November 29, 2022 — Fishers

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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XII, No. 44

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

Mayor addresses next ‘chapter’ for Fishers

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness gave his an nual State of the City address Nov. 17 at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville.

STATE OF THE CITY

He spoke about where the city was in 1872 and what the continued growth of Fishers will look like for the next two years.

The next “chapter,” Fadness said, will fo cus on three key areas: economy, operation al excellence and the community. Starting with the economy, Fadness looked at the development of the city since 2020.

“Even in the turmoil and chaos (of the pandemic), 3,450 new jobs were committed between 2020 and now,” Fadness said. “The average salary is $90,000. Both (Director of Economic Development) Megan Baumgart ner and I believed that we had to position our community to be successful in the ‘new normal.’”

In 2020, Fadness turned his focus to the life science industry in Fishers. That focus has now seen more than 1,000 high-pay ing jobs in the industry flood the city. By 2024, Fadness projects the growth of life sciences lab and office space to increase dramatically.

Fadness’ focus on the “operational ex cellence” of the city looked specifically at the city’s partnership with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. and the creation of the Fishers Health Dept. in 2020.

“We live in a more dense environment than Indianapolis,” Fadness said. “We have the lowest number of employees in the (health) department per 10,000 residents, yet we are the 18th-largest population served in the state. Out of 95 health depart ments (in the state), ours issued the most COVID-19 tests.”

Fadness also spoke about Fishers’ in volvement with IMPD to formalize a Crime Gun Intelligence Center in 2021. The center confiscated more than a dozen guns in Hamilton County and several more in Boone and Hendricks counties.

As part of the partnership with IMPD,

Fishers became the first community in In diana to have a rapid DNA machine. The ma chine reads blood samples, and within 90 minutes, a crime suspect or victim is identi fied. Marion County has used the machine 11 times in the past year.

In the next two years, Fadness wants to focus on preventing investors from pur chasing homes in the area to flip for rentals.

“There are 37 neighborhoods in Fishers that have more than 20 percent renter-oc cupied or investor-owned homes,” Fadness said. “Although these homes represent 10 percent of our housing stock in the city, they represent 17 percent of police calls. In the next couple of months, I’ll be bringing a proposal to our city council for consideration.

“We will look at a renter registration pro gram and a process to cap the percentage of homes in any given neighborhood that

can be rentals. It’s vital to the sustainability of our city.”

The community-focused component of Fadness’ plan looks at how to build back the “fragmented” relationships within the community, starting with the schools.

“Fishers stands ready to support our schools in any way or shape that we can,” Fadness said. “I believe that together, if we align our common visions, there’s no stop ping (Hamilton Southeastern) schools.”

Fadness called for the school district and city to come together with the shared goal of seeing each student “living up to their full potential.”

Fadness concluded the address looking ahead to several new projects, including the Fishers City Hall and Arts Center, a proposed community center, Geist Waterfront Park, White River Park, Nickel Plate Trail and the Fishers Event Center.

Mayor Scott Fadness called for a focus on the city’s economy, operational excellence and communi ty. (Photo courtesy of OneZone)

uwci.org

Jingle Bell Run raises funds, awareness for arthritis

By Chris Bavender news@currentinfishers.com

• Jonah Meier, Meier Performance — Physical Therapy Honoree

• Dr. Erica Garza Fisk, OrthoIndy — Medi cal Honoree

EVENT

The annual Jingle Bell Run is set for Dec. 10 at Conner Prairie. Organizers of the family-friendly, holi day-themed 5K and 10K run encourages partici pants to dress in festive costumes as they raise awareness and funds to cure arthritis.

“The Jingle Bell Run is the original holiday fun run. For 35 years, the Arthritis Foundation has brought people together for a festive good time that is also for a great cause,” said Sandra Messner, executive director of the Arthritis Foundation Indiana. “I think people like know ing that their registration fees and fundraising go to help find treat ments and a cure for America’s No. 1 cause of disability.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $79,750.

“We are already halfway there,” Messner said. “Every participant can create their own fundraising page or donate to a team.”

Each year, people who either have arthri tis, are medical providers or are community champions who have made significant con tributions to help people with arthritis are honored.

“By selecting honorees of all ages, we can highlight and show appreciation for these special people and allow them a plat form to tell their stories,” Messner said.

This year’s honorees are:

• Kate Elizabeth Sureck — Community Champion Honoree

• Kevin Balog — Adult Honoree

• Samantha Lemieux — Youth Honoree

“(Being honored is) a huge privilege and very special,” Fisk said. “I grew up in this community and have partic ipated in various races and volun teer programs as a teenager, but none quite like this. Bringing aware ness to how arthritis is affecting our family and friends can be eye opening to those suffering from arthritis pain, showing all of us that we are not alone in this struggle.”

Fisk said arthritis hits close to home.

“My father just recently under went a knee replacement after enduring arthritis pain for over 10 years. He finally had enough,” she said. “Now, I get to see how ad vancements in our medical treatments are changing his life.”

Fisk currently has about 20 people on her team with a goal of having between 40 and 50 as the race gets closer. Her fundraising goal is $3,000.

“But more than that, it is just a fun way to spread awareness and bring people I know out for a good cause and some hot chocolate — hopefully, dressed as elves,” Fisk said.

Messner said it’s always fun to see the creative costumes each year.

“Like always, we’ll have a costume con test to award the top team costumes and top individual costume,” said Messner,

To register for the Jingle Bell Run, visit JBR.org/Indy.

Fisk

Messner

Suspect arrested in connection with road rage shooting

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The Fishers Police Dept. has arrested a suspect in connection with an al leged road rage shooting incident on Nov. 17.

CRIME

Trevor Dahl, 24, of Noblesville, was arrested by FPD officers Nov. 19 on pre liminary felony charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm. He is being held at the Hamilton County Jail.

According to FPD Sgt. Tom Weger, shortly before 9 p.m. Nov. 17, officers responded to a person shot near the intersection of 96th Street and Hague Road. The scene involved a black Honda passenger car and a black Chevrolet passenger car blocking the intersection. The driver of the Honda was trans ported to an area hospital with a nonlife-threatening gunshot wound, and the driver of the Chevrolet was treated at the scene.

FPD detectives and evidence technicians responded to the scene and inves tigated. At the time of the initial investigation, detectives determined the driv er of the Honda was traveling westbound on 96th Street when he was shot, allegedly by Dahl. The shooting caused the victim to lose control of his vehicle and crash into the Chevrolet. The suspect fled the area before officers arrived.

By combining investigative methods and new technology, including the Flock Safety Camera System, detectives found and arrested the suspect within 48 hours of the shooting. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.

Dahl

Fishers District hosts holiday events

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Fishers District will host its first-ever Holiday Open House series Wednesday eve nings from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. Features include free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, a hot cocoa bar, carolers and in-store promotions from stores and restau rants in the plaza.

OPEN HOUSE

Admission to Open House events is free and will be from 6 to 8 p.m. each Wednes day. Families can share their holiday wish lists and take advantage of free festive photo opportunities throughout The Yard at Fishers District at 11549 Yard St.

Melanie Sturgis, general manager of Fish ers District, looks forward to the initiative.

“I’m so excited that we’re hosting our first-ever Holiday Open House series. We really wanted to provide a fun and festive atmosphere for families in the area,” Sturgis said. “Hopefully, it will activate the season in a unique way. There will be fun things like Santa and new decorations for the abili ty to capture personal photo ops.”

Fishers District encourages families to express their creativity, dressing in their favorite Christmas sweaters or matching pajamas for festive photos.

Guests are also encouraged to bring pets for a special photo encounter with Santa from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Pets must be leashed or crated while on the property. Guests must bring their own camera.

Sturgis expects a high turnout based on the popularity of Fishers District’s fall event series.

“We started the event series with Fall palooza. We saw a great turn out,” Sturgis

said. “Then we turned that into Friday Night Game nights. It’s been fun seeing families come out, and I expect the Holiday Open House to be just as successful.”

Special promotions from retailers will be revealed on event days. Visitors who pur chase $100 or more from any Fishers Dis trict retailer or restaurant and show their same-day receipt to the center’s brand am bassador will be eligible to receive one free carriage ride around the property during event hours.

For more, visit yardatfishersdistrict.com.

Fishers District has decorated its plaza area for the first-ever Holiday Open House series. (Image courtesy of Fishers District)

Noblesville fullback gets boost from added size, strength

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

At 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, Noblesville High School junior Logan Shoffner is still an undersized fullback. Shoffner has put on 20 to 25 pounds since his sophomore season.

“I feel like in the off season I got a lot stron ger, and this allowed me to power for some extra yards and allowed me to get a little faster,” Shoffner said. “The hits didn’t hurt quite as much, and it helped me get some extra hard-fought yards. I feel I was playing with more confidence.”

This season, Shoffner rushed for 1,414 yards on 189 carries and nine touchdowns for the Millers (4-7). As a sophomore, he ran for 1,270 yards on 148 attempts with four touchdowns. He set the school single-game rushing record with 347 yards against Mt. Vernon in the opening game of his sopho more year.

“Logan has a drive to be great, not only in football, but also in the classroom,” Millers

MEET LOGAN SHOFFNER

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Jonathan Taylor

Favorite types of music: Country and R&B

Favorite movie: “Grown Ups.”

football coach Dave Sharpe said. “He is a model citizen, great leader and incredibly hard worker.”

Sharpe said Shoffner has special qualities as a running back.

“He does not lose speed while making subtle cuts,” Sharpe said. “His vision and processing of information is the best I’ve

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ever seen from the fullback position.

He contortions his body to burst through small running lanes. His balance is un matched. He just doesn’t go down on the first tackle attempt. He always gets that extra yard or two after contact.”

Sharpe said Shoffner is an even better blocker than he is a runner.

“He is definitely a complete football play er and will be our captain and leader as we head into this offseason,” Sharpe said.

Although fullback is his primary position, Shoffner said sometimes when the offense rotates to other formations, he’s a halfback.

“Through elementary school, I was a run ning back,” Shoffner said. “In middle school, I shifted away from running back and played cornerback on defense. But I’m glad I went back to (running back).”

Noblesville improved to 4-7 in 2022 after finishing 2-8 in 2021.

“I feel like we are working on chemistry,” said Shoffner, who wants to play football in college. “We lose some offensive linemen, but we have a lot of returning starters that will help us take that extra step.”

Shoffner also plays baseball for Noblesville.

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Noblesville junior fullback Logan Shoffner rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the sec ond consecutive season. (Photo courtesy of Dave Sharpe)

Shoffner

From left, Hamilton County Election Board members Ray Adler, Kathy Kreag Williams (who is also county clerk) and Greg Purvis review absentee ballots with missing signatures or other problems left unresolved by voters who did not respond after county officials alerted them of the issues. The review is part of the normal process of certifying election results, which occurred Nov. 18 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center. The unresolved ballots did not count toward voting totals. View the final election results at secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Elections/2022G/results/index.htm. (Pho to by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

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Senior leadership propels HSE to special season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The maturity level of his senior players is what impressed Hamilton Southeastern High School football coach Michael Kelly most this season.

FOOTBALL

“Hopefully, that has bled over to the younger class es,” Kelly said. “From the get-go, they bought into working hard, practicing hard and competing. One thing you try to instill in the team is that competi tive spirit of, ‘I don’t want to lose.’”

The Royals finished 12-1, losing at Ft. Wayne Carroll 21-15 Nov. 18 in a Class 6A semistate.

“The beginning of the year we weren’t sure where we were going to be at after graduating 15 seniors on offense,” Kelly said. “We thought our defense would be good going into the year. We were kind of hoping that our offense would mature and key better, which they did.”

Hamilton Southeastern captured its first sectional title since 2011 and won its first regional title since 2005 when it reached the state championship game before losing to Warren Central.

“I’m proud of the fight our team had,” Kelly said. “Until the last play of the game in the semistate, they were trying to do their best. Give it up to (Carroll). They play a phe nomenal game on defense.”

In the first three postseason games, the Royals had outscored their opponents 90-13, shutting out Homestead 35-0 and topping Fishers 35-13 in the sectional final. Hamilton Southeastern shut out Westfield 20-0 in the regional.

“Our defense all year long was unreal,” Kelly said.

Hamilton Southeastern will graduate sev en starters on defense and five on offense.

Junior Jalen Alexander was the team’s top rusher with 1,533 yards on 205 carries.

Senior quarterback Ty Bradle completed nearly 56 percent of his passes for 1,732 yards and 17 TDs. Junior Donovan Hamilton was the top receiver with 50 catches for 814 yards and 10 TDs.

Kelly

2021 Adopt-A-Family volunteers work to deliver wrapped Hanukkah gifts. (Photo courtesy of Jew ish Family Services)

Fishers resident gives back for Hanukkah

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

For the past six years, Fishers resident Amy Crell has organized the Sharing and Caring program with her group, Sisterhood, at Congre gation Beth-El Zedeck at 600 W. 70th St. in Indianapolis.

CHARITY

The Sharing and Caring program partners with Jewish Family Services of Indianapolis by adopting a family through Jewish Family Services’ Hanukkah Adopt-A-Family program. Crell said the program served 77 families with the help of 819 community members in 2021. The Hanukkah Adopt-A-Family program is a communitywide initiative that helps local Jewish households during the Hanuk kah festival.

In previous years, Crell said Sisterhood adopts one family to “help brighten their Hanukkah,” which is celebrated Dec. 18 through Dec. 26.

“Gift requests range from clothing, shoes, socks, toys, cleaning supplies, toiletries and gift cards,” Crell said. “Our wonderful Sister hood members always rise to the occasion and fulfill all requested needs. In 2021, we provided 72 gifts to a single mother and her two daughters.”

Crell said she is drawn to the cause be cause she has a passion for giving back to the community.

“As the volunteer coordinator for the City of Fishers, I am passionate about volunteer ing and giving back to the community,” Crell said. “Being involved with Sisterhood and helping with the Caring and Sharing pro gram has been very filling and rewarding.”

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By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Cat and coffee lovers will soon have a unique destination at Hamilton County’s first-ever cat cafe, Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe. Located at 7852 E. 96th St. in Fishers, owner Holly Moss plans to open the cafe in Jan uary 2023 with her 20-year-old son, Collin Fields.

The Smitten Kitten Cat Café will not only be a place for guests to purchase and enjoy a variety of treats and beverages, it will also be a space for them to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens.

The idea first came to Moss, 54, when she heard about a cat cafe in Indianapolis. After she and her son — who is on the au tism spectrum — visited, Moss decided that creating a similar cafe concept would be beneficial in helping ease her son’s social anxiety while providing a unique cafe con cept to the community.

“Collin loves cats, and we thought it would be great for the cat community,” Moss said. “There are so many cats in the area that need homes, especially as the humane societies are filling up.”

Fields’ role in the cafe is being the “idea guy,” according to Moss.

“My son helps with graphic design,” she said. “He puts the ideas on paper and we have someone else make the design. He’s helped with the floor plan, and he designed our custom cat tree on paper. He’s my idea guy, then we make (those ideas) come true.”

The cafe is split into two areas: the cafe and the cat room. The cat room is an en closed room with a large window facing the cafe area. Guests who want to visit the cats must do so inside the room. In the cafe, guests can purchase coffee and tea bever ages and pastries and enjoy them as they watch the cats from their seats.

Custom design firm 900 North Studios in Indianapolis is sculpting the cafe’s custom cat tree. When finished, the tree will be 9-feet tall and stand in the cat room.

All cats at Smitten Kitten will be adopt able through the Humane Society for Ham ilton County. Adoption fees will exclusively benefit the Humane Society, not the cafe.

Moss plans to have a representative from the Humane Society present during hours of operation to help guests looking to adopt

a cat.

“Adopters will do an assessment and fill out an application at the cafe,” Moss said. “We’re working on the program (with the Humane Society for Hamilton County) to make it super easy for everyone involved.”

Guests are welcome to walk in any time for coffee and snacks at the cafe. However, Moss highly recommends reserving a time

slot for the cat room. Guests can make res ervations on the Smitten Kitten website for either 30 or 60 minutes at a time.

The cats won’t be the only local feature of Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe. It has a partner ship with Noble Coffee & Tea Co. The Nobles ville company will supply the coffee and tea for the cat cafe.

Moss’ mission with the cafe is to help

her son while providing a service to the community.

“One big goal is to help my son become more social, that’s closest to my heart,” Moss said. “But I’ve been a cat lover my entire life. It’s great being able to work with local shel ters and helping those cats get the visibility they need (to be adopted.) That visibility and joy customers will have from playing with the cats will help get them adopted.”

Moss said her son is excited about open ing Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe.

“If you ask my son, he wants to fran chise (the cafe),” Moss said. “But we need to start with this one to make sure we can replicate it. I have reserved a website for the Westfield area for a few years down the road, though. I also have a friend opening a nonprofit version of a cat cafe and she’s looking for the money to open it in Carmel.”

For more, visit smittenkittencatcafe.com.

HISTORY OF CAT CAFES

According to an article by the Uni versity of Pittsburgh, the world’s first cat cafe opened in Taiwan in 1998. The cafe was popular with Japanese tourists, who then brought the idea back to Japan.

The first Japanese cat cafe opened in Osaka in 2004. Because many apartments in Japan forbid pet own ership, the popularity of the cafes is attributed to a desire to interact with cats to help relieve the stress of a busy urban life.

Since then, cat cafes have become an international success, from South Korea to the United Kingdom. Some cafes have resident cats that are not eligible for adoption but can still spend time with customers. Other cafes, such as Smitten Kitten, part ner with local humane societies and animal shelters to help house and adopt out the cats.

Indiana has six cat cafes, including Smitten Kitten.

Hamilton County’s first cat cafe set to open in Fishers

A rendering of the Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe’s layout. (Photos courtesy of Holly Moss)

A 900 North Studios employee works on the cafe’s custom cat tree.

ON THE COVER: The Smitten Kitten Cafe storefront signage was just approved by the city of Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Holly Moss)

ESSAY

Stating facts

Commentary by Terry Anker

We identify those in the room we believe to be prevaricating and, as if we are honor bound to do it, call them out for their transgression. “Not true,” we exclaim, demanding a fact check — at least one that is confirming. Those who stand accused strike back, pointing the finger of deceptive conduct right back at us. The “facts” — those concrete arbiters of reality — can be surprisingly fickle. Any first-year law student will tell you that whosoever frames the case will eventually win it. Laying claim to data by showing that it supports our point of view is a powerful first-mover advantage. By the more nuanced second year of study, that same would-be attor ney can effectively argue the identical evidence with multiple possible out comes. Could the same data be used to prove diametrically opposed positions? Experience answers with an unequivo cal affirmation.

Now, more than ever, it is easy to find supporting information to prop up our “facts.” The internet delivers study after study dedicated to building — and then destroying — the accepted under standing of what is happening in our world. Some directly use propaganda to lead us down the primrose path. Others, assured in their intellectual superiority, use their position of legitimate or in fluenced authority to prevent disagree ment with their perspective. Many with draw entirely, not thinking, reflecting, or learning past some point of saturation that may have passed decades ago. As such, who is to be believed? And does it really matter?

Most of us hope it does. We innately seek veritas but get fatigued in pursuit. Perhaps our journey to find certainty would be improved with a few simple rules: Don’t intentionally intend to mis lead; don’t assert as truth what is likely an opinion; and don’t use our mouths to tell your lies — asserting your presump tive knowledge of our view.

CURRENTOON

‘Tis the season for tension

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It’s that time again, friends, when a major holiday throwdown is almost in evitable in my household. Will it be over tinsel? Perhaps, though 2022 is clearly marked as a year for the most glorious sparkly adornment ever created by man. No, my money’s on the tree itself. Real or fake?

Normally, we hold a forced-family out ing to Ace or Lowe’s where we choose the tallest, fattest fir in the lot. My hus band, Doo, will struggle to get it tied to the minivan, and I’ll nearly forget I have it atop the car when I pull into the ga rage, and then we’ll wrangle that sucker into the living room and pray to all that is holy that we won’t be yelling “timber!” or “fire!” anytime soon.

But last December, we headed over seas and decided on scaled-down deco rations, including a 12-foot fake Frazier that came in seven separate parts, each of which folded up like an umbrella. I ba sically assembled it by myself, no fuss, no mess. A veritable Christmas miracle in my book, though everyone else im mediately dubbed it “The Imposter” and accused me of essentially ruining their lives.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

— MAHATMA GANDHI

POLICIES

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I suppose it’s no real surprise then that 5 of 6 Wilsons polled said there is no way on god’s green earth that my perfect plastic tannenbaum will ever see the light of day. I’d argue, of course, that a happy mom is a happy home, and that a little artificial foliage is a small price to pay for Yuletide peace and goodwill.

‘Tis the season for tinsel and tension, with a real-versus-fake tree throwdown clearly on the horizon. We shall see!

Peace out.

info@youarecurrent.com.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at

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

“Where there is love there is life.”

Now (I) hear this

what I did, until this week. Here’s what I discovered:

•  The turn signal makes a clicking noise when you hit the lever.

HUMOR

This week, I purchased a good pair of hearing aids. My wife has bugged me for a long time to do this. Hearing loss runs in my fam ily. My grandmother was born nearly deaf. When she finally got hearing aids, they did little more than raise the vol ume of sounds. “Don’t speak louder, speak slower” she would say. At dinner, she would constantly ask us to repeat things. But when she said something to annoy my father, he’d whisper under his breath to my mother, “What a pain in the butt Mildred is tonight.” Then Grandma would glare at him and say: “You’re a pain in the butt, too.”

When I give a presentation about humor, I tell this joke: A man reports to his doctor that his wife is in denial about being hard of hearing. The doctor tells him to go home and see how close he has to get to her for her to hear him. That night, he calls from the front door, “I’m home, honey. What’s for dinner?” No re sponse, so he tries calling from every room. “Honey, I’m home. What’s for dinner?” Noth ing. He goes into the kitchen and screams near her ear, “Honey, I’m home. What’s for dinner?”

Wife: “For the fifth time, Edward, pot roast!”

This joke is particularly funny to older women with stubborn hubbies who refuse to face reality about their hearing, claiming the loss is just a part of aging and noth ing can be done about it. That’s kind of

• Leaves do rustle when you step on them.

• At night, rain on the roof can wake you up.

Just joking, of course. My loss was eas ily corrected with the appropriate devices. Severe hearing loss, though, is devastating and life-altering. Helen Keller once said, “If you are blind, you are cut off from things. If you are deaf, you are cut off from people.”

I once did a story about a racecar driver born deaf. He had never experienced the roar of the engines — or the roar of the crowd. After he had a surgical procedure to repair the congenital issue, I took a camera crew to tape his first trip back to the track to watch (and hear) trials at the Indy 500. Oh, the ex pression on his face that afternoon.

I’ve been bragging to everyone about how great my hearing aids are. I took one out of my ear and showed it to my friend Bob.

“What kind is it?” he asked.

“About 4:30,” I told him.

It was a very old joke, but I’ve waited my whole life to find a way to use it.

P.S., did you know bacon makes a sizzling noise when you fry it?

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Helen Keller once said, “If you are blind, you are cut off from things. If you are deaf, you are cut off from people.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Orthopedic practices partner

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

OrthoAlliance, one of the nation’s leading orthopedic management services organi zations, announced its partnership with Central Indiana Ortho pedics on Nov. 16. The partnership will allow OrthoAlliance to continue its expansion into the Midwest thanks to Central Indiana Orthopedics.

PARTNERSHIP

Fishers’ new Orthopedic Care Center is thanks to the partnership of OrthoAlliance and Central Indiana Orthopedics. (Photo courtesy of Central Indiana Orthopedics)

The partnership added four main loca tions to OrthoAlliance’s network, one of which opened in 2020 at 14300 E. 138th St. in Fishers. Two satellite locations and 26 physicians have also been added to the OrthoAlliance network with the partnership.

Central Indiana Orthopedics will continue to provide patient care while OrthoAlliance will deliver administrative and clinical support to Central Indiana Orthopedics patients throughout central Indiana.

“For more than 70 years, Central Indiana Orthopedics has been delivering compas sionate and expert care to the residents of Central Indiana,” said Dr. P. Jamieson Kay, a surgeon with Central Indiana Orthopedics.

“Joining OrthoAlliance allows us to further our mission of getting patients back to doing what they love by offering orthopedic services provided by board-certified doctors and licensed specialists.”

In the last few years, OrthoAlliance has grown to nearly 150 physicians and 2,000 employees.

The partnership will not affect patient care, according to the OrthoAlliance press release.

“With this partnership, and OrthoAlli ance’s proven track record, we will be able to continue growing our organization while focusing on exceptional care and service that our doctors and medical providers bring to every patient we serve,” Kay stated.

New CEO for Hamilton Co. agency

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES

The board of directors for the Hamilton County Economic Development Corp., or Invest Ham ilton County, promoted Mike

treasurer. “This is an organization that has those values at its heart, and as such is positioned well to assist the county as we continue to grow and thrive.”

LEADERSHIP

Thibideau to president and chief executive officer for the organiza tion on Nov. 8.

Thibideau has served as vice president of workforce strategy since 2021.

Notable new Invest Hamilton Coun ty programs launched since Thibideau joined the staff in 2021 include mental health education and resources for local businesses; facilitation of broadband ex pansion within the community; AI-driven Career Explorer, innovative research and training programs for the local hospitality industry; and the Hamilton County’s new CTE District, The Pursuit Institute.

“Hamilton County is a community that is driven by collaboration, innovation and talent,” said Christine Altman, a county commissioner and Invest Hamilton County

Before 2021, Thibideau was the director of Indiana Workforce Recovery at the Indiana Chamber of Com merce. Invest Hamilton County is staffed through an operating partnership with Hamilton County Tourism, where Thibideau will continue to serve as vice pres ident of workforce strategy. He begins his new role immediately.

The board of directors also launched updated mission and vision statements for the organization.

The new mission statement for the or ganization reads, “Empower the economic vitality of the residents, businesses and communities of Hamilton County by at tracting, retaining, and supporting talent.”

The new vision statement reads, “Hamilton County is a community that competes for top-tier talent on a national scale, supports and retains its employers and workforce and ranks as one of the best places to live and work in America.”

Stocks benefit from cancer test break throughs — Amid the race to develop coro navirus tests, vaccines and treatments, many investors might overlook another realm of impressive medical breakthroughs. Molecular diagnostic firms are developing innovative blood tests that can detect many forms of cancer, some even at the earliest stages before cancerous cells mass togeth er. In the past five years, genomic blood testing has become a $6 billion-a-year mar ket, mostly driven by tests such as “liquid biopsies” that allow patients with potential ly cancerous tumors to avoid expensive and invasive surgery to remove sample tissue.

Over the next decade, the diagnostics mar ket is expected to soar to more than $50 billion annually as companies develop ear ly-detection tests to screen asymptomatic patients for cancers.

Three promising companies are:

• Exact Sciences (EXAS) had nearly $900 million in total revenues last year, mostly from two products — Cologuard, an alternative to colonoscopies that screens stool samples for colon cancer, and Oncotype Dx, a genomic test that can predict which women with ear ly-stage breast cancer will not benefit from chemotherapy.

• Guardant Health (GH) makes liquid bi opsy kits that test for mutations in the tumors of advanced cancer patients to enable proper therapy selection.

• Natera (NTRA) tests monitor for relaps es in breast and lung cancer and can identify recurrent tumors months before traditional methods such as CT scans. The company also is expanding its bloodtest technology to predict whether organ-transplant recipients are likely to reject a new organ.

Source: BottomLineInc

Initiative benefits truckers — The Indiana Dept. of Transportation’s Trucks Park Here system is a multi-state, regional effort to make interstate travel safer by creating a network of safe, convenient parking areas for truckers with the ability to collect and share real-time parking availability with drivers through dynamic message signs, smartphone applications, and traveler infor mation websites. INDOT has 19 sites in the Trucks Park Here system along Interstates 65, 69 and 70. The routes are among some of the most important corridors in the U.S. with truck volumes already exceeding 25,000 trucks per day and expected to grow.

Thibideau

‘Holiday Pops’ to feature variety of performers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Leah Crane, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops” show will be a special showcase.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

ORCHESTRA

“The tunes I’m doing are really great pieces,” said Crane, who is a singer with Pavel & Direct Contact. “I love holiday music. Most people do. I’m just excited to be a part of a show that has so many different artists and a dance group involved, and the India napolis Children’s Choir and Josh Kaufman is incredible. I feel it’s going to be a great revue of Indianapolis talent.”

The CSO “Holiday Pops” performances will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This will be Leah’s third time with the CSO in a year,” CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes said. “Because she is a crossover artist, meaning she sings classical, pops and Latin music, she has fit into many of our programs. Leah knows many of the other artists, which makes for a nice mu sical experience.”

Crane performed with Pavel & Direct Contact in a Latin music celebration in a Masterworks concert in October. She previously performed with CSO at Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co. in Martinsville in 2021.

For the holiday concert, Crane will sing two songs arranged by Chicago-based arranger/producer Paul Langford.

“He helped me to produce and arrange an album this year, so I got to release my first solo album with him,” Crane said. “He’s a great friend and fabulous arranger.”

Crane will perform arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song.”

“(Langford arranged ‘The Christmas Song’) specifically for me to do for a couple of years with Anderson Symphony Orches tra, and it has a bossa nova feel to it,” Crane said.

Crane will sing two duets with Kaufman, performing on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” which she will perform for the

first time.

“Josh has such a soulful voice, and he has really incredible range,” Crane said.

Crane said she and Kaufman did some caroling gigs, where the singers dressed in madrigal costumes.

“Before he won ‘The Voice,’ maybe the year before is the last time I’ve done any thing with him,” Crane said.

Kaufman was the winner of the sixth season of “The Voice” in 2014.

“It’s always great to be backed by a full orchestra and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is phenomenal,” Kaufman said. “I really like a lot of the slower, softer, tradi tional carols, too, but for a show like this you tend to want more of the high-energy stuff.”

Kaufman said he likes performing classic soul pieces like Donny Hatha way’s “This Christmas” and “Someday at Christmas.”

This is the first time Kaufman has per formed with the CSO.

“I was rooting for him, on ‘The Voice,’”

Hymes said. “When I came to work in Car mel, I was happy to learn Josh lived here. I went to the Jazz Kitchen to hear him a few years ago and we met at that time. The rest is history.”

Hymes said each year she tries to pro gram a concert that features Indianapo lis-area talent.

“Often, audiences know these artists and seem to appreciate the collaborative effort,” Hymes said. “Having younger performers, such as NZ TapZ and ICC, is a wonderful way of bringing them onstage to work with professional musicians and also to introduce them to our audience. I enjoy working with young people and this is often a highlight of the concert.”

Hymes said the show usually has a vari ety of new numbers each year.

“We play ‘Sleigh Ride’ every year and that is always a hit,” Hymes said. “When we arrange music especially for a concert, I always enjoy bringing it to life for the first time.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

The Live at the Center series will feature the Marrialle Sellars Band at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 for in-person. To register for free livestream, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” from Dec. 2-24 at The Tarking ton at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘HOLIDAY & MORE’

Ashley Nicole Soprano’s “Holiday & More” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players will present “The Christ mas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, from Dec. 2-17 at Mud Creek Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplay ers.org.

‘ALL

IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914’

“All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

The Belfry Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” through Dec. 4 at the Ivy Tech Audi torium, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.

“HOLIDAY POPS”

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will hold “Holi day Pops” concerts at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Perform ing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmel symphony.org.

‘A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS’

“A Motown Christmas” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Vocalist Leah Crane will perform in the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert. (Pho to courtesy of CSO)

CHS senior gets dream role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This dream has come true for Allie Hanning.

DANCE

“As a young dancer in the role of a tiny unicorn watching the Sugar Plum Fairy, I knew I wanted to take on that role so badly but never thought my dream would become a reality,” the Carmel High School senior said. “Growing up and watching her perform was always such a magical experience.”

Hanning will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Carmel-based Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s G2 company’s performanc es of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis. The dancers are from G2, the pre-professional GHDT company for ages 13-19 and students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre.

“The first dancer (Abigail Lessaris) I saw in that role in 2013 is now coaching me on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, which makes my experience even more special,” Hanning said. “I hope to be that inspiration

Allie Hanning, left, and Leigh ton Metcalfe will perform in Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s G2 company’s presentation of “The Nut cracker.” (Pho to courtesy of GHDT)

to the young dancers as she was to me when I was just a unicorn.”

Hanning has been performing in GHDT’s production of “The Nutcracker” since she was 8 years old.

“My favorite part of this role is getting to play such a delicate part,” Hanning said. “I love feeling like a princess when I’m danc ing, and not only does the costume reflect that, but the movement does as well.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancethe atre.org.

Westfield country singer River James, center, continues to write and perform music after being diagnosed with anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastocytoma, a form of brain tumor that occurs most frequently in children and teenagers, in March. He is set to start his second round of chemotherapy in early December. (Photos courtesy of River James)

Westfield country singer perseveres despite brain tumor

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

County flavor.

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL 12/2-12/24 ACS Ad for The Current.indd 1 11/10/2022 1:33:07 PM

MUSIC

The scenario that sculpted the name James Will Watson has used the past eight years could be mistaken for lyr ics to a country song: Young guy in a Corpus Christi bar ordering a drink; attractive young lady serving him doesn’t hear his name correctly because of the loud music playing; mispronounces it; and River James it is.

A Dallas native who grew up mostly in Wills Point, Texas, a town of 3,500 tucked away in the state’s northeastern corner, the 32-year-old now resides in Westfield, where he writes and plays country music.

James, who aspires to eventually use his talents on an acoustic guitar to entertain and inspire larger audiences with his brand of outlaw and folk country, understands the importance of a positive attitude to achieve his objective.

If the past eight months are any indica tion, he’s well on his way.

In March, James was diagnosed with an aplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, a brain tumor that occurs most frequently in children and teenagers.

“During the scans, they discovered a tumor,” said James, who said the tumor is on the right side of his brain. “I did have the chemotherapy and radiation starting back in July and finished it in August. My dad passed away 17 years ago of a brain tumor. They were on the hunt for his medical re cords but have kind of hit a dead end.

“I haven’t once gotten down about it. I’ve got the Big Man upstairs on my side.”

James has lived in Indiana since 2017, his years here carrying a very distinct Hamilton

James worked as a barn hand in Sheridan prior to his chemo treatments, formerly lived in Noblesville and is now in Westfield. He used to paint houses and perform other tasks to earn a living, all while continuing to write and perform music. The latter is a love born from a lifelong love of country music, and his Uncle Dave’s rather unique instruction.

“When I was 18, he heard me singing and said, ‘You need a guitar in your hands,’” James said. “He told me I needed five beers before I would even pick up a guitar. He thought that would keep me loose and from getting frustrated.”

Five Keystones later, James was hooked on concocting lyrical hooks.

On Oct. 1, the Benefit for River James con cert was performed in Carmel, raising ap proximately $2,000 to help with his medical bills while away from work.

He begins his second round of chemo therapy in early December.

James, who through age and circum stance, admits he has mellowed greatly from the man he was in his shot-glass-raising 20s.

At the same time, he wants to musically give Indiana a taste of Texas.

“This has made me a more spiritual per son,” James said. “I have an appreciation for the ground I walk on. I’ve been given a second chance. I have a spark beneath me, and I won’t settle for second. I’ve made some good connections here in Indiana, and they’ve helped me get back on my feet.”

James, whose single “Ballad of a Drinkin’ Man” is available on Spotify, is determined to make the most of it. For more, James’ Facebook page contains covers of other songs.

Koz to perform holiday show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dave Koz never expected to have a 25th anniversary tour.

Peter White, Keiko Matsui and vocalist Re becca Jade.

Koz said a new album, “Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Ballads,” is a companion piece to the tour.

CONCERT

“This started out in a very small way, never thinking it would last this long,” Koz said. “We were just doing it in the beginning to go out and play some shows. We’ve managed to be here for a long time. We’ve seen people bring their kids and now their kids bring their kids.”

Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

Saxophonist and bandleader Koz has regularly brought his high-energy Christmas show to Carmel.

The show’s opening act will be bass play er Bethany Robinson and vocalist/keyboard ist Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin. Both are Noblesville residents. Robinson is the jazz band director at Noblesville High School.  Joining Koz will be musicians Rick Braun,

Koz

Koz’s friend David Benoit, a jazz pianist, had the idea for the tour.

“We both lost a parent within a few weeks of each other,” Koz said. “I was interviewing him for a radio show I host. He just said it as an idea to go out and play some Christmas shows and deal with our emotions that way.”

Koz said one thing that keeps the tour fresh is the lineup changes every year.

“You’re not necessarily seeing the same people every year,” Koz said. “It gives people a chance to see different combinations and different artists. The songs we get to play have so much meat on the bones, we can do so much with them.”

Koz said the concert will be a mix of songs from the album and traditional favorites.

“We do a Hanukkah medley every year,” Koz said.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From our bar to yours. The ready-to- pour St. Elmo Old fashioned is now available! Formally known behind our bars as the “Pop’s Old Fashioned,”

This libation can now be enjoyed in the comfort and convenience of your home or anywhere you choose to indulge. Now available in Indi ana grocery and liquor stores.

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

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

BEHIND BARS: ST. ELMO READY-TO-POUR OLD FASHIONED

Blueprint for Improvement: Modern kitchen makeover

After

Built in 1956 in Indianapolis’ Crooked Creek neighborhood, this kitchen was raising its hand for a glow-up. The space not only needed a cosmetic overhaul, the function and flow also no longer met this family’s needs. The owners sought more room to store, prepare and entertain while also incorporating Mid-centu ry-inspired modern style, honoring the home’s history.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Clean lines throughout the design — from the custom cabinetry to the minimalist hardware and sleek appliances — make all aspects intentionally constructed to make the space feel larger and provide doses of Mid-century style.

• Relocating the appliances improve the room’s flow and function, while the new island adds work and gathering space.

• Removing the soffit makes the room feel open and airy while also creating space to extend the upper cabinets, increasing both the room’s visual height and storage space.

• The statement backsplash provides the perfect accent to the room’s neutral palette, providing bold color pops with modern appeal.

Before

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

Commentary by Larry Greene

Visiting Keeneland, Claiborne Farms

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our second day in Lexington, Ky., we visit two of the world’s most fa mous thoroughbred racing establishments.

TRAVEL

As we noted last week, in the first half of the 19th century, Henry Clay raised champion thoroughbred horses on his Ashland estate outside Lexington.

Lexington recognizes horse racing’s debt to Clay in the Ashland Stakes, run annually at the Keeneland racecourse, opened in 1936 by Jack Keene, son of a wealthy thorough bred owner. Each year since, Keeneland has hosted some of the nation’s most mem orable races and has become one of the nation’s most recognizable racing venues. Keeneland hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1984, and most of the scenes of the movie “Sea biscuit” were filmed there.

Keeneland is also famous for the four auctions it holds each year, where own ers from around the world bid millions of dollars on horses they hope will become champions. Many of those champions have been bred or raised at Lexington’s Claiborne Farms, established near Lexington in 1910. Its owner imported breeding stock from

Europe and quickly became among the nation’s most successful horse breeders. Claiborne Farms stallions and their progeny have won 22 Kentucky Derbies, 20 Preak nesses and 22 Belmont Stakes. Twenty-two members of racing’s Hall of Fame have been foaled and/or raised at Claiborne Farms. Secretariat, the famous 1973 Triple Crown winner who stood stud at Claiborne Farms, is buried there.

Keeneland and Claiborne Farms offer guided tours of their facilities. The Keene land tour allows visitors to get close to the track, where hopefuls often work out. The Claiborne Farms tour includes a visit to the stallion barns and breeding shed, where mares are bred with Claiborne Farms’ stal lions, with a fee of up to $100,000 or more for a 10-minute encounter.

Today, Lexington is the unquestioned cen ter of the thoroughbred industry in the Unit ed States, with hundreds of horse farms.

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

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

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around December 2, 2022, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (Commission) to update its Electric Vehicle Fast Charge (EVFC) tariff, Rider 28, under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. The tariff revision will be an update to the EVFC rate based on the revised statewide average, as of November 2022, for EVFC charging offered by individual fast charge stations in Indiana that charge a consumption-based fee, are greater than 50KW in charging capacity and are available 24 hours a day. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission - PNC Center 101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 Telephone: 317-232-2703

Embracing idea nouns

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

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

Telephone: 317-232-2494

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

GRAMMAR GUY

In elementary school, we learn a noun is a “person, place or thing.” Rabbit. Cere al. Toilet. Especially toilet. Words like “toilet” make Mad Libs a hit with my kids when we take road trips.

However, at some point down the line, we learn that an “idea” is also a noun. I don’t know which governing English lan guage body decided this or at what point it became part of the school curriculum, but I’ll bet it was met with the same backlash as Pluto being relegated to a lower-level planet.

Yes, ideas are nouns, and they’re my favorite types of nouns. These ideas were the ones the Founding Fathers often capi talized, and that the Bible extols: joy, hon esty, freedom, loyalty, wisdom, truth and friendship. Sam the Eagle would be proud. Pride — there’s another one.

The above examples were all positive words (except “pride,” depending on context). What about some negative idea nouns? I’m all too familiar with disap

pointment, failure, misery, sadness and underachievement. I find these negative idea nouns as real mood-lifters in the Mad Libs road trip game: It’s time for your summer failure; don’t forget to pack dis appointment and plenty of misery in your suitcase!

You can’t have idea nouns without “-isms,” which, again, are great Mad Libs head-scratchers: communism, antidis establishmentarianism, totalitarianism, fascism, absolutism, materialism and even patriotism: It’s time for your summer fas cism; don’t forget to pack communism and plenty of materialism in your suitcase!

Although idea nouns can change the trajectory of a Mad Libs game, they do share a common characteristic: Idea nouns aren’t concrete nouns. Idea nouns are abstract nouns. You can’t touch “peace,” but you can experience it.

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

Grave of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat at Claiborne Farms in Lexington, Ky. (Photos by Don Knebel)

ARTS TEACHER

MATH

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.

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Construction Services has so much work that it must hire five people for residential remodeling NOW. The skilled carpenters we select will have strong abilities in bathroom remodeling, but also with respect to kitchens, decks, basements, wood and tile flooring, doors and windows, interior and exterior painting, drywall, plumbing and electrical, siding and room additions.

Again: Only skilled carpenters need apply.

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