November 15, 2022 — Fishers

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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

I know, I know.

I always overeat when I’m nervous.

Walker wins contested Senate 31 race, no incumbents keep HSE school board seats

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

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ELECTION

With all results in, the Hamilton South eastern Schools board will have all new members, as no incumbents won reelection. And Repub lican incumbent Kyle Walker will serve another term in the Indiana State Senate.

All four Hamilton Southeastern Schools districts had candidates vying for spots on the school board. All incumbents that were running for HSE districts were defeated, which means that the HSE Board of Trust ees will have all new members.

In District 1, Tiffany Pascoe defeated incumbent Brad Boyer and challengers Ed ward Gedeon and Jackie Howell with 52.4 percent of the vote.

In District 2, Juanita Albright won 58.8 percent of the vote against incumbent Janet Pritchett.

Dawn Lang had 61.4 percent of the vote against Carla Cork in District 3. The two candidates were vying for the seat after incumbent Michelle Fullhart announced she would not seek a third term.

District 4 saw Ben Orr won with 55.7 percent of the vote against incumbent Julie Chambers and challenger Harry Delks.

In State Senate District 31, Walker defeat ed Democrat Jocelyn Vare. Walker won 56.4 percent of the vote. He has been serving District 31 since 2020.

“(The) victory is further evidence that the voters of this district want commonsense leadership that produces results. In the Senate, I will stay laser focused on the issues that matter, strengthening our econ omy, improving public safety and investing in quality of life to keep our communities thriving,” Walker said. “I’m grateful to ev eryone who helped us deliver our message to earn the support of voters across the district.”

In the race for Indiana House District 32, Democrat Victoria Wilburn had a 232-point

Kyle Walker an nounced his win over Jocelyn Vare. The incumbent is projected to keep his seat in the In diana State Senate 31 district accord ing to early voting results. (Photo by Taylor Dixon)

From left, Hamilton Southeastern school board member Suzanne Thomas celebrates with newly elect ed board members Juanita Albright, Dawn Lang, Ben Orr and Tiffany Pascoe. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

district extends into Marion County, and some precincts there have not yet been finalized at the time of publication.

Incumbent Republican Chris Jeter kept his seat in the Indiana State House District 88. Jeter defeated opponent Donna Griffin by 7.9 percent, winning a total 53.95 percent of the vote.

In the race for Fall Creek Township trustee, Republican Doug Allman defeated Brian Baehl, while Jason Meyer and Tony Scott won spots on the Fall Creek Board of Trustees.

To see a complete list of Hamilton coun ty election results, visit youarecurrent. com/?p=220739.

lead against Republican Fred Glyn. A winner had not been delcared as of press time. The

Jocelyn Vare talking to supporters at her watch party Nov. 8 at Saxony Pizzeria in Fishers. (Photo by Taylor Dixon)

Virtual Silent Auction, Friday Nov. 18 to Tuesday Nov. 29

Hamilton County Election Board OKs examination of voting machine

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

shouldn’t happen.”

Now accepting new patients! Fishers and Fall Creek health services

Fishers primary care providers

ELECTIONS

The Hamilton County Election Board voted 3-0 to conduct an examination of voting machines used during ear ly voting at the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville after two voters reported the same problem while attempting to cast a straight-ticket ballot.

At the board’s Nov. 8 meeting, Noblesville residents Cynthia Gast and her daughter, Kristina Gast, told the board that they pushed the button to vote straight-ticket for the Democratic party, but as they reviewed their selections before finalizing them they noticed no candidate was selected in the race for the Fifth District Congressional seat between Democrat Jeannine Lee Lake and incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz.

Both women, who voted Nov. 2 on dif ferent machines, individually selected Lake before casting their ballots, but they are con cerned other straight-ticket voters may have experienced the same issue without noticing it, thus inadvertently not voting in the race.

“If (the race) happens to be really close, it’s scary,” Cynthia Gast said.

Greg Purvis, the lone Democrat on the three-member board, moved to initiate the examination to be held in conjunction with the county’s voting machine technicians, voting machine supplier MicroVote and Ball State’s Voting System Technical Oversight Program, which tests election equipment used in Indiana.

“With two people on different machines, to me that makes it more likely – although still somewhat remote – that it was a ma chine error,” Purvis said. “A machine error

Purvis said another possibility could be that both voters inadvertently deselected Lake’s name while attempting to scroll through their ballot, as it was located on the screen near the scroll button. He said a poll worker he contacted about the matter wasn’t able to recreate the issue.

Election board chair Ray Adler, a Repub lican, said the county previously has not received many complaints about voting machine issues and that reported problems can be difficult to recreate or verify.

“Sometimes there’s a lot of information but not a lot of evidence,” Adler said.

No matter the cause of the problem, Pur vis said it’s worth investigating.

“At the very least this is disturbing, because it affects voter confidence in the outcome of the election,” he said.

Lake brought the matter to the attention of the board. She said she did not previous ly know Cynthia or Kristina Gast and that she did not pursue filing the complaint until speaking with both voters and a mutual acquaintance who connected them to verify their accounts.

After the meeting, Lake said she is pleased that the board voted to investigate the matter, but the issue will be in her mind as she watches election results come in.

“It makes me feel sad, because I have always believed in the (voting) system and have always believed in democracy,” Lake said. “If that’s been tainted, either purpose fully or unintentionally, it sounds to me there’s a problem here.”

A date for the examination of the ma chines has not been set, although the board confirmed it will not happen until after Election Day.

Fall Creek primary care providers

We founded American Health Network, part of Optum on the belief that health care is a collaborative effort. It needs to be proactive, not just reactive, meaning we need to help patients stay healthy and avoid sickness in the first place.

Get in touch!

We’re now accepting new patients – To find a primary care provider or schedule a video visit, call our Fishers primary care office at 317-842-7928 or our Fall Creek primary care office at 317-613-0918.

American Health Network does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 888.255.2246.

ATTENTION: We provide free services to help you communicate with us such as letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 888-255-2246. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 888-255-2246. 請注意：如果您說中文 (Chinese) 我們免費為您提供語言協助服務

Adrienne Einhorn, MD James Horton, MD

Bonnie Webster, FNP-C Sei-Young Kwak, NP

From left, Hamilton County Election Administrator Beth Sheller and Hamilton County Election Board members Kathy Kreag Williams (county clerk), Ray Adler and Greg Purvis meet Nov. 8 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Brighton Falls explores travel

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

Brighton Falls, a 55-and-older community in Fishers, is providing a way for senior residents to relive their travel memories through its club. The Brighton Falls Travel Club was founded about seven years ago and meets at the Brighton Falls community center on the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.

SENIOR LIVING

any guests they might want to bring would just meet and people would share their travel stories. So, (residents) may not be able to travel anymore, but maybe they used to travel or are just interested in trav el, so they come and when people are doing presentations on, say, Paris or whatever, they can reminisce about when they may have visited Paris and that kind of thing.”

The meetings are open to all Brighton Falls residents and their guests. During meetings, members and outside speakers share stories and presentations of their past travels.

Gayle Amos, secretary of the Brighton Falls Travel Club, said the most ironic part of the travel group is that most members do not actively travel for health reasons.

“You would think with the name travel club we would travel, but that’s not exactly what happens,” Amos said. “It was formed just so that residents that lived here and

Amos said that for the first time in the club’s history, it has some trips planned for next year. The first in February is a Caribbe an cruise, then in the spring the group will take a bus to the Tulip Festival in Holland, Mich. Another planned trip is a river cruise from Paris to Normandy in northern France.

Amos visited Antarctica last winter.

“I’ve been on six continents, and Antarc tica has always been No. 7, but I had myself talked out of it and then COVID hit,” Amos said. “And as we came out of COVID it was like, ‘I’m not (missing out on) anything, so we immediately made reservations to go to Antarctica.”

Fishers High School marching band places third in state

news@currentinfishers.com

The Fishers High School Marching Tigers competed Sat. Nov. 5 at Lucas Oi Stadium in Indianapolis in the Indiana School Music Association state finals. The Tigers finished

third in the state. Carmel High School won the state championship. By virtue of their finishes, Fishers and Carmel advanced to the Bands of America Grand National Cham pionship, which was held Nov. 12 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Fishers High School performed at the ISMA stat at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 5. (Photo by provided by HSE

FHS senior running back grows as leader, on and off field

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior running back Carson Dunn finds it easy to pinpoint his largest area of improvement.

“The biggest im provement I made was becoming the very best version of myself as a leader,” Dunn said. “I grew so much as a vocal and passionate leader. My goal every day was to have everyone on the same page, fighting for the same goals.”

Dunn helped the Tigers advance to the Sectional 3 final Nov. 4 before losing to Hamilton Southeastern, 35-13.

“Carson leads by example with his hard work and dedication to the program,” FHS football coach Curt Funk said. “Carson is explosive both running and catching the ball. Another high quality is Carson’s ability to block second-level defenders. Carson made his most improvements in his ability to catch the ball as a slot. Carson also made improvements in running the jet sweep

MEET CARSON DUNN

Favorite athlete: Bo Jackson

Favorite school subject: History Favorite movie or TV show: “Creed 2”

Hobbies: Working out, watching sports, hanging out with friends, playing cards and golfing.

in our fly series, getting the edge on a defense.”

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Dunn rushed for 709 yards on 132 carries with nine touch downs on the season. He also had 23 catch es for 311 yards and three touchdowns.

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Dunn ran for 734 yards on 187 carries as a junior, earning first-team All-Hoosier Crossroads Conference honors. He had 787 yards on 124 carries as a sophomore. FHS was 3-8 in 2020, 6-4 in 2021 and 7-4 this season.,

“The team had improved so much from my sophomore year,” Dunn said. “We didn’t only improve on the field but also off the field. Our team chemistry was off the charts. We were a family that did ev erything together.”

Dunn is an outfielder for the FHS base ball team as well, hitting .395 last season and earning second team All-HCC honors. However, Dunn said football is his favorite sport. He is committed to play on scholar ship at Indiana State University in 2023.

Dunn said the ISU coaches are amazing and that’s why he chose the Sycamores

“They reached out to me before any other school and stayed in touch through out the entire recruiting process,” Dunn said. “They have showed nothing but love. There is no other place I’d rather be than Indiana State.”

Dunn plans to study business adminis tration and finance at ISU.

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is a world-class neurosurgery team pioneering best practices and providing collaborative, patient-centered care—and right here in Central Indiana.

Learn more at GoodmanCampbell.com.

Fishers High School running back Carson Dunn will continue his football career at Indiana State University next season. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Dunn)

Dunn

Giv e History for t h e Holidays!

HSE wins 1st state volleyball title

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton Southeastern High School volleyball team had only one senior, but the Royals boasted a powerful junior unit.

SPORTS

“It was a heavy junior class and it’s probably the most talented class maybe the state has ever seen in terms of seven juniors. All have Division I opportuni ties,” Hamilton Southeastern coach Jason Young said. “

The Class 4A No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern topped No. 2 Yorktown 25-17, 13-25, 25-23, 25-18 in the Nov. 5 IHSAA state champion ship match in Muncie. It was the Royals’ first state title in volleyball.

The Royals (34-1) lost only nine sets all season. They opened the season with a loss to defending Class 4A state champion McCutcheon and then won the rest of their games.

“We made some lineup changes after that loss, and that helped catapult us over the top,” Young said. “It was a tough loss but one we learned a lot from.”

The Royals later avenged the loss to Mc Cutcheon by sweeping all three sets.

After the Royals won the first set of the state championship match, Yorktown (343) won the second set by 12 and led in the third set 15-8 when the Royals turned it around.

“It was important for us to get back in the game,” Young said. “I felt like we stopped doing what we’ve done all year to be successful. I felt we got both of (our outside hitters) going, Avery Hobson and Lindsey Mangelson. Our (middle hitters) had been keeping us in the game. Breonna Goss was unbelievable, and Tiffany Snook had a couple of big kills. Obviously, our right-side

hitter Lauren Harden has been a go-to all year, but she was solid as well. What start ed the comeback was three consecutive blocks. We got hot from service aces, had some aces and we were back in business.”

Hobson, the Royals’ lone senior, said the team regrouped after losing the second set.

“We were more focused on playing our game, staying calm and doing what we do,” she said.

Hobson was named the Mental Attitude Award winner for Class 4A. The Duquesne University recruit led the Royals with 17 kills.

“It was tremendous to see her get the award,” Young said. “She is a quiet leader, but she is a leader. The girls have so much respect for her.”

Hobson was on the 2019 team that lost in the Class 4A state final to New Castle. She dressed but didn’t play in that state final.

“It was nice to see her go out on the win ning side and getting the Mental Attitude Award win was extra sweet,” Young said. “I know (people say we lose only one playing senior, we should be back next year, but it’s a huge loss. We’ll have to find ways to make up for that loss.”

Hobson said the state title was a great cap to her high school career.

“Getting the state championship for the first time for the school was something special to be a part of,” she said. “Getting the Mental Attitude Award was an amazing moment. It was a surprise, too.”

Two juniors have made their college commitments, with Goss heading to Duke University and Harden has committed to the University of Florida.

“The team chemistry of this team was great. It felt like family, especially with spending every day together with practice, games, team dinners, etc.,” Harden said.

The Hamilton Southeastern volleyball team celebrates its state title. (Photo courtesy of the IHSAA

DISPATCHES

F.C. Tucker Stats — The residential real es tate market in Fishers cooled down slightly in October, with prices continuing to in crease. According to F.C. Tucker Company, the Fishers average home sale price increased 11.4 percent to $451,185 compared to October 2021. The average price per square foot for a home in Fishers also increased to $185.35, up 8 percent. Homes in Fishers stayed on the market 13 percent, or three days, longer com pared to this time last year.

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

HCSO mourns loss of Snoop – Snoop, a pa trol K-9 with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, died on Oct. 25 after battling medical issues for several months. The German shepherd was born in the Czech Republic on March 18, 2020, and had been trained in narcotic detection, obedience, tracking and criminal apprehension. His handler was Deputy Patrick Traphagan. HCSO is planning a memorial to commemorate Snoop’s life. A date has not been announced.

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

Support local businesses this holiday season — The citywide Shop Fishers cele bration is set to begin on “Small Business Saturday” Nov. 26 and run through Dec. 31. Special deals and sales will be available at certain local businesses throughout the city. The city will also launch a “Giving Tues day” initiative on Nov. 29 where businesses will partner with nonprofit organizations.

Colts player teams with Sport Clips to support nonprofit

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis Colts’ defensive back Ken ny Moore II and his Love One Foundation are teaming up with Sports Clips through the end of the month to raise money for the “Mighty November” campaign. Proceeds from the campaign benefit the Riley Chil dren’s Foundation for pediatric patients receiving hospice and end-of-life care.

The Garvey family met Moore II through a routine visit that wound up forging an un breakable friendship, according to Mason’s father, Kevin Garvey. Mason and Moore II grew closer and bonded over football and playing games.

CHARITY

The “Mighty November” campaign is part of a foundation called the “Mighty Mason Fund.” On Nov. 1 at Sports Clips on Com mercial Drive in Fishers, Moore and Tony Sawyer -- owner of Sports Clips in central Indiana -- presented Mason Garvey’s family and three other Riley Children’s Foundation families with a $10,000 check to kick off the fundraising.

Twelve Sports Clips locations across central Indiana are accepting and matching donations up to $10,000 throughout the month.

Mason Garvey was a 9-year-old who died in 2020 from embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. His family is continuing his legacy through the “Mighty Mason Fund,” which helps raise money to ensure that children receive the best hospice care.

“When Kenny left that day, I’ll never for get Mason said, ‘I’ll see you, bro’,’ and that was rare for Mason because he kept his circles so small that the people he allowed in were special. Kenny was special to him,” Kevin said. “It’s not about us being friends with a football player. Kenny’s a part of our family. I tell him all the time he was a brother Mason never had but he was also his hero.”

The bond between the two meant a lot to Moore II as well.

“I’ve found a friend, a family member, in a kid that we thought was going to be a small interaction during a hospital visit, just meeting Mason and interacting with him and his family. I didn’t know the rela tionship would go as far as knowing the Garveys for a lifetime, but it was a blessing in disguise,” Moore II said. “I feel as if I’m helping the family. But it becomes bigger than family because the purpose of this campaign will help so many other families and so many other kids that are just like (Mason).”

From left, Kenny Moore II, Heather Garvey, Kinley Garvey, Kevin Garvey, Tony Sawyer and Bridget Sawyer pause at the Sports Clips in Fishers after the check presentation. (Photo by Taylor Dixon)

DISPATCHES

Bicentennial ambassadors needed — High school sophomores and juniors interested in history and community can apply to serve as Hamilton County Bicentennial Am bassadors through a program sponsored by the 2023 Hamilton County Bicentennial Committee. Student ambassadors will serve as a bridge from the past to the future through conversation and public engage ment from January through December 2023. Apply online through Nov. 30 at docs. google.com/forms/d/1o-3mZxYeP_WY2n cO0MzytCNensGRmdWTx5RLJy26-hQ/ viewform?edit_requested=true.

Parents Night Out — Parents can embark on their own fall adventures while kids enjoy an evening of education and fun with Fish ers Parks and Snapology. This childcare op portunity is open for children ages 5-12 and includes a pizza dinner and guided program ming from Snapology, an organization that offers premier, hands-on STEAM activities for children. Sessions are $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Upcoming dates include Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. For more infor mation and to register for a session, visit playfishers.com/ParentsNightOut.

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

Fishers State of the City announced — Fish ers will hold its state of the city address Nov. 17 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center. OneZone Chamber announced that IU Health will be the presenting sponsor. Guests will hear from Mayor Fadness and then join in the first ever VIP Reception af terwards, which will cost $50 to attend and will include live music, appetizers and drinks. Attire is business casual and registration for the VIP Reception is required.

ABC Prep Academy trains students for construction jobs

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Associated Builders and Contractors

EDUCATION

Commercial Construction Prep Academy students received hands-on training with forklifts earlier this month.

The Fishers construction prep academy, which offers a two-year credited program designed to teach students commercial con struction trades, held demonstrations Nov. 1-3 at the campus at 11837 Technol ogy Dr.

“This is a moneymaker,” said ABC Prep Academy lead instructor Bill Keevern, who is in his fifth year as a teacher. “This, along with the other OSHA (Occupational Health and Safe ty Health Administration) classes we teach, are the classes on a student’s resume that catch the employer’s attention. We take this seriously. These are adult-level classes and they have to pass them. There is a written and driving test. They will get a card to say they have the train ing, good for three years, so this is a big deal for them.”

Keevern said the forklifts are used extensively on job sites.

“We wait a few months to do this, so we know they are well trained on our safety pro cedures and their listening skills, and they know how to obey us,” Keevern said. “We will do other classes like this later in the year.”

Robert Kneberg is the director of the academy.

“We do a whole week of the forklift train ing, and the point is, forklifts are commonly on the job site,” Kneberg said. “We train relevant and retained skills to the workforce. We want to put students into occupations as soon as they are ready to go to work with the skill level needed. We have a 100 per cent placement rate with a start day before

the school year ends for any student who wants to be in the market for a paid intern ship or paid adult internship leading to fulltime employment. We’re a pathway for real results for our students.”

Junior and senior students typically attend the school for three hours a week.

“This is a real pathway to a career with real results,” Kneberg said.

Kneberg said 96 students are enrolled, with 54 participating in forklift training. The students are from Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers and Noblesville high schools as well as homeschool students. There were 50 students during the 2021-22 school year.

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Caden Drish is in his first year in the program.

“I love it,” he said. “I learn a lot of skills, learn how to use a drill, learn how to use a tape measure, learn more than I would in school. I realize college wouldn’t be my thing. I’m not a big fan of school. I’m more of a hands-on person. I’d rather be here.”

Drish, who wants to be a carpen ter, said the forklift was the first demonstration in driving.

“All these things help me with it,” he said.

Noblesville High School junior Sam Ander son said the school has been very helpful in his training.

“I’ve had an absolute blast,” he said. “I’ve got to refine a lot of my skills, like hammer ing nails and leveling stuff out. Then doing the most recent fun stuff like driving fork lifts. I wholeheartedly want to follow through with this program, the four to five years it takes to get my journeyman’s (license).”

Anderson initially thought he wanted to go into the military when he was younger.

“Then my mother brought up this (pro gram) and I fell in love with it real fast,” he said.

Drish

Anderson

ABC Com mercial Construction Prep Academy students work on forklift op erating skills. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

Fishers resident Samantha Elfreich, a 2020 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, spent the summer living out of her suitcase and sleeping on the floor of high school gyms across the U.S.

Elfreich is a member of Phantom Regiment, a competition drum corps and color guard that performs at events across the nation.

Phantom Regiment, originally based in Rockford, Ill., spent about three weeks prac ticing in Evansville in the spring practicing before hitting the road to perform.

“We move in and that’s our life,” said Elf reich, a junior at Ball State University major ing in media and video production. “We live out of our suitcases and travel around the country with the corps. (Living on the road) is kind of exhausting but in a good way. And all decisions are kind of made for me. So, I don’t have to think about anything except learning and getting good at the show. You become very good at your organizational skills, and I quite like that I get to focus on just performing.”

Elfreich began participating in color guard when she was in seventh grade in 2015 and participate each year throughout high school. She started spinning rifle and saber in high school and participated in dance. Rifle and saber and are used to spin and throw in color guard performances.

In Phantom Regiment, Elfreich has mainly performed flag and dance in shows, but this season she spun rifle for the first time, an experience she said helped push her out of her comfort zone.

After her drum corps experience each summer, Elfreich spends her winters partic ipating in a winter guard in Ohio called Jux taposition. Besides being a student at BSU, has taught color guard at HSE and helps out during the high school’s marching band season, which ended Oct. 30. The school’s guard advances to the semistate.

“I have to be very on top of my schedule. My calendar is absolutely full,” Elfreich said. “And just a lot of it isn’t even planning out the events themselves. It’s figuring out how I am going to get to this point, like when do I need to leave to arrive on time.”

Elfriech’s mom, Sheri Elfreich, is proud of her daughter’s color guard accomplish ments. She said her daughter tried a variety of sports that just didn’t fit.

“(Samantha) had been doing cross coun try, volleyball and lacrosse and enjoyed all of those, but none of them were really jumping out as her ‘thing,’ her passion,” Sheri said. “I’ll never forget it was Decem ber and maybe 40 degrees outside and she asked if she could go out and practice spinning her flag. As I watched her in the backyard, I told her dad, ‘I think she found her thing.’ Little did I know what that was going to grow into.”

Sheri marvels at her daughter’s growth in color guard.

“Watching her this past summer perform ing with Phantom Regiment was indescrib able,” Sheri said. “Thinking back to where she started, it is crazy to think of how far she has come and how much she has grown. Her dad and I are extremely proud and excited to watch her pursuing her pas sion. There is nothing that quite compares to being in Lucas Oil Stadium watching Drum Corps International World Class Fi nals, and the place is packed with fans and hearing the cheers and seeing the standing ovations knowing your kid is on that field or

on that floor living their dream.”

Elfreich’s dream started in the band room of HSE high school. As she was approaching graduation in the fall of 2019, she decided there was no better time to audition for Phantom Regiment, a drum corps she had seen perform at Drum Corps International at Lucas Oil Stadium for years with her high school band. However, by the time she got a call back for a second audition in spring of 2020, Phantom Regiment had to perform its 2020 season online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been able to perform in two in-person seasons since.

The 2023 summer season will be Elfre ich’s last year of eligibility to perform with Phantom Regiment. Winter guard, however, does not have an age limit so, Elfreich said she hopes to keep performing in that.

COVER:

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Hamilton Southeastern High School director of bands Audrey Torres,said that part of what makes the HSE band program successful is the feeling of safety and comfort the program provides for student participants.

“HSE marching band is a family and a home for so many students,” Tor res said. “It’s a place of acceptance. It’s a place of openness and lack of judgment and where you can truly be yourself. You can be authentic. You can be real. You can come in when you’re having a bad day and you’re going to have people that lift you up and you can come in when you’re having a great day and have people that will celebrate along with you.

“And so it’s really that safe space or that environment that students know they can come to in the school and be themselves, and they know they’re going to find a support system.”

Fishers resident participates in traveling color guard

Samantha Elfreich performs during one of Phantom Regiment’s shows this past summer. (Photos provided by Samantha Elfreich)

Samantha Elf reich performs during one of Hamilton Southeastern’s marching band competitions

ON THE

Samantha Elfreich tosses a guard rifle in the air during a show. (Photo provided by Samantha Elfreich)

ESSAY

Imperfect claims

Commentary by Terry Anker

If we believe that 100 percent of our team is 100 percent committed and not one person ever puts their own interests first, why would we ever need to im prove? What would be the point in pursu ing something beyond ideal? Lucky us. But how could we know the effort of another? We can observe their actions but not know their depth of capacity. We can see water coming from the well but not claim whether it could supply a great city or only support a small village. Few admit to delivering less than everything. Still, if we are entirely honest, do not some tasks engender greater commit ment than others? And don’t we know many who might sandbag a bit?

When we claim ourselves or our team to be selfless heroes without peer, are we in the midst of the fabled titans? Are we guilty of a bit of sales puffery, or are we indulging in full-fledged self deceit? Are we the greatest of all time, every day, at every hour? Or are we just good, imperfect, well-intentioned, occasionally self-interested folks? Can we reconcile our proper intentions with our ego’s need to claim accomplish ment? Perhaps it is a defensiveness that comes from our own insecurity. Or is it hubris that reflects a delusional overconfidence?

Perfect is a tough standard to meet. Yet we may be too thin-skinned to live with anything less than faultless ness in our firms and institutions, so we struggle to admit our flaws, clinging to the immediately evident prevarication that we are the ideal. Many good read ers will reach out to decry what they find herein. Others will laud as insightful the very same words. Does this indi cate that one is 100 percent right and the other 100 percent wrong, 50/50 or vice-versa? Is our very dignity bound by the impossible claim of perfection?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

— MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO

Take your time, deer

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Guess what’s almost here, people? Deer hunting season, the most magi cal time of the year, after Halloween, Christmas, spring break and summer, of course. That’s right, I’m staring down the barrel of two, maybe three, glorious weekends as a single lady, when my husband, Doo, frolics in the Indiana wil derness attempting to ensure we have meat for the winter, or something like that. No matter, with my kids also gone, I am looking forward to lazy mornings, empty sinks and a bathroom that won’t stink to high heaven.

But it hasn’t always been this way. When our four children were little and November dawned, I’d let the resent ment of Doo’s abandonment ride rough shod over me, fantasizing about ditch ing him for a girls’ trip to Aruba or a pro longed stint in the Peace Corps. I’d pray that he killed Bambi on the first day so I wouldn’t be stuck through Thanksgiving single-parenting precocious preschool ers with penchants for Sharpie buggery and nap avoidance. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I absolutely dreaded becoming a short-term hunting widow.

Now? I cannot wait to see Doo off with a heartfelt, “Don’t shoot your eye out!” Then it’ll be just me and the dog, a quiet and clean house, and however many episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” I can binge in 43 hours. I am literally giddy at the prospect. And if I’m lucky, Doo will need to return to the frontier for several subsequent Friday-Saturday overnights to bag that elusive (read: mythical) 18-pointer (“he’s real, dangnabbit!”). Whatever.

All I care about is that the fifth-most wonderful time of the year is here — deer hunting season!

Peace out.

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

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.

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

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

My wife’s in ‘Jeopardy!’

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

suits. In the pool area were about 40 peo ple, completely naked, staring at us.

Ken: What did they say?

Mary Ellen: They said, “You must be from the Midwest.”

HUMOR

This evening, Mary Ellen and I discussed how hosts chat with “Jeopardy!” contestants, prompting a quirky personal story between rounds. My wife, Mary Ellen, said if she ever got on the show, she’d have trouble coming up with five entertaining anecdotes, assuming she won every night for a week. Together, we crafted some fun ones. Her responses here are all true.

Night 1

Host Ken Jennings: I understand you had an embarrassing nickname in school.

Mary Ellen: In the fourth grade, I was 5-foot-7 — much taller and skinnier than anyone else in the class.

Ken: So, what did they call you?

Mary Ellen: The Galloping Hairpin.

Night 2

Ken: Tell us about meeting your husband.

Mary Ellen: A co-worker asked me to have dinner with her and several friends. One of those friends was Dick Wolfsie, who sat across from me. We never talked or even exchanged glances. Three years later, we were fixed up on a blind date. We’d been married two years before we realized the blind date wasn’t the first time we met.

Ken: You made a really big impression on each other.

Night 3

Ken: I understand that on your honey moon, you had an embarrassing experience.

Mary Ellen: My husband and I returned from dinner to our hotel in Big Sur, Califor nia. It was 2 a.m. and we figured no one would be in the pool. We decided to meet there without any clothes on. But we both chickened out and showed up in our swim

Night 4

Ken: I was told your husband’s long TV ca reer was the result of your banning a stray dog from your house.

Mary Ellen: Dick found a lost beagle on our front porch, but he was very mischievous and destructive. The beagle, that is. I told Dick if he wanted to keep the dog, he had to take him to work with him every morning. He did, and Barney ended up on TV with Dick and became a star — the dog, I mean. I take all the credit for Barney’s success.

Night 5

Ken: Did you marry your husband because you thought he was going to be a college professor?

Mary Ellen: When we met, he had just taken an associate producer position at a TV station in Columbus, Ohio. He hated the job, so I figured he would go back to teach ing. You know, do something serious with his life.

Ken: So, did he end up doing something serious?

Mary Ellen: Not hardly. But he did it for 40 years. I’ll give him that.

What if I got a spot on “Jeopardy!”? Find out next week.

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

Barney ended up on TV with Dick and became a star — the dog, I mean.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Dronedek launches new investment campaign

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

On Oct. 6, Dronedek, known for its “mail box of the future” that provides secure receipt of autonomously and traditionally deliv ered packages, recently recently launched a crowdfunding round on the Kevin O’Leary-advised platform, Start Engine.com.

TECHNOLOGY

In 24 hours, more than $110,000 was received from investors eager to help the Lawrence-based company produce units to be distributed across the U.S. It was the second-highest trending opportunity on the site.

Founded by Indianapolis resident Dan O’Toole, Dronedek has already raised more than $7 million through crowdfunding and other investments and plans to create a new market category called MaaS, or mail box as a service. The company is in the pro cess of creating a trademark for MaaS.

“We’re big fans of Kevin O’Leary, and as we work toward rolling out thousands of Dronedek units next year, we thought it was the right platform for us to continue to raise money,” O’Toole said. “We’ve just been inundated with major delivery outlets and others wanting to learn about the company and work with us, so we’re kind of pumped, to tell you the truth.”

One example of outside interest in Drone dek was illustrated at the May 2022 Associ ation for Unmanned Vehicle Systems’ Inter

national Xponential conference in Denver, Colo. Billed as the only gathering for leaders and end users in every industry to share use cases, experience new technology, strike up new partnerships and solve real problems, O’Toole said his team was busy throughout the show.

“We were ahead of the pack in securing patents for our smart mailbox, and we intend to be first in line for offering the solution to how folks are going to receive autonomous delivery,” O’Toole said. “People are used to traditional mailbox and porch delivery, which is ripe for theft and doesn’t offer anything to protect their packages,” O’Toole said. “With Dronedek, they can safely and securely receive anything from ordinary mail to prescription medicine, and it will wait for them to get home. It’s a solu tion everyone needs.”

Last year, Dronedek partnered with In dian defense contractor Bharat Electronics Limited to develop, design and produce Dronedek units, which are being produced now. O’Toole said he plans U.S. distribution in early 2023.

Dronedek, powered by Oracle, also works with A2Z Drone Delivery and Hush Aero space, and security providers such as Sera4 and Scylla and network connectivity pro vider Helium. In August, Dronedek demon strated its mailbox of the future to the United States Postal Service in Lawrence and worked with DoorDash and Uber Eats to deliver food to mailboxes there.

A Dronedek smart mailbox at 5525 N. Post Rd. in front of Culver’s. (Photo courtesy of Dronedek)

IU HEALTH SAXONY HOSPITAL BREAKS GROUND ON EXPANSION

Indiana University Health broke ground Nov. 4 on its expansion of IU Health Saxony Hospital at 136th Street and Interstate 69. Soon to be IU Health Fishers, the planned expansion will add stand-alone outpatient physician office developments in the community and grow the square footage of the campus by nearly 50 percent. The hospital expansion will add 50 new inpatient beds, as well as expand existing services and add Riley Children’s Health Emergency Medicine services, new and expanded services in Obstetrics and Gynecology; Ear, Nose & Throat; Nephrology; Neurology and pul monology. Participating in the ground breaking are, front, from left, Marsha Stone, chair of our re gional board of directors; Holli Smith, administrative coordinator; Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness; Jess Boffing, registered nurse in the emergency department; Lydia Check, Riley Children’s Health patient; Gil Peri, president of Riley Children’s Health; Tamarah Brownlee, regional vice president of human resources; Annie Grinstead, IU Health Saxony patient; and back, from left, Mona Patel, imaging team, and Chad Dilley, chief operating officer of IU Health Saxony. (Image courtesy of IU Health)

DISPATCHES

Testosterone risks — More men over 40 are using testosterone gel to boost their libidos, muscle mass and energy levels. Recent studies, however, suggest that the gel can affect a man’s analytical thinking skills. Full effects are still unknown, but the early research suggests using caution with testosterone gel.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Avoid painted drinkware — Decorative glasses that have characters or designs painted onto them are potentially toxic. About 70 percent of decorative glasses test ed positive for lead and cadmium. All the glassware tested was produced in Europe and China. Red enamel finishes had the highest amounts of both toxins.

Source: Science of the Total Environment

Gluten and blood sugar — A recent study has shown that gluten-free pastas caused blood sugar to spike significantly higher than regular pastas. This may be because gluten slows the body’s digestion of starch.

So, if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, you may want to avoid gluten-free foods.

Source: Food and Function

Taking probiotics — Probiotics help replen ish healthy gut bacteria and boost immuni ty. When you are prescribed an antibiotic, continue taking the probiotic as well. But timing is important. Wait and take the probi otic a couple hours after the antibiotic. Oth erwise, the antibiotic will kill all the good bacteria in the probiotic immediately.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Natural appetite suppressant — Research shows that a spinach extract, called Ap pethyl, can significantly reduce cravings and snacking. A teaspoon per day was given to women in the study and they lost 43 percent more weight than women in the placebo group. Appethyl is available online as spinach extract in powder or capsule form.

Source: BottomLineHealth.com

Fishers currentinfishers.com

currentnightandday.com

CHS grad gets key role in ‘Aladdin’ national tour

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jake Letts was immediately interested when he heard “Aladdin” was audition ing for a new cast for an upcoming North American tour.

Represented by Tara Rubin Casting, Letts got a call within two days of inquiring. Although peo ple could send in audition videos, Letts traveled to New York to audition in-person and returned for each callback.

“I’ve always wanted to be one who, if I can get myself in a room, I want to show up and show out,” Letts said. “I want to show with my physical presence I really care about this work and getting an op portunity. I flew out to New York three or four times in total for these callbacks. After the last time, I called my agent and said I don’t think I’m in the show. I had a bad feeling after my last audition. All of a sudden, I got a call from my agent when I was in an Uber to leave New York and they wanted me to play this role. It was a dream come true, and every day has been magical.”

The 2017 Carmel High School graduate portrays Babkak in the national tour of “Aladdin,” with shows set for Nov. 16-20 at Clowes Memorial Hall on the Butler Uni versity campus in Indianapolis. The tour is part of the Broadway Indianapolis series.

“To work with Casey Nicholaw as my first professional director, you can’t ask for anything better,” said Letts, who grad uated from Ball State University in 2021. “Throughout my life, I got comments that I’m not a dancer. I’m not someone who people hire to dance.”

Letts said he loves to dance but under stands it’s something he’s not technically proficient in.

“It’s something that brings me joy,” Letts said. “Then to have Tony Award-win ning choreographer (Nicolow) say, ‘You know what? You can dance in my show.’ It was a moment that validated the work I

was doing and made me see it wasn’t for nothing. It’s not something I did blindly.”

Babkak is one of Aladdin’s three friends.

“They are street rats, just trying to find some food,” Letts said.

Letts said “Aladdin” was performed for the first time in 2015 with most of the Broadway cast.

“I fell in love with it,” he said. “I remem ber watching the character I’m playing and thought he was so funny. You could tell the actor delivering the lines was fun ny, but the lines themselves were really funny. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, wow, I’ve never seen a show with so much glitz and glamor,’ and just loving every moment of it. I got to do a workshop with (actor) Bobby Pestka the next day and he taught me and my classmates some choreogra phy from ‘Arabian Nights.’ I was hooked on the show since then and was especially excited when my show choir performed ‘High Adventure’ in the competitive set the next year.”

While auditioning for college, Letts said he channeled his love for the show and put together a dance routine to “Friend

Like Me.”

“It was goofy but got me an in-person audition for University of Michigan,” he said. “So, it couldn’t have been the worst. Finally, at Ball State University, my good friend Ani Arzumanian and I sang ‘A Million Miles Away’ as our freshman showcase duet, so that song holds a special place in my heart. Especially being a recent gradu ate, it feels like her as well as many of my friends are now a million miles away and hopefully finding their homes.”

Letts said he had a performance in Schenectady, N.Y., with a lot of high school students in the audience.

“I had this feeling of, wow, when I saw this show as a kid I was inspired by the characters and I wanted to be one of them,’” Letts said. “Now I am and thought maybe he could be a theater-loving kid and might get that same inspiration. I thought that was the moment that clicked, that I am to be someone able to inspire future generations.”

Letts played the title role of “Phantom of the Opera” his senior year at CHS.

For more, visit broadwayindianapolis.com.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” runs through Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

ELIANE ELIAS

Eliane Elias will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER NOLA LIVE!

Take Me to the River NOLA LIVE! featuring Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr. and Jon Cleary at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carm el. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘MOTHERS AND SONS’

Main Street Productions will present “Moth ers and Sons” through Nov. 20 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit west fieldplayhouse.org.

Oak Ridge Boys, Nash set for Palladium shows

Several new shows have been added to Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts schedule for 2023. Recently announced shows at the Palladium include comedian Jeff Allen (Jan. 7); The Oak Ridge Boys (March 17); Jim Messina (March 22) of Loggins & Messina fame; Graham Nash (April 23) of Crosby, Stills and Nash fame; and former “American Idol” rivals, now pals, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken (May 11).

Single-show tickets are on sale for the 2023 shows in the second half of the 2022-23 Center Presents Season. The main stage concerts from January through May are available for purchase without a subscription.

Presented in partnership with Allied Solu tions, the remainder of the season includes previously announced performances by the Mavericks; Boney James; comedian Kevin Nealon; Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin; Mi chael Feinstein; and ELO tribute Evil Woman.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Jake Letts, Ben Chavez, Adi Roy and Colt Prattes perform in the North American tour of “Aladdin.” (Photo by Deen van Meer)

Letts

HSE students present Agatha Christie classic

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Chelsea Murdock is the voice of experience when it comes to being on stage. That same voice will soon be sporting

Murdock will take part in HSE’s fall production of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” at 7 p.m. Nov. 17-19 inside the school’s Little The atre. Murdock will play Countess Andrenyi. As someone who has been taking part in such productions since her freshman year, the upcoming plays will be the 28th, 29th and 30th shows in which she has taken

Junior Micah Choplin will play the iconic Hercule Poirot in the play, which is set in

“I am very excited. This story is really cool. It makes me feel proud to be part of a community where they really value the arts,” said Murdock, the president of her

school’s drama club. “Coming off the three great shows we did last year, this (play) combines a lot of elements we want to touch on.

“My character has this level of class that I really appreciate. She holds herself with a grace that carries among the cast, and she has some really funny moments.”

The play is, in a sense, a change from recent productions at Hamilton Southeastern. That, said drama club director Ethan Mathias, was by choice.

“One of the things we try to take into consideration is what kinds of plays our students have already done,” Mathias said. “It’s been a number of years since we’ve done a mystery-comedy. Once the kids know what the show is, they are enjoying so many characters being on the stage together with different dialects. This play has Swedish, Hungarian, Russian, Scottish, standard British, French-Belgian and good old-fashioned Midwestern.”

For tickets, visit hsedrama.org.

FHS presents ‘Legally Blonde’

By Edward Redd editorial@youarecurrent.com

Blonde,” which starred Reese Witherspoon. It was later made into a musical.

The lead performers are Grace Mandel, who will play Elle Woods, and Trey Weger, who plays Emmett.

MUSICAL

Emma Rund had one major reason for choosing to direct “Legally Blonde, The Musi cal” for Fishers High School’s musical. She said she chose the play because it has many characters and singing roles that al lowed her to give as many opportu nities as possible to students. Along with directing both the musical and the play, Rund also teaches acting courses at FHS. “Legally Blonde” will be her first show at the school.

The performances are 7 p.m. Nov 17-19 at FHS, 13000 Promise Rd. Rund said the mu sical is based on the 2001 movie, “Legally

“It’s about Elle Woods who, un fortunately, gets broken up with and decides she wants to win her boyfriend back,” Rund said. “She decides to get herself into Harvard law (school) and on her journey, she figures out that she doesn’t need a man to be successful and learns about self-love in the process. It’s also a well-known show. I wanted a lot of kids to audition so they could see who I am and work with me and want to audition again.”

Tickets can be purchased at purplepass. com/#241765.

Rund

Murdock Choplin

IBC dancers get new challenge

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School freshman Haylie Fletcher gets a change of pace in the In diana Ballet Conservatory’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

“It’s exciting because I’ve always played these roles that are super friend ly and bring energy,” said Fletcher, who plays the mouse queen and Arabian soloist. “This is a different vibe because I have to bring sass or evil (to the mouse queen role). You get to be this powerful mouse. For the other roles, I have to be a little more reserved and mature.”

The performances, which have two casts, are set for 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 26 and 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel Bishop Chatard sophomore Ashlie Rohan, an Indianapolis resident, plays the mouse queen and snow soloist, among other roles. “I have a lot of roles this year, which is

really fun,” Rohan said. “It’s fun to play good characters and bad characters.”

West Lafayette Harrison junior Shannon McNiven plays the Sugar Plum Fairy and Princess Masha.

Rohan

“I’m looking forward to playing one of my dream roles,” she said. “I have wanted to be the Sugar Plum Fairy since I was little. This is a dream come true. I’m excited to dance with our guest artist who is coming.”

McNiven said she has worked on the art istry of the role and building stamina.

Indianapolis resident Aurora Ausserer, a senior who takes classes online, is return ing as the Sugar Plum Fairy for the second year.

“I’m excited to make it better than it was last year,” Ausserer said. “I’m able to work on the things that I saw and be more com fortable with it because it’s not as new and scary.”

For more, visit indianaballetconservatory. org.

Concert has New Orleans flavor

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Ivan Neville is carrying on a family musi cal tradition.

MUSIC

“We are the torch bearers of the New Orle ans funk,” Ivan said.

Ivan is the son of Aaron Neville. He is joined in Dumpstaphunk by his cousin, Ian, who is the son of the late Art Neville. Aaron and Art were members of The Neville Broth ers, along with siblings Charles and Cyril. Ivan also was a past member of his father’s rhythm and blues-soul-funk group.

Ivan, a keyboardist, formed Dumpsta phunk in 2003.

Dumpstaphunk will perform its “Take Me to the River NOLA Live!” concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The special guests will be George Porter Jr. with his group and Jon Cleary.

“George Porter is a founding member of the group, The Meters, which is one of the most influential funk groups ever, especially out of New Orleans,” Ivan said. “Jon Cleary’s

style is reminiscent of some of the great New Orleans piano players. He’ll be doing a portion as well. There might be a collabora tive portion as well, I’m not sure.”

Ivan said the tour includes groups that will appear in the “Take Me to the River: New Orleans” docu mentary. It is the second film in the documentary series. The documen tary will be available on streaming platforms Jan. 20, 2023.

“The film has a bunch of collab orations with New Orleans artists and other artists from different genres,” Ivan said. “We did many representations of New Orleans classic songs. This perfor mance will represent that documentary.”

Ivan said Dumpstaphunk will perform songs from its album “Where Do We Go From Here,” which was released in 2021.

“There are a couple guys from Dumpsta phunk who played with the Neville Brothers over the years,” Ivan said. “We enjoy getting to play this music anytime and anywhere.It’s absolutely a treat to bring it to people who may or may not have ever seen this stuff per formed live. It’s an honor to get to do that,”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Fletcher

Neville

Blueprint for Improvement: Complete basement transformation

Built in 1928 in Indianapolis’ Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, this historic home’s main living areas had undergone a full remodel, leav ing a dark, unfinished basement in need of renovations. The home owners wanted to create a multi-functional space for movie nights, entertaining and exercise.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New windows, recessed lighting and a neutral palette brighten the room, while navy blue custom cabinetry serves as a bold accent with stylish storage.

• Tonal wallpaper in the bar area provides visual interest with an art deco inspired pattern that calls to the home’s 1920s architecture.

• The bar and adjoining pantry make entertaining a breeze with ample seating, wine storage, integrated appliances and beautiful custom cabinetry.

• Corian countertops and luxury vinyl plank floors provide the look of natural surfaces with added durability and minimal maintenance.

• A full bathroom featuring sleek, classic details and a private exercise room help complete the transformation of this basement into a truly multi-functional space.

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

Commentary by Larry Greene

A ‘Swift’ album review

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

A visit to Niagara Falls

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, the final stop on our trip to Cape Cod, we visit Niagara Falls, among the na tion’s most spectacular natural wonders.

TRAVEL

Niagara Falls, lying along the United States/Canadian border about 17 miles northwest of Buffalo, N.Y., includes three separate waterfalls. The largest, Horseshoe Falls (“Canadian Falls”), strad dles the border, with 90 percent in Canada. American Falls and much smaller Bridal Veil Falls, located within the United States, are separated by Luna Island, where people can get close to both falls. Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S., was created by New York State in 1885 and con tains American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It features an observation deck providing a view of all three falls and offers boat rides to their base. Honeymooners can obtain a free “We Honeymooned in Niagara Falls USA” certificate from the park visitor center. The pedestrian-friendly Rainbow Bridge, opened in 1941 to replace the collapsed Honeymoon Bridge, connects Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Ni agara Falls, Ontario, where the 764-foot-tall Skylon Tower provides the best view of all three falls.

The tradition of coming to Niagara Falls for a honeymoon began early in the 19th century, when famous persons, including the daughter of Aaron Burr and the brother of Napoleon, celebrated their honeymoons there. Honeymooners increased follow ing the opening of the Erie Canal, which connected with the Niagara River. By the middle of the 20th century, Niagara Falls had gained a reputation for seedy hotels and tacky wedding chapels. That reputa tion is no longer deserved, at least on the U.S. side. Niagara Falls, N.Y., has plenty of fine hotels and restaurants along with its

wedding chapels, some featuring stained glass in place of neon. Niagara Falls now attracts sophisticated visitors from around the world and has become a must-see for visitors from India.

GRAMMAR GUY

If there is one thing I love more than grammar, it’s The Beatles. In April 1964, the Fab Four held all five songs in the top five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This record held until Drake occupied nine out of the top 10 songs in 2021 when his album “Certified Lover Boy” dominated streaming services.

Now with Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” and “Midnights (3am Edition)” albums, she’s accomplished a first in music history— her hits occupy all of the top 10 songs on Billboard’s list. The only caveat I’ll bring to this accomplishment is that The Beatles didn’t have the same streaming opportu nities available to them back in the days of Beatlemania.

When I encounter a challenge to The Beatles’ chart dominance, I have to check it out. And when I began listening to Swift’s “Midnights,” I was struck by her lyrics.

Sure, she uses terms such as “ghost ing” and her fair share of profanity, but I

want to suggest that Swift’s “Midnights” achieves poetry whose lyrical evolution has brought back lesser-used words and intricately weaves them into her modern experience.

Take the album’s opening track, “Lav ender Haze.” Not only does the title evoke parallels to Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” but Swift’s use of the word “melancholia” evokes a deeper emotion than a word as common as “depression.”

I know Grammar Guy doesn’t usually cover music, but I’m suggesting poetry and language from a bygone era contrib ute to Swift’s pensive pop music.

If you’re unwilling to hear four-letter words, then this isn’t the album for you; however, if you want to hear an exploration of “would’ve,” “could’ve” and “should’ve”, then check out the lyrical ex ploration in “Midnights.”

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

American Falls and Bridal Veils Falls on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

Niagara Falls at night.

The Rainbow Bridge connects Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

A Niagara Falls fireworks display.

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LIKE TO SEW & CREATE?

Custom drapery and soft furnishings workroom in Carmel is looking for friendly, personable people who like to sew. Sewing experience is necessary and the desire to learn and enjoy and increase your skill is a must. We’ll teach you our methods. Part-time weekday daytime, flexible 20 hour week position in a handy location in Carmel. Ability and willingness to climb a ladder is needed. Good communication skills. Call Mark at Silk Mountain Creations 317 815-1660 to set a time to come by. Please do not drop-in. www.silkmountaincreations.com

MATH TEACHER

A math teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of mathematics, including fundamental and introductory algebra skills, to middle school students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences. .

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position..This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience.

To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

A language arts teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of language arts, including fundamental reading and writing skills, to middle school students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences.

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position. This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience.

To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT

Seeking a reliable, motivated, positive Christian applicant with good communication and interpersonal skills to assist the Lead Teacher.

Experience with children preferred. Full time - $16/hour + Email ltob.preschool@gmail.com to apply or for more information.

Little Town of Bethlehem is a ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN.

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

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