May 23, 2023 — Fishers

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Fishers Council approves $50 parking fee for nonresidents at Geist Waterfront Park

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

In a split vote on May 15, the Fishers City Council approved a $50 fee for nonresidents to park at the soon-to-open Geist Waterfront Park. The motion passed 7-2, with council members Jocelyn Vare and Crystal Neumann dissenting. The fee will be revisited after one year.

PARKS

Jake Reardon-McSoley, City of Fishers director of Recreation and Wellness, told the council the per-visit fee will be charged only during “beach season,” which is approximately Memorial Day weekend through early November. The rest of the year, there would be no charge.

Reardon-McSoley said parking is limited, which is part of the reason for the fee for nonresidents. Fishers residents can download a Smart App to park for free, but there may be times when even local residents would be turned away because of a full lot.

He noted that anyone can walk or bike to the park and be admitted at no charge. He added that at Saxony Beach, the community charged $7 per person — which averaged about $35 per vehicle — and that park had very little development compared to Geist Waterfront Park.

Vare said she is concerned that the $50 fee sends a message that nonresidents aren’t welcome.

“It seems extremely high for a parking charge,” she said. “I think it’s appropriate for a nonresident to pay a fee, but an affordable fee.”

She asked how the community built a park with inadequate parking.

Reardon-McSoley said the lot has 240 spots, and up to 20 will be used daily by staff. He said the parking lot actually reflects the park’s capacity from a safety standpoint.

“Essentially, the parking reflects peak usage at an appropriate and safe level,” he said.

Mayor Scott Fadness said safety must be a priority, and if there are capacity issues related to safety, then Fishers residents paying for the park through their taxes should have priority.

“If the demand isn’t there, the more the merrier,” he said. “But for now, we are on the side of safety and the side of taxpayers.”

Vare proposed reducing the fee to $10 per vehicle, but that motion didn’t receive a

DISPATCH

second.

Other council members said they believed the $50 fee was reasonable. Todd Zimmerman said the cost encourages efficiency because more people will carpool, rather than taking separate vehicles.

Council member Pete Peterson proposed approving the $50 per day fee, but for just one year. Then the city can revisit it and adjust if needed. That motion is the one that eventually passed with the 7-2 vote.

Geist Waterfront Park is a 70-acre site. About 40 acres are currently developed with a 900-yard beach, swimming in the summer months with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a pirate-themed playground, trails, a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft, and

Jake Reardon-McSoley, City of Fishers director of Recreation and Wellness, discusses the $50 nonresident parking fee for the new Geist Waterfront Park with the Fishers City Council May 15. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

vendors on-site.

Station 397 ribbon cutting planned — The Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services invites the public to attend a ribbon cutting for Station 397, the newest firehouse serving the northeast corner of Fishers. The fire department’s newest station will also

offer the first Fishers “Baby Box” in partnership with Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The ceremonies start at 4:30 p.m., with a blessing of the baby box, an open house at 5, and the ribbon cutting at 5:30.

Jump start your savings.

No vacancy at Fishers Life Science Park

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The final 8 acres in the City of Fishers’ 70-acre Life Science and Innovation Park will be the home of a 100,000-square-foot facility appropriate for smaller life-science businesses that want to lease rather than own.

DEVELOPMENT

The Fishers City Council unanimously approved a resolution May 15 to transfer ownership of the parcel to developer OnPoint Innovation Park 3, LLC, an Indiana business that is affiliated with Fishers-based Mayer Najem Construction. The resolution also approves property tax breaks for the developer for the first five years after the estimated $15 million construction is complete.

The tax breaks do not include assessments on personal property that each business will bring when they move in, so the city will collect some taxes during that time frame.

Fishers Economic and Community Development Director Megan Baumgartner told the council that when this project is complete, the entire 70-acre site that the city purchased in 2021 will be fully developed.

“We’ve had an incredible amount of success,” she said, noting that the last 8 acres were a little challenging to fill because the size didn’t work for larger companies that might want to relocate to Fishers. “(We) were excited when the developer approached us to create a space for two tenants.”

Those two tenants are Indianapolis-based Certus Medical LLC and Radiological Care Services. Between them, they will bring 81 jobs to Fishers, Baumgartner said. Both have already signed lease agreements.

Certus, a medical equipment manufacturing business, plans to lease about 13,000 square feet of the facility. RCS has signed up for 37,000 square feet. It provides cleaning and care of protective garments used by X-ray technicians and others exposed to X-rays.

According to the council’s meeting packet information, the total annual payroll between the two tenants will be no less than $5.7 million.

The remaining 50,000 square feet of the new building will be available for other tenants. Construction of the new building is expected to be complete by summer of 2025.

DISPATCH

Touch-A-Truck postponed — Because of an unfavorable weather forecast, the City of Fishers postponed its planned May 16 Touch-A-Truck event. The rescheduled event will take place on June 7 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. During the event, kids can explore the City of Fishers’ fleet of big rigs, including tractors, snowplows, police cars, and fire trucks. There also will be inflatables for kids to play with at the event, but a waiver is required. The waivers are free, but you must create an account or log in to an existing account to sign the waiver. Those who have filled out the waiver forms receive a wristband, which can be picked up at the Fishers Parks office, 8100 E 106th St., Suite 150, or at the event. The waiver form can be found at thisisfishers.com/InflatableWaiver.

A rendering of the $15 million OnPoint development planned in the Fishers Life Science and Innovation Park. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)

EGYPTIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS FISHERS

HSE educator named ‘Classroom Quarterback of the Year’

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

A Hamilton Southeastern Schools educator has been named the Classroom Quarterback of the Year.

Egyptian ambassador and consul-general in Chicago and the Midwest Dr. Sameh Aboulenein met with Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and city leaders May 12. Fishers developer Hossam Wanas was among those involved in the visit and said the visiting dignitary toured the Alhuda Islamic Center in Fishers, which includes Egyptian building materials. During the meeting with Fadness, Wanas said they talked about building relationships and fostering business connections between Fishers and Egypt. From left are Hatem Mekky, assistant director of Engineering with the City of Fishers; Hossam Wanas, CEO of Wanas Group and CityWalk; Ambassador Aboulenein; Mayor Scott Fadness; and Dr. Hassan Aly, the ambassador’s assistant. (Photo courtesy of Hossam Wanas)

AWARD

On May 12 at Brookside Elementary in Fishers, the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield officers visited to recognize a Hamilton Southeastern School Corp. educator for her contributions and positive impact on student success.

Mental Health and School Counseling Coordinator Brooke Lawson went to the school to give a reading to the students. To her surprise, she was met by a crowd of students and staff members.

When they began to cheer, she looked behind her to see representatives from the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield joining in the applause.

Leslie Lane, Anthem marketing manager for Indiana, said the award is presented each year. It recognizes educators across

the state who have contributed meaningfully not only to students and the school, but also the community.

Lawson was among 600 nominees this year, Lane said. Lawson’s dedication to mental health led to HSES’s successful application for a grant. In February, the HSES board accepted a $5.7 million federal mental health grant.

Brooke Lawson gets a hug from the Indianapolis Colts mascot, Blue, during a surprise ceremony honoring the educator as the “Classroom Quarterback of the Year.” (Photo by Edward Redd)

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HSE responds to new teacher firearms training bill

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed a bill allowing teachers to apply for state funding for firearms training.

LEGISLATION

House Bill 1177 authored by State Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, was signed into law by Holcomb earlier this month. The legislation, which takes effect July 1, creates a 40-hour firearms safety, education and training curriculum for teachers, school staff and employees.

“Sadly, it’s something that’s necessary for the tragic world we live in today,” Lucas said, in an interview with Current earlier this year.

State Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, commented on arming teachers in schools.

“We talk a lot about parental rights in the Legislature. Parents should have the right to be informed of their school district’s policy on arming teachers,” Hunley said. “Parents should have the right to determine whether or not their child is in a classroom with a loaded weapon. I understand the argument that since the state allows teachers to carry guns, the state should support ensuring that the teachers are trained. What I don’t understand is why we aren’t addressing the root causes that got us to this point in the first place. Instead of addressing a symptom of lax gun regulations, let’s address the regulations we could put in place to make our entire state safer.”

The law means school employees can apply for grant funding for gun training through the state’s school secured fund.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., said on its website that Indiana generally prohibits individuals, including those who have a license to carry a handgun, from knowingly or intentionally possessing a firearm on school property and property that is being used by a school for a school function or on a school bus.

However, the organization notes, Indiana law has exceptions to that restriction,

“including for people who are not students at the school and are otherwise legally eligible to possess firearms, if they are authorized by a school board or charter school administrative body to carry a concealed firearm in or on school property,” are school resource officers or if they possess a firearm in a motor vehicle, according to its website.

The legislation signed into law by Holcomb authorizes funds from the state’s secured school fund and school corporation and charter school safety advance program to be used “for the purpose of providing specialized firearms instruction to certain teachers, school staff, and school employees.”

Funding could also be used “for providing counseling services to students, teachers, school staff, and school employees in the event of a school shooting,” according to the legislation.

A message seeking comment from Indiana State Teachers Association spokeswoman Kim Clements-Johnson on the organization’s position regarding the legislation was not returned by deadline.

Emily Pace Abbotts is the director of School and Community Relations for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. She said HSE policies do not allow employees to be armed on school property. She said the district has eight full-time Fishers Police Department school resource officers.

“We are fortunate to have a long-standing and strong partnership with Fishers Police Department and a dedicated unit of School Resource Officers that work in our buildings,” she said. “Additionally, our staff and school administration take part in ongoing school safety training.”

Pace Abbotts said the district appreciates funding lawmakers made available for counseling in case of a crisis.

“There are many layers to school safety, and we believe funding for mental health services is an important strategy in keeping students and staff safe,” she said.

Editors Natalie Gargiulo and Leila Kheiry contributed to this story.

“We are fortunate to have a long-standing and strong partnership with Fishers Police Department and a dedicated unit of School Resource Officers that work in our buildings.”

- EMILY PACE ABBOTTS

Holcomb

Fishers students work as house pages

news@currentinfishers.com

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) recently welcomed Hamilton County students to the Statehouse, where the students participated in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2023 legislative session.

GOVERNMENT

As pages, the students helped lawmakers and staff with daily duties, toured offices of all branches of government in the Statehouse and joined Huston and Goodrich on the House floor to witness and learn about the legislative process.

The following Fishers students served as pages during the 2023 legislative session:

• Sarah Almayah, who attends Fishers High School

• Taylor Bowman, who attends Fall Creek Junior High School

• Ethan Hamelmann, who attends Heritage Christian School

• Faith Helton, who attends The Classical Academy

• Brooke Parnin, who attends Hamilton Southeastern High School

• Nicholas Rivotto, who attends Hamilton Southeastern High School

• Alex Stempkowski, who attends The Classical Academy

Students ages 13 to 18 interested in participating during the 2024 legislative session can learn more about the program online. Visit indianahouserepublicans.com/ pageprogram or call 1-800-382-9841.

Sarah Almayah, a student at Fishers High School, was one of seven Fishers students who participated in the Indiana House Page Program in 2023. She is pictured with Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston of Fishers. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana House Republicans)

Submissions open for Indy Chamber awards program

news@currentinfishers.com

Hamilton County projects in Carmel, Fishers and Westfield were finalists in last year’s Indy Chamber Monumental Awards program. Submissions for projects to be recognized this year are open through June 30.

OPPORTUNITY

According to an announcement from Indy Chamber, the awards recognize excellence in architecture, construction, engineering, innovative reuse, interior design, landscape architecture, neighborhood revitalization, public art and real estate development.

The Hamilton County projects that were recognized as finalists in 2022 were Homage to Hoagy and The Agora at the Proscenium in Carmel; Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers; and Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield.

“The Monumental Awards spotlight the businesses and individuals who prioritize quality of place through planning, designing, and building more appealing and attractive places to live, work and play,” the announcement states.

Indy Chamber notes that the built environment — physical structures and infrastructure that make up a community — can affect health and safety, economic development and collaboration.

“This event showcases the vision and talents of Indy’s design, engineering, and construction industries, and highlights individuals dedicating their time and creativity to building long-lasting development for

the Indy region,” said Marlon Webb, Senior Director of Regional Economic Development with Indy Chamber. “Overall, the built environment significantly impacts communities and shapes the quality of life for residents. Planners, architects and developers increasingly consider their impact on communities and strive to create innovative, functional, resident and business-friendly environments.”

The awards recognize projects that demonstrate excellence in design and celebrate the people and organizations that helped create them, said Lynn Busby, Monumental Awards chairperson and director of community outreach at Indiana Careers in Construction Association.

“By recognizing outstanding projects and the people behind them, the Monumental Awards help to promote best practices in design and construction and encourage innovation and creativity in the built environment,” Busby said.

Projects completed between June 1, 2020, and May 1, 2023, in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Shelby counties are eligible for the program, according to the announcement. Submissions must be received by midnight June 30 to be considered.

For information about submitting, sponsorship information, and guidelines, including category descriptions and judging criteria, visit IndyChamber.com/ MonumentalAwards.

The Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers was a finalist in last year’s Indy Chamber Monumental Awards program. Submissions for the 2023 program will be accepted through June 30. (Photo courtesy of Indy Chamber)

FISHERS

Project: 146th and Allisonville Interchange

Location: Phase 1 of construction for the grade separation intersection improvement will begin at 146th Street and Allisonville Road. One thru lane and one left turn lane in all directions will be closed through the intersection. Closures of Sowers Drive and Saville Road at 146th Street will be necessary in June. Additional notifications will be provided prior to the closures. In addition to these closures, the worksite speed limit will be 35 mph.

through 2024.

Project: Nickel Plate Trail

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Location: The remaining paving work from 96th Street to 106th Street is underway, and construction crews are currently working to clear and prep the area for paving.

Expected completion: Fall of 2023.

Project: Geist Greenway Trail

Expected completion: The entire project is set for completion in summer 2025

Project: Fall Creek Road

Location: Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail.

Expected completion: August

Project: 106th Street & Kincaid Drive

Location: Construction of center curb on 106th Street and intersection improvement at 106th Street & Kincaid Drive to modify to a right-in/right-out entrance started in April.

Expected completion: August 2023

Project: Roundabout preconstruction at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: 106th Street and Hoosier Road. Utility relocation is taking place now for the project, which goes out to bid this spring.

Expected completion: To be determined.

Project: Ind. 37 Improvement Project

Location: Ind. 37 and 141st Street. A pre-construction phase is in place. During this phase, 141st Street will have a temporary right-in-right-out traffic configuration.

Expected completion: The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the Summer of 2023.

Project: Clear Path Improvement Project (I-465 and I-69 interchange)

Location: New ramps will provide direct movements from eastbound I-465 and northbound I-465 to northbound I-69. Binford Boulevard. will also be reconstructed to separate local traffic from traffic entering and exiting I-69 and I-465. Access to I-69 from Binford Boulevard will remain open. Drivers can expect to see significant activity on I-69 at the 82nd Street interchange. The ramp from I-69 North to 82nd Street and the ramp from 82nd Street to I-69 North is closed through late 2023. For detour routes and additional project information, visit clearpath465.com

Expected completion: Project lasts

Location: Stone is currently being placed between 126th Street and Valley Crossing Drive as part of the Geist Greenway Project. When material is brought in, there will be an increase in construction traffic. Traffic will be briefly stopped as trucks are entering and exiting the road. 126th Street is anticipated to be closed starting June to construct the speed table and trail crossing. Traffic will be briefly stopped as trucks are entering and exiting the road.

Expected completion: To be determined

Project: 2023 resurfacing

Location: ADA ramp and curb reconstruction is taking place in Rolling Knoll and will then begin in Spyglass Hills as part of the 2023 Resurfacing Project. Homeowners will be notified via door hangers prior to any curb restoration near their home.

Expected completion: Summer 2023.

Project: Cumberland Road Reconstruction

Location: Daily lane closures just south of 126th Street for sanitary and water line work, and between 106th Street and 116th Street for tree clearing. The full project is in the design phase.

Expected completion: The full project should begin in fall of 2023. A completion date has not been determined.

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: 1.1 miles west of River Road to 10th Street and includes work by Hamilton County for a bridge to be built over the White River.

Expected completion: End of 2024

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: Various locations; Eighth Street and Pleasant Street will be closed after Memorial Day (motorists are advised to use detour routes or visit www.reimaginepleasantst.com for more information)

Expected completion: Work will be ongoing

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

Location: Under Ind. 37

Expected completion: Construction will continue this year with the trail expected to open by early summer.

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: Ind. 32 and River Road

Expected completion: End of summer

University High School senior draws MLB attention

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s easy for University High School senior pitcher Jake Hooker to pinpoint the biggest improvement of his career.

Fastball velocity, he said.

Trailblazers coach

Chris Estep said Hooker’s fastball has been clocked as high as 95 mph this season.

“Every year, his velocity has climbed and climbed,” Estep said. “He has a really good slider and a nice changeup.”

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-hander also plays shortstop for University. Although his college future is as a pitcher, Hooker was recruited as a two-way player by Xavier University.

“I’ve put on 15 to 20 pounds since junior season,” said the Zionsville resident, who also credits work in the weight room for his added strength.

As of May 15, Hooker had a 3-3 record with a 2.77 earned run average. He was hit-

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ting .270 with four homers.

“I started off slow (hitting) this year,” Hooker said. “I’ve been able to turn it on recently and heat up at the plate.”

Hooker struck out 12 and gave up only one earned run in six innings in a 4-0 loss to Cathedral.

“He was outstanding in that game,” Estep said. “He’s had a tremendous career for us.”

Last season, Hooker had a 3-2 record

with a 1.82 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings. He hit .405 with three homers.

“You couldn’t ask for a better player and better kid,” Estep said.

Hooker, who plans to major in finance at Xavier, also is drawing strong interest from Major League Baseball scouts. He chose Xavier over the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan. The MLB Draft is set for July 9-11. Prior to the season, Hooker was No. 224 on Prospects Live’s list of top 2023 MLB Draft prospects.

Hooker said his goal is to play professional baseball, whether that happens next season or after attending Xavier.

“It’s tricky, but it has to happen before you really think about it,” Hooker said of what his draft position would need to be for him to forego his scholarship. “It just depends on the dollar amount and those things.”

Hooker said the Trailblazers can make a run at the IHSAA Class 2A state title.

“Our bats need to come alive a little bit, but me and the other senior (Seth Hogg) are pretty dominant on the mound and we feel we can pretty much pitch to anybody,” Hooker said. “If we can score some runs, we’ll be fine and be able to make a long run, hopefully.”

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University High School senior pitcher Jake Hooker’s fastball has been clocked at 95 mph this season. (Photo courtesy of J. Scott Photography)

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Theater and literacy summer camp planned

OPPORTUNITY

Page & Stage Theatre Company is offering a theater and literacy summer camp June 12-July 22 at Holy Family Episcopal Church in Fishers.

According to an announcement from the organization, the camp’s artistic director, Paul “Spike” Wilson, believes theater exists to give children what he calls “their first victory.”

“We are committed to readers and pre-readers of all levels, ages 4 through 18,” Wilson said in the announcement. “Theatre is the perfect platform for both emerging readers and experienced ones, and all levels in between. But we’re also equally focused on acting, performance, and the social and life skills they engender.”

Wilson has spent two decades creating the curriculum for the camp, so children learn to read as they learn to act.

The camp started in Kokomo in 1994, under the name Kokomo Summer Drama Camp. At that time, Wilson was assistant director under Marge Scionti-Johnson. Wilson took over in 1997 and grew the camp to between 40 and 80 students per summer.

“We start with warm-up exercises and theater games. The focus of each day is to build on the skills of the previous day,” he said, detailing what the experience is like. “Each time, we do vocal and reading diagnostics, assess what the child needs, then tailor each day to each camper. There is a constant conversation with children and parents.”

The Secret Garden, Pollyanna, Peter Pan, Little Women and The Witch of Blackbird Pond are on the table for performances, set for July 21 and 22.

The camp is not limited to emerging readers. An intermediate section for ages 11-15 focuses on different types of stories and an introduction to classic literature. An advanced section for middle and high school ages is reserved for youth considering a career in theater.

More information about the camp can be found at pageandstageco.org, by phone at 765-860-7557, or by emailing paulspikewilson@gmail.com.

Grand Park to host Umoja Games in July

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A soccer tournament hosted by a nonprofit organization that brings together the Muslim community through sports will come to the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield this summer.

SPORTS

The Umoja Games, hosted by the Umoja Outreach Foundation, will host its 10th annual Umoja Games soccer tournament July 7-9 and will feature soccer games for boys and girls of all ages. The tournament brings thousands of families from across the U.S. and beyond that allows them to build new relationships, officials said.

“Umoja Games has created a united Umoja family, using soccer as a driving force that transcends cultural, ethnic or geographic differences that otherwise exist in Muslim communities,” said Mustafa Dinani, co-founder of the Umoja Outreach Foundation. “Our focus at each tournament is to create a unique and inclusive experience for everyone.”

The event, which started in 2012 with 100 individuals participating in an adult men’s tournament, has grown to an annual event with more than 1,000 participants. The youth and women’s divisions have seen the largest growth in population, officials said.

Organizers said the Umoja Games is the largest Muslim girls and women soccer tournament in North America. It will mark the first time the City of Westfield and Grand Park have hosted the event.

“Westfield is honored to host the Umoja soccer tournament, and we welcome the games to the nation’s finest youth sports facility,” Mayor Andy Cook said.

The Umoja Games are free to attend. Officials encourage visitors to learn more about different cultures participating in the tournament by visiting a special bazaar that will feature various goods sold by members of the Umoja community.

“In all our interactions with the Umoja team, it’s clear how unique and passionate this community is,” said Hamilton County Sports Authority Director Karen Radcliff. “We look forward to welcoming Umoja participants to Hamilton County this July.”

For more, visit umojaoutreach.org/games.

COVER STORY

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Girl Scouts show appreciation for volunteers with Bronze Award project

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Four Junior Girl Scouts in Fishers have completed their Bronze Award project by hosting a special dinner honoring volunteers who helped make their Scouting experiences memorable and fun.

Fifth-graders Lily Cloys, Murphy Benbow, Norah Marsh and Avery Antonacchio worked together on the Bronze Award project — a first step toward eventually earning a Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts.

The girls split up the responsibilities and Cloys was in charge of marketing, among other tasks. She said she also worked on getting a venue and planning food for the event.

“My biggest role out of all of it was (that) I was project leader with one of the other girls,” she said. That involved “constantly checking in with the other girls to get the tasks done.”

It was challenging to find a location for the dinner, because their budget didn’t allow much for renting a space. Lily Cloys’ mother, Jill Cloys, said they were fortunate to have the space at Counterpart on Visionary Way donated for the event.

Jill Cloys is the Fishers Service Unit Manager for Girls Scouts, and one of the many volunteers honored at the event. She said she advised the girls as they worked on their project but stressed that everything about the event had to be girl-led to qualify for a Bronze Award.

The girls’ project was approved for Bronze Award consideration by the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Jill Cloys said. And the girls had to each put at least 20 hours of work into it. A big chunk of those hours was taken up going to businesses and gathering donations.

“They did a great job of talking to all the businesses on their own,” Jill Cloys said. “We went with them but stood back and let them have the conversation. By the time they were done, they talked to over 100 local companies, and each of (the girls had) that opportunity to really build their confidence.”

They started out unsure of how to ask for donations, but later were able to approach business owners with confidence, she said.

“One of the key reasons that we love these projects and what we like seeing the

girls do is watching that confidence build, and learning to have those conversations, and understanding they’re going to hear ‘no’ a lot,” Jill Cloys said. “And that doesn’t mean you’re not going to get a ‘yes’ at the next place.”

Lily Cloys said choosing food also took some time and coordination. She and Antonacchio decided on pizza, she said, and they calculated how much it would cost to feed everyone. Because of their limited budget, they were going to get a less-expensive option. But again, they were fortunate.

“One of the girls, her dad’s company ended up saying, ‘we’ll pay for your meal,’ so we (could) do better,” she said. “We ended up getting HotBox.”

Lily Cloys said that Charles Maddon, PC, bought eight pizzas, salads and breadsticks for the event.

The volunteer appreciation event’s theme was Red Carpet, Lily Cloys said. They had gold stars with volunteers’ names on them for a Walk of Fame and games based on movies.

“As a group we played movie-related games such as guess the famous quote, movie trivia, and guess the movie scenes being acted out,” she detailed in a later email. “The volunteers enjoyed trying to be the first to guess and win one of the donated items.”

Cloys said she and the other girls had to finish a Bronze Award project while still in Junior Girls Scouts. She said she wants to later go for the Silver Award, and then the Gold Award.

“I plan on going all the way through and trying to get all of the awards,” she said.

Fisher Service

Unit Junior Girl Scouts sit in a circle and act out a scene as part of a “Name the Movie” game played during a recent volunteerappreciation dinner. (Photo courtesy of Lily Cloys)

Cloys said she enjoys Girls Scouts because it has helped her learn new skills and build her confidence.

“I’m very involved in things, but not always the most confident when I’m doing things. I like how (Girls Scouts) helped me with that skill,” she said. “And the friendships. I’ve made a lot of friendships in my Girl Scout troop.”

Cloys also has learned how to draft a news release for the media. She sent information about three of the volunteers honored at the event.

Her mom, Jill Cloys, is the Fishers Service Unit Manager, and was awarded the Girl Scout of USA Volunteer of Excellence as well as the Fishers Service Unit Starfish Award.

“This year she developed a Diversity and Inclusion Program for the Fishers Service Unit that has six parts called Igniting Change,” Lily Cloys said in the email. “The project established a reporting form and activity lessons on topics like acceptance, curiosity, advocacy, and perspectives.”

Misty Baker is a troop leader and Fishers Service Unit co-manager.

“(Baker) helped lead the Fishers Service Unit this past year and was a key volunteer in helping make sure some of my favorite events like the Junior Lock-in and Leader/ Daughter Retreat happened,” Cloys wrote. “She gives so much time to her own troop and the entire Service Unit.”

Meredith McWilliams is a troop leader and Fishers Service Unit Treasurer. Lily Cloys said that McWilliams led her daughter’s troop from kindergarten through 12th grade, and then took on a whole new troop of kindergarten-age Scouts.

“This year, (McWilliams) was awarded the Girl Scout of USA Lead the Way Award for her dedication,” Cloys wrote.

McWilliams said that before her daughter joined Girls Scouts, she had no experience with the organization other than buying cookies. But her daughter’s troop needed a leader, so she stepped up and discovered that she loved it.

She said the organization teaches girls about much more than camping and selling cookies.

“When my daughter’s troop was in junior high, we were discussing what they had learned from Girl Scouts,” she said. “Several of the girls mentioned canoeing, camping, archery — all things I expected. One girl, though, said she had learned how to be comfortable with public speaking. That made me realize it’s not just overt skills the girls are gaining through the Girl Scout program, but they are learning a lot of character skills that will help them throughout their life.”

LOOK WHO DONATED

The four Girls Scouts vying for their bronze award visited numerous businesses seeking donations to help with the event, or to give as thank-you gifts to their volunteers. They ended up with 46 businesses providing items from flowers to cash to gift cards.

In alphabetical order, those businesses were: Agave, Charles Madden, PC, Chatham Tap, City Barbecue, City Bird, Cynthia’s Hallmark, Imagine Theater, Five Guys, Lou Vino, M&I Nails, Massage Heights, McAlister’s Deli, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Original Pancake House, Papa John’s, Pitaland, Royal Foot Spa, Shake Shack, Slapfish, Soho Threading & Wax, Star Dry Cleaning, Steak & Shake, Subway, The Nail Studio, Verde, and White’s Ace Hardware.

ON THE COVER: Fishers Service Unit Junior Girl Scouts honored volunteers who have helped the organization over the past year with a special dinner. (Photo courtesy of Lily Cloys)

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

resident

D1 Training began franchising in 2017.

Tayt Odom is convinced D1 Training differs from other fitness facilities.

BUSINESS

“What makes us different is we are an athletic-based training facility,” Odom said. “When you think of (NCAA) Division I sports teams and athletic departments, they incorporate speed, strength and everything to make their students-athletes better athletes. Our programs are based on those types of models, which are not typically seen and done for the general public. It’s an hour workout that uses all phases of those things.”

D1 Training, which opened May 15 in Carmel, will have its grand opening May 30 at 650 W. Carmel Dr., Suite 120.

Odom, a Fishers resident, is co-owner with Jeff Peterson, a Pendleton resident. The Carmel franchise is the partners’ second D1 Training in Indiana. The other is in the MoJo Up Sports Complex in Noblesville. D1Training was created by former University of Tennessee football player Will Bartholomew and is based in Nashville, Tenn.

Odom is a business teacher and an assistant football coach at Bishop Chatard High School. He left the business consulting world to get back into coaching and teaching.

The facility uses a sport-science training regimen led by certified trainers.

“If it was just training, I probably wouldn’t be involved in doing it,” Odom said. “What ultimately got Jeff and I both involved in it is we have 12-character words on the wall, like perseverance, discipline and integrity. Not only do we work on training the physical body, but we want to have an impact on mental, social and emotional wellbeing. When I say athlete, it could be anybody, it could be the 65-year-old former Marine who needs to lose weight or the 15-year-old soccer player who is looking to get the scholarship to play in college.”

Odom and Peterson also own 11 SmartStyle Salons in Indiana.

Odom, 43, has coached football at the youth level and was president of Mudsock Youth Football League in Fishers. Odom played football for the Pioneer’s Class A

state championship team in 1997.

“I love being around kids and impacting

kids,” said Odom, whose eighth-grade son will attend Bishop Chatard next year.

The general manager of the facility is Michelle Blok, who will run the day-to-day operations. Blok is a former Ball State University soccer player.

“We’ve got a team of coaches who have a diverse background in lots of sports, including a former NFL athlete, and a bunch of folks who can help address any need that an athlete may have,” Odom said.

The former NFL athlete is linebacker Andrew Jackson, who played one season for the Indianapolis Colts.

“Jeff and I will oversee the business side of things and make sure we provide the things the team needs to be successful,” Odom said.

D1 offers adult and scholastic-based classes on a daily basis. In addition, there is 1-on-1 training, sport-specific training and speed/agility training.

D1 Carmel offers four age-based programs: Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18) and D1 Adult. The facility will offer discounted membership rates for a limited time.

For more, visit d1training.com/carmel.

Fishers resident Tayt Odom is the co-owner of the new D1 Training facility in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of D1 Training)

BUSINESS LOCAL

DISPATCH

Duke Energy Foundation funding — $300,000 in grant funding will support workforce development and educational programs statewide, including in Hamilton County. This year, grants were awarded to:

• Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (Hamilton County) –$10,000. Funds will support the expansion of educational opportunities at the Fishers Agripark, including the installation of an aquaponics lab and a composter powered by renewable

energy.

• Sheridan Community Schools (Hamilton County) – $10,000. Funds will support various activities to expose students to careers in the energy industry.

• The Pursuit Institute (Hamilton County) – $25,000. Funds will support the development of a mobile classroom to teach local pre-kindergarten through 10th grade students about sustainable energy.

MOTW coffee shop expands to Carmel

By Jeff Decker news@currentinfishers.com

A man’s decision to leave Pakistan more than 60 years ago and settle in Carmel is at the heart of a new coffee shop on Old Meridian Street.

being welcoming and connecting to its customers and obsesses over customer service. Their shops offer drinks with unique flavors, including homemade syrups, and a variety of pastries, many with a cultural spin.

NOW OPEN

Hafize Shah, who passed away in 2021, taught math at Carmel High School, and his children, including his daughter, Samina, graduated from the school. His grandson, Sajjad Shah (son of Samina) said Hafize Shah came to Carmel at a time when it was less diverse, breaking cultural barriers and bringing people together.

That’s exactly what owners Sajjad Shah and his wife, Fatimah, hope to continue to do, having opened their fourth Indianapolis area location of MOTW (Muslims of the World) Coffee and Pastries. Their newest shop opened April 30 at 12761 Old Meridian St. in Carmel.

“His students absolutely loved him, and when they figured out that I was the grandson of the famous Mr. Shah at Carmel High School, we were sent hundreds of messages from Carmel residents that had my grandfather as a math teacher in the early ’80s,” Sajjad Shah said. “So Carmel had a lot of sentimental value, and therefore we wanted to eventually open a shop there.”

MOTW began as an Instagram page designed as an outlet for Muslims to share their stories. The page amassed more than 700,000 followers from a variety of backgrounds and faiths, Shah said. From there, Sajjad and Fatimah Shah opened their first coffee shop at 38th Street and Lafayette Road in Indianapolis, 2 ½ years ago. MOTW also has locations in Castleton and Fishers.

Sajjad Shah said MOTW prides itself on

“Our Arabic pastries are to die for,” Shah said. “They are light on the stomach but absolutely delicious.”

MOTW also emphasizes aesthetics. Sajjad and Fatimah Shah, who live in Fishers, rented the Old Meridian Street location from family friend Bruce Pallman. Preparing the shop took about 2-1/2 months. It features high ceilings and a wealth of natural lighting, with real trees indoors, light colors and murals, including a wall-high painting of an Ethiopian farmer pouring coffee, by Venice, Calif.,-based artist Jules Muck.

“We want our customers to come into our shop with their problems, find peace within our shops and leave feeling lighter and optimistic,” Shah said.

The MOTW shops have proven to be popular with a diverse customer base, as the Shahs had intended.

“The truth is, there is no secret sauce,” Sajjad Shah said. “If you are nice, sincere and genuine with people – people actually like that.”

MOTW’s customer base is reflective of the changing demographics of the Indianapolis area.

“We wanted to share our culture with people, change stereotypes that many may have, all while serving the best coffee and pastries that people may have ever had,” Shah said. “The truth of the matter is that Indiana is becoming a cultural melting pot, lots of different groups of people. The more we get to understand one another the better the world will be. That is our hope at MOTW Coffee and Pastries.”

A marshmallow bonfire latte available at MOTW. (Photo courtesy of MOTW)

Rush Bowls in Fishers offers meals made with fresh ingredients. (Photo courtesy of Rush Bowls)

Rush Bowls franchise opens in Fishers

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A new restaurant in Fishers offers fast food that’s healthy, along with a special treat for customers’ canine friends.

RESTAURANT

Rush Bowls is a Colorado-based chain known for fresh and healthy meals-in-a-bowl, said James Cunningham, who co-owns the new Fishers franchise with his wife, Marissa Cunningham. The meals include signature blended fruit and veggie bowls, smoothies, graband-go protein bites and bowls for dogs.

Rush Bowls in Fishers is at 11649 Maple St., Suite 123. The grand opening was May 13.

Cunningham said he and his wife are grateful to reside in Fishers, and the restaurant’s concept aligned with their devotion to a healthy lifestyle.

“We believe our community thrives best when we all have better food options that cater to this type of lifestyle and we are looking forward to serving all of Fishers and giving back to this wonderful city while bringing this much-needed concept,” James Cunningham said.

He said Marissa Cunningham has a background working in the food service industry, which will help them manage the business. He said the concept offers a unique service for customers.

“Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a clean, monochromatic aesthetic, accented by bright, bold photography and decor,” he said. “A wide selection of customizable

bowls and smoothies will be showcased behind an eye-catching counter, with fresh ingredients including real fruit bases blended right in front of you. Wellness-boosting additions and toppings will also grace the menu, such as fresh daily made-to-order peanut butter and jelly, along with surcharge-free substitutions to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences.”

Some of the signature bowls include the açaí beach bowl, the peanut butter and jelly bowl, and the yoga bowl with matcha green tea. The Bow Wow Bowl for dogs has a simple blend of banana, milk, peanut butter and frozen yogurt.

James Cunningham said they chose to open their business in Fishers because it’s their home and they love it.

“Fishers is such a beautiful city to live, work and play in, and we are honored to now be a part of the amazing food scene here,” he said. “We’re confident our on-thego neighbors who crave a tasty, nutritious meal will appreciate this addition to our community as much as we do.”

Rush Bowl in Fishers employs 17 people. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. James Cunningham said that pick-up, catering and delivery options are available, including online ordering through the Rush Bowls mobile app.

Rush Bowls has 45 locations nationwide, with more planned, according to the corporation’s website. The only other Indiana store is in Bloomington.

For more, visit rushbowls.com.

VIEWS

READERS’ VIEWS

Library policy wastes resources

Editor,

I am concerned about the misallocation of taxpayer funds at Hamilton East Public Library. It is disheartening to witness the contradictory decision of relocating books from one area of the library to another. This wastes financial resources and undermines the fundamental principle of protecting children by driving them to the adult section. What is particularly troubling is that Tiffanie Ditlevson, a library member who supported this wasteful expenditure, is now running for Fishers City Council. Regardless of party affiliation, we should all be alarmed by her willingness to approve spending approximately $300,000 of taxpayer money. Such a decision demonstrates a lack of fiscal responsibility and raises doubts about her ability to prioritize the genuine needs of the community.

It is imperative that we exercise our voting power by electing city council members who prioritize the welfare of the community, rather than engaging in political theatrics that offer no tangible benefits to citizens.

Abby Perry, Carmel

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.

Concrete Cleaning Concrete Sealing Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Epoxy Floors

Heaven can wait?

Commentary by Terry Anker

We learn from the earliest stages of our corporal existence that we are born obligated with choice. The youngest among us evaluates with discerning palate between creamed carrot and pureed meat. Even as the tiny jars appear identical and Mom’s encouraging airplane-spoon-trick urges the tyke to eat, they decide, with some indignity, what to ingest.

ESSAY

As we mature, the thought experiments begin, and by elementary school we might deliberate if we’d rather eat a bug or have a pop quiz in math. By high school, we ponder skipping the prom or going with our best friend’s sister, who pities our date-lessness. Today, we ruminate on sitting in cheap seats versus staying home to watch on television. Mostly, they are imagined alternatives. The teacher is unlikely to cancel the test even if the insect consumed is of considerable heft. Yet the questions help us define our own limits. They bound what we might

In a group of first-generation Americans recently talking about their origin story to join Team USA, one Central African told of the question often asked of youngsters in his hometown, now some 8,000 miles away: “Would you rather go to heaven or America?” As if his sitting in the room didn’t make the response self-evident, someone asked how he responded. “Well,” he said, “heaven can wait.”

A wise person once proclaimed America “the world’s migration to freedom.” The very prospect of gaining command of English, securing passage and bringing all that he had in himself to contribute to this place was enough to propel and imbed a young African here in the Hoosier heartland. This would be a better place, and for living here, he would be a better person. It may not be the story for all, but it is his story.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO CALL BONE DRY YOU’LL KNOW IT IN YOUR GUT. AND YOUR GUTTERS.

do

for opportunity, for options, for hope.

Recipe for a savory Mother’s Day

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

HUMOR

Friends, after nearly 25 years of being a mom, I think I’ve finally honed my Mother’s Day recipe to perfection. Please enjoy!

1. Preheat Sunday by letting your partner know that you’ll be AWOL for most of the day. If your kitchen does not include a Sunday or if, like me, your Sunday is generally broken because of anxiety ahead of the looming school week, you can always reposition the rack to Saturday.

toss together Amanda’s Exchange, Macy’s and a broccoli-cheddar bread bowl from Panera. Bake at 350 for 180 minutes or until you’ve found a miracle one-piece that both slims and lifts.

“If your kitchen does not include a Sunday or if, like me, your Sunday is generally broken because of anxiety ahead of the looming school week, you can always reposition the rack to Saturday.”

5. Now, combine ingredients from Steps 3 and 4 in a medium saucepan. Stir in several cans of sisters-inlaw, along with a jar of family tea. Simmer for two hours at Java House.

– DANIELLE

Sometimes you don’t need a new roof. Sometimes it’s what’s at the end of your roof that goes first. Bone Dry has become as well known for gutters and downspouts as we have for roofs. So if you’re staring at a waterfall and you’re not on vacation, it’s time to call Bone Dry. You’ll know it in your gutters.

2. The night before, be sure to place the entire package of Restful Sleep in a cool, dark space. Personally, I prefer the larger 10-hour bag, but the eight will work, too. Chef’s choice!

3. Begin by mixing the chilled Restful Sleep with one cup of coffee and six tablespoons of social media scrolling. Add your favorite flavor of Breakfast

4. On a nonstick cookie sheet, carefully

6. Remove from heat; let stand until cool. Serve with a side of buttered popcorn and a solo viewing of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Add parenting affirmations to taste.

There you have it, folks. My recipe for a perfect Mother’s Day. Peace out.

Danielle

You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Wilson is a contributing columnist.

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

WILSON

Here’s the (ice cream) scoop

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I am tired of celebrating the 100th anniversary of this, or the 75th anniversary of that. What makes those numbers so special? I told my wife Mary Ellen I had big plans in a few years for our 53rd anniversary.

HUMOR

“Great,” she said, “but what about our 50th?”

“Mary Ellen, 50 is just a number,” I said. “Let’s wait until No. 53. Don’t give the 50th another thought.”

of the pointed bottom, you can’t set it down. I want to put my cone down on the driving console so I can make a left-hand turn while I’m on my cellphone. There is one kind of cone that has a flat bottom; it also has no taste.

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

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

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

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com

Ever since I said that, Mary Ellen has also not given another thought to making dinner, going shopping or editing my column. I guess it really is the thought that counts.

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 Fax 317.576.8070

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

Half the time, an ice cream cone crumbles when you try to balance the second ice cream scoop on top and apply a little pressure. If the ice cream is soft and you pack it down, by the time you’ve taken the 10th lick it’s leaking out the bottom all over your new beige polyester pants.

If you’re a strong licker, the top scoop falls off in a big plop. And there’s no five-second rule for ice cream. When it hits the ground, it’s history. Except mint chip. I would eat mint chip off the pavement.

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

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

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

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070

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

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070

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

So, in keeping with my theory, this month I am celebrating the 121st anniversary of the ice cream cone. I skipped the 100th. The 121st? Now, there’s a cause for celebration.

Like other great inventions in history, there is some controversy about who created the first cone. But who could forget Italo Marchiony? Apparently, everybody. You need a name that will stick. Like sandwich, for example. Some food writers think it was invented by the Earl of Sandwich back in the late 1700s, when he put meat between bread so he could play cards while he ate. I went to college with a guy named Herb Cohn. He claimed it was his great-great uncle who invented the ice cream cone. Cone? Cohen? I’m skeptical on this one.

Why did the ice cream cone ever catch on in the first place? An ice cream cone is poorly designed and constructed. Because

We should just be thankful today that we have two alternatives for enjoying America’s favorite frozen treat by using either a cup or cone. What would it be like if people had to carry around a scoop of ice cream in their bare hands? I shiver to think.

By the way, some food historians claim a guy named Reuben Kulakofsky invented that popular corned beef-based sandwich called, of course, a Reuben. I’ll tell you more when we all celebrate the very important 108th anniversary of the Reuben next year.

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.

“Like other great inventions in history, there is some controversy about who created the first cone. But who could forget Italo Marchiony? Apparently, everybody. You need a name that will stick. Like sandwich, for example.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Center for the Performing Arts 2023-24 schedule features diverse offerings

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

“Beauty & the Beast” runs through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

MUSIC

The Center for the Performing Arts 202324 schedule is slated to be a diverse presentation of musical genres with a mix of newcomers and old favorites.

“We’ve managed to curate what I think is going to be a really diverse set of performances throughout the entire season starting earlier than we have in the past with shows in August,” said Jeff McDermott, president and chief executive officer of the Center for the Performing Arts. “We have a great mix of everything from jazz, pop, rock, comedy, country, classical, songbook, international family, you know, all in the past with bringing back some favorites or bringing a lot of new stuff. I would say that the programming isn’t done. We know as we have done in the past that we’ll continue to add significant shows throughout the season. There’s lots of different types of artists who work on shorter windows and time.

“You have three and four months out rather than nine to 12 months out, and so we’ll be bringing in those opportunities as we go as well.”

In particular, McDermott said comedians tend to be booked three to four months out.

McDermott said he is eager to have Katharine McPhee and her husband David Foster perform Nov. 4. The couple were on the schedule twice but were postponed because of the pandemic, and then the third scheduled appearance in 2021 was canceled.

“We’re glad to get them back on our schedule,” McDermott said.

On Oct. 20, Harry Chapin at 80 features members of the Chapin family singing the late singer’s classics.

“I’m a big Harry Chapin fan, so I’m excited for that,” McDermott said.

The action kicks off early with August solo performances by rockers Chris Daughtry (Aug. 9) and Ben Harper (Aug. 15),

both making their debut appearances at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Spyro Gyra will be the headliner at the Carmel Jazz Festival Aug. 12.

Other first-timers on the 2023-2024 schedule include The Police drummer Stewart Copeland (Oct. 19), Bruce Cockburn (Nov. 1), singer-songwriters Meshell Ndegeocello (Nov. 18), New Orleans sax great Branford Marsalis (Jan. 26, 2024) and Indiana singer Carrie Newcomer (March 9) in The Tarkington.

Copeland’s Police Deranged for Orchestra features a 28-piece orchestra, three vocalists and a rock trio with Copeland on drums. It is packed with Police hits such as “Roxanne,” “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and “Message in a Bottle.”

McDermott said returning to the Palladium are favorites from seasons past, including the Righteous Brothers (Oct. 6), jazz guitarist Bill Frisell (Oct. 21) and singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby (March 9, 2024).

The Little Mermen: The Ultimate Disney Tribute Band will have two performances Nov. 5.

Tribute acts performing will include Wish You Were Here: The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd (Oct. 14) and Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute (April 20, 2024)

“We really like bringing in tribute bands if they are high quality,” McDermott said.

A.J. Croce, son of the late singer Jim Croce, will perform “Croce Plays Croce” March 30, 2024, at the Palladium.

“We had A.J. Croce in at The Tarkington (in March 2022) and thought we would get 500 people and we doubled that and added a second show,” McDermott said. “We are looking forward to bringing him to the Palladium for one big show.”

McDermott said the Holiday Series is always special.

“Dave Koz has become a perennial favorite,” McDermott said. “We’ll bring him back here every year as long as he wants to keep coming back.”

Koz & Friends Christmas Tour will stop Dec. 5. Some other holiday concerts include Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas, Nov. 30; The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits, Dec. 1; and Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays, Dec. 8

The season will close with Michael Feinstein performing with a yet-to-be-announced special guest May 17, 2024.

The season presents live education events free for area students and school groups in matinees. Shows include Animaniacs (Oct. 5), Mad River: Keep Marching (Jan. 18, 2024) and Sammy Miller and the Congregation (April 19, 2024).

For the full schedule, visit thecenterpresents.org.

The Live at the Center series presents Public Universal Friend at 7:30 p.m. May 31 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 for in-person or register for the free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series will feature Tall Tall Trees with Kristen Bales at 6:30 p.m. May 24 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “Deception: An Evening of Magic and Lies” featuring David Ranalli is set for 7:30 p.m. May 25. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘THE SLEEPING BEAUTY’

Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy presents “The Sleeping Beauty” at 7:30 p.m. May 26 and 2 p.m. May 27 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org.

DISPATCH

Zadek set for Feinstein’s show — Broadway performer Zack Zadek will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 1 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “I couldn’t be more stoked to return to Indiana for a second concert, this time at Feinstein’s,” Zadek stated. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is a $25 per guest food and beverage minimum. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

Art on Main – An Art on Main meet the artists reception will feature Kim Greene and Beth Forst from 5 to 8 p.m. at Art on Main Gallery & Gifts, 110 W. Main St., Suite 140, Carmel. The June show will feature Barb Gregory and daughter Deb Slack with “Love in Color” show. The meet the artists reception is from 4 to 8 p.m. June 10.

Harry Chapin at 80 will feature family members singing the late singer’s classic songs. (Photo courtesy of Center for the Performing Arts)

‘Elf the Musical’ returns

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

2019 production of “Elf” was available for screening.

CIVIC THEATRE

Civic Theatre’s 2023-24 season will include a regional premiere, a return of a huge holiday favorite and the first local community production of “Anastasia.”

The season opens with the regional premiere of “The Prom” Oct 6-21. Civic Theatre Executive Artistic Director Michael Lasley said “The Prom” is definitely a topical show but the selection process is more about selecting compelling stories.

“The narrative of ‘The Prom’ is about acceptance and the reality that we are all more alike than we are different,” Lasley said. “That is universal, and while some specific details may be challenging, we believe the story is impactful and, most importantly, entertaining.”

“Elf the Musical” is set for Dec. 1-24. “Elf” was presented in 2019 and 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were no shows, but a recorded version of the

“‘Elf’ is our most successful show ever — holiday or otherwise,” Lasley said. “So, while it’s unusual to bring a show back for the third time in five years, the public has made it clear that they love this production.”

The 2024 portion starts with “Romeo & Juliet” Feb. 9-24, 2024 and “Driving Miss Daisy” March 14-30. The final show will be “Anastasia” April 26-May 11. The performances will be at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, except for “Driving Miss Daisy,” set for the Studio Theater.

“As someone who loves the 1997 animated feature film, ‘Anastasia’ is a show I was excited to see brought to the stage,” Lasley said.

Along with the main stage productions, Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat” will return in February 2024. In the summer of 2024, the Jr. Civic musical will be “Finding Nemo Jr.” and the Young Artists Program will present “Revue!” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.”

For more, visit civictheatre.org

Lasley

GHDT presents ‘Director’s Cut’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s 25th anniversary season has been a celebration of its many works.

DANCE

“Throughout the entire season, GHDT has been showcasing repertoire pieces from the company’s distant and recent past,” said Gregory Hancock, GHDT’s executive artistic director. “Part of the 25th-season celebration was to demonstrate how the company’s past has shaped where the company is today. Audience members have been able to see repertoire never seen before or not seen for several years. Dancers have also been able to experience many new works throughout the season.”

The season will conclude with “Director’s Choice,” which is set for 7 p.m. June 9-10 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“As a director and choreographer, it has been wonderful to look back at many vintage pieces,” Hancock said. “One beautiful aspect of a repertoire program is that I can see all the past dancers who have per-

formed in these pieces, as well as shape new dancers into the dances. So, while it is exciting to see new dancers in roles, it is also sentimental to think of the past performers or where my life was at the creation of each dance.”

“Director’s Choice” features seven repertoire pieces.

“Every dance piece is not always a fulllength piece, but often shorter repertoire pieces, which allows the audience to experience a variety of emotions and styles of dance unique to each piece,” Hancock said. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Play focuses on sisters’ rivalry

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

A local performing arts organization’s decision to cap its pilot season with an original work is a double-edged sword.

PERFORMANCES

When the Hyperion Players perform “Call Me Sister” June 8 through 11 at the Ivy Tech Auditorium in Noblesville, it will mark the play’s world premiere. As such, the cast and crew are without a previous frame of reference, and attracting an audience to an unknown work can be challenging.

But staging an original work is “almost liberating,” said Ian Hauer, Hyperion’s executive artistic director and writer/director of “Call Me Sister.”

“As a writer and director, I can work with each cast member and designer to create characters and ideas from scratch,” the Noblesville resident said. “It allows for a very collaborative process.”

Set in England during the 16th century,

“Call Me Sister” tells the story of Mary Tudor (played by Duana Menefee of Cincinnati) and younger sister Elizabeth Tudor (Becky Larson of Zionsville) as they vie for the throne of their father, King Henry VIII. Hauer said the play is about the bond between sisters, the corrupting influence of power, how women wielding power are treated relative to their male counterparts, and “the different faces we all wear.”

Larson

Menefee, appearing in her first Hyperion Players production, said it is challenging to play historical figures.

“Playing Mary, particularly the turmoil of her ascension and reign, has been an interesting exercise in balance,” Menefee said.

Larson is also making her Hyperion Players debut. She described Elizabeth as incredibly intelligent and quick-witted.

“I appreciate the opportunity to portray the expansive journey she goes on,” Larson said. “From a feral teenager to the threshold of the monarchy, Elizabeth goes through a lot.”

Tickets for “Call Me Sister” are $12 and are available at hyperionplayers.com.

Abigail Lessaris performs in Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s “Director’s Choice.” (Photo by Joe Phillips)

Season for sparkling wine

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Spring is in full swing in Indiana, and that has my mind gravitating toward refreshing outdoor wine. When you think about the quintessential “patio pounder,” where does your mind go? Naturally, rosé and crispy white wines are a great option. I, however, tend to go with sparkling wine.

and fresh. It has loads of strawberry and raspberry on the nose. The fruit is forward on the palate, along with some bready flavor and a clean smooth finish. This is a killer wine you can find for around $25.

BEVERAGE

In full disclosure, I am a sparkling wine evangelist. In the U.S, we tend to only drink the stuff on special occasions, and I think that is a shame. Sparkling wine is quite possibly one of the most food-versatile wines made. That might be because sparkling wine is made in the majority of wine-making regions around the globe. There are several options available for sparkling wine that will get you a variety of experiences across a variety of price points. First, a note about sparkling. Champagne, Cava, Franciacorta, Prosecco and Lambrusco are all sparkling wines. However, not all sparkling wines are the aforementioned. Champagne is only Champagne if it is made in the Champagne region of France. Cava is only made in the Penedes region of Spain, Franciacorta in Lombardy, Italy, and so-on. Call something Champagne that isn’t made in Champagne, and the French will take to the streets.  Anyway, here are three great sparkling wines to help you celebrate the weekend:

Pierre Sparr, Crémant D’Alsace, Brut Rose is a delicious pink sparkling wine from the Alsace region of France. It is bright, vibrant

Juve & Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva Brut Cava comes from the Penedes region of Spain. The nose is floral with hints of lemon, toast and spice. On the palate, the wine is dry, crisp, with bright acidity, the bready characteristics combined with tart apple, and citrus are very nice. This wine punches above its weight class at $19 a bottle.

Nominé-Renard

Brut Champagne is a delicious grower Champagne. That means the person that grows the grapes made the Champagne. On the nose is lemon curd, toast and spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with crisp acidity. There are hints of red fruit that peek through with lemon zest, toasted bread and subtle marzipan flavors. There is an ever-soslight sweetness on the finish. You can find this gem for less than $50.

Whether you try one or all of these wines or a different wine, get the sparkling wine into your regular rotation. Pair it with cheese and meat, caviar and butter, seafood or grilled veggies. Cheers to spring!

DISPATCH

Red Barn Summer Theatre schedules open house — Frankfort’s Red Barn Summer Theatre will open its doors to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. June 3 for its second Summer KickOff open house. The box office will also be open during that time to answer questions and fulfill ticket requests. Red Barn patrons can preview their seats or take an informal tour of the theater. Sheridan’s Blackhawk Winery will conduct a free wine-tasting event and the popular duo, Luna Worldcast, will entertain on the lawn. Vendors from the Frankfort Farmers Market will display their wares and Red Barn company members will greet the public and give tours of the Red Barn. From 6 to 9 p.m., the Red Barn Cellar

will open to provide Blackhawk wines, beer and Barn Box snacks as the Bloomington duo Davis & Devitt entertain on the outdoor stage. Half of the duo, Frankfort native and Red Barn alumnus Sharlee Davis, will make her return to the Barn Theatre after a long absence. Patrons are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and come enjoy the music of this very talented duo. In the event of inclement weather, the Davis & Devitt concert will be moved inside the Barn. The Red Barn Summer Theatre will open its 55th season June 7 with the British comedy “See How They Run.” Tickets are available at redbarntheatre.net or by phone 765-659-1657 beginning June 1.

Benefiting the Humane Society for Hamilton County

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis.

“Sparkling wine is quite possibly one of the most food-versatile wines made.”

– MARK LAFAY

A visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art

Commentary by Don Knebel

Praising librocubicularianism

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I’m a proud librocubicularist. As much as you probably want this to mean I’m starting a new political party of which I will be its presidential candidate, alas, this isn’t the case. The Word Nerd party would be a better name, although “librocubicularist” is my current favorite sesquipedalian word.

King’s seven-book “Dark Tower” series for the fourth time. Each time I read it, I find new details. While King’s magnum opus may not be for everyone, I highly suggest you give Book 1, “The Gunslinger,” a try.

GRAMMAR GUY

To be a librocubicularist is to be someone who reads in bed. I love reading in bed. After kids are asleep and I’m winding down for the day, I read for about 20 to 30 minutes. And, for me, it has to be fiction. You see, I used to read nonfiction books about ways to help right the wrongs of the world, or about problems of injustice. While these books are definitely important, reading them before bed would get my mind ramped back up, leading to trouble sleeping.

When I’m lost in a good work of fiction (or even a so-so one), my brain can escape to a make-believe world where the outcome has no real-world ramifications. Right now, I’m about to finish Stephen

Reading for 20 minutes a day has incredibly positive effects on kids. For instance, if you read to your child for 20 minutes per day, they’ll be exposed to 1.8 million words per year. Spending screenfree time with your children gives you great bonding time and allows you to enter into literature as a team.

I encourage you to become a librocubicularist. Whether you read physical or digital books, I recommend winding down your day in bed with a good book. It will allow your mind to forget the troubles of today as well as the challenges you’ll face tomorrow. After all, each day holds enough trouble of its own.

TRAVEL

Today, in the continuing series about often-overlooked New York City destinations, we visit the Whitney Museum of American Art at its new location in the Meatpacking District.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the great-granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt, became a well-regarded sculptor after visiting Paris in the early 1900s. Living in New York, she learned that American artists were having difficulty selling art incorporating new ideas. She began purchasing pieces from living American artists, usually within a year of their creation. In 1931, after the Metropolitan Museum of Art declined her offer of 500 pieces from a collection of about 7,000, she opened the Whitney Museum of American Art, popularly called the “Whitney,” in Greenwich Village. In 1954, after Whitney’s death, the museum moved to 54th Street, and then in 1966, to a new building at Madison Avenue and 75th Street. In 2015, the Whitney moved to a new building in the Meatpacking District, between the Hudson River and the High Line, now an above-ground urban park. The eight-story building, designed by architect Renzo Pi-

ano, includes about 50,000 square feet of indoor gallery space and 18,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space.

Today, the Whitney, including more than 26,000 works by American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, is considered the most comprehensive museum in the world displaying such art. The 3,800 artists represented include some of the best-known American artists from that period, including Ansel Adams, Thomas Hart Benton, Stuart Davis, Jasper Johns, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. The collection also includes sculptures by Whitney herself and more than 3,000 works by Edward Hopper, including 133 oil paintings and 2,500 drawings, including sketches for his most famous works, including “Nighthawks.” When you visit the Whitney, stop at the vibrant Chelsea Market nearby, where Nabisco’s Oreo cookies were once made.

“Soir Blue” by Edward Hopper in the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Portrait of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.

Across

1. Perform with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir

5. Mud Creek Players play part

10. BODHI cuisine

14. Eiteljorg Museum tribe

15. “Black” in a Fishers HS French class

16. Dictionary listing

17. Where to catch some Colts highlights

18. Downtown Indy waterway

19. Indiana neighbor

20. IRT and NHS, e.g.

22. Part of AV at Terre Haute?

24. Gets in sync

27. Fraction of a min.

28. Chicago Fire FC org.

29. Start to unlace

30. Helicopter blade

32. Charged particle

33. End-of-workweek cry

35. “Wargames” acronym

39. Tells all

42. Grand Junction Brewing Co. brew letters

43. Palladium platform

44. Muslim religion

45. “___ do it!”

47. Reason for overtime at an Indy Fuel game

48. Fabulous fabulist

50. Indiana Gov. Handley

53. ___ Malnati’s Pizzeria

56. Yes vote

57. Big name in wipes

58. Nonsensical at Muncie?

60. Toothbrush brand

61. Pho 36 pho, e.g.

62. Finger-pointer

64. Food safety org.

68. Indy Eleven ticket info

69. Stiff-backed

70. Lose traction on I-69

71. Capital hidden in

Czechoslovakia?

72. Jerks

73. Sign on a jar at a bar Down

1. Lay eyes on

2. Its website has a

24. Cover story in Hamilton County Court

25. Workshop collection

26. Melodic

27. Living room furniture

30. Tear to pieces at West Lafayette?

31. Go bad

34. Toy soldier

36. Boca ___, Fla.

37. Nimble

38. Title documents

40. Sheepish remark

41. Lipstick mishap

46. Dance, theater, music, etc.

49. Australian city

51. Hawks on a Pacers scoreboard

52. Strong and healthy at Indianapolis?

53. Rodeo rope

54. ISO instruments

55. Standard

“Where’s My Refund?” page

3. ___ and tuck

4. Mensa material at Bloomington?

5. Very old

6. US Senator from Indiana, twice

7. Cookie containers

8. 401(k) kin

9. Soft fabric 10. “Terrible” age 11. Meh

12. Popular typeface

13. Fan favorites

21. Evansville-to-Zionsville dir.

23. Clickable screen images

6 Female Relatives (4+ letters)

4 Notables Buried at Crown Hill

3 Indy Flag Colors

2 TV Bars

5 “I” Countries

1 Marian University Mascot

65. Go downhill willfully

66.

67.