December 20, 2022 — Fishers

Contact the editor:

Have a news tip? Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share?

Contact Managing Editor Rebecca Fending at rebecca@youarecurrent. com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You may also submit information on our website, currentinfishers. com. Remember our news deadline is typically eight days prior to publication.

News tips/story ideas: stories@youarecurrent.com

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

Advertise your business:

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

Obituaries: obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising: legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions: circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community: www.facebook.com/currentinfishers www.twitter.com/CI_Fishers instagram.com/youarecurrent

Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XII, No. 47 Copyright 2022 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Officials break ground on Andretti Global HQ

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

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

City of Fishers and Indiana state officials participated in a Dec. 6 groundbreaking ceremony for the new Andretti Global headquarters at 10050 Hague Rd. Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers joined Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and representatives of Andretti Global to help usher in the company’s new $200 million, 575,000-square-foot facility on 90 acres near the Nickel Plate Trail, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve and Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport.

DEVELOPMENT

Fadness said the groundbreaking for Andretti Global was “hands down the coolest” groundbreaking he had ever attended.

“The fact that thousands of Fishers residents, and really, Hamilton County residents, are going to walk right along the Nickel Plate Trail and be able to enjoy, admire and engage with the Andretti family legacy, that’s really something special to me,” Fadness said. “It’s an exciting time in the community. We will continue to be a key partner for every chapter (Andretti Global) will be on.”

The new facility will serve as the headquarters of day-to-day operations for

Andretti’s NTT IndyCar series, Indy NXT, (formerly Indy Lights) and IMSA programs, global commercial functions of Andretti Formula E and Andretti Extreme E and the advanced research and development business of Andretti Technologies. “Cutting-edge technology” will be used to optimize the performance of the campus, according to Andretti Autosport.

“I love Fishers and I’m very proud to be here,” CEO of Andretti Autosport Michael Andretti said. “Indiana’s been my second home, apart from Pennsylvania. We’re

thrilled to enhance our commitment to this state that has been so supportive of the entire motorsports industry. For us now to be in Fishers, the city is just fantastic. The Fishers community has been very welcoming, and it was great to see so many of our supporters and neighbors join us today as we continue to write our history. Fishers is one of the best cities in America, and now we get to call it our home forever.”

The new facility is slated to open in 2025. The headquarters will add up to 500 jobs to the local community by early 2026.

A new rendering of Andretti Global reveals the corporate entrance and outdoor lounge areas. (Photo courtesy of Andretti Autosport)

Officials break ground on the future site of Andretti Global’s headquarters. Mayor Scott Fadness, fourth from left; Gov. Eric Holcomb, fifth from left; CEO of Andretti Autosport Michael Andretti, sixth from left; Mario Andretti, second from right; and Vice President of Andretti Autosport/Managing Director of Andretti Technologies Marissa Andretti, right. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

Pro eater devours competition

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Fishers residents may not realize an accomplished major-league eater calls the city home. With several previous wins to his credit, John Gebhard earned another at the ninth annual St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Contest Dec. 3 on Georgia Street in Indianapolis.

COMPETITION

A member of Major League Eating, an organization that arranges sanctioned competitive eating events, Gebhard won his head-to-head battle against fellow professional eater Andrew Kogutkiewicz of Racine, Wis. Defending champion Joey Chestnut, ranked No. 1 in the world by Major League Eating, also competed in the event and placed fourth. A Westfield resident, Chestnut is the defending Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion and has won that event 15 times.

Gebhard, 45, is an aerospace engineer at Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis. He first dabbled in competitive eating in 2017.

“The first (eating competition) I ever competed in was a hot dog-eating contest

at Jellystone Campground at Lake Monroe,” Gebhard said. “I kind of just started doing it to see if I could. I won so easily.”

The “easy” hotdog eating competition was a catalyst for the rest of Gebhard’s Major League Eating career.

The eating champion said he plans to continue his competitive eating career to represent his city.

“I love representing Fishers at every contest,” Gebhard said. “It makes it that much more special and encourages me to do my best.“

DOT by Lynn has been an elite training program for over 16 years. There are over 300 dental offices in the state of Indiana that support our program and help us provide well trained and highly skilled employees into the dental community.

This dental assisting course is designed to perfect core dental assisting skills for entry level dental assistants. Radiology is included in this program and we fully prepare you for the DANB/RHS exam which is necessary to obtain your Indiana radiology license.

9780 Lantern Rd, Fishers, IN 46037

(317) 585-9015

Fully Accredited • This institution is regulated by: Indiana Department of Workforce Development Office for Career and Technical Schools 10 N Senate Avenue, Suite SE 308 Indianapolis IN 46204 • OCTS@dwd.in.gov http://www.in.gov/dwd/2731.htm

John Gebhard celebrates his win over Andrew Kogutkiewicz at the Indianapolis St. Elmo’s Shrimp Cocktail Eating Contest on Dec. 3. (Photo by Dave Plumier)

Golf Academy premiers new tech

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Barla Golf Academy hosted an open house Dec. 10 to display its recently renovated and expanded space.

SPORTS

Founded in 2016 at 14660 Herriman Blvd., Suite 600, in Noblesville, Barla Golf Academy expanded its facility to more than 4,000 square feet in March. The expansion included four custom-built, pro-level simulator screens, each with new GCQuad launch monitors from Foresight Sports. The PGA-certified indoor training facility opened to the public for guests to tour the academy’s state-of-theart facility and take a test drive to experience the facility’s game-changing training.

Owner Scott Barla is a 1994 graduate of the Professional Golf Management Program at Ferris State University. He is a PGA-certified coach who has worked with amateur golfers across central Indiana.

“I’ve been a PGA member since 1996, so I’m a quarter-century PGA member,” Barla said. “I really love the sport and love what I do.”

Barla Golf Academy’s state-of-the-art fa-

cilities include GCQuad launch monitors. As the only launch monitor in the industry to employ quadrascopic imaging, the GCQuad delivers the most accurate detailed picture of ball and club head performance analysis.

Barla Golf Academy also offers in-house custom club fitting, repairs and a “trade in, trade up” program for junior golfers’ clubs.

“People come here for different reasons,” Barla said. “Someone could come in who just wants to stay sharp in the winter, others come in to get better. Whatever it is, we’re here to help.”

For more, visit barlagolfacademy.com.

Barla Golf Academy has included new GCQuad launch monitors from Foresight Sports in its recent expansion. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

Mt. Vernon senior tight end earns state position award

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Being named the top tight end in Indiana high school football wasn’t on Mt. Vernon senior George Burhenn’s radar before the season.

“I forgot there was even an award at the beginning of the season, but then I saw that this would be pretty cool to win if I perform how I should,” Burhenn said.

Burhenn recently was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award winner for tight end.

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Burhenn caught 38 passes for 784 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 16 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown for Mt. Vernon (6-4).

“He had a huge year for us with the production on the offensive side of the ball and special teams,” Marauders coach Vince Lidy said.

As a junior, Burhenn had 28 receptions for 443 yards for the Marauders (14-1), who

MEET GEORGE BURHENN

Favorite athlete: Taysom Hill

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Wolf of Wolf Street”

Ideal vacation spot: Aruba

won the Class 4A state title in 2021.

Lidy said Burhenn was a difference-maker as a junior, but the team had more offensive weapons. This past season, Lidy said teams prepared to stop Burhenn. In practice, Lidy said they prepared for Burhenn to be double-teamed.

“He was super coachable as we put him

Mt.

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.

anywhere from a running back, to a slot back, to tight end to wideout,” Lidy said. “ Burhenn said he has made the most im-

provement with his versatility.

“I improved on all my weaknesses, like blocking and running after the catch,” he said.

Burhenn also played safety, sharing the position with another player.

“Once we started playing the better teams, I was basically playing the whole game,” he said.

Burhenn, a hurdler on the track and field team, averaged 18.9 yards on kickoff returns and 19.5 yards on punt returns last season.

“Returning kicks is always a dream to do, and you don’t see many big guys like me doing it, so it was pretty fun,” he said.

Burhenn said has committed to play football for Purdue University, but with the recent coaching change, he is keeping his options open. Coach Jeff Brohm left Purdue to take the University of Louisville coaching job, and several staff members have left with him. Former University of Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was named Purdue’s coach Dec. 13.”

“I’ll probably check out Louisville a little bit because the coaches I know are there, but I’ll talk with my family and see what is best for me,” Burhenn said.

”

Jay R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Vernon tight end George Burhenn, 81, was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football Position Award. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Muffler)

Burhenn

news@currentinfishers.com

Fishers-based holding company Round Room, LLC, which leads and invests in companies serving the wireless retail industry, was named an honoree of Inc. Magazine’s 2022 Best in Business awards on Dec. 6.

We’ve always operated with our Culture of Good philosophy, which makes our employees want to come to work and increases our customer satisfaction,” Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room, stated.

BUSINESS

The program celebrates companies nationwide that have made an extraordinary impact in their fields and on society. Round Room was recognized in the list’s retail category and was the sole Indiana business recipient. Inc.’s editors determined honorees for the Best in Business list by reviewing nominated company’s achievements over the past year and noted how they made a positive difference in the world. Round Room was selected based on the evolutions made to its premier company culture built around driving connection, purpose and meaning for employees and the company’s operating communities.

Moorehead

“We’re proud that our Culture of Good initiatives have paid off for our employees, customers and communities. Being recognized by Inc.’s Best in Business is an honor, and we couldn’t have gotten here without our phenomenal team.”

“When our customers walk into their local TCC or Wireless Zone store, they are immersed in our positive company culture.

The cornerstone of Round Room’s culture is the philanthropic efforts it conducts throughout the year, one of which being the annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. This past summer, Round Room’s TCC and Wireless Zone retail companies donated 140,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children across the U.S., totaling more than 1.2 million backpacks provided in the event’s 10-year history. Additionally, Round Room’s TCC Gives and Wireless Zone Gives provided more than $2.3 million in grants to employee and customer-nominated nonprofits over the past year.

For more about Round Room and its companies, visit roundroom.com.

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

DENTISTRY FOR ALL

Personalized

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

With A Gentle Touch

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch

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

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

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

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

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

11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070

11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S.

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

info@fishersdentalcare.com

info@fishersdentalcare.com

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

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

info@fishersdentalcare.com

Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive

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

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

Community Health Network reinstates mask policy

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Community Health Network has reinstated its mask policy for caregivers, patients and visitors because of a steep rise in COVID-19, flu and RSV patients at its hospitals.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The mask requirement, which took effect Dec. 12, is being implemented at all sites of care throughout central Indiana, according to the hospital system.

“We are seeing more COVID, flu and RSV patients in our hospitals. They are filling up with respiratory patients,” said Dr. Robin Ledyard, chief medical officer for Community Health Network. “Because of that, we are reinstating a mask requirement within our hospitals. So, if you do come to visit, you will be asked to wear a mask again in both the hospitals and in the office-based setting.”

The mask mandate comes a week after Community Health Network said that temporary visitor restrictions would take effect at all its hospitals because of an increase in flu cases across Indiana.

The temporary visitor restrictions at all its hospitals include:

• No visitors with flu-like illness, fever or cough.

• No visitors under age 18.

• Only an immediate family or partner will be allowed to see patients.

• No more than two visitors at a time per patient.

• Visitors must wear a mask in a patient’s room when requested.

• Those with influenza/respiratory symptoms may not visit.

Ledyard encouraged people who are sick to contact their primary care provider for guidance on the best place to seek care.

“Our emergency departments are very, very busy with sick people and we value your time. So, we really think it’s best if you can call first, get some guidance on where to go,” Ledyard said.

Community Health Network offers several care options outside of the emergency department including urgent care at our MedChecks, Community Clinics at Walgreens, primary care providers and virtual care.

For more, visit ecommunity.com/ visitor-guidelines-covid-19-flu.

FSH junior wins 2022 Congressional App Challenge

news@currentinfishers.com

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz announced Dec. 7 that K.J. Sawada, a junior at Fishers High School, won the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District.

TECHNOLOGY

Sawada’s app, called the Class Tracker, tracks each class a student has taken in high school and calculates the credit requirements for graduation for different diplomas. The app also has a filter feature that allows a user to find classes by credit hours or grade received.

Spartz

“It’s always a pleasure seeing innovative ideas and solutions from our youth,” Spartz stated. “Computer science skills will play an important role in the 21st century economy.”

The Class Tracker app will be featured on House.gov as well as a rotating display in the Cannon House Office Building leading to the U.S. Capitol.

Sawada will be invited to attend the Congressional App Challenge’s House of Code winners’ reception on Capitol Hill next spring with other winners from across the U.S.

The Congressional App Challenge began in 2014 as a collaboration between the U.S. House of Representatives and the Internet Education Foundation and is open to middle and high school students. Anyone interested in participating as a judge, or who knows students interested in participating in the competition, can call 317-848-0201.

DISPATCHES

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.

Local mom, survivor wants open conversations about colon cancer

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

For many people, cancer is a difficult topic to broach. But according to cancer survivor Megan Leahy, the topic of colon cancer is even more taboo.

A longtime Fishers resident, Leahy, 42, was diagnosed with colon cancer in July. Without a history of cancer in the family, her diagnosis was a surprise that rattled the Leahy family. Now, Leahy’s mission is to tell her story and spread the word about the importance of getting screened for colon cancer.

Prior to her family’s move to Indiana from Illinois 14 years ago, Leahy, who is in remission worked in law enforcement. She had to retire to care for her newborn daughter, Ronyn, now 14 years old and a freshman at Fishers High School, who was born with a laryngeal cleft — a medical condition where the patient has an opening between their larynx and esophagus.

“My dad was a cop, my mom was a nurse,” Leahy said. “So, helping people has always been kind of our thing, which is why I’m trying to spread the word about the importance of talking about cancer. People need to know about it and not be afraid to talk about it.”

When the warning signs of cancer appeared, Leahy didn’t know what they meant.

“At first, I was just really tired and taking a lot of naps, which was weird because that’s not me,” she said. “I was also losing a lot of blood during my period. I told my mom about it last Christmas, and she recommended that I go see my doctor.”

In March, Leahy saw her primary care doctor for a yearly checkup. She mentioned her symptoms and had blood and stool tests run to check for abnormalities.

Leahy’s iron levels were extremely low, and doctors found blood in her stool — both indicators of a major gastrointestinal issue. Her doctor sent her to a gastrointestinal specialist, who ordered a colonoscopy in July. That day, Leahy received her diagnosis of colon cancer.

“I was diagnosed the Wednesday before we left for our first vacation in a while,” Leahy said. “It was diagnosis (on) Wednesday, oncologist appointment Thursday, surgeon meeting on Friday, and we left for vacation

on Saturday. The kids found out while we were in Mexico.”

In August, Leahy had surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy treatments in September. Each round of chemo, Leahy said, brought about its own side effects.

“Every round has its own symptoms, like neuropathy, constipation, diarrhea, brain fog or dizziness,” Leahy said. “I did chemo every day for two weeks and then had a week off. But during that week off, I would have a number of different issues, like intense swelling in my knee or really bad constipation. But I think that’s what a lot of people don’t like to talk about with colon cancer, because it’s embarrassing to talk about your butt.”

The emotions surrounding Leahy’s diagnosis and post-cancer journey within the family were difficult, as expected. Leahy said that for her, the experience got lost in the process of going through the steps to heal.

“For me, personally, I still haven’t really dealt with the fact that I had cancer,” she said. “It was just one more thing to check off the list because I was so busy. But there’s a group called the Cancer Support Community, and they offer free counseling for patients and their families. Now that I’m coming to the end of my healing journey, I’ve been trying to mentally and emotionally deal with my diagnosis.”

Leahy’s husband, Tom, a senior forensic structural engineer at American Structurepoint Inc., was most upset that he couldn’t “fix” it.

“It’s been really hard for my husband because, as he says, he’s ‘a fixer,’” Leahy said. “That’s what he does for work, and he was upset that he couldn’t fix this. It’s hard for him to watch when I’m in pain.”

Leahy said that her children have done “as well as to be expected.” The key, Leahy said, is an open line of communication.

“I let both kids know what’s going on,” Leahy said. “It helps them not feel so in the

dark.”

Leahy wants to spread awareness about the rising number of colon cancer cases in people under the recommended screening age of 50. As of now, there is no known cause of colon cancer.

“We don’t understand a lot about the causes, the biology or how to prevent early onset of the disease,” said Phil Daschner, a program director in the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Biology. “And that’s important to learn more about because it may affect (approaches for) the treatment and survivorship of early onset colon cancer.”

Leahy recommends people get screened for colon cancer at 45 years old or earlier.

“It’s important to get screened and to take care of yourself,” Leahy said. “Don’t put it off, especially moms. For those who are going through a diagnosis, be sure to advocate for yourself. If you feel like something is wrong or something needs to be done that hasn’t been done yet, tell someone. And stay positive. As hard as it is, stay positive and find someone that you can talk to — a fellow patient, a support group, a counselor, anything.”

To follow Leahy and her remission journey, follow @meganscancer on Instagram.

BY THE NUMBERS

According to the American Cancer Society, there were 106,180 new cases of colon cancer in the U.S. in 2022.

From 2013 to 2017, incidence rates dropped by about 1 percent each year. But the downward trend is mostly in older adults and masks rising incidence among younger adults since at least the mid-1990s. From 2012 through 2016, it increased every year by 2 percent in people younger than 50 and 1 percent in people 50 to 64.

ON THE COVER: The Leahy family celebrated their family vacation in July of 2022, immediately following Megan’s diagnosis. (Photo courtesy of Megan Leahy.)

Megan Leahy gives a thumbs up during chemotherapy. (Photos courtesy of Megan Leahy.)

The Leahy family celebrates a win for Finnegan’s football team.

ESSAY

Crime and punishment?

Commentary by Terry Anker

While most of us are preparing for “peace on Earth” and “goodwill toward men,” there are others who remain vigilant of the vagrancies of the darker side of our humanity. The Islamic Republic of Iran recently vented its retribution by sentencing 400 of its errant citizens to hard time in prison for their roles in civil disobedience. Better, one can assume, than the fate of Mohsen Shekari, who was put to death this month for impeding traffic while holding a knife. While details from the trial, if there was one, are not clear, he was accused of injuring an Iranian paramilitary officer, but the execution was the result of Shekari’s “waging war against God.”

Shekari and the thousands of others like him protested the regime. They protested living conditions for women and minorities in their nation. And they protested for a voice in their own governance. It is unclear what evidence was used to show his defiance of the ruling class. As far as Western journalists have been able to uncover, even if offended, God has remained largely quiet on the claims.

Some honorable readers will take the side of the caliphate, suggesting that good order leads to a just society. Others will decidedly be aligned with the protesters, fighting to remind us that no one person has a lock on the word or intention of the divine. The equilibrium between freedom and responsibility is perennially swaying. A bit closer to home, the question of riot or police state might be anchored to a different mooring, but the claims of righteousness must likewise be limited. Regardless of one’s personal theories of relativity, can we find balance when the punishments are so great, or the restraint is too little?

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

CHARLES DICKENS

There will be blood

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

When it comes to blood draws, I am a wimp. A baby. A big fat scaredy cat. For someone who’s birthed four children, undergone extensive hernia repair surgery, and more recently, had cortisone aggressively jabbed into her shoulder socket, you’d think I’d be able to handle a tiny needle prick. But no. If I could, I’d run for the hills every single time, like the chicken I am.

Unfortunately, my one and only primary care physician of 20-plus years retired (Oh. Dr. M, why have you forsaken me?), forcing me to find a replacement. And my new person insisted on a full lab panel since my last workup was literally ancient history: “We can do them right here. You can come in the morning. Remember to fast!”

Ugh. Fine. I returned the next day, overdramatically weak from hunger and nauseous from anxiety, hoping for a stay of execution. Not to be fooled or deterred, the nurse whisked me into a private room where I could lie down and keep an ice pack under my neck. Clearly, there’d be no fainting (or avoiding the scheduled and consensual medical stabbing) on her watch. Curse you, wise woman!

To her credit, it was over quickly, though she missed on her first try and then proceeded to inform me that my veins “really roll.” (Cue gag). And later, the crook of my arm looked like a disturbed copperhead, or “Twilight’s” Edward Cullen had landed a bite. Nonetheless, I survived, without barfing or visibly crying, so I guess that’s a win.

Hi. My name is Danielle. And I’m a coward when it comes to blood draws. Bawk, bawk.

Peace out.

You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

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

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

Danielle

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC.

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

–

I’ll never guess what

I got you for Christmas

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

what it is. I’m the one who doesn’t have a clue.”

“It doesn’t seem right to tell you. That’s not in keeping with the spirit of giving, Dick.”

HUMOR

Over the past 20 years, I have written more than a few humor columns about the holiday season. Below is my favorite one and is pretty much exactly what happened. In December of 2016, a UPS truck pulled up to our curb and we were eager to see what was in store for us. Actually, nothing was in a store. We bought everything online that year.

The driver struggled with a carton the size of a big-screen TV. He maneuvered it to the front porch, and I went outside to look at it.

“Who’s it for?” my wife, Mary Ellen, asked.

It was addressed to me, but that could have been misleading. When a delivery is made, we are not sure who ordered it and who the gift is for. If the wrong person opens it, well, there goes the surprise on Christmas morning.

“It’s addressed to me,” I told her. “But I have no recollection of ordering anything so big. Maybe you ordered it?”

My wife thought for a moment, and so began the weirdest conversation in our 34year marriage.

“Dick, I know what it is. It’s that special item I mentioned months ago that I wanted for Christmas. You said you found it in a catalog. Don’t you remember? I’m so excited! Thank you.”

“I have absolutely no idea what it is. Can you give me a hint?”

“No, I can’t. That would ruin the surprise.” “Ruin my surprise? It’s supposed to be your surprise. But you already know

“OK, how about you whisper softly in my ear, and I promise I won’t tell you what you said.”

It scared me a little that for a brief moment this actually made sense to me. It was driving me crazy that I had no memory of what I bought her.

“Is it a high-tech item?” I asked.

“Not really,” Mary Ellen said.

“Do you plug it in?” “No.”

“Is it artwork?”

“No, and I don’t want to play anymore. If you guess it, I’ll have nothing to look forward to on Christmas morning. I want to see the expression on your face when I open it.”

When Mary Ellen went out grocery shopping, I opened the box. It was a really neat present. I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife. Before Mary Ellen got home, I resealed it, gift-wrapped it and placed it under the tree.  Of course, now we both knew what was in the package. It will still be a surprise on Christmas morning, so long as we can both keep a secret.

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

I don’t think I have ever been happier with something I bought my wife.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Something Splendid now open

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Something Splendid started with three Carmel residents who had a passion for gift giving.

NEW BIZ

The business was started online in 2019 by sisters Erynn and Elyse Petruzzi and their longtime friend, Allison Pirtle. The Petruzzi sisters are Carmel High School graduates, while Pirtle is a Hamilton Southeastern graduate.

With the success of the online gift box operation, Something Splendid opened its store Nov. 17 at 217 Mill St. in Westfield.

“We knew we wanted to open a retail shop and having really close ties to Westfield through our parents — and my uncles all own businesses in Westfield — we started looking,” Elyse said.

The business started as creating gift boxes. However, Erynn said while people can come in and buy gifts for any occasion, they can also buy items themselves for home decor.

“We build the store with the premise of just having a gift shop for gifts for any season,” Elyse said. “We have three facets of

the gift shop. You can come in and buy one item. We’ve got gift boxes that are already built for many different reasons.”

Elyse said the business has holiday boxes available, in addition to boxes for birthdays, that can be purchased.

Elyse said the online business has been busy year-round, but the Christmas season is the busiest with a lot of corporate gifts.

The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and most Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. The business plans to have a grand opening sometime in March 2023. For more, visit somethingsplendidco.com.

From left, Something Splendid owners Elyse Petruzzi, Erynn Petruzzi and Allison Pirtle. (Photo courtesy of Erynn Petruzzi)

LEGAL NOTICE DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Public notice is hereby given to affected property owners pursuant to 170 IAC 4-9-4(f) that within two (2) to six (6) weeks of the date of this notice, weather permitting, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC will be performing vegetation management as part of its power line maintenance program in the area described below. As part of this project, one of its contractors that employ qualified utility line clearance tree workers will be trimming and/or removing trees and brush to clear the lines of vegetation in order to provide safe and reliable electric service. Vegetation management will be performed in/near Fishers, Indianapolis on or near streets identified below: Beginning at the substation located near E 116th St & Cumberland Rd, to include the areas around & near: S & E of the substation, N of Fall Creek Rd, W of Geist Reservoir S & E of the substation, W of Brooks School Rd, N of Fall Creek Rd

The date this notice is published initiates the two (2) week period for calculating implied consent by an affected property owner under 170 IAC 4-9. If you have any questions you may contact the Duke Energy Vegetation Management toll free number, 866-385-3675.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC Vegetation Management Department

Yoga studio to celebrate 12 years

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

With the new year just around the corner, people may be looking for an introduction to exercise. According to local yoga studio owner Erin Smith, yoga is a great place to start.

YOGA

Flourish Yoga + Wellness will celebrate its 12th anniversary in January at 10138 Brooks School Rd. in Fishers. Smith, 44, has been the owner and instructor of the studio since 2014. Now, she looks forward to introducing people to yoga in the new year.

“Our amazing and knowledgeable team of instructors are here to serve our community,” Smith said. “We share our love of yoga in a safe and supportive space, and we believe the more people practicing yoga in this world, the better.”

According to Smith, practicing yoga has “countless” benefits. From finding peace to gaining strength, she believes yoga is for everyone.

“Yoga provides countless benefits for the body, mind and spirit,” Smith said. “It improves strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga benefits heart health and can provide

energy and brighter moods — all a part of better self-care.”

Flourish offers a variety of weekly classes virtually or in the studio. Smith recommends the Intro to Yoga series for beginners, which will be held Mondays from Jan. 2 to Jan. 30.

“Intro to Yoga rotates on our schedule,” Smith said. “We have a one-time offer which is great for new students: two weeks of unlimited yoga at a discounted price. This allows them to explore the different styles of yoga and experience a variety of teachers to find the perfect fit.”

For more, visit flourishyoga.biz.

Erin Smith, owner and instructor of Flourish Yoga + Wellness, looks forward to celebrating 12 years at their Geist location. (Photo courtesy of Erin Smith)

currentnightandday.com

Westfield youth is served in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

How much fun is Fender Brokamp having while performing in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre?

“If you can describe touching a rainbow, that’s how much fun,” he said. “It’s really a great experience.”

Brokamp, 11, is one of three Westfield youngsters in the Beef & Boards’ show, which began Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 23. The others are Allie Stacy, 7, and Greta Shambarger, 10.

This is a new experience for Brokamp, who plays Young Harry and Tommy.

“I’ve never done a nonmusical before,” said Brokamp, a Westfield Intermediate School fifth-grader. “Even if you do get to do the same role twice, a new director would do it differently, and that makes theater really cool. Even if the director does do it the same, you get to perfect it even more than you did last time, and that makes it really cool.”

Prior to getting the part, Brokamp had only seen bits and pieces of the 1946 movie, which the play is based on. When rehearsals started, Brokamp saw the movie.

Brokamp said balancing school with rehearsal can be tough, but it’s worth it.

“The rehearsals are a little longer, so those got a little hairy, but now that we’re in the full swing of shows, it’s smoother,” he said.

Brokamp said he has enjoyed acting with the adults and other younger performers.

“You can learn from anyone,” he said. “Everyone teaches, no matter how small or tall.”

Brokamp has been in two national commercials and several plays for Christian Youth Theater, Civic Theatre and Tipton Community Theatre.

Stacy, a St. Maria Goretti School second-grader, plays Zuzu.

“I like that I have a famous line, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,’” she said.

Stacy said the experience has been “really fun because I have made so many

friends and I love being on stage.”

Stacy performed in the Broadway national tour of “Waitress.”

“I take voice lessons and have been in shows at Youth Inspirations Theatre. I take acting classes at Civic (Theatre) and dance classes at Dance Innovations,” Stacy said. “Last summer, I was accepted into the Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City and went there for a summer intensive program. I’ve also been in a short film and two commercials, thanks to Talent Fusion.”

Shambarger, a Shamrock Spring Elementary School fourth-grader, plays Young Violet.

“I like that I get to wear a wig in one scene,” Shambarger said. “I like that I’m in the ensemble also, so I get to wear a lot of costumes. Also, Young Violet is the perfect character for me to play because

I played Veruca (in ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’), Miss Andrew (in ‘Mary Poppins’) and Miss Han-

nigan (in ‘Annie KIDS’), and Violet is kind of similar to those parts.”

Shambarger was only familiar with the movie version.

“But now that I know of it, it’s probably my favorite play,” she said. “I love having friends in the cast to hang with backstage between scenes. Also, I like that I’m on stage more than I originally thought I would be.”

Shambarger has previously acted with several theater groups, including Christian Youth Theater. She has taken classes at Jr. Civic Theatre, and this is her first time with Beef & Boards.

“I’ve only been in one other show with adults, which was ‘Matilda the Musical’ at Tipton Community Theatre, where I played Lavender, Matilda’s best friend,” Shambarger said. “It’s fun to be in a show with adults because it makes me feel more professional.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘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’

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.

‘HANDEL’S MESSIAH’

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will perform “Handel’s Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCHES

ATI’s ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ to return — Actors Theatre of Indiana has announced the return of “Million Dollar Quartet” June 16-17, 2023 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets went on sale Dec. 19. “Million Dollar Quartet” is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session when Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Because of this special event, Actors Theatre of Indiana will postpone its production of “The Mountaintop,” which was scheduled for February 2023. Season subscribers and single-ticket holders who have already purchased their tickets will have the opportunity to exchange them for “Million Dollar Quartet.” For more, visit atistage.org.

Heartland Film adds board members — Heartland Film, a nonprofit arts organization, has added six board members. They are Gabe Connell, founder of HotBox Pizza LLC; Fred Lockett, DJ Lockstar; Kristi Lee, news director & co-host of “The Bob and Tom Show”; Karen Mangia, vice president of customer and market insights, salesforce; Amy Pauszek, producer, publicist, photographer; and Susie Townsend, chief destination experience officer, Visit Indy.

PLAY

From left, Fender Brokamp, Greta Shambarger and Allie Stacy perform in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

Where’s Amy?

Happy Holidays!

Where’s Amy attends CSO’s ‘Holiday Pops!’ concert

Where’s Amy attends Marie Osmond concert

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

Krissy Oeff (Geist) and Mike Kueper (Fishers) attend the Dec. 4 Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops! 2022” concert with special guests Josh Kaufman and Leah Crane at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The CSO was joined by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Expressenz Dance Center. Carmel City Council member Jeff Worrell was the emcee. The concert included holiday favorites, dancing and a surprise visit by Santa. For more, visit carmelsymphony. org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

David and Susan Hunnicutt (Geist area) attend the Dec. 10 “Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The gold- and platinum-selling recording artist and TV personality won the audience over with her beautiful, powerful voice, flashy diamond-studded wardrobe and festive Christmas favorites, along with country and rock ‘n’ roll hits. For more about upcoming events, visit thecenterpresents.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

A savory fish story

three delicious options:

It’s the holidays, which means that we are in peak gnoshing season. In our family, we bust out all sorts of fun foods around Christmas and New Year’s. Sometimes on New Year’s we will get extra fancy with a bit of caviar to go with the sparkling wine. So, what is caviar, you ask? Well, true caviar only comes from sturgeon. The purists would say that it only comes from wild sturgeons, but let’s be honest, that isn’t sustainable. Today, only a small percentage of caviar is harvested from the wild. The majority is farmed around the world, with 70 percent coming from China. Recently, I tasted through three different caviars from Astrea. Astrea Caviar happens to be produced in the Yunan Province of China. Sturgeon from there are raised in a spring-fed lake and live for 10 to 25 years. No chemicals or antibiotics are used, and their processes and techniques for producing high-quality caviar is very cool! When the eggs are extracted, they are washed, salted and aged for 1 to 4 months, which gives them additional complexity. If you’ve never had caviar, now is the time! Here are

Russian Oscietra Hybrid — Acipenser gueldenstaedtii and baerii sturgeon are crossed to make this hybrid sturgeon. The resulting caviar is rich and nutty, with a touch of sea brine. The texture is creamy as well.

Kalluga Hybrid — These sturgeon are a cross between Huso Dauricus and Acipenser Schrenckii sturgeon. The eggs are large, and it has a righteous buttery texture and flavor.

Grand Schrenckii — Also known as Amur Sturgeon, this is a tremendous caviar with great depth and complexity. The eggs are like the kalluga, if not a touch smaller. This caviar has an incredibly rich, nutty, and buttery flavor. Having tasted all three sideby-side, this caviar is mind-blowing.

The folks at Astrea were super cool and gave us a discount code to share. Order directly from them with the code CURRENT and save 15 percent off your order.

Current Publishing is seeking a Zionsville/Special Projects Managing Editor. The person we hire will become immersed in the community, will have flawless execution of grammar, spelling, style and punctuation and will be collaborative with the newsroom director and the art director. Salary is based on experience. Benefits available. Send us a cover letter, resume and your three best clips showing news reporting and feature writing. This position could be full-time or part-time depending on your pace and ability. Please do not apply unless you have two years of newswriting experience.

APPLY TODAY

Email package to: steve@youarecurrent.com

No phone calls. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Managing Editor

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Goblin up self-indulgence

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Now, the Oxford English Dictionary is at it. In my previous column, I reported that “gaslighting” has been named the Word of the Year 2022 by the dictionary aficionados at Merriam-Webster. Each year, the Merriam-Webster dictionary chooses a word it believes captures a prevailing sentiment of the cultural zeitgeist. Not wanting to miss out on the lexical lingo retrospective, the OED is chiming in with its vote: “goblin mode.”

GRAMMAR GUY

goblin mode stormed the Twitter scene in February 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across the U.S. and most of the world. As people emerged from their hidey-holes of prolonged social isolation, they decided to engage in oddly self-indulgent behaviors.

The OED defines goblin mode as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

The OED brought three words to an online vote: goblin mode, metaverse and the hashtag IStandWith. Goblin mode won, garnering 93 percent of the 340,000 votes.

On its face, the term sounds like something stolen from Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft. There’s an ancient YouTube video where a user calling himself Leeroy Jenkins runs into an impossible battle against a dragon, armed with the confidence of 1,000 soldiers. To me, that would be “goblin mode.”

As it turns out, I’m wrong. In fact,

Goblin mode looks like eating the entire carton of Ben & Jerry’s while watching an entire season of “The Great British Baking Show.” It is playing video games until 3 a.m. on a Sunday night, fully aware that you have a budget review meeting at 9 in the morning. Goblin mode embraces our lazy and selfish impulses that don’t take tomorrow into account.

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

Visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Commentary by Don Knebel

With the worst of Indiana winter approaching, today we begin a road trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, making a short visit to western Jordan. We will be on this trip for the next few months. Before starting, it is important to understand something about the geography of the land we will be visiting.

TRAVEL

The Judaean Hills in Israel.

The land occupied by Israel and the Palestinian Territories (Israel/Palestine), lying along the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, is surprisingly small in light of its enormous significance to hundreds of millions of Jews, Christians and Muslims around the world. The entire area is about one-fourth the size of Indiana, with the distance from north to south about 290 miles, and from east to west about 85 miles at the widest spot. The geography and climate are very diverse, ranging from verdant forests in the north to hostile deserts in the south, with the fertile hill country in between.

The shore of the Dead Sea, at almost 1,500 feet below sea level, is the lowest land elevation on earth. Because Indiana and Israel/Palestine are about the same distance from north to south, you can think of Israel/Palestine locations in terms of the eastern quarter of Indiana. The Sea of Galilee would be near Ft. Wayne, Jerusalem would be near New Castle, the Dead Sea would be near Richmond and everything south of Shelbyville would be largely uninhabitable desert. The Palestinian Territories, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, occupy about the same area as Delaware, Henry, Jay, Randolph and Wayne counties. The total

Dan Spring in Israel.

The Sea of Galilee in Israel.

population of Israel/Palestine is about 14.8 million, about twice that of Indiana.

As we travel, we will go from north to south, stopping along the way at important locations. For each place we visit, we will explore both its history and its religious and spiritual significance.

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

The Negev desert in southern Israel. (Photo by Don Knebel)

NOW HIRING:

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

Merchants Bank of Indiana is a unique bank. Our All-in-One Loan, for instance, can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest that you can allocate to pay off debt, save for college, or fund your retirement. Hop on over to the best-performing public bank in the U.S.*

HopOnOver.com