March 7, 2023 — Fishers

Contact the editor:

Have a news tip? Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share? Contact Managing at news@ currentinfishers.com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You may also submit information on our website, currentinfishers.com. Remember our news deadline is typically eight days prior to publication.

News tips/story ideas: stories@youarecurrent.com

Letters to the editor/ guest columns: letters@youarecurrent.com

Eat Puccini’s... NOW!

Fishers girls basketball seniors conclude memorable 4-year run

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Advertise your business: If you’re interested in reaching virtually 100 percent of the Fishers market (29,403 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent (subject: Fishers advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries: obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising: legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions: circulation@youarecurrent.com

The Fishers High School girls basketball team has had a memorable four-year run.  The Class 4A No. 3 Tigers finished the run with its first trip to the state championship before losing Feb. 25 to No. 7 Bedford North Lawrence 46-42 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Fishers finished 26-3 to give it a four-year combined record of 86-15 with two sectional titles and three Hoosier Crossroads Conference championships.

“They’ve gone through hard things in life,” Tigers coach Lauren Votaw said. “They’ve gone through hard things this season. And they fought, that’s how they got here. We didn’t come out on the end we wanted to, but I’m super proud of the young ladies they’ve turned into. These seniors, man, they’ve given so much to this program. The impact they’ve had, for years to come, they have no idea the impact they have made.”

Votaw said the loss doesn’t diminish what the Tigers accomplished, including beating No. 2 defending state champion Noblesville 67-64 in double overtime in the sectional semifinals and No. 4 Hamilton Southeastern 58-44 in the sectional final.

“We came out of the toughest sectional, the toughest conference in the state, and these kids endured all that,” Votaw said. “It wasn’t the ending that we wanted, but it can’t take away what these kids have done, what these seniors have done. There’s only two teams in the state with a higher winning percentage than our seniors in the last two years. One is right there (Bedford North Lawrence) and the other is Lanesville, which won (the Class A title).”

Votaw said the run was great for the community and the youth feeder program.

The Tigers have been led by twin sisters Olivia and Hailey Smith, who will play for Ball State University next season. The other seniors are Karina Scott and Alycia Triplett.

“Hailey and Olivia are great players,” junior Talia Harris said. “All of our other seniors played well, too. They’re great leaders. Our seniors are our big dogs.”

When the disappointment of the loss goes away, Harris said she expects the Tigers will appreciate all they accomplished.

Harris, who averaged 9.3 points per game on the season, led the Tigers with 15 points in the championship final.

“Since the sectional last year, we saw she had this in her to be more of an offensive player,” Votaw said. “She did a phenomenal job.”

Harris said she was just trying to do whatever the team needed.

“My teammates played a big part in that,” she said. “They were getting me the ball when I was hot and setting screens. They were rebounding and kicking it back to me.”

Harris made 5 of 13 shots from the floor while the rest of the team was 8-of-29 from the field.

Olivia and Hailey were both 1-of-6 from the field. Hailey scored six points and Olivia had three points. Entering the game, Hailey was averaging 12.1 points per game and Olivia 10.6 points. Alycia Triplett had a teamhigh 12 rebounds as the Tigers held a 31-22

rebounding edge.

“It was just them getting to the basket late game,” Harris said of the loss. “We had fouls we probably shouldn’t have given up. We did everything we could. We played defense. We hit big shots. They hit big shots. It just came down to the last possessions. We tried to stop them, and we just couldn’t.”

Chloe Spreen, who led the Stars with 20 points, fouled out with 1:50 to go. Harris hit a free throw to tie the score at 40-40. After two free throws by Bedford’s Madisyn Bailey, Harris tied it at 42-42l with a jumper outside the paint.

The Stars’ Emma Brown came in and scored four key points.

“To their credit, they had another kid step in,” Votaw said. “They were able to finish.”

Brown put the Stars ahead with a driving layup to make it 44-42 with 19 seconds left. She missed the free throw after the basket.

The Tigers got called for an offensive foul with a little more than 5 seconds left for a moving screen.

“We were just trying to get to the basket, get a foul call maybe — just something to push the momentum back to us,” Harris said.  Brown was fouled and hit two free throws to seal it with 3 seconds left.

The Fishers High School girls basketball team finished second in the Class 4A state title game, losing to Bedford North Lawrence. (Photo courtesy of IHSAA)

Spring into Fun Spring into Fun A R O U N D F I S H E R S

March Disability Awareness Month

Help bring awareness & be an ally for disability inclusion with events & resources. Find details at fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness

Fishers Maker Playground Workshops

Shop Class, Stained Glass Workshops, Household Heroes Workshops, & more

Various dates & times | Fishers Maker Playground (8100 E. 106th St.)

Register online at makerplayground com

Spring Break Art Camps

Monday, April 3 – Friday, April 7 | Various Times | Ages 6 - 14 Register at playfishers.com/Camp

Fishers Farmers Market at the AMP

Saturdays, May 6 – September 30 | 8 a m – noon

Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Dr ) | Free | playfishers com/FarmersMarket

Fishers AgriPark Opening Day

Opens for the season Tuesday, May 3 | Fishers AgriPark (11171 Florida Rd ) | Free Details at playfishers com/AgriPark

Touch-a-Truck

Tuesday, May 16 | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater | Free Details at thisisfishers.com/TouchATruck

Democrat Stuart vying for Fishers council seat

By Jeff Decker news@currentinfishers.com

Bill Stuart has, as a member of the Fishers Planning Commission for the past seven years, played a role in supporting and promoting growth and quality of life in a city he has called home for 29 years.

ELECTION

Stuart, a Democrat, would like to continue to have a hand in Fishers’ progress as a member of its city council. He is seeking election as the council’s Southwest District representative.

“As a planning commission member, I’ve supported and promoted some great projects in our community,” said Stuart, citing the planned expansion of the Fishers District as one of those successes. “However, I believe there is much more we can do to make certain that Fishers becomes an even better place to work, play and raise a family.”

Stuart is the lone Democrat registered for the May 2 primary in the Southwest District race. Incumbent David Giffel, a Republican, is seeking reelection.

If elected to the council, Stuart said he would focus on continued economic development to bring high-tech jobs like those at the Andretti Autosport headquarters, enhance quality of life with projects like the Geist Waterfront Park and Nickel Plate Trail, and partner with Hamilton Southeastern Schools to help Fishers continue to attract employers and families while maintaining strong housing values.

“We need to grow in a smart way to develop quality housing, improve the city’s walkability, encourage small business startups and improve our quality of life so the people who work in Fishers — like teachers, public safety officers and firefighters — can also live in Fishers,” he said.

Stuart also serves on the Fishers Fire Merit Board. He is an adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College and has worked in various government relations jobs during a 40-year career. He and his wife Peggi have four children and four grandchildren.

Stuart

Peterson seeks fifth term

By Chris Bavender editorial@youarecurrent.com

Peterson said he brings experience and leadership to the table.

ELECTION

Pete Peterson is set to run for a fifth term on the Fishers City Council. The Republican, who represents the Southeast District, is unopposed in the May 2 primary. No Democrat has filed to run.

“We have done great things in Fishers while I have been on council, and there is still more to do,” Peterson said. “It is important to me to leave (my community) in a better place than I came into it, so I feel there is still more good I can do for our residents.”

In his first race for council, Peterson said he was focused on getting the city to have a better sense of “who they were and not just let economic development happen, but to shape that development around a focused plan.”

“While the planning and focus has absolutely occurred, we (the mayor and other councilors) still have work to get done. We need to finish executing on our vision,” he said.

“I don’t generally mix words and I’m known to be very straightforward, and I don’t like sitting around and discussing ideas ad nauseam for talk’s sake,” Peterson said. “I have been a long-standing member of the Fishers Planning Commission, a board member of Launch Fishers/IOT Lab since its inception, Not for Profit Committee, and chair of the 2040 planning committee.”

Although Peterson will not face an opponent in the primary, he said it’s still important for residents to vote, even in uncontested races, because it’s the “right thing” to do.

“Simple answer is it is our duty to vote. Many men and women have sacrificed their lives for our right to vote,” Peterson said. “That was something instilled in me by my father, and I have passed this along to my kids as well. As for municipal elections, we generally have a much lower turnout than the national elections. This has always baffled me because your local elected officials affect the citizens’ life every day.”

Peterson

Carmel High School swimmer gets boost from famous alumni

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School swimmer Aaron Shackell has made the most of a special opportunity.

Drew Kibler, a former CHS and University of Texas standout, has been training with the team the past several months.

“It’s been an amazing experience from the training to having Drew Kibler here for training and to learn from,” Shackell said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Kibler, who became the first Olympian from Carmel in 2021, has been training with the Carmel Swim Club for six months.

“I’ve had a drastic improvement mentally and physically,” Shackell said. “Learning so many things from him has been a blessing.”

Shackell, who will swim for the University of California at Berkeley next season, put that experience to good use in the IHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals Feb. 25 at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI.

MEET ADAM SHACKELL

Favorite athletes: Drew Kibler and Jake Mitchell

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show: “Jack Ryan”

Favorite music: Classic rock

Shackell won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 33.68 seconds. He had set a national high school record Feb. 24 in 1:32.85 in the prelims. He was victorious in the 500 freethe style in 4:15.35.

In addition, Shackell was on the winning 200 freestyle relay team and the 200 medley relay.

FOR A LIFE FULL

OF

CHASING DREAMS.

Our pediatric neurosurgeons care for small patients with complex conditions. Turn to Goodman Campbell for the expertise that lets kids grow up to be anything they want.

Learn more at GoodmanCampbell.com

Shackell won the 100 butterfly at the state finals as a junior but decided to switch to the 500 freestyle this year.

“I had a really good 500 at (Junior Nationals),” Shackell said. “I thought I had a

chance of breaking (former CHS swimmer) Jake Mitchell’s record. It was something fun to go for.”

The Shackell family moved to Carmel from St. Louis when Aaron was a sophomore.  Shackell said this has been a fun time for his swimming family.

His sister, Alex, a sophomore, set state records in winning the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle Feb. 11 at the IHSAA girls swimming state finals. She also was on the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay that set national records in winning state titles.

“Seeing my sister dominate (at state was exciting), and my brother has improved so much in the past five months,” Aaron said.

Andrew Shackell, Alex’s twin, joined Aaron on the winning 400 freestyle relay. Andrew finished fourth in the 100 butterfly.

His parents, Nick and Ali Shackell, were swimmers at Auburn University. Nick represented Great Britain in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Aaron started swimming at age 5.

“I think what makes me so passionate is the strive to always improve and have fun,” said Aaron, who said his favorite event is the 200-meter butterfly.

Carmel High School senior swimmer Aaron Shackell won the 200-yard freestyle and 500 freestyle state titles. (Photo courtesy of Luke Miller Photography)

Shackell

Tigers take fourth place in boys swimming state finals

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School swimming coach

Fishers senior Connor Carlile placed third in the 500 freestyle. Sophomore teammate Jonathan Hines was right behind in fourth place.

Carlile placed fourth in the 200 freestyle.

ACHIEVEMENT

Joe Keller had to navigate the IHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals on a knee scooter.

“The day after the girls swimming state finals (Feb. 12), I was going out on the bulkhead (at the pool), took a step, lost my balance and bit it,” Keller said. “I was in a boot at first. But then they told me they can’t do an X-ray because the ankle is so swollen. The ankle specialist said I have to stay nonweight bearing on the leg for a week. I said, ‘You don’t understand, this is a bad time of the year.’ He said, ‘You don’t understand, you have to get this swelling down.’ There is ligament and tendon damage, for sure.”

While Keller was slowed, his team managed to race fast enough to place fourth in the finals at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI. Fishers finished with 150 points. Fort Wayne Carroll was third with 148.

Keller said the difference was a Carroll swimmer winning the 100-yard breaststroke in the second-to-last event of the day.

Carlile was on the fourth-place 200 freestyle relay team with senior Daniel Bennett, sophomore Hudson Lee and senior Keaton Chop.

“I’m happy with it,” Carlile said of his personal races. “We knew it was going to be tight. We wanted to get third, but we did the best we could.”

Carlile will swim for the University of Alabama next season.

“This is a great way to end with four podium finishes,” Carlile said.

Carlile, Chop, Hines and junior Taichi Kataoka were fourth in the 400 freestyle relay.

Tigers sophomore Jacob Schade took fourth place in 1-meter diving.

Hamilton Southeastern sophomore Jihoon Jung got the Royals’ lone podium finish by placing seventh in the 200 individual medley.

Fishers senior Connor Carlile had four podium finishes at the IHSAA state finals. (Photo courtesy of FHS athletics)

FULL SERVICE CLEANERS

DON’T OVER-PAY ANY LONGER, WE HAVE THE AREA’S LOWEST DRY CLEANING & LAUNDRY PRICES

CARMEL CLEANERS

7253 Fishers Landing Dr. 317-841-9727 SAME DAY SERVICE

MON - FRI @ FISHERS CLEANERS IN BY 8AM - OUT BY 5PM

Some restrictions apply. See store for details

ENVIRONMENTALLY

126 East Main St. 317-846-8923

Fire department opens new station in Fishers

ADVANTAGES OF DF-2000 FLUID

• Can be used with Sensitive Fabrics

• Removes Oil & Grease

• Aids in removing Water Soluble Soil

• Virtually Odorless

• Compatible with Fabric-Finish Additives

ExxonMobil Chemical Company’s DF-2000™ Fluid for drycleaning was first introduced in 1994 as an alternative to the solvents in common use by drycleaners. Since that time, DF-2000 Fluid has gained widespread acceptance and today is used in thousands of drycleaning plants in the United States alone.

QUALITY CLEANING FOR LESS EVERYDAY SPECIALS WE HONOR COMPETITORS’ COUPONS

By Rich Brown editorial@youarecurrent.com

After a two-year construction project, Fishers Fire Dept. opened Station 397 Feb. 14 at 15109 E. 136th St.

PUBLIC

Some restrictions apply. See store for details.

The growth of DF-2000 Fluid has outpaced all of the alternative technologies offered for drycleaning. This is a result of many factors including health, safety and environmental benefits, excellent cleaning performance, proven equipment technology, commercial practicality, and a reduced regulatory burden.

DF-2000 Fluid provides you with the peace of mind that comes from a well-developed, broadly supported technology with a track record of proven performance.

• Proven Cleaning Performance

When used with properly designed processes, additives and equipment, DF-2000 Fluid provides cleaning performance comparable to perchloroethylene.

• Consistent, Premium Quality

DF-2000 Fluid is manufactured and packaged to high standards of consistency and purity to deliver the same high-quality performance time after time. DF-2000 Fluid remains stable through multiple distillation and reclamation cycles.

• Virtually Odorless

Solvents with a higher level of aromatics contain more solvent odor. DF-2000 Fluid has the lowest aromatic content of any HFHC drycleaning solvent.

• Gentle on Dyes, Safer on Trims

The gentle cleaning action of DF-2000 Fluid is safer for most dyes and trims, so you can rely on it to safely clean a wider range of fancy and fragile articles with less risk of dye bleeding.

• Cost Effective

There are no usage, franchise or royalty fees required. In states where a solvent usage tax has been imposed, DF-2000 Fluid is either exempt or the usage tax per gallon is minimal. When coupled with effective processes and additives, labor and production costs are reasonable.

• Proven Equipment Technology

Equipment makers have more experience with DF-2000 Fluid than any other alternative solvent. Modern filtration, distillation, solvent recovery, water separation and safety technologies are refined and well developed to give you reliable, trouble-free operation.

• Proven Additive Technologies

Detergent and fabric finish additives are essential to provide important enhancements to cleaning performance in any drycleaning system. DF-2000 Fluid is the only alternative solvent technology that is supported by a comprehensive system that includes proven additives and widely available technical support. That means you get cleaning technology you can rely on to perform for now and the future.

“The opening of this station will provide vital response to the northeast portion of the Fishers community,” FFD Capt. Derek Gable said. “This will allow for a quicker and more efficient response.”

Gable said the area served by the station is one of Fishers’ fastest-growing areas and that it was in need of a new station.

Total cost of the new building and supplies was just more than $6 million.

Station 397’s coverage area will primarily be the northeast corner of Fishers, from 136th Street to Atlantic Road, to 126th Street, to Southeastern Parkway, and back to 136th.

“The new station is a full-service facility that will house firefighters 24 hours a day,” said Capt. John Mehling, FFD’s public information officer. “Department leadership, city council and the mayor’s office continually work closely together to ensure the community’s protection.”

Some of the new station’s amenities include a kitchen, day room, workout facility, bunk rooms, lockers and office space. It is a single-story building that will house an Advanced Life Support Engine and an ALS ambulance.

Mehling said Station 397 will implement the latest technology in its operation.

A minimum of five firefighters will be onsite at the 13,000-square-foot facility.

THE PRICE BRINGS YOU IN! THE QUALITY BRINGS YOU BACK!

• Friendly Drycleaning systems based on DF-2000 Fluid are so dependable and easy to use, you might say they are friendly to everyone: landlords, owners, operators and customers. It is the one alternative solvent that you can look to for peace of mind.

“The station will have three shifts of firefighters,” Mehling said. “Each shift will work 24 hours on, followed by 48 hours off.”

The Fishers Fire Dept’s. new Station 397 is at 15109 E. 136th St. (Photo by Rich Brown)

Sweetgreen opens at Fishers District

By Mark LaFay editorial@youarecurrent.com

Washington, D.C., -based Sweetgreen opened its third Indiana location Feb. 21 at The Yard at Fishers District, 711 E. 116th Street, Suite 300, in Fishers.

RESTAURANT

Sweetgreen is a rapidly growing restaurant group that originated in Washington, D.C., 16 years ago. It now has a presence in 17 states and more than 100 cities across the U.S. The Sweetgreen menu features a variety of warm bowls with a variety of combinations of whole grains, greens, veggies, cheeses and exotic dressings and more. Animal-based proteins are available as add-ons, with some bowls containing them by default. Sweetgreen also offers a variety of fresh salads, complete meal plates and a handful of kids’ items.

Sweetgreen puts an emphasis on ensuring its products are environmentally friendly, accoding to the company. It is actively working toward becoming carbon neutral. It commissions carbon assessments of its suppliers to determine how much carbon is generated throughout its supply chain. Sweetgreen also sources furniture, building materials, industrial equipment and more that are as green as possible, and they invest in clean energy options.

The grand opening at The Yard at Fishers District featured fresh juices from Simplicity, DIY flower bouquets from Rusted Window, mocktails from Fishers based Memento. Customers can download the SweetGreen app and receive $10 off their order.

Sweetgreen at Fishers District is open Monday through Sunday. For more, visit sweetgreen.com

Sweetgreen staff at The Yard at Fishers District cut the ribbon Feb. 21 to the new restaurant.

(Photo by Mark LaFay)

LOVE AND WAR

Author recounts tales from Vietnam tunnels, flower receipts

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jack Flowers joked he only writes books about love and war.

Flowers, who graduated from Fishers High School in 1963, wrote a book called “Flowers: A Love Story,” which was released last year. His previous novel, “Rat Six,” is based on his personal experiences as a tunnel rat in Vietnam. It came out four years ago. After many years away, Flowers returned to Fishers earlier this year. After spending some time with his sister, he recently found a place to live in Carmel.

“I’m coming home to the roots and will probably stay,” he said.

Flowers’ epistolary novel is told in floral receipts about a girl who was born in 1935 in Boston and a boy born in 1941 in St. Louis. It follows their lives for 40 years.

The idea for the book has been bouncing around in Flowers’ head for years.

“When I was 17, my high school sweetheart dumped me,” he said. “I was distraught, and I was going to get her back. I went to McNamara Florist and bought one long-stemmed rose, which cost 50 cents and a box cost 25 cents. He was writing out a receipt. I said my name was Jack Flowers and he kind of giggled. When I was leaving, he said to the guy with him, ‘You run into all kinds of crazy people at this place.’ He didn’t believe my name was Flowers.”

Through the years, Flowers had ordered flowers, and they always asked his name. He said there was often the same giggle. So, he had the idea to tell a story through receipts.

“The receipts are facsimiles, and the story is told through the letters that might accompany a bouquet of flowers,” he said.

Flowers researched what the receipts looked like by contacting the company in

Michigan that had been making the receipts for a number of years.

“It took me years to find the right kind of artist. She had to be a graphic artist as well as an artist,” he said of his illustrator. “The receipts and illustrations complement the events. The little girl’s family is close to the Kennedy family, so she got involved with John and Bobby Kennedy’s campaigns.”

Flowers was the leader of the First Infantry Division of the tunnel rats — who performed underground search-and-destroy missions — during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969.

His code name was Rat Six. Flowers was a graduate of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“We were engineers with demolition capabilities,” Flowers said.

“After we cleared the tunnels, we destroyed them as much as we could.”

Flowers said he had a tough time when he got back from Vietnam, so writing out his history was cathartic.

Flowers was approached by British authors Tom Mangold and John Penycate, who were writing a book about tunnel warfare

in Vietnam when he was working as a stockbroker in Philadelphia. The book was released in 1985. Flowers had written many of the after-action reports during the war and was the battalion historian.

“When John Penycate found me, he found a plethora of information,” Flowers said. “I had 700 typed pages from my own research.”

“60 Minutes” and Life Magazine picked up on it.

Flowers and five other tunnel rats were interviewed by Morley Safer by ’60 Minutes.”

MGM considered making a movie, but it never happened.

“I say I had more than my 15 minutes of fame because the ’60 Minutes’ interview lasted 24 minutes,” he said.

Years later, he finally turned his own history into a book.

“I’ve changed most of the names to protect the innocent as well as the guilty,” he said.

For more, visit ratsix.com and flowersalovestory.com.

ON THE COVER: Jack Flowers holds copies of his two books, “Rat Six” and “Flowers: A Love Story.” (Photo courtesy of Mark Ambrogi)

HIGH PRAISE

Jack Flowers’ book “Flowers: A Love Story” drew praise from one very famous author.

Frederick Forsyth, author of “The Day of the Jackal” and “The Odessa File,” had interviewed Flowers for his book “Avenger.”

For Flowers’ book, Forsyth wrote a comment: “Perchance I suffer only mildly from claustrophobia but when I learned of the horrors and scarcely imaginable dangers of the tunnels of Cu Chi under the Iron Triangle of Vietnam all those years back, I was one big goose bump. Then I met and talked with Tunnel Rat Six, aka Jack Flowers. Now he has written his memoir, telling us the way it was. So if you are prepared to be really frightened (by proxy) read it.”

John Penycate, co-author of “The Tunnels of Cu Chi,” wrote “Jack Flowers has distilled his harrowing experience of war into a story of stark realism, authenticity and psychological insight. His narrator, Cliff Price, volunteers (as did the author) for, in his words, ‘perhaps the worst job in Vietnam.’ Only a few men could handle the terrors of fighting the Viet Cong in their tunnels, and we are forced to appreciate the exceptional courage and steadiness a ‘tunnel rat’ needed.”

From left, Gen. Orwin C. Talbot awards 1st Lt. Jack Flowers and Robert Batten the Bronze Star for Valor in 1969 for a tunnel cleaning operation. (Photo courtesy of Jack Flowers)

Jack Flowers, right, and his father, Jack Flowers Sr., were both captains. (Photo courtesy of Jack Flowers)

Flowers

Mix Food Hall opens at two stores

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kroger’s latest concept in offering more services for customers is Mix Food Hall.

DINING

“It’s another example of how we are trying to make life more convenient for our customers,” said Eric Halvorson, manager for corporate affairs for the Kroger Central Division. “People can come in and order dinner while they are in a Kroger.”

California-based Kitchen United has opened its first two Mix Food Hall locations in Indiana inside Kroger stores at 1217 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel, and 9799 E. 116th St., Fishers. The locations are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are now 17 Mix Food Hall locations nationally.

“We are on the leading edge of this concept,” Halvorson said.

Halvorson said customers can shop for groceries and pick up dinner while in the store.

“It’s another way to simplify life and have one-stop shopping in a sense,” he said.

Grand opening events will kick off March 10 when Kroger and Kitchen United join local

The Mix Food Hall at the Fishers Kroger on 9799 E. 116th St, will celebrate its grand opening at 10:30 a.m. March 10 with a ribbon cutting. (Photo courtesy of Kroger)

community leaders for ribbon cutting ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. at Fishers and 12:30 p.m. at Carmel.

“Kitchen United created the concept with the idea that it can work with a number of different restaurants depending on space and other considerations,” Halvorson said. “They can mix and match based on local interest.”

The Mix Food Hall locations offer a selection from five restaurant brands: Firehouse Subs, Nathan’s Famous, Nékter Juice Bar, Saladworks and Wow Bao. For more, visit MixFoodHall.com.

Exceptional caregivers. Exceptional careers.

Cafe serves more than food

By Rich Brown news@currentinfishers.com

A new social space is opening in Fishers March 7 for those who want a good drink. That is, the kind made without alcohol.

NEW BIZ

Recovery Café at 7050 E. 116th St., Suite 101, serves coffee, baked goods and, most important, provides help and resources for those who live with drug or alcohol addiction.

“We provide a lot for those in recovery,” said Joylynn Foli, the café’s executive director. “In a way, we are a community center in that we offer a fun time for people who in many cases have forgotten how to have fun.”

For example, Foli said Thursday is music night. Usually, someone will come and perform live music for café guests. But it’s not all fun and games. There are Recovery Circles, or support groups, throughout the week. They are designed for those with substance use disorder and for the homeless and the mentally ill.

The Fishers Recovery Cafe is part of the

nationwide Recovery Café network. There are about 50 such cafes throughout the United States, including 15 in Indiana.

Foli said each center acts as its own entity, somewhat like a franchise. Each can design their own program, but each combines food with support groups and information on resources.

Foli said Recovery Café has developed a name for itself as a resource hub for those in need.

“We provide a drop-off place where people know they can go and maybe get help with things like transportation or housing or leads on counseling,” she said. “It’s important that these at-risk people know that help is available.”

Joylynn Foli is the executive director of the new Recovery Café in Fishers, 7050 E. 116th St.

(Photo courtesy of Joylynn Foli)

TEXT CURRENT TO 55433

TO SIGN-UP FOR WEEKLY DIGITAL EDITIONS, MORNING DAILY BRIEFINGS AND

BREAKING NEWS ON YOUR PHONE

Principle belief or stubborn resistance?

Commentary by Terry Anker

As might be impossible for some to imagine, there are still countless Americans who live without the benefit of indoor plumbing. To be sure, we can measure those among us who are homeless, unhoused or otherwise similarly situated. Efforts are and should be made to prevent the public health problems that originate in densely populated urban areas where the proper disposal of waste is not universal. But some of us sophisticated adults can remember a time when relatives, or perhaps we, still relied upon the services of the humble outhouse to provide comfort. Digging the pit and moving the edifice was a periodic chore, like any other, of life on the farm.

Once facilities were introduced to the house, Granddad continued to make use of the less-modern facility out back. To the kids growing up, it didn’t seem like too big of an issue. It was his preference. So what? But eventually the question came, “Why do you endure the cold of winter rather than walk down the hall like the rest of us?” To

paraphrase the response, any intelligent animal does their business outside of their nest. Even the proverbial bear does it in the woods and not in his cave. He made a good point. Still, hadn’t we progressed to the point that the additional complication to our homes was worth it for our comfort?

While that business has progressed to include two-ply softness and heated seats, there is something to be said for intentional simplicity. Once we’ve eliminated ignorance, bad luck and mental illness, are we prepared to tolerate someone who values minimal impact over luxury and convenience? Was Granddad too old school, or teaching us something about personal choice and conviction? Is reluctance to change indicative of strong and principled belief or stubborn resistance to innovation?

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

Disney is my happy place

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Where do you go in Florida when you have a day to kill between crashing at your snow-birding parents’ condos? Disney World, of course! That’s right, my husband Doo and I decided to celebrate ourselves recently at the happiest place on Earth, specifically Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Thirty SPF sunscreen, 12 hours, two parks and zero offspring made for a truly magical experience. And thanks to my colleague “Julie McCoy,” who created a highly detailed plan of attack for us, we were able to maximize our time and budget while bearing witness to humanity at its most exacerbated. And sweatiest.

HUMOR

The morning was dedicated to reliving my youth, circa 1977. We rode It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan’s Flight, but skipped Space Mountain because roller coasters make me pukey now. Delightful. Thrill-seeker Doo thought they were all dumb but understood the nostalgia. On to

Epcot! Soaring and Mission to Mars (Mission to Earth for me because, again, pukey) had him feeling much better, though he was bummed about missing the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride because of our incompetence booking a virtual queue ticket (which, turns out, is totally different than using Genie to Lighting Lane to make a reservation. Idiot). We ended our most glorious of Mondays with a leisurely stroll through the World Showcase, sampling spicy empanadas and margaritas from Mexico, giant pretzels and beer from Germany, and a surprisingly good soft serve swirl from Norway (pineapple and salted caramel? Yes, please!).

Anyhoo, Disney did not disappoint and provided a wonderfully fun, parent-free stopgap for our trip to Florida.

Peace out.

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

VIEWS

A couple’s dilemma about attending a college reunion

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

wonder why you look so bored and uncomfortable,” she said.

HUMOR

Mary Ellen and I had planned to attend her 50th college reunion in Ohio. We had talked about the event, especially since she was one of the organizers. The truth is, we were both hiding how we really felt about the arrangements. I’ve put in parentheses what we were silently thinking when we discussed the trip.

“Mary Ellen, your reunion is getting close. Sounds like fun.” (Sounds like fun for you. But this is about the last thing in the world I want to do.)

“Yes, Dick, I’m looking forward to the evening. I hope you’ll enjoy it.” (I beg you, drop me off at the door and go find something else to do until midnight.)

“It will be great to meet your old classmates, Mary Ellen.” (This will be unbearable, viewing endless photos of the grandchildren of people I don’t know.)

“Dick, I’ll be proud to introduce you as my husband.” (But if I could just tell everyone about you in your absence, I’d make you sound even better.)

“I can’t wait to hear all the stories about your campus activities, Mary Ellen.” (I need to find a bar nearby with a big-screen TV.)

“Yes, and you’ll get a kick out of chatting with other spouses. (Maybe all the spouses can get together and find a bar nearby with a big-screen TV.)

I was sensing that Mary Ellen preferred that I not accompany her. Finally, last week, we started getting honest with each other.

“Dick, if you go with me and simply hang around, no one will know you, you won’t know where to put yourself, and people will

“In all fairness, Mary Ellen, that’s exactly how I felt at my own 50th reunion. When I attended your last high school reunion, you told me that friends were all asking about me.”

“Yes, they asked me if I knew the guy asleep at the bar.”

Mary Ellen offered a compromise, suggesting I make a brief appearance, then excuse myself and go back to the hotel. I reminded her that once when I did that very thing at another get-together, she was annoyed.

“I was angry because that was no way to behave at our engagement party,” she said. She mentioned that at her 25th college reunion I said things she didn’t find funny. An old boyfriend told me jokingly that when they broke up, he started drinking.  After he downed his third cocktail that evening, I told him it looked like he was still celebrating.

Now, it appears I’ll be staying home for the upcoming event in Ohio. I’ll spend my time alone, drinking beer and falling asleep in a chair.

Exactly what I would have done at Mary Ellen’s reunion.

POLICIES

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

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

Mary Ellen offered a compromise, suggesting I make a brief appearance, then excuse myself and go back to the hotel. I reminded her that once when I did that very thing at another get-together, she was annoyed.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Indianapolis actor takes turn as Agatha

Christie’s legendary detective

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Eric Reiberg is ready for the challenge of taking on Agatha Christie’s legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

Reiberg said it’s an extremely fun role.

“It’s a guy who is both obsessive and detail-oriented,” Reiberg said. “He wants people to have good things happen to them because he wants them to follow the law and do things right and everything will be all right. Of course, that never happens and dead people end up around him all the time.”

The Indianapolis resident plays Poirot in Civic Theatre’s production of “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” set for March 10-25 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I’ve seen David Sachet’s portrayal several times on the BBC show,” Reiberg said. “It’s the most well-known and certainly the one who sticks in everyone’s mind.”

Reiberg said he didn’t specifically avoid watching other versions of Poirot.

“I’ve spent a little time in France, and knowing fussy Frenchmen is the easiest way to replicate the character,” Reiberg said.

Reiberg, a Broad Ripple High School graduate, spent eight weeks in France during high school and three weeks while in college.

“My mom speaks French, so we get real pretentious with it now and then,” he said. “I couldn’t speak the language, but I could do a good accent, and that got me into a language program that allowed me to learn it.”

Sherra Lasley plays Helen Hubbard, an actor.

“She’s a bigger-than-life character,” Lasley said. “She loves to manipulate, flirt and

have a good time. That’s what has been so fun about playing her.”

Lasley loves whodunits but had never read or seen the show until being cast. Then she watched the 2017 version of the movie.

Lasley is appearing in her first show in Indianapolis.

“I just moved here from Los Angeles a couple of months before the audition,” Lasley said. “My sister lives in Fishers and just had her first child. She was nervous about finding care when she went back to work. I was in Los Angeles as an actor, essentially working from home. With the blessing of my agents, I came out here. Then I’ll decide if I’m going to stay here or go back to LA.”

Lasley said the COVID-19 pandemic changed the acting industry. Now, she can audition virtually.

Lasley spent several years in Chicago doing improv, sketch comedy and standup comedy. She was mostly working in

film, including comedy web shows, commercial voiceovers and some TV spots.

“This is the first play I’ve done in maybe 20 years,” Lasley said. “I’ve been wanting to get back into live theater. It’s completely different from film. It’s been incredible to have a team of people that have been fun to work with and the process of working a well-written play and character. It’s a delight.”

Indianapolis resident John Goodson is directing the show.

“I’ve not read it and I’ve not seen any of the movies,” Goodson said. “What’s compelling is it has such a long history, and people know the story and love the story. Everybody loves a murder mystery. There are really juicy characters and there is really good heart underneath it all, which you don’t always get.”

For more, visit civcitheatre.org.

‘FOOTLOOSE’

“Footloose” runs through March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

Civic Theatre will present “Murder on the Orient Express” from March 10 to 25 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present performances of “Best of John Williams” to film clips at 7:30 p.m. March 11 and 3 p.m. March 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

CRASH TEST DUMMIES

Crash Test Dummies will perform a concert at 8 p.m. March 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org

MIXED REP

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will present its Mixed Rep at 4 p.m. March 12 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

IBC names board president — Carmel-based Indiana Ballet Conservatory recently named Carmel resident Rick Griskie as its new board president. Griskie brings a wealth of experience to IBC, serving as the chief operations officer at Baker Hill in Carmel, as well as having held other high-profile positions, such as president of digital marketplaces at KAR Global, chief information officer at ADESA and partner at Accenture. “Rick’s infectious positivity and innovative ideas have made us excited about his leadership, and we are confident that the future of IBC looks bright,” said Alyona Yakovleva, IBC founder and artistic director. For more on IBC and its programs, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.

MYSTERY

Director John Goodson speaks with the cast of “Murder on the Orient Express.” (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)

Reiberg

Lasley

Griske

HSE freshman embraces role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

of ‘Matilda has been around for a while and this year seemed like it offered the right combination of opportunities and elements.”

Senior Avery Boyer is playing Miss Honey, Matilda’s teacher.

MUSICAL

Hamilton Southeastern High School freshman Madeline Frey is enjoying the challenge of playing a character much younger than herself.

“My favorite part of playing Matilda is getting the opportunity to step out of the box and play the role of a character that is much younger than I am, which pushes me to think more about the choices that I’m making while acting,” Frey said. “A challenge that I face while playing Matilda is making sure that I’m showing the more childish side of Matilda, as she is a kindergartener, but also making sure that I show how wise Matilda really is.”

Hamilton Southeastern will present “Matilda the Musical” at 7 p.m. March 9-11 at Leonard Auditorium.

HSE drama teacher Ethan Mathias is the director.

“One of the fun challenges in staging this show is finding ways to preserve the whimsical nature of a children’s book on a stage this size,” Mathias said. “The musical

“When I was first introduced to the show, I immediately felt a connection to Miss Honey’s character,” Boyer said. “I knew that it was the role I aspired to once I understood Miss Honey’s passion for helping Matilda succeed and supporting the children in her class.”

Frey’s favorite numbers to perform are “Loud” and “My House.”

“‘Loud’ is such an enjoyable number to perform because it introduces a different style of music to the show, and the number allows each actor to express the contrasting personalities of their character,” Boyer said. “I also enjoy performing ‘My House’ because it shows the development of Miss Honey’s character. Throughout the musical, Miss Honey is described as a weak character. I enjoy performing ‘My House’ because it portrays Miss Honey’s humility and strength by introducing a new side of the character to the audience.”

For more, HSEDrama.org.

CIDE seniors ready for Mixed Rep

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble member Ava Juleen’s emotions are mixed as she prepares for her last Mixed Rep show.

DANCE

“It’s truly surreal that this is my last Mixed Rep production with CIDE,” said Juleen, a Westfield High School senior. “I’ve been with the company for nine years and have performed in Mixed Rep eight times now. It’s crazy to think that I’m finally a senior. I get to dance with such an amazing pre-professional company, and not dancing with these people I call family will be really strange. Next year, I’ll be on the opposite side of the stage watching all these amazing girls.

“I’m so sad it’s my last Mixed Rep, but I’m so excited to come back and see what’s in store.”

Mixed Rep is set for 4 p.m. March 12 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This year’s Mixed Rep performance features a piece of choreography by Ricardo

Moyano, former dancer Chicago Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company, called ‘Brandenburg Concerto,’ where the dancers get to wear white wigs and act out of ‘typical’ ballet character,” said Ashley Jacobs, who took over as CIDE co-artistic director in October of 2020 from her mother, founder and Executive Director Suzann DeLay. “It’s a quirky and fun piece that will open the show. Mixed Rep changes every year.”

Frey

From left, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble seniors Gabriella Linton, Olivia Doan, Lucy Devenney, Oriana Gonzalez, CIDE founding and Executive Director Suzann DeLay, Ava Juleen, Taylor Ralston and Caroline Smith. (Photo by Paul Retzlaff)

Heartland Film artistic director eager for Oscars

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland Film International Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig always keeps a close eye on the Academy Awards. This year, he will be watching the March 12 telecast even closer.

AWARDS

Sorvig said 12 films screened and honored by Heartland Film in 2022 earned a combined 39 Oscar nominations, the most ever for Heartland.

Sorvig, a Carmel resident, will be keeping a special watch as he touted Brendan Fraser as Best Actor candidate before “The Whale” was shown on Heartland Film’s closing night. Fraser, who was born in Indianapolis but moved as an infant, visited Heartland Festival in 2019 on the 20th anniversary of “The Mummy.” Fraser played adventurer Rick O’Connell in three “Mummy” films.

“When we first saw Brendan Fraser in ‘The Whale,’ we saw a career-best, Oscar-worthy performance,” Sorvig said. “We were lucky to have the Midwest premiere for the closing night of the Heartland Film Festival and are thrilled that he could (possibly)

take home the Oscar.”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” has been nominated for 11 Oscars.

“It came out in spring of last year, outside of our festival season, but we hosted a major sneak peek Indiana premiere at Newfields,” Sorvig said.

Sorvig said “The Fabelmans” only played at the Toronto International Film Festival and AFI Fest before being released in theaters and was honored with Heartland Film’s rolling honor, the Truly Moving Picture Award.

Here are Sorvig’s picks for the major categories:

• Best Picture: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

• Best Actor: Brendan Fraser, “The Whale”

• Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

• Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

• Best Supporting Actress: Kerry Condon, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Center Stage presents ‘Critic’s Choice’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield resident Lisa Warner loves that “Critic’s Choice” is set in the 1960s and is full of Broadway, film and general references from that era.

“Angela Ballantine is fun to play because she starts out as a stereotypical housewife of the 1960s and goes through tremendous personal growth as the play progresses,” Warner said. “It’s interesting to perform.”

Jamison, a Westfield resident, said she chose and submitted the play to Center Stage to direct.

BEHIND BARS: THE CHAI ME MAYBE

COMEDY

“As a cast, we’ve spent time figuring out the references and understanding why they were included in the show,” Warner said. “Jan Jamison, our director, has made a reference guide of sorts for the audience so that they will understand what we’re referring to in the show.”

“Critic’s Choice” runs March 10 to 26 at Center Stage Community Theatre, 604 Powell St., Lebanon.

Warner portrays Angela Ballantine, the second wife of film critic Parker Ballantine, a New York theater critic. Angela decides to write a play, which creates a dilemma for Parker. Does he go to the opening and write an honest critique of the play, which is awful, jeopardizing his marriage, or not attend the play and jeopardize his job?

“The TV was on in the background on the Game Show Network, an old “Password’ edition, and Alan Ludden said he was starting ‘Critic’s Choice’ in an LA theater,” Jamison said. “I looked it up and liked the play, so I submitted it. There is a movie starring Lucille Ball and Bob Hope, but, frankly, I like the play more than the screenplay. Challenges come in the form of keeping everything — costumes, props, set decorations, behavior patterns etc., in 1960.”

Fishers resident Jill O’Malia plays Ivy London, Parker Ballantine’s first wife.

“She is an actress who is a star in the largest magnitude — at least she thinks she is,” O’Malia said. “Ivy is extremely confident and wants her ex-husband back.”

For more, visit centerstagecommunitytheatre.com.

It’s more than a cocktail. The Chai me Maybe cocktail is made with Uncle Nearest 1884, chai simple, orange, garnished with a cinnamon stick. Huse Culinary is partnering with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey on their nationwide challenge to raise $1 Million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Now through the end of March, for every “Chai Me Maybe” cocktail we sell, $1 will be donated by Uncle Nearest to HBCUs.

O’Malia

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

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

Blueprint for Improvement: Backyard beauty in Noblesville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2014 in Noblesville’s Twin Oaks neighborhood, this home was in need of a backyard upgrade for outdoor entertaining.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing deck was replaced with a three-seasons room to increase indoor/ outdoor living and entertaining space.

• Eze-Breeze windows allow the homeowners to effortlessly convert the room from sunroom to screened porch based on the weather.

• The firepit makes for the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors through the fall.

• A stamped concrete patio gives the look of stone with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• Custom lighting allows for outdoor enjoyment after the sun goes down.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 54 EXCESS DISTRIBUTED GENERATION UPDATE

TO MARGINAL DG PRICE

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around March 15, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana, will file a request to revise its Rider No. 54 Excess Distributed Generation Marginal DG price for calendar year 2023. This update of Standard Contract Rider No. 54 Marginal DG price provides the updated calculation of the rate that will be used to calculate the Excess Distributed Energy credit for Net Metering customers. Standard Contract Rider 54 is available to all Duke Energy Indiana customers with Distributed Generation (DG) Resources within its service territory and subject to Indiana Code 8-1-40. The revised Standard Contract Rider No. 54 is expected to be approved approximately thirty-days from the date of filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission

101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703

Women of Vision Luncheon

with Amy Dee | April 27, 2023

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

By: Stan Pinegar

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGE (EVFC) RATE

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around March 8, 2023, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (Commission) to update its Electric Vehicle Fast Charge (EVFC) tariff, Rider 28, under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. The tariff revision will be an update to the EVFC rate based on the revised statewide average, as of February 2023, for EVFC charging offered by individual fast charge stations in Indiana that charge a consumption-based fee, are greater than 50KW in charging capacity and are available 24 hours a day. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission - PNC Center

101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407

Telephone: 317-232-2703

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204

Telephone: 317-232-2494

By: Stan Pinegar, President

Location: Ritz Charles Carmel

Register online by April 13 at riverview.org/23WomenofVision.

For questions , contact Polly Craig at pcraig@riverview.org or 317.776.7938.

Diamond Sponsor Register Here!

Visiting the base of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we visit the base of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. Beginning in 19 B.C., King Herod built a massive trapezoidal-shaped retaining wall around Mount Moriah, creating the Temple Mount on which he rebuilt the Jewish Second Temple. The 1,000-foot-long western wall extended about 100 feet above the Tyropean Road, ancient Jerusalem’s shop-lined main street. Tunnels within the filled area extended from gates in the southern wall to stairs leading out to a platform accommodating 100,000 people. An arched bridge, then the highest

TRAVEL

Answers

in the world, straddled the Tyropean Road, allowing visitors to enter from the west. In A.D. 70, troops sent to Jerusalem by Emperor Nero to put down the First Jewish Revolt broke through the city walls and demolished Herod’s Second Temple, throwing its stone blocks onto the Tyropean Road. Rabbis advised Jews to shun the Temple Mount to avoid inadvertently encountering the area of the Temple’s Holy

of Holies, so they began praying along the western wall below. Over time, debris collected above the Tyropean Road, eventually reaching near where the arched bridge had connected to the western wall. In 1560, Ottoman Emperor Suleiman allowed Jews to pray at a section of the western wall near houses in Jerusalem’s Moroccan Quarter. After Israel gained control of the area around the Temple Mount in the Six-Day War in 1967, archaeologists began excavating the area, reaching the Tyropean Road in 1987 and uncovering the steps on the southern wall that Jesus would have climbed while teaching in the Temple courts. Israel razed the Moroccan Quarter, creating a plaza along a section of the western wall, where hundreds of people come to pray each day. A screen now divides the plaza so men and women can pray separately, many by inserting slips of paper between the wall’s massive blocks.

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

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Public Works and Safety of Fishers, Indiana, hereinafter referred to as the Owner, will receive sealed bids for the following project:

96th STREET & ALLISONVILLE ROAD ROUNDABOUT IN FISHERS, INDIANA

Proposals may be forwarded individually, registered mail, or delivered in person, addressed to the Director of Engineering, Engineering Department Office, 11565 Brooks School Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038, prior to 10:00 a.m., local time, March 21, 2023. Bids received after the 10:00 a.m. deadline will not be considered but will be returned to the Bidder unopened. Commencing immediately after 10:00a.m. on the same date, such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Engineering Department Office, 11565 Brooks School Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038.

The work to be performed and the proposals to be submitted shall include a bid for all general construction, labor, material, tools, equipment, applicable taxes, permits, licenses, insurance, service costs, etc., incidental to and required for this project.

All materials furnished and labor performed incidental to and required by the proper and satisfactory execution of the Contract to be made shall be furnished and performed in accordance with requirements from the Drawings and Specifications included with these Contract Documents. Bid Documents and Plans can be obtained for a fee of $100 from the offices of A&F Engineering Company, LLC, 8365 Keystone Crossing, Suite 201, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Partial sets will not be sold. Copies of bid documents and plans are also available for examination in the Engineering office.

Each proposal must be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the title of the project, bid opening date and the name of the bidder firmly attached.

The proposal shall be accompanied by a certified check or acceptable Bidder ’s Bond made payable to the City of Fishers, in a sum of not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the proposal, which check or bond will be held by the City of Fishers as evidence that the Bidder will, if awarded a Contract, enter into the same with Owner upon notification from him to do so within ten (10) days of said notification. Failure to execute the Contract and to furnish a Performance Bond to the City of Fishers, Indiana, will be cause for forfeiture of the amount of money represented by the certified check or Bidder ’s Bond, as and for liquidated damages. Form 96 (Most recent version), as prescribed by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, shall be properly completed and submitted with bid proposals. The City of Fishers at its discretion reserves the right to waive any and all informalities in the bidding process. All bids submitted shall be good for sixty (60) days from the opening of the bids.

Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. (Photo by Don Knebel)

1. Licorice flavoring

2. Photo finish

3. Lazybones

4. ___ Lama

5. Unhearing

6. Celestial bear

7. Miles away

WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

Jorge Escalante 317-397-9389

Stewart's Tree Service Est 1980

Larry & Rhonda Stewart, Owners

$75

• Interior/Exterior

• Kitchen Cabinets

VISA, MasterCard accepted. Reach 129,921 homes weekly

• Interior/Exterior

• Kitchen Cabinets

Jorge Escalante 317-397-9389 pain hetownred2007@gmail.com

Jorge Escalante 317-397-9389 pain hetownred2007@gmail.com

Go

Classifieds

GUITAR LESSONS

Wth recording artist Duke Tumatoe

Learn from professional and have fun On Line or In Carmel duke@duketumatoe.com or 317-201-5856

GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL

Professional & Economical

Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.

Guitar Lessons

With Baker Scott Beginners thru Advanced All styles

Electric-Acoustic-Bass Private Lessons

Parent-Child Lessons

I teach improvisation for all instruments.

Gift Certificates Available

Read my LinkedIn bio/About near Carey Road & 146th Carmel 317-910-6990

C&H TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SALE

Topping – Removal Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115

WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Trim/Remove trees & shrubs

Building Demolitions Build Decks Painting inside or Outdoors Clean Gutters Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED

Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

FREE FOOD!

GOT YOUR ATTENTION?

We are hiring and will feed you FREE if hired. Apply in person or… www.RootsBurgerBar.com

12555 Gray Road Carmel 46033

For pricing e-mail your ad to classifieds@youarecurrent.com

NOW HIRING: PAINTERS

We are in need of painters with or without experience Please Call (317) 397-9389 for info

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

bigger than a hospital.

Healthy people make our community thrive. That’s why— your focus is our focus.