation in order to provide safe and reliable electric service. Vegetation management will be performed in/near Fishers on or near streets identified below:
Beginning at the substation located near the corner of 116th St & Cumberland Rd, to include the areas around & near: S & E of the substation, W of Hawthorn Ridge, N of Governors Ln
The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department
With a standard two-week notice, the prime minister of New Zealand, 42-year-old Jacinda Ardern, proclaimed, “I no longer have enough in the tank to do it (the job) justice.” Happily, Ardern shared with her fellow citizens that she was experiencing no ailments, other than fatigue. And her five-year run in the role had been a busy one. The nation of 2 million or so fewer people than the state of Indiana accepted the news with mixed feelings. Expectedly, some were eager for leadership change, and others were sad to see her go. Some congratulated her for taking care of herself, and others scolded her for lacking the requisite determination to finish the work.
Our own nation is led by an 80-year-old president. Recently completing a barrage of health tests determining him “fit” in the view of his doctors, the man is ready to campaign for still another term in 2024. Why do some manage to persevere when others collapse? Perhaps more important, do we
ask too much of ourselves and others, or too little?
Politicians leave their posts for countless reasons, although mostly because they come to realize that they are no longer likely to win reelection. Still, Ardern’s departure and the response to it points to a shifting reality in human ethic. What is our obligation to endure adversity? When should we quit to avoid burnout, stay to try to work it out, or double down and tough it out? Let us not work ourselves to death!
Still, if we are all smelling the roses, no one is left to tend them. Grit, resolve and fortitude help propel our species. We learn that we can do more than we believed. We find that our capacity is greater than expected — and we become better and stronger for it.
Friends, I have found my happy place. It’s an oceanfront two-bedroom condo surrounded by palm trees and baby boomers. I am literally in heaven. My mom is snow birding for a month in fancy Belleair Beach, Fla., and I had the chance to visit recently. The sun, the sand, all that’s a given for treating the Midwest winter blues. But what’s unique about her rental, and I think what really speaks to me, is that it’s essentially a senior living community in a small town already full of retirees.
I can wake up to the sounds of gulls and surf, walk miles of gorgeous coastline (slathered, of course, in SPF 70), and then maybe take an afternoon nap before a coffee date with my latest Nora Roberts novel. If I want to socialize, I can pop over to Janet’s and hear about the latest with her Cleveland grandchildren, and if I don’t, I can stay right on my swivel lounger and contemplate my mortality with the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy.” And no one is judging me, because they’re all doing the same thing.
So, most of the time there is no one in the heated pool, the beach is empty, and if there is music playing, it’s always low-volume yacht rock. Her neighbors are coming back from their 4 p.m. supper club reservations when I’d just be starting my Indiana dinner, and they’re going to bed right after “Jeopardy!” This, people, is my dream lifestyle.
The magnificent Gulf of Mexico, the quiet mornings and early nights, and, most important, the slow pace of retirement are clearly the ingredients for my happy place. Peace out.
DANIELLEI can wake up to the sounds of gulls and surf, walk miles of gorgeous coastline (slathered, of course, in SPF 70), and then maybe take an afternoon nap before a coffee date with my latest Nora Roberts novel.
–
WILSON
“That’s never happened before,” the steward said. “What were you doing?”
Mary Ellen and I just returned from a wonderful Caribbean cruise. No one wants to read a humor column about how much fun we had, so instead, I’ll put on my grumpy old man hat and describe everything that went wrong.
On Monday, we went snorkeling. It took an hour by catamaran to reach the reef, but the fish in St. Thomas must have seen us coming, because by the time we put on all of our gear and dove into the bay, there was nary a minnow in sight.
The guide tried to paint a rosy picture of our pricey excursion.
“Have you ever seen so many fish?” he asked.
I answered honestly, “Yes, on the wall of Red Lobster.”
Later, on the ship, one of my hearing aids stopped working.
“Which one?” Mary Ellen asked.
“Starboard side,” I said, but when I turned around to walk toward the lunch buffet, my broken hearing aid was now on the port side of my head. This created a real problem: Mary Ellen never knew which ear to yell into.
Getting on the elevator required a room card. I kept swiping mine, but the elevator door didn’t open. A fellow passenger watched.
“You’re scanning the hand sanitizer dispenser,” he told me.
One night, I carried the TV remote onto the veranda outside our room. The device slipped out of my hand when the ship rocked, and it landed in the Atlantic.
“I was channel surfing,” I told him. Our room safe required us to choose a security code. I used our old house number. I must have entered it incorrectly when I programmed it, because I couldn’t unlock it with those same digits later that night. Panicked, I called the security desk.
“How did I get locked out of my own safe?” I asked.
“Aren’t you the guy who griped about the snorkeling, swiped the hand sanitizer with his key card and lost his remote in the Atlantic? Did you ever get your hearing aid fixed?”
Wow, word travels fast at sea.
On the way home, I went to the airport’s deli to get a bite to eat before boarding. All they had was a stale-looking chicken sandwich with wilted lettuce and slimy American cheese. I bought one, along with a bottle of water.
“That will be $25,” the cashier said.
“Twenty-five dollars? At Costco right here in San Juan, I could get five whole rotisserie chickens for $25!”
“Good luck fitting them under your seat, sir.”
Again, despite what you have read, I had a wonderful time. I especially liked our last glorious day in Puerto Rico. As David Letterman would have said, “It was 75 and sunny. Just like me.”
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“I’ll put on my grumpy old man hat and describe everything that went wrong.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
“Footloose” runs through March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE
The music of film composer John Williams is so popular that Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes decided one concert wouldn’t be enough.
“The Best of John Williams — A Tribute Concert” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 11 and 3 p.m. March. 12 at the Palladium in Carmel. The concert is the Masterworks 4 concert of the 2022-23 season.
“In my understanding, the CSO has never performed the same Masterworks twice,” Hymes said. “We decided with the popularity of this concert, the draw would be great, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to hear this amazing music accompanied by film.”
The concerts’ playlist includes selections from some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including “Star Wars,” “Hook,” “Schindler’s List,” “AI,” “Harry Potter,” “JFK,” “Jurassic Park,” “Superman,” “Jaws,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “E.T.” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
“John Williams’ music has a distinctive sound and is easily recognizable because of the melodies, orchestration and connection to story,” Hymes said. “I have always been a fan of this iconic composer and incredibly kind human being.”
Hymes said the CSO has played Williams’ music on various concerts but not a concert designated solely to his work.
“I love them all, but I think ‘Schindler’s List’ is one of the most beautiful pieces in the repertoire,” Hymes said.
The concert will be accompanied by film clips from movies on the big screen.
“The film clips will correspond to the music, and the experience will be spectacular and a first for the CSO,” Hymes said. “We are so excited about these upcoming performances and anticipate a couple of fantastic crowds. We’ve really expanded and experimented with our programming during this 47th CSO season, and this John
Williams production is shaping up to be a highlight of a season that’s already been noteworthy for multiple highlights.”
The concerts will be performed on the same weekend that 91-year-old Williams, a five-time Academy Award winner, is up for another Oscar, his 53rd nomination, this time for the score to Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, “The Fabelmans.”
“John Williams’ music is the soundtrack not only to some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, but the soundtrack to our lives as well,” Hymes said. “It’s the music you know and love, from the movies you know by heart.”
The Palladium was sold out for January’s Pops concert featuring Serpentine Fire: The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire, and was nearly sold out for two Holiday Pops
shows in early December.
“We definitely feed off the energy that emanates from the audience, and that’s been something we’ve experienced and really enjoyed this season,” Hymes said. “Serpentine Fire was just crazy with the fans standing, singing and dancing at their seats and in the aisles. If you think a symphony orchestra performance is stuffy and serious and straight-laced, well, you need to experience a Carmel Symphony Orchestra performance, and ‘The Best of John Williams’ would be a great place to start.”
The Masterworks 5 concert will feature Sterling Elliott on cello and is set for April. 22. The season concludes May 6 with a Pops concert featuring Capathia Jenkins with a tribute to Aretha Franklin.
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org. The concerts are sponsored by ParaPRO.
Civic Theatre will feature “The Cat in the Hat” with a 10 a.m. performance Feb. 28 and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. performances March 4 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
Indiana Wind Symphony will feature harp soloist Melissa Gallant in a 7:30 p.m. concert at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Bobby Conte will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. March 4 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.
ICC launches capital campaign for new headquarters — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir advances into a new era with the public phase of its $4 million “In the City for a Global Community” capital campaign. The funds raised in the campaign will be used toward the purchase and renovation of its new headquarters at 9111 Allisonville Rd. in Indianapolis. The ICC is now based on Butler University’s campus. The new headquarters will enable the ICC to have an impact on central Indiana as a cultural institution that has an even greater impact on the global choral community. For more, visit icchoir. org/capitalcampaign/.
Happy Hour for a Cause set — Ballet INitiative’s Happy Hour for a Cause returns to the stage at 7 p.m. March 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. Local choreographers present a variety of brand-new dance works to help support Indianapolis organizations meaningful to choreographers and dancers themselves. For more, visit our.show/ ballet-initiative/happyhourforacause
Playing ‘The Cat’ is becoming old hat for Jonathan Studdard.
PLAY
The Indianapolis resident plays the title role for the fourth time in Civic Theatre’s production of “The Cat in the Hat.”
“There are a lot of things that I enjoy about portraying the Cat,” Studdard said. “However, the thing that I enjoy most is the representation aspect. The fact that other children who are (persons of color) can see this show and see themselves reflected means the world to me.”
“The Cat in the Hat” will have public performances at 10 a.m. Feb. 28 and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 4 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This will be the seventh time Civic has staged the Dr. Seuss classic. It was canceled in 2021 and 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Throughout the years, we all work with the same great foundation,” Studdard said. “However, different people bring different energy or action to the show.
David Cun-
ningham, who portrays the Boy, and myself are the only returning members of the show. So, it has been so fun to get to work and discover new moments to add to the show with a new group of people.”
In addition to the public shows, there will be nine student matinees.
The March 4 matinee is intended for patrons who have social, cognitive or physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony’s upcoming concert is aptly named “Sound the Harp.” Indiana Wind Symphony will feature its harp soloist Melissa Gallant at 7:30 p.m. March 4 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
IWS Music Director Charles Conrad will conduct most of the concert. The guest conductor is flute player Laura Recendez.
Gallant will perform on Stephen Sondheim’s suite from “Invitation to a March.”
“It’s incidental music that was used from one of his plays,” Gallant said. “It’s a really cool piece. It has 10 sections in it. It’s very melodic.”
There also is a piece by Reynaldo Hahn called “Le Bal de Beatrice d’Este.”
“There is a piece about a beetle called ‘Scarab!’ with flute, bassoon and harp,” said Gallant, an Indianapolis resident who has been with IWS for 20 years. “I’m interested in seeing how that goes together. It should be a really fun piece.”
Conrad said the “Scarab!” is a world pre-
miere by composer David Sartor, who lives in Nashville, Tenn.
“We’ve done a couple other premieres of Sartor’s work,” Conrad said.
The final piece is “The Sword and the Stone,” by Benjamin Britten.
“It’s quite an assortment,” Gallant said. “The biggest harp solo part is from Sondheim, but they all have really big harp parts.”
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Commentary by Mark LaFay
Recently, my wife and I were able to sneak away for about six days without the kids. Our destination? Argentina! We went to Buenos Aires for six days to enjoy the summer weather and to eat and drink our way through town! The city is very European, thanks largely to the massive European immigration that occurred just before, during and after World War I and World War II. The influence is apparent in architecture, civil planning, food and beverage culture, and fashion. It is often referred to as the “Paris of South America.”
While in Buenos Aires, we sampled two staple items of Argentine cuisine: empenadas and choripan. Empenadas are small hand pies. The dough used to make Argentine empenadas is similar to Neapolitan pizza crust. The dough is folded over filling and baked, not fried. Spicy sausage is a common filling and is typically a fennel-based pork sausage crumble (think mild Italian sausage) with tomato sauce and onion. Other common fillings included chicken, steak and simply Roquefort cheese. They are simple in nature and oh, so delicious! Especially with
an ice-cold Quilmes beer in hand.
Choripan is a very popular food in Buenos Aires. Some might say, unofficially, it is the official food of Argentinian soccer. It is simply a sausage (chorizo) in a hefty bread bun with chimichurri. It comes in many forms, with many variations of topping combinations. Good sausage and good bread are imperative.
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and Capri Suns.
The late ’80s and early ‘90s were a wild time for brown-bagging it. Of course, my kids refer to anyone born before 2000 as people “born in the 1900s.”
In the “Ghostbusters” movies, the eponymous heroes blast ghosts and otherworldly beings with their proton packs, and the ghosts explode into a mess of slimy green ghost goo. This goo is called ectoplasm. I first encountered ectoplasm through Hi-C’s companion drink, Ecto Cooler, in elementary school whenever I brought my lunch. Ultimately, Ecto Cooler couldn’t hold a candle to the greatness of Kool-Aid Blasts
Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the City of Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana, that the Common Council of the City of Fishers will consider at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers, Indiana 46038 at 7:00 o’clock pm on Monday, March 20, 2023, the establishment of a Cumulative Capital Development Fund under the provisions of Indiana Code section 36-9-15.5 for all applicable uses stated therein.
The tax will be levied on all taxable real and personal property within the taxing district and will not exceed $0.05 per $100 of assessed valuation. The proposed fund will be levied beginning with taxes due and payable in the year 2024. Taxpayers appearing at such hearing shall have the right to be heard thereon. The proposed tax rate for the Cumulative Capital Development Fund is subject to certification by the Department of Local Government Finance.
Within 30 days after the date of the adoption of the cumulative fund by the City of Fishers Common Council, the Common Council will publish a Notice of Adoption. Upon publication of the Notice of Adoption, twenty-five (25) or more taxpayers in the taxing district may file a petition with the County Auditor not later than noon 30 days after the publication of the Notice of Adoption setting forth their objections to the proposed fund.
Dated this 15th day of February, 2023
CITY OF FISHERS, /s/ Lisa Bradford
City Controller
1 Municipal Drive
Fishers, IN 46038
On the theme of “words that end in ‘-asm,’” I’d like to discuss neoplasms. While “neoplasm” sounds like something that would ooze from goblins in the “Ghostbusters” reboot, it’s actually a language term referring to a fun, limited-edition flavor of redundancy.
Pleonasm is using more words than necessary to convey meaning, whether done intentionally (for emphasis) or unintentionally. More simply stated, pleonasm is when someone uses a redundant expression. For instance, when playing “Goldeneye 007” on the Nintendo 64, my friend Brandon always yelled, “Kill him dead!” And then he’d either eat a handful of Gushers or Bugles. Remember, this was the late 1900s.
I think pleonasm is hilarious. For my day job, I write plenty of blog article titles and email subject headlines, so I chuckle anytime I see pleonasm in the wild. The most common use of pleonasm I’ve observed is when a company offers a “free gift” to dangle a new subscription to a potential customer. While I get it, the definition of a gift is something that doesn’t cost the recipient anything. Noticing pleonasms is a gift and a curse.
While pleonasm adds intentional emphasis, it often shows up unintentionally. Examples include “true facts,” “new beginnings,” “past experience,” and “novel idea.”
Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.
The City of Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana (“City”), pursuant to Ind. Code §6-1.1-18-5, hereby provides NOTICE that the City’s Common Council (“Council”) will conduct a public hearing during its March 20, 2023, regularly scheduled Council meeting for considering the following additional appropriation(s) in excess of the budget for the current year.
The Council meeting will take place at 7:00pm at the Huston Theatre, Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers, IN. Taxpayers appearing at the meeting shall have the right to be heard. The additional appropriations as finally made will be referred to the Department of Local Government Finance (Department). The Department will make a written determination as to the sufficiency of funds to support the appropriation within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a Certified Copy of the action taken.
Dated this 17th day of February, 2023
CITY OF FISHERS
Lisa BradfordCity Controller Hamilton County, Indiana
Commentary by Don Knebel
In our continuing trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, today we visit the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, which Israel unilaterally annexed in 1980, following its capture during the Six Day War.
The Mount of Olives, named for trees that once lined it, lies across the Kidron Valley from the Jewish Temple that the Bible says was erected by King Solomon and rebuilt after being destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Beginning in 19 B.C., King Herod built a 37-acre platform called the Temple Mount around a refurbished Temple. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will arrive by walking down the Mount of Olives, cross the Kidron Valley and enter the Temple from the east
To have ringside seats for the Messiah’s arrival, more than 150,000 people are buried along the western slope of the Mount of Olives. When Jesus rode down the Mount of Olives on a donkey, his followers waved palm branches, welcoming him as the Messiah. During Jesus’ time in Jerusalem, he frequently met with his disciples on the Mount of Olives and was taken prisoner while in Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives.
Today, visitors can follow the path that Jesus took down the Mount of Olives toward the Temple Mount. They can stop at Dominus Flevit, a small church memorializing the site where the Gospel of Luke says Jesus wept contemplating the destruction of the Temple, later destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. They can visit Gethsemane, now a park, and the nearby Church of All
Nations, also called the Basilica of the Agony. Also on the Mount of Olives are the gold domed Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene and competing structures commemorating the ascension of Jesus into heaven, which the Book of Acts says occurred on the Mount of Olives.
dance
52. *Hamilton County city crop grower?
56. Assumed name
59. Oxen connector
60. *Miami County city medal winner?
64. “Baby” singer Justin
68. Caribbean, e.g.
69. Panache
70. Tampa neighbor, informally
71. Lawyer’s abbr.
72. El ___ (warm ocean current)
73. Accumulate
Down
1. Numerical prefix
2. DVR button
3. Indy Zoo primate
4. Actor McConaughey
5. Kitchen strainer
6. Massage Envy, e.g.
7
8
9
10
11
12
5 Things with Wheels
Menu Items
3 Southern States 2 UIndy Colors
14.
parting word to Scarlett
19. Herron School painter’s prop 21. & 23. In-between spaces
24. Way to I-69
25. Derisive looks
26. Bested
27. Gin flavoring
28. Nine-headed mythical
1 Indiana National Guard Rank
Answers on Page 14
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IUPUI’S COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
is actively seeking applications for two full-time teaching faculty positions in the areas of web & software development and networking & security systems. The positions require teaching undergraduate courses and participating in curriculum development; they do not have a research expectation. Applicants must have a master’s degree, and individuals with industry experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Prior teaching experience is helpful but not necessary. Our courses are grounded in fundamental IT concepts but are taught via hands-on applications with connections to the industries in central Indiana.
More information can be found at https://go.iu.edu/4Mbx
