December 13, 2022 — Fishers

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Dec 31st Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

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Construction begins on new city hall, arts center

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers broke ground Nov. 30 on its new city hall and arts center.

Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XII, No. 46

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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.

DEVELOPMENT

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, members of the City Council, Indianapolis Arts Center Executive Director Mark Williams and city staff attended the event in anticipation of the new community-focused city building at 116th Street and Municipal Drive called the Fishers Arts & Municipal Complex.

“One of the challenges with the old building was that it was structurally unsound,” Fadness said. “It got to the point where one side of the building was falling into the ground. The cost to fix that would have been equal to the cost of building a new building.

“We had a study done and discovered that the best use of tax dollars was to build a new facility.”

The new $22.8 million construction project is a 3-story multi-use building that will double as a city government building as well as a community center.

The first floor of the building will include a theater space with the capacity to seat

Fishers’ future city hall and arts center, the Fishers Arts & Municipal Complex, is slated to open in 2024. (Rendering

up to 330 people where city council meetings will be held. The first floor will also include rooms for exhibits, classes, workshops and meetings. The second and third floors will be offices for city officials.

The arts center featured in the new city hall will provide local painters, sculptors, actors, singers and dancers a place to perform. Previously, artists were forced to display art in shared spaces such as churches

and storefronts in the surrounding area.

The city has partnered with the Indianapolis Arts Center to bring displays and entertainment to the center. Scheduling priority will be given to local Fishers arts groups, such as the Nickel Plate Players and Fishers Music Works.

The new facility is slated to open in the spring of 2024.

City officials and representatives from the Indianapolis Art Center broke ground at the site of the new city hall Nov. 30. From left, Armando Garcia, Indianapolis Art Center; Shannon Bennett, Indianapolis Art Center; Mark Williams, Indianapolis Art Center; Mayor Scott Fadness, City of Fishers; Les Reinhardt, Fishers Art Council; Aili McGill, Nickel Plate Arts. Photo courtesy of the city of Fishers. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

courtesy of the City of Fishers)

uwci.org

Recycle beyond the blue bin

Commentary by Cindy Muse

Attention, recyclers! A resource for many of your disposables is the Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Center. Located at 1717 Pleasant St.

I C O F I C O F

ENVIRONMENT

in Noblesville, the drop-off center accepts many hazardous and nonhazardous products from Hamilton County residents.

Items collected include:

• Electronics, such as computers, monitors, televisions (small fee charged), vacuums and general household appliances

• Freon-containing appliances such as refrigerators and freezers

• Household cleaners

• Fluorescent lamps

• Garden/lawn products, fertilizers and other pesticides

• Tires

• Paint-related products

On average, more than 2,000 residents per month use HHW’s Drop-Off Center. In October alone, HHW collected 22,752 pounds of chemical waste, 28,011 pounds of latex paint, 28,220 pounds of electronics, 11,961 pounds of freon and 7,200 pounds of tires. The center also accepts nonhazardous recyclables, such as cardboard, plastic and paper. It has a separate orange bin to recycle glass bottles and jars, which, unlike recycling available in residential bins, can essentially guarantee the glass will be recycled because it is not commingled with other recyclables. Just make sure the bottles and jars are clean.

HHW is designed to provide a vital service for the proper disposal of hazardous household products that should not be placed in the trash, storm drains, dumped on the ground, ditches or sanitary sewers. Hamilton County residents can do their part by dropping off their recyclable materials and hazardous products from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/262/ Household-Hazardous-Waste.

T H E S E A S O N T H E S E A S O N

Cindy Muse is a board member with Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. Learn more and contact the group through carmelgreen.org.

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Emerging artists’ work on display in Fishers

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EXHIBIT

Throughout the month, Fishers Arts Council shines a spotlight on 10 Hamilton County artists who are “up and coming” and “new to Fishers.” Their artwork will be on display in the Gallery at the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation at 11810 Technology Dr. in Fishers.

With most artwork available for sale, the Fishers Arts Council hosts the event to support and encourage hyper-local artists. The artwork will be on display through Dec. 30 and can be viewed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a few exceptions for holiday closures.

Featured artists for the event include:

Josh Brinson: Brinson defines himself as a muralist and graphic designer.

“In middle school (circa 2005), I discovered graffiti and street art,” Brinson said. “The idea that these huge pieces were on display in public and for all to see intrigued me. Plus, the vibrant colors, dimensional structures and wild characters involved in the pieces gave life to what were once only stark barriers within a cityscape.”

Jacob Hernandez: Hernandez said he is a “firm believer” that everyone is an artist in their own way. He is a lover of all forms of art, whether that be traditional drawing/ painting, photography, sculpture, architecture, design, literature, film, music, theater and so on.

“Being an artist is a wonderful thing, and I encourage everyone to make use of their own inner artist,” Hernandez said.

Julia Holland: Holland is an Art + Design student at Butler University.

“I have been passionate about art my

entire life,” said Holland, who has goals to pursue a life and career within the arts.

Barbara Howrey: Howrey’s story is probably familiar to a lot of people.

“I started my art journey by painting watercolors in 1992,” she said. “I put my son, who was 2 years old at the time, into a Mom’s Day Out program at a local church, and I signed up for watercolor classes at a framing shop in Brownsburg. I was only able to attend classes for a year because life kind of got in the way. I began painting again in 2019, and in 2021, I discovered fluid art and decided I really liked it and began practicing that medium.”

To learn more, visit fishersartscouncil.org.

Michelle Bliley, PA

Sabrina Williams, MD

Adrienne Einhorn, MD

James Horton, MD

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

Painter Barbara Howrey displays one of her works. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Arts Council)

No other current Fishers City Council members have announced reelection campaigns. From left: Brad DeReamer, Northeast District; Crystal Neumann, North Central District; Cecilia Coble, at-large; Pete Peterson, District 1; Todd Zimmerman, at-large; Selina Stoller, Northwest District; Jocelyn Vare, at-large; David Giffel, Southwest District. Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

Coble announces reelection bid for city council

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Republican incumbent Cecilia Coble announced Nov. 29 that she will run for another term as an at-large member on the Fishers City Council. The election is in May of next year.

on the challenges facing the disability community and establishes strategies to effect change. Fishers received the 2017 Champions of Inclusion Award from the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities for the committee’s efforts.

ELECTION

All nine council seats are up for election — three at-large seats and six district seats districts.

So far, Coble is the only incumbent to officially announce reelection plans.

“I’m so excited about the future of Fishers,” Coble said. “I look forward to continuing to better the community and helping improve the quality of life for residents.”

First elected in 2014, Coble became the first Latina elected on the Fishers City Council after Fishers transitioned from a town to a city. She also was the first woman to serve as city council president (2020-2021).

Coble is co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, an initiative that she led to create. The committee focuses

“I am proud of the work the Disability Committee has done to champion inclusion, accessibility and in providing more housing and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Fishers,” Coble said. “It’s led to helping other cities implement the same approach.”

Coble said she plans to continue to focus on diversifying Fishers’ tax base to keep taxes low; ensure police and fire have the resources they need; and that the city invests in quality-of-life opportunities.

Coble serves on the board of directors of Accelerate Indiana Municipalities and is an appointed member of the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. She is a charter member of the Fifty Club of Fishers, is a founding member of Thrive Social Club and is a past president of the Hamilton County Republican Women’s Club.

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Coble

TV series features Fishers business

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

An Emmy-nominated television series has touched down in Fishers, focusing on Hub & Spoke at 8100 E. 106th St., Suite 260. Now, the show “Selling Indianapolis” is looking for other local businesses to highlight.

TELEVISION

According to Andy Liechty, one of the hosts for the new show on The American Dream TV Network, the network is looking to interview and share the stories of the businesses, and people who make Hamilton County “a special place to live.” The show will air locally on cable, Amazon Fire, Apple TV and Roku.

“The show is about lifestyles, culture and real estate in the northern Indianapolis area, but specifically focusing on Hamilton County,” Liechty said. “We try to focus on places that offer cool or different opportunities for residents to engage with their community.”

The episode featuring Hub & Spoke is expected to air Dec. 10.

Liechty said the network chose to feature Hub & Spoke because of its “uniqueness.”

“As a host, I’ve been trying to focus on unique places in Hamilton County that offer cool opportunities,” Liechty said. “A friend of mine knew (Hub & Spoke founder) David Decker and figured the larger community of Hamilton County might not know about the rich educational content connected with Hub & Spoke.”

Hub & Spoke is a 94,000-square-foot mixed-use development and partnership with the City of Fishers. It includes a Design Center with retail showrooms, coworking space and a state-of-the-art makerspace.

To submit a business or a person for consideration, email Liechty at talktoaliechty@ gmail.com, or call 317-340-2056.

“Selling Indianapolis” show host Andy Liechty, right, speaks with David Decker, founder of Hub & Spoke, the first business featured on “Selling Indianapolis.” (Photo courtesy of Andy Liechty)

DISPATCHES

stories and photos — Have a story suggestion? Want an event covered? Know of a new business or have photos for submission? Please email Current in Fishers Managing Editor Rebecca Fending at rebecca@youarecurrent.com or call 317-489-4444. Remember our deadline is about eight days prior to publication.

Send us

Cornerstone Lutheran Church Fishers to host Christmas concert — CLC Fishers is “thrilled” to host Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin for a “coffeehouse” Christmas concert at CLC Fishers on Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The concert is free; a free-will offering will be taken after the concert.

500 Festival launches Living Well Program

— The 500 Festival has launched the Living Well Program, a no-cost, resident-based health initiative for apartment complexes to promote resident wellness and build community. It includes discounted registration for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, training resources and built-in support to reach health goals. It also features headto-head competition against other apartment complexes for an award for resident participation. Learn more at indymini.com/p/ mini-marathon/register/living-well-program.

Fishers has highest holiday budget in state — According to a WalletHub study, last year’s holiday spending increased 14.1 percent. The company released its 2022 Holiday Budgets by City report that looked at income, age and savings-to-monthly expenses ratio to estimate the maximum spending amounts for consumers in over 550 U.S. cities. Fishers placed tenth with a max amount of $2,969 per person for holiday budget.

F.C. Tucker Stats — The residential real estate market in Fishers cooled down slightly in October, with prices continuing to increase. 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 compared to this time last year.

NHS sophomore basketball player develops into ‘stat stuffer’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville High School sophomore Meredith Tippner has had a memorable calendar year.

She has already been a part of state championships in soccer and basketball and now is off to a strong start in the 2022-23 basketball season. In games through Dec. 3, the 5-foot-10 Tippner was averaging 16 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.6 assists for the Millers, who were 7-2 during that span.

“Meredith has been awesome for us this season,” Millers coach Donna Buckley said. “She is a stat stuffer. She scores, rebounds, defends and has the ability to impact the game in so many ways. She is an unbelievable talent and an even better kid.”

Tippner said her biggest improvement has been rebounding, inside post presence and using her body to establish position.

Noblesville captured the IHSAA Class 4A girls state title in February. Prior to this

MEET MEREDITH TIPPNER

Favorite athlete: Steph Curry

Ideal vacation spot: Florida

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show: “All American”

school year, Ashlynn Shade, who has signed with the University of Connecticut, transferred to La Lumiere, a prep school in La Porte.

“Ash cannot easily be replaced,” Tippner said. “But I think the best way we replace her contributions is as a team. We all need to score more efficiently than last year, rebound more and defend at a high level. I

have been focused on trying to make the best decisions for my team. I feel like that’s what we all need to focus on in order to make another run. A better decision, a deflection, an extra pass, these are the things that make winning teams.”

Tippner already has collegiate basket-

ball offers from Ball State University, the University at Buffalo, Butler University, the University of Evansville, Purdue University Fort Wayne, the University of San Francisco and the University of Toledo.

In soccer, Tippner scored 15 goals for Noblesville’s girls team, which captured the IHSAA Class 3A state title Oct. 29 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tippner loves both sports, but basketball is her favorite because she said she is always in a position to make a contribution.

“With a soccer field being so large in comparison, the action may be 40 yards away,” Tippner said. “But in basketball, I’m always just feet away from making a difference, even if it’s just getting into a passing lane, bumping a cutter, or taking a charge.”

Tippner said one sport helps the other with vision, explosion, judging speed and direction of teammates and opponents and making something a player could do on their own easier by combining with a teammate.

“Both sports are actually very similar as far as what it takes to win,” she said.

Tippner said being part of two state championships was exciting.

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

”

R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Jay

Noblesville basketball player Meredith Tippner prepares to shoot a free throw. (Photo courtesy of Matt Tippner)

Tippner

Longtime educator is new principal at career academy

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

said Gaard was chosen based on her prior virtual experience and leadership roles.

EDUCATION

Indiana Connections Career Academy, a tuition-free, full-time public virtual school, announced Nov. 29 that Fishers resident Colleen Gaard was hired as its new principal. Gaard has more than 10 years of teaching experience at Mt. Vernon Community School Corp. in language arts and joined Connections Academy in 2014 teaching high school English.

“I couldn’t be happier to join the Indiana Connections Career Academy family,” Gaard stated in a release. “The Indiana Connections Career team is an incredibly talented group of educators committed to opening up a world of possibilities beyond high school graduation and equipping students with the skills they will need to thrive in the workplace and build successful futures.”

Jane Ketzenberger, a media representative for the Indiana Connections Career Academy,

“Colleen brings strong instructional expertise from the middle and high school levels,” Ketzenberger said. “Gaard has succeeded in various leadership roles, and Indiana Connections Career Academy welcomes her with open arms.”

Indiana Connections Career Academy is an online public school that offers education focused on providing career readiness for students in grades six through 12.

By engaging in Career Education LiveLesson sessions, completing career-facing activities and demonstrating employability skills, students earn badges and gain elective credit, according to the Indiana Connections Career Academy.

Enrollment for Indiana Connections Career Academy’s 2022-2023 second semester school year is open for students in grades six through 12.

For more, visit IndianaConnectionsCareerAcademy.com.

Fishers Diving Club enjoys national, statewide successes

By Chris Bavender news@currentinfishers.com

For the last four years, members of the Fishers Diving Club have had the opportunity to work with head coach Jimmy Russ, who started his own accomplished diving career in 2004, earning awards such as MVP, All-Conference, All-American Honors and All-State Honors during his high school and college careers in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Thanks to Russ, a Carmel resident, and instruction from assistant club coaches Trevor Herzog, Courtney Leslie and Maddie Folta, the Fishers Diving Club has collected several wins and placements at various regional, state and national competitions.

“I grew up being an outdoor kid, always on the move. I naturally played every sport throughout the years. My athletic career in diving was the (1-meter) springboard in high school,” Russ said. “I was recruited my freshman year by a senior in my study class. I quickly fell in love with the sport.”

At the Fishers Diving Club, Russ works with about 50 male and female athletes ranging in age from 6 to 18. He has coached IHSAA state meet finalists, including twotime IHSAA state champion Morgan Casey from Fishers High School, and USA and AAU National finalists, including several USA and AAU Diving national champions.

The club trains at the Fishers High School Natatorium.

“The mission of the Fishers Diving Club is to introduce the sport of diving in the Fishers community and cultivate exceptional diving talent while teaching meaningful skills to all our athletes from lessons to national champions and beyond,” Russ said. “Fisher’s athletes have always been so well-mannered, they work hard, are very respectful and their families are truly amazing.”

One of the divers Russ works with is 16-year-old Jacob Schade, a sophomore at Fishers High School. He started his sports career in gymnastics at age 3 and transitioned into diving in 2017, utilizing many of the same basic skills.

“Such technical skills like air awareness, which is very useful in both sports, and flipping, twisting and good form were easily transferable to diving,” Schade said.

“Other helpful skills were also flexibility and strength, as those two components of conditioning are really emphasized in both gymnastics and diving. My background in gymnastics not only helped me advance faster than others in diving, it also instilled in me discipline, respect for others, patience, overcoming fears, being a good teammate and having a positive attitude.”

Through the course of his four years of diving, Schade has won several medals, including gold medals for 1-meter springboard, 3-meter springboard and 1-meter springboard synchro in the 14-year-old AAU age group as well as a bronze medal for 14-15 boys’ platform at the 2020 AAU Nationals in Noblesville. At the 2022 AAU Nationals in San Antonio, he won two medals in the 16-yearold boys’ 1-meter springboard and 3-meter springboard events.

Brian Morehouse, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High, and 11-year-old Ellie Orman, a sixth-grader at Carmel Clay Middle School, also are coached by Russ. Orman has been diving for nine months, while Morehouse took up the sport two years ago.

“Coach Jimmy Russ keeps it fun but pushes me to do more and do better,” said

Morehouse, whose goal is to qualify for the Olympics. This year, he won gold medals in the 1-meter, 3-meter springboard and 5-meter platform at the AAU Nationals.

Like Schade, Orman’s background in gymnastics has benefited her diving.

“I learned how to flip well and also (developed) good air awareness, technique and form,” Orman said. “All these things have helped me a lot in my diving.”

Schade has several competitive diving goals that include someday winning the IHSAA state championship, placing in the finals at the USA Diving Junior Nationals and

competing in college at the NCAA Division I level.

“Another goal of diving for me is to learn important life skills that are applicable to things later in life. I hope to keep building skills, such as time management, setting and achieving goals, having a positive attitude, overcoming fears and performing under pressure,” Schade said. “I also hope that diving can help me foster great lifelong relationships with my teammates and competitors that help better me in the pool as a diver and out of it as a person.”

Russ said diving is a “phenomenal sport” that helps athletes reach their goals, whether recreationally or in college athletics.

“It is also a sport that can teach life skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence and the importance of being a good teammate, just to name a few,” Russ said. “At the end of the day, I want my athletes to walk away knowing I’m their No. 1 supporter and while we strive for excellence in each individual, I also know that through a strong team culture our athletes are building lifelong friendships as well.”

To learn more about Fishers Diving Club, visit fishersdivingclub.com.

NOTABLE FISHERS DIVING CLUB MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS

• Cole VanDevender, an alumnus of the Fishers Diving Club, participated in the 2020 Olympic Trials.

Fishers Diving Club AAU national champions include:

• Will Jansen - Fishers, 2020

• Brian Morehouse - Fishers, 2022

• Sebastian Otero - Fishers, 2016

• Darci Commons - Carmel, 2021

Fishers Diving Club IHSAA state champion:

• Morgan Casey - 2020 and 2021, Fishers High School

ON THE COVER: The Fishers Diving Club participated in their first meet of the season at Fishers High School Nov. 19. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Diving Club)

FIshers Diving Club head coach Jimmy Russ kneels with 10-year-old Brian Morehouse, who placed first in the AAU Nationals competition on July 16 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photos courtesy of Fishers Diving Club.)

Jacob Schade has received several medals during his time training with the Fishers Diving Club.

Diver Ellie Orman prepares to dive during a competition at Fishers High School’s natatorium.

ESSAY

’Tis the season

Commentary by Terry Anker

Among the many blessings of aging is that along with the extra pounds and fine lines comes a considerable amount of perspective. Although a few of us get a bit crankier as our bones begin to creak, there are just as many that come to better understand the difference between the truly unacceptable and the merely inconvenient. Life is long, and much learning occurs. Things that we found to be beyond the pale in the rigid certainty of ignorant youth come to light with greater nuance as we travel through life. The “I will nevers” of a teenager become the “I can understand whys, even tolerate” of a fully developed adult.

Despite social media, politics and the 24-hour news cycle, this is a season to pull together. What does it really matter if Aunt Jane disagrees with us on the genesis of the pandemic if she makes killer sweet potato pie? And even if Uncle Mitchell demands that we defund this or that, he still used to attend all of our childhood softball games, cheering the loudest.

If Ecclesiastes has it right and “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” why can’t this be a season of acceptance? If we are so certain in our position or simply too immature to get over ourselves, can’t we just overlook the disagreement and seek to find commonality for a few short weeks? With the cold, gray days of February, we can return to disliking each other again. But maybe, just maybe, we will have realized that it all didn’t really matter as much as we thought. Grandma only had one brother, and it would make her very happy to know that he came over for dinner — even if he is a Patriots fan!

CURRENTOON

Slept in heavenly peace

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, you’ll never believe what happened this weekend. No, I didn’t win the Powerball, but it was like hitting the lottery in some ways. I slept through the night! I know, a true Christmas miracle.

Prior to having children, I could sleep eight hours without even turning over. Solid, deep, delicious ZZZs almost every single night. I’d awake rested, energized and generally in good spirits. Pregnancy changed all that, what with raging hormones and an ever-growing belly that made staying in bed for more than 120 minutes a pipe dream. Then of course, once the rugrats arrived, my time became their time. Feedings, diapers, bad dreams, sudden coughing and the random thunderstorm all colluded with my little ones to ensure I never reached REM sleep.

The tween and teen years were no better, as my kids became independent creatures of the dark. I’d jolt awake to a toilet flush or a microwave beep, possibly a poorly concealed guffaw. And once they started driving, it was always the post-curfew garage door opening that thrashed my hopes of uninterrupted slumber.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

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And despite being an empty nester now, I still generally wake up two to three times. Basically, the combination of motherhood and middle age has made me a perennial light sleeper with superhuman hearing and little bladder control. Go figure.

Which is why I am rejoicing this morning. I went to bed at 9 p.m. and can’t remember seeing the clock until 5 a.m. What? I had to confirm this tremendous feat with my husband because I simply couldn’t believe it. My sleeping through the night?

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker is an associate editor of

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it.

Have time for a fob story?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

This kind of thing could only happen to me (in a way, that’s good, because if things like this happened to you, you’d have your own humor column).

Kevin asked where my spare fob was, and I told him it had been missing for several weeks.

HUMOR

The other day as I got into my car and pressed the button to start the engine, it fired up as usual. But wait: My key fob was not hanging on its little knob where I always put it.

I went inside the house, and sure enough, there it was on the table. How could my car start without the fob? It was way out of range. It meant anyone could get in my car and drive off.

I was on my way to visit my friend, Bob. I said to him, “My car started this morning, but it wasn’t supposed to.”

“Were you out of gas?”

“No, my car is not supposed to start without the fob inside.”

“Your fob was not inside?”

“Yes, it was inside — inside the house.”

Bob was no help. He reminded me that a month ago I drove around with my cellphone on the hood of the car, so this didn’t surprise him. He suggested I go to the dealership.

I headed over and spoke with my service advisor, Kevin.

“You have great technicians, right?” I said.

“Only the best, Dick. What’s wrong?”

“My problem is that my car started.”

“Hmmm. In 25 years, that’s the oddest complaint I’ve ever heard.”

“BingoI It must be somewhere in your car,” he said, “Go home and look for it. I have people waiting with serious powertrain issues. I can’t help you now.”

Back in my driveway, I looked for it under the seats, between the seats, under the floor mats. The problem was the fob is black, the seats are black, and the carpet is black. Looking for it in the daylight was not working, so I waited until it was dark out and used a flashlight. Mary Ellen came outside and found me on my knees searching the car. I explained what happened.

“Do you want me to call it?” she asked.

“Jeesh, it’s a fob Mary Ellen, not a cellphone.”

I finally found it, lodged on the track that the seat slides back and forth on. I put the extra key in a safe place, and I felt relieved.

By the way, I’m not the only one in my family who loses things. The next evening, Mary Ellen said she wanted to prepare a holiday dessert ahead of time and couldn’t find our electric mixer that we keep in the basement.

I told her not to worry, that I’d give it a call first thing in the morning.

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

“Bob was no help. He reminded me that a month ago I drove around with my cellphone on the hood of the car, so this didn’t surprise him.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Local man launches electrical contracting business

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Trevor Agre moved to Cicero from Southern California in 2021 with a dream of owning a business. In June of this year, that dream came true.

ENTREPRENUERSHIP

Agre is a licensed electrician who owns and manages A5 Electric, a residential and commercial electrical contracting business based in Cicero that provides services to the greater area of central Indiana.

Agre has been in the industry for 21 years and used his experience to create his own company.

“I was born and raised in Southern California,” Agre said. “My family and I moved to Cicero because we saw opportunities here that we didn’t have in California. While working in construction as a laborer, I saw the benefits of a skilled tradesman and decided being an electrician was a great fit for me. So, I joined the (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and did a fiveyear apprenticeship in Los Angeles.”

A5 Electric, named for Agre’s family of five, offers services from full-service upgrades, whole home re-wires, outlet upgrades and light fixture installations. If it needs electricity, Agre said, A5 Electric can install or fix it.

Agre became a journeyman electrician in 2009. From there, he “worked (his) way up” through the management side of the trade to become a general foreman. Agre oversaw projects with a budget of $500,000 to $15 million in electrical work. He said those projects prepared him to operate his own electrical contractor business.

A5 Electric officially started business in late June 2022. Agre set out to specialize in residential, commercial and tenant improvement construction. So far, he said business is going well thanks to the support of the community.

“Business is doing very well,” Agre said. “I never expected to have the support of my community as fast as I have earned it, but I pride myself on quality installation and practices.”

Agre looks forward to what the future holds for A5 Electric. His goal, he said, is to grow his team.

“I hope to keep growing my business to the point where I have several employees,” Agre said. “I want to help train up future generations in the construction and electrical trade. As this is a family business, I hope to hand over the company to my three boys when they are old enough.”

For more about A5 Electric, call 317-982-1587.

Trevor Agre, owner of A5 Electric, and his family moved to Indiana from California to start the electric company. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Agre.)

Salt caves: healing with halotherapy

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

When most people hear of a salt cave as a holistic healing option, the first question is “how does it work?”

SALT CAVE

According to one local salt cave owner, all clients need to do is breathe.

Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy Center, 8899 Kent Ave., Lawrence, is owned by Stefanie Spiczenski. The business opened in 2018 and is one of only six of its kind in the state. It will celebrate its five-year anniversary this spring.

Spiczenski, 34, said salt caves, which are enclosed, dimly lit rooms with Himalayan salt-lined walls, provide many health benefits.

“Salt therapy, or halotherapy, is the action of inhaling a dry salt that is aerosolized into the salt cave,” Spiczenski said. “Breathing these particles can help the lungs and respiratory system as well as give benefits to the body and mind. It cleans out your airways like a toothbrush does for your teeth and alleviates bronchial inflammation.”

Spiczenski said clients report feeling like their airways are “more open and they can breathe more freely after a salt cave session.” She said salt caves can also be highly beneficial to skin because it kills bacteria that can cause conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

Faren Jones, a regular Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy Center client, strongly recommends the unique therapy.

The interior of the salt cave with zero gravity lounge chairs and warm lighting. (Photo courtesy of Stefanie Spiczenski)

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“If you’re one of the ones battling whatever is going around, after you’re no longer contagious, I highly suggest scheduling yourself an appointment at Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy Center,” Jones said. “It’ll help clear all that congestion out and get you on the road to recovery more quickly.”

Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy also offers detoxification and infrared sauna services.

Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy typically serves about 600 clients per month, including many returning clients. Each service session for the salt cave, detoxification and sauna is 45 minutes.

For the holiday season, Spiczenski is offering gift certificates and service packages that feature the salt cave’s most popular sessions, including bundles of three to five sessions of one service, or a sampler package that includes three sessions of each service offered.

“We are so happy to be in Lawrence surrounded by the history of Fort Benjamin Harrison,” Spiczenski said. “Lawrence is a special place to my family and I, so we thought, ‘What better place to promote healing and rest?’ We also absolutely love the building we are in. It was the fire station on Fort (Benjamin Harrison) and already feels like a place of refuge. Turning it into a place where people could come feel safe and get the treatments they need was a perfect fit.”

To learn more and purchase gift packages, visit indysaltcave.com.

currentnightandday.com

Irish Christmas music coming to the Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Celtic Woman violinist Tara McNeil views the group’s Christmas Symphony Tour as special.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

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

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

CONCERT

“It’s a very different show than our spring tour,” McNeil said. “We get to perform with these incredible orchestras around the states. Every city has incredible musicians we get to share the stage with. It’s such an honor, especially for me because I’m from a classical background. As a violinist, I performed with orchestras at the start of my professional career. It’s special to make music with these people who have given their lives to it from a very young age.”

The “Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony Tour” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The 16-show tour, which began Dec. 2, ends Dec. 22 in Waterloo, N.Y.

“It’s been three years since we were last out on our Christmas tour (because of the COVID-19 pandemic),” McNeil said. “We missed it because I had got used to it being part of my Christmas routine. We are very grateful to be back. The Christmas music is always so much fun and everyone is in great spirits, especially the audiences.”

McNeil said the show begins with “Ding Dong Merrily On High,” a very energetic number.

The group will perform songs from their new EP, “Christmas Cards from Ireland.”

“We have songs that have never been performed that we are doing on this Christmas tour,” she said.

The songs include “The Toys’ Waltz” and “I Saw Three Ships.”

The concert includes new arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

“It’s going to be great to perform them,” McNeil said.

There are traditional Celtic Woman songs such as “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace.”

“Even though it’s not Christmas music, I don’t think it would be a Celtic Woman show without those two,” McNeil said. “We

wanted to include them, otherwise people might be kicking up a fuss.”

Celtic Woman formed in 2004. McNeil joined the group in 2016 and is now the longest-running member.

Hannah Traynor is making her first tour with Celtic Woman. Murgen O’ Mahony is making her first Symphony Tour.

McNeil replaced Mairead Nesbitt, the only other violinist for Celtic Woman. Nesbitt left to pursue solo projects.

“Celtic Woman is a combination of Irish traditional music,” McNeil said. “It brings in classical musical elements and brings in musical theater. It’s always been the platform for Irish women to perform and showcase their talents across the world. It’s always been made to be this platform for us. It’s always been about the music, and the music is the priority. We’re trying

to give a little piece of Ireland and our history. I think it will continue, and I hope it does for a long time.”

The group performs nearly 90 shows in the spring in North America. Typically, it tours Europe and China in the fall, but the pandemic has curtailed that the last three years.

“With our big 20th anniversary coming up (in 2024), I’m hoping we can do a worldwide tour,” McNeil said. “I feel very lucky to be part of Celtic Woman. I admired the women who were in the group before me. I wanted to find a way to showcase my talents. I feel lucky with these talented singers. They are some of the closest friends in my life.”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more, visit celticwoman.com.

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players’ production of “The Christmas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, runs through Dec. 17 at Mud Creek Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

‘UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS’

Carmel Community Players will present “UhOh, Here Comes Christmas” through Dec. 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘MICHAEL BOLTON: GREATEST HITS & HOLIDAY FAVORITES’

‘‘Michael Bolton: Greatest Hits & Holiday Favorites’’ concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘GLORIA’

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will have four performances of “Gloria” from Dec. 1618 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. For more, visit icchoir.org.

‘FESTIVAL OF CAROLS’

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols will present concerts at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Vocal groups get Songbook honors — The Great American Songbook Foundation has selected three acclaimed vocal groups as its 2022 Songbook Hall of Fame inductees. The Lennon Sisters, The Manhattan Transfer and Straight No Chaser took part in a video induction ceremony and will be honored throughout the coming year with programming.

From left, Celtic Woman members Hannah Traynor, Murgen O’ Mahony, Megan Walsh and Tara McNeil will perform Dec. 15 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Celtic Woman)

•

• Special musical performances by local talent

• Remarks from the Bicentennial Commission and dignitaries

• Attendees receive a goodie bag and limited-quantity commemorative item (upon availabilty)

Ballet plans Christmas show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville-based En Pointe Indiana Ballet’s Christmas show presents a true contrast between acts.

DANCE

“It’s inspired by Smuin Contemporary Ballet company in San Francisco, which is the last company I danced for,” said Robert Moore, who is En Pointe co-artistic director with his wife, Pollyanna Ribeiro. “The first act is classic Christmas, and the second act is cool Christmas. The first act is all classical ballet. It’s religious classical music and it’s all in white. The second act is more jazz inspired. It’s all in red and it’s done to the more popular Christmas music that we know today.”

“An En Pointe Christmas” is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at Noblesville High School.

The nine-minute finale is a rendition of Boston Pops’ “12 Days of Christmas.”

There are 109 dancers in the school. The ages range from 3 to 20.

“The talent is better than ever,” Moore said. “We have a pre-professional day program, and they dance almost 40 hours a week. There are 23 of them dancing in the

show and the age range is 14 to 20. They are all pursuing professional careers. I’m proud of the school and the talent we’ve been able to cultivate.”

Moore said the Christmas show is constantly evolving.

“We bring back some of the favorites we do each year,” Moore said.

For more, visit enpointeindiana.com.

ICC set for ‘Gloria’ concerts

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

p.m. Dec. 17.

The final “Gloria” will be presented at 4 p.m. Dec. 18.

MUSIC

It could be said that Joshua Pedde saw the light when contemplating options for a potential theme to upcoming Christmas shows.

As a result, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s “Gloria” will be performed four times from Dec. 16-18 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

“Every year we look for a new theme of what our Christmas show should be,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident who is in his seventh year as the artistic director for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. “The word ‘Gloria’ just kept coming up, and when I looked at the definition, it’s the abundance of light.

“As we continue to find our way out of the pandemic, it’s how we are coming back together, that sense of joy that we experience during the holiday season.”

The Dec. 16 performance of “Gloria” starts at 7 p.m., followed by shows at 3 p.m. and 7

Indianapolis Children’s Choir is comprised of 600 kids ranging in age from kindergarten through 12th grade. The afternoon shows will feature 400 singers, with 200 taking part in the lone evening performance.

In every performance, the choir will be accompanied by a 15-piece chamber orchestra.

Performance pieces include “We Need A Little Christmas,” “What Child is This?” and “A Tribute to Carols.”

All performances will be inside the church’s main sanctuary.

“I think the joy that I see, not only from the audience, but from the singers, is absolutely wonderful,” Pedde said. “I think it goes back to me having wonderful teachers, so to be able to do that for other students is just a great blessing.”

For more or to purchase tickets, visit icchoir.org or call 317-940-9640 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Hosted by Michael Feinstein, artistic director for the Center for Performing Arts and founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation

Noblesville residents Joseph Moore and Bella GoMillion will perform in “An En Pointe Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of En Pointe Indiana Ballet)

Pedde

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Fishers residents Josh and Angie Morris with daughter Sage and son Adler attended Civic Theatre’s Dec. 2 opening night of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This family-friendly musical is sensational.

Blueprint for Improvement: Meridian-Kessler kitchen refresh

Sometimes, a little refresh is all a room needs to give it an entirely new look and feel. That was exactly the case with this Meridian-Kessler home. The previously-updated kitchen needed a style upgrade to transform the room into a brighter, more modern gathering space.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Zellige hex tile was used to transform the backsplash, providing a subtle yet vibrant pop of color, reflective of the homeowner’s style.

• Granite countertops were replaced with quartz for a more durable work surface with less maintenance and a more seamless, sleek appearance.

• Brass hardware was added to the existing cabinets, giving them an instant upgrade that blends classic warmth with modern style.

• New floating wood shelves provide additional storage and display space, with a rich chestnut stain that adds dimension to the bright space.

• The existing sink was replaced with a farmhouse sink, including a built-in soap dispenser and a goose-neck faucet that provides a more contemporary look.

Commentary by Larry Greene

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