September 26, 2023 — Fishers

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Fishers mayor focuses on public safety in annual State of the City address

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

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Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness focused on public safety and health during his annual State of the City address Sept. 13 in front of a packed room at the Forum Events Center.

GOVERNMENT

The event, hosted by OneZone Chamber of Commerce, featured not only Fadness but Fishers Police Department Chief Ed Gebhart, Fishers Fire and Emergency Services Department Chief Steven Orusa and Fishers Health Department Director Monica Heltz.

Fadness said he wanted to focus on positive things happening in Fishers, especially with the recent political climate. He started with a discussion of the police department’s technological advances.

“We want to get behind the curtains and tell you exactly what’s going on,” he said, noting that includes advanced fingerprint and DNA analysis done in-house by Fishers police.

Gebhart gave an example of a case solved through technology. He said officers were searching a device for evidence of child pornography and found a video that showed an image of a person’s hand. They were able to make a screenshot of that image, enlarge and enhance the thumb to get a viable print and match it to a suspect who was successfully prosecuted.

“That’s an example of great technology coming in to meet great police work,” he said.

Gebhart said the FPD also has the only in-house rapid DNA testing lab in Indiana outside of the state police. With that, he said, the department can complete a DNA test in 90 minutes instead of waiting for an outside agency.

Orusa talked about how Fishers firefighters — because of some near-misses — have been outfitted with protective ballistic vests. He said the fire and police department also train together, which in a situation involving a threatening individual allows firefighters to enter a building and start caring for wounded victims before police have apprehended the suspect.

That joint training, he said, also “involves a lot of doughnuts.”

Orusa added that the Fishers Fire Department has a paramedic on each apparatus when responding to a call. Paramedics have

a more advanced level of medical training compared to an EMT.

Fadness said public health is a way to reduce the need for emergency services over the long term. He referred to that effort as “swimming upstream,” and said the city is integrating public health with public safety.

Heltz agreed that the departments do intersect and make each other stronger. She said they have a social worker who collaborates with the police and fire departments, in hopes of addressing the root causes of some repeat calls.

“It’s a whole-community perspective on how we can support people better,” she said.

Heltz said her department also analyzes data, which indicates that falls are the biggest reason for 911 calls.

“We know this is something that’s happening in our community and know that we have an aging demographic,” she said.

Heltz said the city can come up with ways to reduce the cause of falls, including sidewalk improvements and working with families to make homes safer.

Heltz also talked about the restaurant inspection program, which has been ongoing throughout the year. Fadness asked her about the “wildest” things they’d seen while inspecting restaurants, and she mentioned one business — without naming it, but noting that it’s no longer in operation — that

Mental health is part of public health and to address that, the city has launched a website called Stigmafreefishers.com. It provides resources to help people address a variety of mental health concerns for themselves and loved one.

Fadness added that the city also is encouraging first responders to seek mental health care.

“Our men and women see a lot of difficult things,” he said, noting that those industries are historically not great at supporting mental health concerns. “We’ve had to evolve and adapt. We’ve learned along the way to be better for them.”

The group also talked about continuing the city’s efforts to promote diversity within its ranks to better reflect the diversity of Fishers.

Fadness concluded by asking people to not get caught up in political rhetoric, talk to their neighbors and take care of themselves and each other.

Fadness is the first and so far the only mayor of Fishers since Fishers voters approved a measure to become a second-class city in 2012. He previously served as the city manager and was elected to his first term as mayor in 2015. Fadness is running unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election.

From left, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Health Department Director Monica Heltz, Fire and Emergency Services Department Chief Steven Orusa and Police Department Chief Ed Gebhart give a presentation during the State of the City address Sept. 13 at the Forum Events Center. (Photo by Leila Kheiry) was thawing frozen shrimp on a car hood in the parking lot.

Indiana Orthopedics Welcomes Dr. John Martin

well as Mako SmartRobotics™ assisted

for hip and knee replacement.

Dr. Martin earned his Doctorate in Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, and completed his residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in

Phoenix, Arizona. After residency, he completed a fellowship in adult reconstruction arthroplasty and chose to focus his practice on joint replacement surgery because that area of practice allows him to improve patient quality of life. He believes in investing time in listening to patient concerns in order to explain each diagnosis and all treatment strategies.

As an Indiana native, like many of us, Dr. Martin enjoys rooting for the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana University basketball. We’re excited to welcome a fellow Hoosier to our practice!

The Fishers Health Department has launched a Retail Food Inspection Grading System for Fishers restaurants. As a result of 2023 food inspections, restaurants receive a letter grade based on a 100-point scale.

FISHERS

Project: Tree trimming

See the restaurant grades and inspection reports on the interactive dashboard at fishers.in.us/FoodGrade

Grades are also being posted on the exterior doors of all Fishers restaurants.

FISHERS.IN.US/FOODGRADE

Location: Contractors will be performing tree trimming in the medians along 116th Street and Allisonville Road. During the next several weeks, one lane on each side of the median will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to perform this work. Restrictions will be in place along 116th Street from Eller Road to Olio Road and along Allisonville Road from Eller Road to 126th Street.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: Early October

Project: Geist Greenway Trail

Location: Geist Greenway is open between Valley Crossing to 126th Street. Work has resumed on the trail south of Valley Crossing Drive, which will remain closed until construction is finished. Construction continues to take place along Florida Road between Bowline Drive and 104th Street.

Expected completion: TBD

Project: Roundabout at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: The intersection of 106th Street and Hoosier Road is closed for construction of a roundabout. Access into and out of Windermere subdivision will be on Geist Road via Governors Lane.

Expected completion: TBD

Project: 146th and Allisonville Road

Location: Phase 2A traffic restrictions are in place, which eliminate left turn movements from 146th Street onto Allisonville Road and reopen to two through lanes on eastbound and westbound 146th Street. Utility relocation work is ongoing. Periodic lane closures may be necessary to complete this work. Watch for flaggers and workers in and around the construction zone. Construction crews are continuing to work on storm sewer installation and roadway grading. Crews have begun working on the widening of the westbound bridge over the White River. The contractor has installed cofferdams and delineating buoys in the White River for pier construction. Please use caution if canoeing or tubing through the work zone.

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

Project: 2023 resurfacing

Location: ADA ramp and curb reconstruction has begun in Harrison Parks and Harrison Lakes. These areas will be restored with topsoil and seed. Road resurfacing has begun in The Parks at White River and The Bristols.

Expected completion: Fall

Fishers council OKs 2024 budget in first reading

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

• Trail construction and improvements

• An increased neighborhood vibrancy grants program

• A new micro-grant program for Hamilton Southeastern Schools teachers

GOVERNMENT

The Fishers City Council on Sept. 18 took a step toward approving the City of Fishers 2024 budget, which totals about $164 million and includes a half-cent property tax decrease.

City of Fishers Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren gave a short presentation about the budget, which Mayor Scott Fadness submitted in late August. Highlights include:

• A reduction in the property tax rate from .712 cents to .707 cents for every $100 assessed value

• A 5 percent salary increase for city employees

• Increased longevity pay for first responders

• $3 million for fleet replacement costs

• New hires in the police, fire, health and parks departments

• Roundabouts at 126th and Southeastern and 96th and Allisonville Road

• Road widening at Cumberland Road and 136th Street

• Various street and sidewalk projects

Some of those projects will be paid for through city reserves, which currently are at more than $51 million. The $12 million in reserve spending would bring that down to just shy of $40 million. Hultgren noted that the required reserves is $15 million.

few concerns. Wood wondered why the city has such a large cash reserve balance, and he questioned the proposed grants for teachers. Wood said the city doesn’t have responsibility for schools and the grants are not appropriate.

Fadness

He noted that the council’s Finance Committee had met three times to talk in depth about the budget, and the document before the council Sept. 18 was unchanged from the mayor’s original proposal.

Three people spoke during the public hearing. Among them was Marty Wood, who said that overall, he thinks the city is headed in the right direction. He had a

During council discussion of the proposed budget, reserves were a primary topic. Councilmember Jocelyn Vare, a Democrat serving in an at-large seat, said she would like information from the mayor about why they’re not spending reserves down faster.

Fadness explained that the city’s reserves buildup is partially the result of multiple years of funds received from legislation transferring Carmel taxes to Fishers.

“We wanted to make sure if we were going to spend that money, it be on one-time items,” he said. “We couldn’t predict whether we were going to receive it and didn’t

want to tie ongoing expenses to it.”

Councilmember Brad DeReamer, a Republican representing the North East District, said cities need reserves, especially when the economy is uncertain. He said he was the mayor of Greenfield during a recession, and reserves saved the community.

“I understand your concerns, but I’ve been through it as a mayor,” he said. “I don’t know what I would have done if we didn’t have those reserves.”

Vare said she doesn’t want the city to spend all its reserves, but she would like to know the mayor’s reserves strategy for the next Finance Committee meeting.

Council President John Weingardt, a Republican representing the South Central District, thanked everyone for their comments and invited the public to continue asking questions of their council representatives.

Information about the proposed budget is available on the city’s website at fishers. in.us/776/Municipal-Budgets.

The budget is set for a second reading and adoption at the next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the LaunchFishers theater, 12175 Visionary Way.

“I understand your concerns, but I’ve been through it as a mayor. I don’t know what I would have done if we didn’t have those reserves.”

– COUNCILMEMBER BRAD DEREAMER

HEPL board restricts individual members’ power

By Elissa Maudlin elissa@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton East Public Library Board approved a new resolution during a special meeting Sept. 12 that states the board “acts and speaks as a single government entity” and restricts individual board members from exercising the powers of the board without explicit authorization.

RESOLUTION

The HEPL special session was the first meeting with Tiffanie Ditlevson as board president and Bill Kenley as a newly appointed board member.

The resolution was drafted by Board Vice President Craig Siebe and focused on the roles and boundaries of the board. It was a response to individual board members who authorized expenses for “law firms to essentially act as PR agents,” Siebe said.

Later in the meeting, Board Member Michelle Payne said former board President Laura Alerding, Noblesville Schools’ previous appointee to the library board, authorized the board’s previous legal counsel to write her media releases, which she would edit.

“I would like to get away from individual board members serving as spokespeople for this library and for this board. It is not our role to do so,” Payne said.

Payne suggested approving Siebe’s resolution immediately, pending legal review. However, Ditlevson and Ray Maddalone, board secretary, expressed concern about approving it before legal review. Ditlevson said she believed the board collectively knows what is out-of-bounds now after past mistakes.

Ditlevson said the board’s previous legal counsel — who Payne said quit — and one of the current legal firms the board spoke with recommended hiring a public relations team. Ditlevson also mentioned hiring a public relations team in a statement to library patrons, parents and stakeholders included in the meeting documents.

Payne said public relations is not a specialty of law firms.

Ditlevson said there have been times when things have happened and the board has been silent Payne asked if Ditlevson was referring to media requests. Micah Beckwith, board member, said yes and said misinformation has been coming from Payne’s side of the board.

Beckwith said he wasn’t going to stay

silent to the public.

“We have to respond,” Beckwith said. “This is the problem, we all are individually appointed by elected members of our community, we have the right to say what we want to say based on their appointments.”

The resolution also touched on the powers of board members versus the power of Edra Waterman, executive director of the library.

“I think so much of our problems come down to a fundamental misunderstanding of what the seven of us represent versus Edra,” said Andre Miksha, assistant secretary/treasurer. “She is the executive. She operates the library day-to-day. If there’s an emergency, she responds to it. She operates under the policies and the general direction the seven of us establish through resolutions and policies that we enact. We don’t sit every day, she does.”

Because there were disagreements on other paragraphs in the resolution, the library board motioned to vote on the first two paragraphs.

The first paragraph stated that the board “acts and speaks as a single government entity.”

Paragraph two stated individual board members cannot exercise the powers of the board unless explicitly authorized by the bylaws or other formal action of the board, and individual board members can’t direct the operation of the library, give directions to library staff, contractors or professional service providers or incur expenses or other liabilities on behalf of the board or the library without express authorization of the board.

The vote carried in favor of the first two paragraphs with no opposition. The board also agreed on having hourly legal counsel for the rest of 2023.

The next HEPL board meeting is at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Fisher’s library, 5 Municipal Dr.

The Hamilton East Public Library Board’s next meeting is 6:15p.m. Sept. 28 at the Fishers library. (Photo courtesy of HEPL)

Coble running for reelection to council

Compiled by Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Cecilia Coble, a Republican, is seeking reelection to one of the three at-large seats on the Fishers City Council.

ELECTION

Coble has served on the council since 2015. She was the first Latina elected to the council. In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as president.

Q — What can you offer to the citizens of Fishers as an elected official?

A — Through my results-oriented approach to leadership, Fishers has become one of the best and safest cities in Indiana and the United States. I am also proud of the disability initiatives I led that are now modeled in other cities.

Q — What do you consider the most important issue facing the City of Fishers

CRAFTTHE PERFECT DAY

in the next four years and how would you address it?

A — I will continue to focus on diversifying Fishers’ tax base to keep residents’ taxes low, ensuring police and fire have the resources they need and investing in quality-of-life opportunities.

Q — How will you make sure all Fishers residents feel included and heard by their elected officials?

A — As a special needs parent, I provide a voice to a group that has typically been unheard. I also meet with constituents on a daily basis and welcome all voices.

Q — What can the city do to address the housing availability in Fishers?

A — I have focused on providing diverse housing opportunities for residents at all stages in life, including people with disabilities. I will continue to look at what can be done locally to ensure attainable housing.

DeReamer seeks reelection to NE District seat

Compiled by Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Brad DeReamer, a Republican, is running for reelection to the Fishers City Council, representing the Northeast District.

ELECTION

He is married to Sharon DeReamer, and they have five children, 14 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Q — What can you offer to the citizens of Fishers as an elected official?

A — I can offer the unique perspective of finalizing the municipal budget, passing ordinances and representing the voice of Fishers citizens. As a serial entrepreneur, I understand the small guy trying to get his/ her business started and the issues they face. I owned an engineering company that designed subdivisions. Working with developers and builders, I can answer any questions or concerns residents might have.

Q — What do you consider the most important issue facing Fishers in the next four years and how would you address it?

A — Although the mayor is doing a great job with the entrepreneurial vision for Fishers, I think we could work on infrastructure more for roads around our subdivisions. We need to make sure our roads can handle the traffic.

Q — How will you make sure all Fishers residents feel included and heard by their elected officials?

A — For the past eight years, I have put out a newsletter to the subdivisions in my district, keeping residents informed. It includes my personal email and phone for the residents to contact me and keep me informed on what they expect for Fishers.

Q — What can the city do to address housing availability in Fishers?

A — With the average home in Fishers costing over $400.000, I understand the need for affordable housing. We have about 5 percent of land left in Fishers to develop. Unfortunately, that causes the land price to be very high to develop affordable housing. The general election is Nov. 7.

Whenitcomestomemories, it’sbesttomakethemyourself.

#MoreThanAMileSquare

Coble

DeReamer

Century Club announces charity recipient

news@currentinfishers.com

Members of the Fishers Century Club, voted Sept.12 to choose the Indiana Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation as its designated charity for the third quarter.

According to an announcement from the group, Kirk Klabunde, a Fishers Century Club member and local banking executive, presented the charity, highlighting the work the Indiana Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation does to serve the community.

Funds are still coming in from those who could not attend the Sept 12 meeting, but the total is expected to reach $3,000, according to the announcement.

“I want to thank all my peers at the Century Club for their overwhelming support in selecting The Indiana Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation as this quarter’s beneficiary,” Klabunde stated. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this dynamic group, and I’m thrilled that we’re able to make such a

meaningful contribution to our community.”

Fishers Century Club members commit to meeting four times per year and donate $100 per meeting. During the meetings, a charity is chosen as the recipient of that meeting’s donations. According to the announcement, since its founding in 2021, the organization is approaching nearly $30,000 in donations.

For more, visit fisherscenturyclub.com.

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Our courses are led exclusively by successful business owners who also have US Marine, US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) or high-ranking US military experience. Champion’s Path is a disabled veteran owned small business, based in Westfield, Indiana. We are dedicated to helping young adults find a great career and an honorable future!

From left, Paul Phelps, Mike Evans, Ross Emery, Anthony Head, Kirk Klabunde, Jeff Lang, Paul Hevesy, Adam Kallick, Greg Kuhn, Jason Carpenter, Benjamin Orr, Josh Stults and David Giffel are among the members of the Fishers Century Club. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Century Club)

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Dat Phan of Fishers conducts an inventory assessment in a locker aboard the USS Boxer Aug. 30. The Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship deployed in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Connor Burns)

Carmel businessman runs for 5th District in Congress

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel businessman Raju Chinthala, a Republican, has joined the Congressional race for Indiana’s 5th District.

ELECTION

The seat is held by U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Republican who announced in February she would not seek reelection. Noblesville state Rep. Chuck Goodrich, nonprofit president Matthew Peiffer and business owner Sid Mahant previously announced campaigns for the seat in the May 2024 Republican primary.

in 1994 and relocated to the Hoosier state in 1996.

NO ONE HAS MORE CREDIBLE REVIEWS THAN US.

Chinthala

Chinthala is founder and president of the Indiana India Business Council and a senior advisor for India at the Indiana Economic Development Corp. He also serves as treasurer of the Hamilton County Republican Party.

Born in India, Chinthala moved to the U.S.

“My experience in Indiana has been varied and successful and helped me to understand this community and its great people,” Chinthala stated. “I’ve been a speech-language pathologist, helping thousands through their difficulties. As a businessman, I’ve managed various enterprises, helped create better health care and been a key player in acquiring investments in our state and our country totaling more than $500 million.”

Chinthala has been recognized for his efforts with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and has received the Sagamore of the Wabash twice — once from former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and more recently by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Chinthala is married to Dr. Prasanna Chinthala. They have a son, Anoop.

DISPATCHES

Registration open for Conscious Learning Cohort — The Indianapolis chapter of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a movement of business leaders improving the practice and perception of capitalism, has opened registration for its second Conscious Learning Cohort, a nine-month program designed to help business leaders learn and apply the principles of Conscious Capitalism to their organizations. The program is led by experienced Conscious Capitalism practitioners and includes a mix of online and in-person learning experiences. The CLC is

open to business leaders of all levels and industries. Participants will learn about the four tenets of Conscious Capitalism: Higher Purpose, Stakeholder Orientation, Conscious Leadership, and Conscious Culture. They will also network with other Conscious Capitalism practitioners and share their own experiences. The CLC will begin in February and will meet monthly or bi-monthly for nine months. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31. To learn more or register, visit indianapolis.consciouscapitalism.org/ conscious-learning-cohort.

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Fishers running back’s fast start leads to more college attention

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior running back Khobie Martin is a huge fan of retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.

“Marshawn Lynch is the only reason I wear No. 24. I love him,” Martin said. “He’s funny and a cool dude and an even better athlete.”

Lynch was nicknamed “Beast Mode” for his aggressive running style. Martin has been channeling his own version of “Beast Mode” this season. In the first five games, he had 768 yards and 12 touchdowns on 105 carries.

That caught the attention of Indiana University coach Tom Allen. Martin was offered a scholarship this month and is considering it. He previously made a commitment to Miami (Ohio) University, but has decommmited.

Martin said he believes he has the work ethic to play in the Big Ten or another Power 5 conference school.

“I am excited to be pushed,” Martin said.

MEET KHOBIE MARTIN

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite TV show: “Dragon Ball Super”

Favorite musician or band: Yeat Hobbies: Playing games and hanging out with friends.

“I have the discipline it takes for the next level.”

Tigers coach Curt Funk agreed Martin has the self-motivation to excel.

“In the offseason, Khobie really improved his speed,” Funk said. “He continues to get stronger in the weight room. He’s continued to work on his skill set as a running back. Because of that, he keeps improving. As he progresses in his football journey, he will

Khobie

and stronger,” Funk said.

Martin is a team captain for the Tigers.

“Our team goes as Khobie goes,” Funk said. “They follow his lead and his work ethic.”

Martin rushed for 1,194 yards on 165 carries with 16 TDs in 2022.

“I feel like I have made the most improvement on my pass block,” Martin said. “This year, I’ve been more confident and consistent with my pass protection.”

Martin said 100 percent of the credit goes to all the work he puts into the offseason.

Martin started playing football in third grade.

keep

improving because he has a good work ethic.”

Funk said Martin has a big upside in that he doesn’t turn 18 until May 2024.

“I feel he is going to keep growing and putting on size and getting bigger, faster

“I played basketball growing up all the way until eighth grade,” he said. “People started turning into giants. I started concentrating on football ever since fifth grade, trying to play for travel leagues and play with the best of the best that were around my age. I was always a running back growing up, but I also used to play (defensive) line and middle linebacker.”

Martin said he is passionate about football because of the “bonds you build through playing the sport and the life lessons that you learn while playing the sport.”

Fishers High School senior running back

Martin’s strong start has resulted in a scholarship offer from Indiana University next season. (Photo courtesy of Khobie Martin)

Martin

HSE teacher picked for fellowship

news@geistcurrent.com

Hollie Vessels, a Riverside Intermediate School teacher with Hamilton Southeastern Schools, has been chosen to participate in the Teach Plus 2023-24 Policy Fellowship cohort.

EDUCATION

Teach Plus, a national teacher leadership organization, selected 13 teachers from Indiana for the fellowship program, according to an announcement. The fellowship is a yearlong opportunity for educators to learn about the policy landscape and advocate for solutions that improve opportunities for students while maintaining their critical role as classroom teachers.

“Having practitioners from the classroom participating in the policy dialogue is imperative as we continue to move forward in Indiana,” said Rachel Hathaway, Teach Plus Indiana executive director.

Fellows will work on key education advocacy issues affecting students and communities in Indiana, including teacher pipeline, school funding, student-centered learning and student and teacher mental health.

The fellows’ experience spans two to 26

years of teaching, with half the educators entering the profession via a traditional program and the other half coming from an alternative pathway. With a third of the cohort identifying as teachers of color — compared to less than 10 percent of teachers statewide — Teach Plus Indiana Policy Fellows are reflective of the diversity of the state and its students. The educators hail from urban, rural and suburban areas, teaching a variety of subjects and age levels from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Garcia Wilburn seeks interns — State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) is inviting college students and recent college graduates to apply for internships with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus. The internships will span the upcoming legislative session running from January through March at the Indiana Statehouse. Interested candidates may apply for internships focused on constituent services, fiscal analysis, graphic and print design, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, media relations and policy and legislative research. Interns will receive a biweekly stipend of $900 and the chance to earn academic credit. This is a full-time internship of 37.5 hours per week. No specific major is required. Students must be at least a sophomore. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31, with a priority deadline of Oct. 15. To apply, visit indianahousedemocrats. org/student-opportunities/internships. For questions, call Internship Program Director Lauren Coon at 317.232.9837 or email housedem.internship@iga.in.gov.

A Hamilton Southeastern Schools teacher is one of 13 Hoosier educators chosen for the Teach Plus 2023-24 Policy Fellowship. (Photo courtesy of Teach Plus)

A shot in the arm can take a load off your mind.

Anyone from 6-month-olds to seniors can get COVID protection with safe vaccines and boosters that are free whether you have insurance or not. Find an Eskenazi Health Center near you at EskenaziHealth.edu/FreeVaccines

CURRENT OCTOBER FISHERS COMMUNITY CALENDAR CAMPOUT AT THE AGRIPARK

The City of Fishers’ 33-acre urban farm will welcome families and groups for AgriPark Camp Out Oct. 7 and 8. Group registration for up to six people includes a 25-foot by 35-foot grass area for a tent or canopy, personal fire pit, a movie in the park, games and activities, and a continental breakfast the following morning. Each family or group needs to supply their own tent, food and snacks, drinks and sleeping gear. No pets, alcohol or fireworks are allowed. Registration is $75 per group per camp site for Fishers residents. The non-resident rate per group, per camp site is $112.50. Register at secure.rec1.com/IN/fishers-in/catalog.

FALL FESTIVAL AT THE FISHERS AGRIPARK

The Fishers AgriPark Fall Festival returns Oct. 10-14, running each day with the same programming from 4 to 7 p.m. At Fall Fest, participants can enjoy fall-themed activities including a scarecrow trail, campfire and s’mores, pumpkin picking and carving, animal encounters, a corn maze, inflatables, midway games, crafts, music, food trucks and more. Registration is $3 per person ($4.50 for non-residents), and each attendee must be registered. Children 2 and younger

are free but still must be registered. Register at secure.rec1.com/IN/fishers-in/catalog.

OCTOBER STORYWALK

In partnership with Hamilton East Public Library, each month the City of Fishers Parks Department features a children’s book on a Fishers Parks trail or walking path for parents and children to enjoy during an easy, quarter-mile hike. Book locations rotate every month to a different Fishers Parks property. Books are ideal for ages 6 and under and are available all month long (rain or shine). The October location is Billericay Park, and the book is “Halloween is Coming” by Cal Everett.

POP-UP SEED BOMBS

Seed bombs are a great way to help grow native flowers. A workshop is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Fishers AgriPark. Participants can make and take a free seed bomb to their home, or shoot it into the Fishers AgriPark wildflower field, to see flowers bloom in the spring. The event is free, and all are welcome. No registration required.

FALL BREAK CAMP

Fishers Parks is offering a fall break camp for youth from 8:30 a.m. to noon daily from

COMMUNITY

CURRENT OCTOBER FISHERS COMMUNITY CALENDAR (CONTINUED)

Oct. 16-20 at the Maker Playground. To learn more and to register, visit playfishers. com/597/CALENDAR and scroll down to the list of October events.

SECOND FRIDAY

The monthly Second Friday art reception for the Fishers Arts Council is set for 6 p.m. Oct 13 at the Hub Gallery, 11810 Technology Dr, Fishers. The October exhibit is “Fishers & Hamilton County: An Historic Perspective” The free reception is open to the public. Participants can meet the artists, experience works that feature the history of Fishers and Hamilton County and partake of light refreshments and a cash wine bar. There will be a special musical guest, and some artwork will be available for purchase. Anyone who needs assistance to enjoy the event can contact the Fishers Arts Council at least two weeks in advance to make sure accommodation is available. For more, email info@fishersartscouncil.org.

WEDNESDAY WALKS WITH FISHERS PARKS

The monthly Wednesday Walks with Fishers Parks officials is set for 9-10 a.m. Oct. 18 at Cumberland Park. Residents are invited to take an hour once a month for a casual walk with leadership, experience and event

coordinators, marketing team, and others. No RSVP or registration is required.

BOO BASH

Celebrate Halloween with the City of Fishers Parks Department, starting at 10 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. A reimagined Boo Bash, presented by Centier Bank, comes to downtown Fishers with free live music and entertainment, food trucks, games and activities. Come in costume for some great photo opportunities with City of Fishers departments and vendors. This event is free, and no registration is required.

FISHERS AMERICAN LEGION EUCHRE TOURNAMENT

The Fishers American Legion Post 470 has a euchre tournament benefitting Best Buddies set for 2:30 pm. Oct. 14 at the Legion, Post 470, 9091 E. 126th St., Fishers. If they have up to 8 tables, they will play six rounds. If there are nine or more tables, they will play eight rounds. Registration will be capped at 48 players and registration is required. A cash payment of $20 will be taken at the door. To register, visit bit. ly/3LnA9zq.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM GUILD’S HAUNTED HOUSE PRESENTED BY

BEST IN SHOW

Fishers artist wins top award at annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The Fishers Arts Council’s September exhibit features more than 40 artists, with 57 pieces displayed in the annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists at the Collaboration Hub gallery, 11810 Technology Dr., Fishers.

During the Second Friday exhibit reception on Sept. 8, “Ricky,” a painting by Mark Rouse of Fishers, was named Best in Show. The painting features a closeup of a pair of raccoons peering out of some foliage.

Rouse said he didn’t expect to win. He said he was sitting on the floor as the judges’ comments were read and was trying to guess who the winner was based on those comments. The description was nonspecific at first, and he guessed a couple of other artists’ pieces.

“And then she says, ‘The two raccoons,’ and I thought somebody was going to have to help me up off the floor,” he said. “I did not expect that at all.”

Rouse said he likes animals, and his family had raccoons in their barn when he was growing up. They can be friendly animals, he said, and he decided he wanted to paint them. He also loves painting cars and music-themes pieces.

Rouse describes his style as “contemporary realism.”

“Although, some of it leans more toward cubism (and) there’s some expressionist functions,” he said. “I don’t think people have any problem recognizing my work. There is a cohesiveness to the style, but there is also a lot of variety in it.”

He said his painting style changed in 2018 after a three-year recovery from diabetes-related blindness.

“One of the things that I decided at that point was that I wanted to just paint the things I love,” he said. “I stopped trying to come up with a new new way of doing things that nobody else had ever seen.”

Les Reinhardt is the Fishers Arts Council Executive Director. She said the annual exhibit is sponsored by Jiffy Lube of Indiana, and highlights artists who either live or have lived in Hamilton County. She said 73 paintings were submitted to the exhibit this year, and the judge, Indiana artist Rena Brouwer, selected which ones would be

displayed.

Brouwer also chose all the category winners except People’s Choice.

In her comments about Rouse’s winning piece, she said the painting “shows a wonderful sense of design as well as the ability of the artist to work the subject into both the background and the foreground. The transitions between lights and darks are beautifully done. The viewer’s eye is able to determine what the shapes are without them having to be further defined. Each time I look at the painting I find something more to look at. Both raccoons exhibit a great deal of personality and contribute to the story in the painting. The design has wonderful movement which keeps the viewer engaged and keeps the eye moving throughout the painting.”

Rouse’s work is displayed in other galleries, including High Frequency Arts at the Hub and Spoke, 8100 E. 106th St., and Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy on 126th Street, both in Fishers; and he will have a solo show at Two Chicks District Co. at 1531 S. East St. in Indianapolis in October and November.

Other 2023 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists winners are:

• Frances Ruiz’s “Romance” won the Florals and Other category.

• Leslie Ober’s “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait” won the Portrait/Figurative category

• Laura McCormick’s “Koi Under Reflection” won the Abstract category

• Sabrina Zhou’s “Morning Hike” won the Landscape category

• Blake Dauby’s “Cool Desert Night” won People’s Choice

Reinhardt said anyone could vote for People’s Choice online and during the Sept. 8 Second Friday reception.

“It’s always great to do a people’s choice because then the community really has a voice and gets involved,” she said during a tour of the exhibit. “And we were able to share the artwork from Hamilton County with over 20,000 individuals and had over 3,000 active engagements. That to me is thrilling. I always love the people’s choice award because the judge picks everything else, but the community picks this piece.”

The exhibit closes Sept. 29. It can be seen Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday by appointment with Fishers Arts Council.

For more about the Fishers Arts Council, visit fishersartscouncil.org. For more about Rouse’s work, visit his Facebook page, Images by Mark Rouse, or go to mark.rouse. ART.

ON THE COVER: Mark Rouse of Fishers, center, won Best in Show for his painting, “Ricky,” during the Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists. Also pictured are Les Reinhardt, executive director of Fishers Arts Council. (Photo courtesy of the Fishers Arts Council)

BEST IN SHOW REWARD

As the Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists Best in Show winner, Fishers artist Mark Rouse will have his own exhibit in January at the Fishers Arts Council’s gallery space at the Collaboration Hub.

“It will come up faster than I expect it to,” he said. “It’s a pretty big gallery, too.”

It won’t be a solo show, though. Rouse said he plans to invite some of his family members to contribute.

“I have some other family members that are quite artistic,” he said. “There’s kind of a generational thing. I’m happy to see my kids and my grandkids have

been interested in art.”

He added that traditionally his family has leaned toward music rather than visual arts, and his brother and sister both teach music.

“I tell people I started painting because I couldn’t play the piano,” he said. “I was the first artist, and my oldest daughter is an accomplished photographer. My grandson is at Ball State now and he couldn’t decide whether he wanted to major in music or art education. So, I’m hoping to get some of his work (for the exhibit). It’ll be fun. It’ll be fun more than anything.”

Some of the winners and sponsors of the Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists are, from left, John Lee, co-owner of MashCraft Fishers (award sponsor); Leslie Ober, Best Portrait/ Figurative; Les Reinhardt, executive director of Fishers Arts Council; Frances Ruiz, Best Floral/Other; Mark Rouse, Jiffy Lube of Indiana Best in Show; Blake Dauby, MashCraft People’s Choice winner; Laura McCormick, Best Abstract; Scott Marshall, General Manager for Jiffy Lube of Indiana (title sponsor). (Photo courtesy of the Fishers Arts Council)

Mark Rouse’s “Ricky” won Best in Show at the 2023 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

OneZone offers MWVEcertification workshops

news@currentinfishers.com

OneZone Chamber has announced a new program offering workshops in partnership with The Gideon Group.

spirit and drive even greater success in our county. “

OPPORTUNITY

According to the announcement, the six-week workshop series provides prospective minority and women-owned businesses with the information and guidance on the process to become a certified Minority, Women and Veteran Enterprise (MWVE) supplier in the State of Indiana

“The Gideon Group is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with OneZone Chamber of Commerce for the XBE Workshop Series,” stated Terry Dove Pittman, owner of The Gideon Group. “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide Hamilton County’s diverse array of business owners the roadmap to becoming a women, minority or veteran-owned enterprise. These series of empowering workshops will ignite the entrepreneurial

The workshop series will cover key areas such as introduction to MWVE certification, eligibility criteria, the application process, review and evaluation, maintaining the certification and leveraging opportunities, and resources and support.

“We know that the process to become certified in the state of Indiana is difficult and we believe that with this new program we will help,” stated Jack Russell, president and CEO of OneZone Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome our first 25 businesses to the class starting in October.”

The program aims to empower women and minority-owned businesses seeking MWVE certification in the State of Indiana by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the process, requirements and benefits of certification.

Applications are due Sept. 29, and can be found at onezonechamber.com. Click on the initiative tab.

Dove Pittman

One handy firefighter

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I am retired. So, I don’t work. Neither did anything in our house on Thursday of last week. The problem began about 2 a.m. One of the fire alarms started making a weird chirping sound. We assumed it was the batteries, but this is not an easy fix. It required one of us to get up on a high ladder and replace one of those nine-volt puppies. We needed a volunteer to take on this risky task, so I offered to hold my wife, Mary Ellen, in case she fell. The next morning, the alarm was still chirping.

HUMOR

Our next-door neighbor is a former New York City fireman. I called him.

“Paul, it’s Dick next door. Our fire alarms won’t stop beeping.”

“Well, Dick, it’s one of two things. Either all the batteries need changing or …”

“Yes, yes, or what?”

grass, but she enjoys edging it. And then she wants me to come up from my basement office and tell her what a great job she’s done. A woman shouldn’t ask a married man to come up and see her edgings. But the weed whacker wasn’t working. The string line kept breaking. Paul came over and explained that the cord I was using was the wrong thickness. He had several types in his garage, where he has a complete workshop, so he made the necessary replacement. Someday, if you move, move next door to a retired New York City fireman.

“It required one of us to get up on a high ladder and replace one of those nine-volt puppies. We needed a volunteer to take on this risky task, so I offered to hold my wife, Mary Ellen, in case she fell.”

“Or your house is on fire. “

Paul thought that was pretty funny. He came over and replaced all the batteries.

Later, Mary Ellen and I went for a walk, and when we returned, the garage door wouldn’t open. Mary Ellen asked me if I put in the right code.

“Yes,” I said. “It’s the date of our anniversary.”

“Oh, dear, I wish you had used a number you could remember.”

Paul came over and taught us how to reset the code, but now to open the door we have to remember Paul and Karen’s anniversary.

That same afternoon, Mary Ellen wanted to edge the lawn. She hates mowing the

Just after Mary Ellen finished manicuring our lawn, we realized the lights in the laundry room weren’t working. I checked the circuit breakers and then made sure those weird things in the garage and on the bathroom walls (whose name I don’t know) hadn’t popped out. Paul saw me in the garage and showed me I was not pushing down on the button long enough or hard enough. Suddenly, the lights went on and the ice maker went to work. Even the dryer started. I went out to buy Paul a case of beer.

When I got back, Mary Ellen told me the cable was out and the water softener wasn’t working. I knew both these things could be easily fixed, but this late at night, I didn’t want to bother Paul.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given oncemonthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

– DICK WOLFSIE

Funny measures of intelligence

Commentary by Terry

Anker

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Famed theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize laureate Albert Eistein often remarked that the best indication of his intelligence was his sense of humor. Well, humor and a messy desk. “I like to think that a clean desk represents an empty mind,” is attributed to the genius. A recent Australian study proves that he may have been right about this all along. Both higher intelligence and emotional intelligence are registered among those of us who can make our peers laugh. However, it is not universal. Those who bring smiles through sarcasm or ridicule of others ultimately are more likely to show indications of depression and aggression than IQ.

ESSAY

American singer/song-writer Billy Joel, like “John at the bar who is quick with a joke” doesn’t lead to advancement in one’s career. Too often, we wrongly find that jocularity debases our perception of those who make us happy. Collectively, we have come to believe that funny is incompatible with smart.

Sure, thoughtful adults readily admit that perception and reality are not always the same. We are unlikely to hold Bozo the Clown as the smartest of us all. A somber countenance, dark suit and deep voice have shown themselves, in the age of video, at least, to be the best path to perceived smarts. Smiling too much or being, per

Academic papers are intentionally dry. Really dry. Really, really parched Earth, nota-drop-to-drink kind of dry. News anchors were trusted when they deadpanned their delivery. As they smile more, we trust them less. What is it that leads us to the false assumption? Do we envy the humorous and embrace the humorless? Or is it that we just don’t get the joke? If Einstein were living today, would his good humor change our perception, or would we make him keep his smiles to himself?

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

Living my football fantasy

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Lettuces: BIBB, BOSTON, CRESS, ENDIVE, ICEBERG, ROMAINE; Lakes: ERIE, HURON, MICHIGAN, ONTARIO, SUPERIOR; Fruits: PAPAYA, PEACH, PEAR, PLUM; Houses: FEAR FARM, FRIGHT MANOR, NECROPOLIS; Meteorologists: KEVIN GREGORY, TODD KLAASSEN; Coach: SHANE STEICHEN

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 Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville on or near streets identified below:

Beginning at the substation located near the intersection of 111th St & Willowmere Dr, to include the areas around & near:

• N & E of the substation, S of Carmel Dr, W of Woodland Dr

• N of the substation, E of College Ave, S of Medical Dr, W of Westfield Blvd

• N of 106th St, W of the substation, S of 114th St, E of 31

Beginning at the substation located near 146th & Cumberland Rd, to include the areas around & near: S & W of the substation, E of Harrison Pkwy, N of 131st St

Beginning at the substation located near Cheeney Creek, to include the areas around & near: N of the substation, E of the Regency Dr, S of Technology Dr, W of 69

HUMOR

Heads up, people. Football season is finally here, and this ex-dance mom has high hopes for a dominating fantasy football performance. Do I know what I’m doing? Kinda. I don’t fully understand when to start a wide receiver over a running back in my flex position, nor what exactly a PPR league means, but I’m able to decipher ESPN’s projected point totals enough to get a respectable and competitive team set well before the Thursday deadline. And frankly, none of it matters. I’m really just trying to represent powerful women everywhere as the lone female among a league of beer-guzzling man-children. I recognize the incredible responsibility I hold, and I promise, I will not fail.

Well, I might. My record has been subpar, at best. Usually, I lose a quarterback in the first month or realize too late that all my good players have the same bye week. And I truly have minimal knowledge of the strength and weaknesses of the 30-odd teams in the NFL, nor the intricacies of the AFC and NFC. NHL? ACL? Whatever.

I do have an awesome name, though, A Girl Has No Name (“Game of Thrones” fans,

you’re welcome!), which is half the battle, and the help of my stats-fanatic son, who dutifully scans my lineup to make sure I didn’t start a defense that’s pitted against my premier offensive minions. I also have two key advantages: I’ve never finished higher than fourth and the boys underestimate my commitment to victory. They’ll never see it coming when I crush their little souls.

So, here’s to a successful fantasy football season — for me, and women everywhere! Peace out.

Beginning at the substation located near 216th St & Cammack Rd, to include the areas around & near: S of the substation, E of Moontown Rd, N of 191st St, W of Harbour 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

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

“I’m really just trying to represent powerful women everywhere as the lone female among a league of beer-guzzling man-children.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

Civic Theatre takes audience to ‘The Prom’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Mikayla Koharchik knew she was ready for a date with “The Prom.”

As soon as she heard Civic Theatre was presenting it, she wanted to be part of it.

“It’s an upbeat show and it’s fun and I think it has a sweet message,” the Zionsville resident said. “I really wanted to be part of its regional premiere, too.”

Civic Theatre’s regional premiere of “The Prom” runs Oct. 6-21 at The Tarkington at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel.

Koharchik plays Angie, a 20-year veteran performer of “Chicago” who never gets to play the lead.

“She’s always a chorus girl, never a star,” Koharchik said.

The story centers on four eccentric Broadway performers who come to a small town, where a student wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom while some of the school’s parents don’t want to allow same-sex dates. The brassy Broadway performers try to help the courageous student, Emma Nolan. The story is set in the fictional Indiana town of Edgewater.

Koharchik said the biggest challenge is dancing alongside the younger performers.

“So, the challenge is to keep up with all the younger ones,” Koharchik said. “This is a wonderful cast, and our choreographer Anne Beck is strong and she is helping us out. But I go home and practice dancing over and over. The choreography in the show is stellar.”

Kaylee

Johnson-Bradley performs as Alyssa in Civic Theatre’s production of “The Prom.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty Photography)

‘GRUMPY OLD MEN’

“Grumpy Old Men” runs through Oct. 1 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Deception: An Evening of Magic and Lies is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 and Brittany Brumfield presents Baby Grand Dueling Pianos at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

UPTOWN: MOTOWN REMIXED

Uptown: Motown Remixed is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Amy Grant is the headlining performer. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

’SWEENEY TODD’

self into it. I’ve found a lot of similarities. She’s witty, she’s funny, sarcastic, which I also am in real life. So, it’s been really fun kind of meshing the two together. It’s just a really fun character to play.”

McDaniel said her character is definitely an outsider but seems fine with that.

A Perry Meridian High School graduate, McDaniel, 23, graduated from New York University, where she studied acting.

me per se,” she said. “I very much understand going above and beyond to be the best at certain things to please other people and that’s what she does. She’s head of the student council. She’s been homecoming queen before, all that stuff.”

Main Street Productions will present “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” through Oct. 1 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES’

Koharchik

Kaylee Johnson-Bradley, from McCordsville, plays Alyssa.

Stodghill

David Maxwell, a Broad Ripple resident, plays Sheldon, a public relations agent for two of the over-the-top actors. Maxwell is performing with Civic Theatre for the second time after portraying Max in “The Sound of Music” earlier this year. Maxwell performed in many national tours before taking a break from acting 10 years ago.

MUSICAL DISPATCH

The Belfry Theatre will present “How the Other Half Loves” through Oct. 1 at Arts for Lawrence’s Theater at the Fort in Indianapolis. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.

GREAT CLASSICS AND EXCITING NEW SOUNDS

Indiana Wind Symphony’s concert of “Great Classics and Exciting New Sounds” is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more Indianawindsymphony.org.

Koharchik has only seen the movie version.

“But I was really drawn to the story and the music,” Koharchik said.

Kelsey McDaniel, a Greenwood resident, plays Emma. McDaniel saw “The Prom” on Broadway.

“I love all the music in the show, in general, and thankfully I get to sing a lot of my favorite songs from the show, which is always nice,” McDaniel said. “I love playing this character because I love bringing my-

“This musical is very funny and very inclusive,” said Johnson-Bradley, a Mt. Vernon High School graduate and Butler University student. “I think we have a very diverse cast, which makes it all the more inclusive. Something I like about my character is that I’m very similar to her. So, it’s been interesting putting myself into the role and navigating that as she overcomes her struggles and I overcome mine in real life.”

Johnson-Bradley said her character likes to put up a perfect front.

“She tries to achieve multiple things to please her mom, while that’s not exactly

“I got tired of living out of a suitcase, it wore me down,” Maxwell said.

Austin Stodghill, a Carmel resident who grew up in Marion, plays Kevin, one of the students who bullies Emma in the first half of the show. He said he has been cast as a bully in previous productions.

“I don’t enjoy being a bully, but I feel like I can play it well because I was bullied myself,” Stodghill said. “The thing I love about the shows that have bullying in there is usually a turnaround where the bully becomes good and realizes they are being stupid.”

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Hyperion Players present ‘Waiting for Godot’ — The Hyperion Players will present “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett at The Switch Theatre, 10029 E 126th St, Fishers, Sept. 28 to Oct.1. The shows are at 7 p.m. Sept. 28-30 and 2 p.m. Oct. 1. The cast includes two actors from Noblesville: Aaron Budde (Lucky) and Mason Yeager (Boy). The other performers are Adam Phillips (Pozzo), Westfield; David Johnson (Vladimir), Danville; and Matt Hartzburg (Estragon), Indianapolis. For more, visit hyperionplayers.com.

Heartland aims to make impact

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Heartland International Film Festival Artistic Director Greg Sorvig had some apprehension about this year’s lineup. “We come off (the) COVID (pandemic) and all that craziness of almost not having a festival, and now we have the strikes with (writers and actors),” the Carmel resident said. “It put us in a flux on what would be available for some of these bigger films that are the tent poles for us. So, I went from being fairly uncertain about how this year would go to being very excited. We locked in some great films.” The festival, featuring more than 120 films, runs Oct. 5-15 at various venues in the Indianapolis area.

‘Every year we have people asking for really hyper-specific local films, and although it’s not necessarily local, he was a two-time Indy 500 winner,” Sorvig said. “It’s one of those films you hear about, and you are like, ‘I hope it’s great,’ and it was.”

FILMS

“We want films that can make an impact on you,” Sorvig said. “A lot of festivals have a similar mission to inspire, educate and engage.

“The Lionheart” from HBO is the story of IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a racing accident in Las Vegas in 2011. The film follows as his sons, Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon, pursue racing careers.

“The Lionheart” will open the festival at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Toby theater at Newfields. Sorvig said the centerpiece and closing films have already been touted as having Academy Award candidates for Best Actor. Sorvig had correctly predicted Brendan Fraser would win the Oscar when “The Whale” was shown during last year’s festival.

“We hope to continue that streak with Colman Domingo and Paul Giamatti,” Sorvig said. “Colman is an early favorite. There is a lot of time, but we think Colman has a fantastic chance.

Domingo plays the title role in “Rustin,” a film about Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist who led the 1963 march on Washington, D.C. “Rustin” is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Newfields. The closing-night film “The Holdovers” is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Newfields and features Giamatti.

For more, visit heartlandfilm.org.

Medley glad to perform again

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

At 83, Bill Medley is continuing to make up for lost time.

CONCERT

“It was real tough when COVID hit and we had to take a couple of years off,” Medley said. “I’m really a one-trick pony. I’m a performer and that’s what I do. Now that we’re back on the road, it’s just wonderful. The traveling is getting a little tougher, but the audiences make up for all the pain.”

The Righteous Brothers, featuring Medley and Bucky Heard, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Medley and Bobby Hatfield founded the musical duo of The Righteous Brothers in 1962. When Hatfield died of a heart attack in 2003, Medley performed as a solo artist for several years before reforming The Righteous Brothers with Heard in 2016.

Medley met Heard in Branson, Mo., when Heard was playing in “Blue Brothers.”

“Then he went to another theater, and he did some Journey songs,” Medley said. “I didn’t know he could do that, and he just

knocked me out. We got on the piano and sang a little and it was just kind of magical. It was like Bobby and I getting together, it was just, like, perfect. He’s a great guy, just as important as being an incredible singer.

Medley said he and Hatfield were raised on rhythm and blues.

“I consider myself a blues singer,” he said. “A few years ago, I recorded a blues album called ‘Your Heart to Mine.’ I do a song from that, ‘This Will Be the Last Time.’ It’s a lot of fun but not any more fun than doing “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling’ and ‘Unchained Melody.’”

Bucky Heard, left, and Bill Medley form The Righteous Brothers, who will perform Oct. 6 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of The Righteous Brothers)

ATI to start new season with new team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As previously announced, the season will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Studio Theater with “ATI’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2.”

PRODUCTIONS

Actors Theatre of Indiana is not only launching a new season but a new leadership team. ATI co-founder Judy Fitzgerald is now the artistic director. Darrin Murrell has joined the team as the associate artistic director. The other two ATI co-founders, Cynthia Collins and Don Farrell, have resigned to pursue other projects but will still be involved.

Fitzgerald said ATI will introduce a new executive director after Executive Director Jim Reilly’s retirement in December.

“Our daughter Lizzie (Farrell), who will be joining us in ‘ATI’s Greatest Hits!’ is off to IU, so I am champing at the bit to be totally focused on ATI to make this transition a smooth and a successful one,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald

For ATI holiday shows, Wayne Powers and his All-Star Jazz Trio will perform Great American Songbook songs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14. Katy Gentry, who is known for her Judy Garland tribute concerts, will perform Dec. 15-17 with pianist Eric Baker. The Dec. 15-16 shows will be at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 17.

“We will miss him,” Fitzgerald said. “He is ready to travel and enjoy his family. We were so lucky to have him at the helm as long as we did. Cindy is coming back to direct ‘Route 66’ and will be in ‘Forbidden Broadway’ and continues to host our podcast, ‘Lunch Break with ATI.’ She has an exciting position (as musical theater faculty member) at Anderson University, but as a co-founder of ATI is always willing to be a part of the company and help whenever she can. I absolutely think that Don will still be a part of our productions. He will be busy, but just like Cindy, cares about the company and our future.

“So, it’s fresh and exciting with a combination of a founder with all of the knowledge and experience from Day 1 to new thoughts and ideas to make ATI better than ever.”

Collins will perform at the Bier Brewery Bash Oct. 1 at Bier Brewery in Carmel. Collins, accompanied by pianist Brent Marty, will sing many of her favorite tunes by female singers, from Peggy Lee to Natalie Cole.

ATI will present two Broadway productions in 2024. The first will be “Route 66” from Feb. 2-18 at the Studio Theater. The season will wrap up with “Forbidden Broadway” from April 26 to May 12.

Fitzgerald said it’s a great mix.

“I love that it is so filled with music and all different styles of performing,” Fitzgerald said. “From bringing back old friends to the stage, to cabaret style, our ever-growing Lab series, which are all musicals this year, to a jukebox musical with all of the actors playing instruments to a hilarious musical that is all about Broadway, with impossible costume quick changes. I love this combination of entertainment and I think audiences will as well. I can’t wait for the fun to begin and to get this season started.”

The Lab Series starts “Liars Bench” Oct. 14 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. “Evelyn and the Eternal Question” is set for March 16, 2024.

For more, visit atistage.org.

LYRICS BY CHAD BEGUELIN

MUSIC BY MATTHEW SKLAR

BOOK BY BOB MARTIN & CHAD BEGUELIN

JACK VIERTEL

‘The Nun II’ delivers scares

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

Sister Irene returns to battle the forces of evil in “The Nun II,” the sequel to the 2018 box office smash and the ninth installment in “The Conjuring Universe,” the highest-grossing horror franchise ever. The gothic supernatural horror film recently dominated the box office opening weekend, taking in more than $80 million in sales.

But is it worth a view? Yes, if you enjoy a good scare, and there’s enough packed into the 109-minute film’s runtime to keep you up all night.

It’s 1956 France; a priest is violently murdered, and Sister Irene begins to investigate. She once again comes face-to-face with a powerful evil.

The original isn’t required to enjoy the movie, which stands on its own merit. But the filmmakers sprinkled hidden references throughout the plot for franchise fans.

Actress Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as Sister Irene, playing her emotional range between faith and bravery, a collaboration necessary to accomplish both

tender and chilling moments in the story. Rejoining the cast are Jonas Bloquet as “Frenchie” and Bonnie Aarons as the demon nun “Valak.”

Director Michael Chaves (“The Curse of La Llorona,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It”) beautifully layers each scene with suspenseful imagery, considering the audience’s eye and establishing fear without diluting the creepy moments of anticipation. He cumulates elements of cinematography to build adrenaline, edging the audience toward the final act.

“The Nun II” is a familiar addition to the franchise, emerging as a solid horror film and chilling the audience with enough fright to make it worth your while.

Don’t miss the post-credit scene that confirms a connection between Sister Irene and Lorraine Warren.

During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.

Really groovy ‘60s terms

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

too much avocado toast.”

GRAMMAR GUY

Sure, we could discuss some far-out, groovy words we’re all hip to (if you can dig it). However, today’s installment of Grammar Guy discusses some of the less common 60’s slang I think we should give another try. So, before you can reply with a “sock it to me,” it’s time to get in our verbal time machines and split.

• Copacetic: No problems — things are all right. I’d like to see a version of “copacetic” used sarcastically like the “this is fine” meme featuring the dog sitting in a burning room. Is your world collapsing around you? It’s copecetic. Everything is copecetic.

• Shine me on: When someone was ignoring your presence. This was the 60’s equivalent of “ghosting.” I’m tired of hearing people say “ghosting,” so let’s pepper in “shine me on” to our conversations.

• It’s a gas: That thing is fun. If you’re having a great time doing something, insert this phrase into your lexicon. For example, “I’m staying home tonight with a warm blanket and some reruns of ‘Antiques Roadshow.’ It’s a gas.”

• Scratch, bread, dough: Money. Although most people don’t carry cash anymore, my millennial counterparts could say things like, “I’ll never have enough bread to afford a house; boomers say it’s because I’m buying

• Fink: A tattle tale. My kids inform me of everything the other one is doing, especially if it’s something they hadn’t ought to be doing. Instead of calling each other “tattle tale,” I’m going to teach them the word “fink.” This will introduce some variety into my everyday kid chaos.

• Hodad: Someone who doesn’t surf, especially a person who just hangs out at the beach. In the much-acclaimed 2023 film “Barbie,” Ken’s main skill is hanging out on the beach. He doesn’t swim, surf or make sandcastles. He’s quite the hodad.

• Sosh: A person who is stuck-up or snooty. In today’s influencer culture, I’m ready to bring back “sosh.” Whenever I see a teenage hooligan making a TikTok dance video in public, I’m going to stand in the background of the frame and declare them a goodfor-nothing sosh. Call me square, but I think that’s a funny idea.

• Beat feet: Leaving somewhere quickly. About 20 minutes into any party, I’m ready to beat feet. I’m jazzed once I get into my scuzz bucket and burn rubber out of the host’s cul-de-sac.

A Visit to Carillon Historical Park

Commentary by Don Knebel

Notice is herby given that BW Construction, on behalf of Hamilton Southeastern Schools (“Owner” or “HSE”), will receive electronic bids for the following project until 2:00 p.m. (EDT) on 9/28/2023. Project: HSE High School – Chiller Replacement. Bids will be opened and read aloud virtually via Microsoft Teams at 2:10 p.m. (EDT) on 9/28/2023. A meeting link will be issued via addendum. Bids received after such time are subject to rejection. Bids may be withdrawn prior to such time, but no bids shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days thereafter. Bid shall be submitted according to the Instructions to Bidders and properly executed. Bid shall be submitted via BW Construction’s online public plan room (https://app. buildingconnected.com/public/5c2e30ca1e1c19001317e535). Bid shall be uploaded as a single PDF named “Bidding Company – Bid Submission – HSE Chiller Replacement.” Each bid of at least $150,000 must be accompanied by the Contractor’s written plan for a program to test the contractor’s employees for drugs in accordance with Indiana Code – IC 4-13-18. Each bid of at least $200,000 or more must be accompanied by a Contractor’s Bid Bond or certified check made payable to HSE Schools in an amount equal to 5% of total of the base bid and any alternate bids. If submitting certified check, the check must be delivered to BW Construction, 615 Russell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 in an envelope labeled with “Bid for HSE Chiller Replacement” before the bid deadline. Each bid of at least $200,000 or more shall include costs to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract. Upon notification to the successful bidder, no contract shall be valid until receipt of bond, if so required. The Instructions to Bidders contained in the specifications are by this reference made a part hereof, and all bidders shall be deemed advised of the provisions thereof, and of the General Conditions of the contract, specifications, plans and drawings for the project. A pre-bid meeting for interested parties will be held on September 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. EDT at the HSE High School Maintenance Building, near 13905 E. 126th St, Fishers, IN 46037. Prospective bidders shall meet outside adjacent to the maintenance building, and then a tour will follow. The architectural/engineering firm for this project is: RQAW | DCCM, 8770 North Street, Fishers, IN 46037. Hard copy and electronic PDF bidding documents may be obtained from: Eastern Engineering Supply, 9901 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone (866) 884-4115 Fax (765) 288-8311. To order a set of plans, please contact Tamara Tincher at the number above. Costs of documents are the responsibility of the bidder. Hamilton Southeastern Schools reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive, to the extent permitted by law, any of the terms, conditions and provisions contained in this Advertisement for Bids or the Instructions to Bidders or any informality, irregularity or omission in any bid, provided that such waiver shall, in the discretion of HSE, be to the advantage of HSE.

TRAVEL

Today, as we continue visiting sites within comfortable driving distance from Indianapolis, we come to Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio. Carillon Historical Park, lying along the east bank of the Great Miami River, is named for the 151-foot-tall Deeds Carillon at the north end of the park, erected in 1942 by the family of Col. Edward Deeds. Deeds was a prominent Dayton industrialist, president of the National Cash Register Co., and co-founder of Dayton Engineering Laboratory Company, or Delco. The 65-acre park celebrates Dayton’s history with 30 historic structures, including the Newcom Tavern, built in 1796 and Dayton’s oldest building.

The park also celebrates Dayton’s reputation for technical innovations. At the turn of the 20th century, Dayton received more patents per capita than any other U.S. city. The patents included those for the first airplane, cash register and electric starter. The 1905 Wright brothers’ Flyer III, the first practical airplane and the only one designated a National Historic Landmark, was restored in

1948 with Orville Wright’s help and is in the park’s Wright Brothers Aviation Center. The park also displays one of the few remaining bicycles produced by the Wright brothers and includes a replica of their print shop. Among 3 million other items the park owns are an 1835 locomotive, the oldest built in the United States, and a 1912 Cadillac featuring a Delco electrical system.

Carillon Historical Park also includes the operational Carillon Brewery, a hand-carved carousel, and a so-called “4-D theater,” in which five animatronic figures, including the Wright brothers and Col. Deeds, are placed in period settings and talk about what was happening in Dayton in 1909. Finally, the park is the gateway for tours of nearby Hawthorn Hill, the home designed by the Wright brothers and lived in by Orville and Katherine Wright and their father beginning in 1914.

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

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

Wright brothers’ Flyer III at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio.

Deeds Carillon monument in Dayton, Ohio. (Photos by Don Knebel)

38. “Voice of the Hoosiers” Fischer

39. Wine designation

41. Put on WTHR

42. Still asleep

45. Quote, Part 3

49. Ooh and ___

50. Army VIP

51. Numerical prefix

52. Ecommerce platform

54. WHS subj.

55. Marion County community originally named Farmersville

56. End of quote

62. Scoundrel

63. Anger

64. Off base, for short

65. Noblesville HS physics class particles

66. Foot, to a vet

67. Holcomb Observatory telescope part Down

1. Toronto’s prov.

2. Slangy denial

3. Egypt’s capital

4. Put into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame

5. Gave a quick greeting

6.

won a Nobel Prize: ___ Roy Mottelson

30. HBO rival

31. Lots

33. Ball State military org.

37. Eight, in old Rome

38. Unfaithful

39. Swampy ground

40. Regret

41. Heart chambers

43. ___ de cologne

44. Some MLB batters, initially

46. Poison ivy woes

47. Deliberately avoid

48. Short letter

53. Really impressed

54. Like one leg of the TRI Indy triathlon

55. Gillette razor

56. Coach Parseghian

57. Decay

58. “I” problem

59. Reward for a Prime 47

Butler frat letter

7. Tissue layer

8. How some homes are built

9. Up-front group of seats at the Palladium

10. Cigar residue

11. Boston ___ Party

12. Indy summer hrs.

17. Layer of paint

18. Spot in the ocean

21. “The Wizard of Oz” studio

22. Angsty music genre

23. I-465 median warning

24. Current death notice, briefly

25. Become deteriorated

26. GI entertainers

27. Purdue physicist who

Lakes

60. North Central HS grad Klain, who was Biden’s chief

staff

61. Chicago trains Answers on Page 19

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Indiana’s Largest Stamp Show! (50th year)

The Indiana Stamp Club will host the INDYPEX 2023 Stamp Show Oct. 6-8, 2023 at the Hamilton Co. 4-H Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center, 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville IN 46060.

Hours will be 10-5 on Fri., 10-5 on Sat., 10-3 on Sunday.

Exhibits and 35 dealers as well as beginner/youth tables, a U.S. postal station, information tables for the Indiana Stamp Club and the Indiana Postal History Society. Website: www.indianastampclub.org

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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

LOVE DOGS?

NEED PART TIME JOB?

HUNT CLUB IS HIRING Part time Kennel

Assistant : responsible for the daily care of dogs, kennel upkeep, and other tasks related to keeping our guests happy and comfortable. Hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM or 3 to 8 PM with potential for 18 - 35 hours per week. Part-time Front Desk

Assistant: responsible for corresponding with clients through emails ,phone, and in- person as well as various computer tasks. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 AM or 4:30 to 7:30 PM and as needed. Applicants should have availability on weekdays as well as occasional weekends and holidays. Interested? Have questions Email:huntclubkennel@gmail.com

Boarding/Daycare for Small & Medium Dogs at My Home in Carmel!

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Fenced Yard

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Indulgent Cocktails

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