April 23, 2024 – Fishers

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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Fishers moving forward with citywide trash service

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers is a step closer to offering citywide trash and recycling services for residents following an April 15 action by the city council.

GOVERNMENT

The council had a first reading on an amendment to a city ordinance governing trash collection that will allow for a single municipally contracted service provider and clears up licensing and bonding requirements. The ordinance previously had allowed more than one service provider to operate within the community.

Fishers City Attorney Lindsey Bennett gave some specifics about the amend-

ment, including prohibition of cancellation fees for customers if a provider is not the one eventually selected by the city.

“Another restriction that we put into this amended ordinance is to limit the collection of trash in residentially zoned areas between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” she said. “Violations have stayed the same, the penalties have stayed the same — it’s $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third.”

Bennett noted that the Board of Public Works recently approved a formal request for proposals for trash collection. Responses are due June 1, and after the board chooses a preferred contractor, it will negotiate an agreement and hold a public hearing, likely in July.

Council members offered to approve the

amendment that night, but Bennett said there could be some wording changes and requested that it wait for a second reading. Council members suggested adding pickup time restrictions for commercial areas that are adjacent to residential neighborhoods.

Also during the meeting, the council approved bond and financing packages for the City View development, a $90 million mixed-use building on 116th Street at Lantern Road.

Fishers Police Department Lt. Kevin Kolbi was recognized during the meeting for 20 years of service with the department.

The next Fishers City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 20 at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way.

Geist Waterfront Park parking fee change approved

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Following approval from the Fishers City Council, the City of Fishers will cut the seasonal nonresident parking fee at Geist Waterfront Park in half for the upcoming summer season.

GOVERNMENT

The Board of Public Works and Safety voted April 9 in favor of the new parking fee plan, which calls for a nonresident fee of $25 per vehicle, and the council ratified that decision April 15. Fishers residents will continue to park for free.

Director of Recreation Jake Reardon McSoley told the board that the “smart pass” system the city required for parking last summer also will be eliminated. People visiting the park will simply stop at the gate.

“(It’s a) streamlined process for residents and (an) improvement for nonresidents — you pay at the gate,” he said. “Last year, there was actually a window — you had to pay ahead of time and then show up with your receipt. You don’t have to do that this year.”

McSoley told the council that the fee will be for “peak” times only, so there will be days when everyone will be able to park at no charge.

Mayor Scott Fadness said that last year’s $50 fee was established out of concern over attendance.

“Opening year, those numbers didn’t hit where we were worried they were going to hit,” he said. “This year, we’re going to try

it a little differently and then if we have to adjust accordingly, we will — if, for some reason, the population spikes out there and we’re not able to manage it from a safety perspective or parking capacity, but we feel fairly confident that we’ll be able to do so.”

The 70-acre Geist Waterfront Park, 10811 Olio Rd., first opened in May 2023 following a $30 million investment from the city.

Geis Waterfront Park will open its second summer season Memorial Day weekend. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Benner named to Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame

By Mark Ambrogi

mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s hard to keep up with how many honors Bill Benner has received through the years.

HONOR

Benner has been named to the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame and was selected the 2022 Indy PR Legend. He’s also been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash and received the 2022 Inspiring Sports Storyteller Award from the Indiana Sports Corp.

Benner said he figures he needs to share his latest honor with others as he will be one of the very few sports journalists to be inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame April 27 at Woodland Country Club in Carmel.

“It’s not only a wonderful recognition for me, but a recognition for sports journalists,” said Benner, who lives in Fishers near Geist Reservoir with his wife, Sherry. “If you look over the past inductees for (the) Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame, there aren’t too many sportswriters. So, to represent that group of the profession, it’s just an incredible honor. I feel it’s not just for me personally but for all the sports journalists I worked alongside and those I still read and follow on a daily basis. I think this is a recognition for the field of sports journalism.”

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Benner, 75, spent 33 years as a sportswriter and sports columnist for The Indianapolis Star before leaving in 2001.

He won numerous writing awards at The Star, including twice being named Indiana Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media. Association. That was followed by 12 years as a weekly sports columnist for the Indianapolis Business Journal.

A lifelong Hoosier, Benner graduated from Center Grove High School and Indiana University.

Opportunities at over 120 local nonprofits

Benner

Choose to Move raises awareness, funds for Parkinson’s

By Cassie King news@currentinfishers.com

The Indiana Parkinson Foundation’s annual Choose to Move event will take place April 27 at Witten Park in Fishers.

PHILANTHROPY

Marking its 12th year, the event’s goal is to offer hope to people with Parkinson’s disease, amplify awareness and raise funds for the Indiana Parkinson Foundation.

The event will feature activities for attendees, including booths hosted by community partners and sponsors, a program featuring stories of people living with Parkinson’s and a 100-yard dash. It also includes 1-mile and 5K routes through the park.

“Each step taken during Choose to Move symbolizes support for those currently fighting Parkinson’s, honors those who have passed and aims to raise awareness about a disease diagnosed every six minutes,” said Addie Cunningham, IPF program director. “The inspiration behind Choose to Move traces back 12 years, rooted in a desire to provide support,

Participants celebrate the 2023 Choose to Move event. This year’s event is set for April 27 in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation)

hope and excitement amidst the immense impact of Parkinson’s disease.”

New this year will be storytelling sessions with people with Parkinson’s and their families.

Cunningham, whose father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008, empha-

sized the event’s role in fostering a sense of community and rallying around loved ones affected by Parkinson’s.

“With over 1,000 attendees expected, Choose to Move not only brings together individuals affected by Parkinson’s but also serves as a platform to raise aware-

ness about the disease and available resources for managing it,” Cunningham said.

The annual Choose to Move race is an important part of raising awareness for the Parkinson’s community as well as the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, stated Kim Williams, executive director of the Indiana Parkinson Foundation.

“It is an opportunity to come together and celebrate those we serve and encourage them in their fight against Parkinson’s disease,” she said. “We know this disease can be a tough battle, but we also know that being surrounded by others to cheer you on and walk with you can make the journey a better one, filled with friendship, support and hope.”

Organizers expressed a commitment to expanding and enhancing Choose to Move.

“At IPF, we believe that if our programs and services positively impact just one person, then it’s all worthwhile,” Cunningham said. “The Lord used dad’s diagnosis, combined with our faith and participation, to multiply the impact of one individual.”

For more, visit indianaparkinson.org/ choose-to-move-race.

HSE board OKs bond refinancing proposal

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

With the goal of saving money, the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees voted April 10 to allow administrators to refinance two bonds that were issued in 2014 and are coming up on the halfway point of their 20-year lifespan.

EDUCATION

Matt Shumaker of Stifel, a bond underwriter working with the district, told the board that the 10-year mark for the bonds is their “call date,” which is when the district is allowed to refinance them.

“These bonds both have call dates of July 15 of 2024,” he said. “Tax law says you can refinance those only within 90 days. That’s why we’re here tonight.”

Shumaker said the average interest rate the district pays now is 5 percent. Based on current market rates, Stifel estimated the interest rate on refinanced bonds would be just under 3 percent.

“There’s no guarantee that when we go to sell these bonds as early as next month that that 2.94 (percent) will still be there,” he noted. “Hopefully, it’s a little bit less, but market rates are changing every single day.”

Between the two bonds, he said the district could save about $2.5 million through refinancing, and perhaps more.

The board also held a public hearing on a proposed new bond package totaling up

to $49 million to fund items in the district’s 10-year project plan. HSE Business Director Cecilie Nunn said the district issues general obligation bonds like these to maintain or improve facilities and to buy equipment.

“There’s not enough money in our operations fund budget to assess and take care of all the needs in the district,” she said, adding that “this is not going to increase our total debt service tax rates.”

Debt payments for older bonds that will be paid off this year would roll over to pay for the new bonds, she said, which means that budget expense would remain the same.

Some of the projects the bonds would fund include a new gym floor at Hamilton Southeastern High School, a tennis court at Fishers Junior High School and paying off bus leases.

No member of the public spoke during the public hearing. The bond proposal will come back to the board for approval at a later date.

In other matters, the board approved the 2025-26 district calendar. The calendar has no flex days, which are typically used for snow days. Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley said that instead, students will have e-learning days if in-person schooling must be canceled.

The next HSE Board of Trustees meeting is a work session set for at 6 p.m. April 24 at HSE’s central office, 13485 Cumberland Rd.

DISPATCH

Guerin Catholic senior basketball player follows dad’s D-I path

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Guerin Catholic High School senior Dylan Murans knows where he got his drive to succeed.

“Mostly (from) my dad. Knowing that he has played basketball at the Division I level really pushes me to be the best that I can, and obviously the love for the sport that’s never ending,” Murans said. Murans’ father, Paul, played under coach Steve Alford at Missouri State University, which was then Southwest Missouri State University. Murans will achieve his dream to play at the Division I level for Army next season.

“West Point will be a great fit for him because he is very willing to put in the work and he responds very well to instruction and practice,” Guerin Catholic coach Bobby Allen said. “He wants to learn and improve every day, and I think that is what makes

MEET DYLAN MURANS

Favorite athlete: Ja Morant

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight”

Favorite vacation spot: Park City, Utah

Favorite musician: Don Toliver

but he is also a great person and he has an incredible future ahead of him.”

The 6-foot-7 Murans transferred to Guerin from Carmel High School before his junior season. He averaged eight points per game as a junior. He then averaged 10.1 points while making 50 percent of his shots this past season. He raised his rebounding aver-

Guerin Catholic basketball player Dylan Murans averaged 10.1 points as a senior. (Photo courtesy of Mike Navarro/Live Action Sports)

he learned on the fly,” Allen said. “He is an incredible athlete that has the ability to make plays around the rim that many high school kids are not capable of doing. Every game, he seemed to get more aggressive,

back dunks that I think put everyone on notice.”

Allen said Murans leads with his action and emotion.

“He is a big-time playmaker and has the ability to get the entire team going by his playmaking ability,” Allen said. “His ability to play above the rim but also knock down perimeter shots make him a complete player, and as he develops more, I think he is going to have a huge impact on his team at West Point.”

Murans made 33 percent of his 3-point shots as a senior.

“I’d say most of my improvement throughout the years has been staying under control, and defense,” Murans said.

The Carmel resident said he chose Army because of the coaching staff.

“I had not met a single coach during recruitment that had wanted me as much as Coach (Kevin) Kuwik,” he said. “I had received a letter from him every single day since the beginning of his interest in me. This made our family decide to go out and give it a shot during my visit, and it com-

Murans

MUSIC

Symphony on the Prairie concert lineup announced

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Another season of music at Conner Prairie is approaching, with the lineup of concerts honoring legends of rock, including Queen, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty, along with pop artists such as ABBA and Taylor Swift.

Symphony on the Prairie is an annual collaboration between the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Conner Prairie, sponsored by Kroger.

During an announcement ceremony April 12 at Conner Prairie, James Johnson, CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, said the partnership “allows us to bring magical summer evenings to more than 100,000 music lovers in Central Indiana each summer.”

Kroger’s Manager of Public Affairs for Central Indiana Eric Halvorson noted that this year will mark the seventh season of Kroger’s sponsorship of the event. He

recalled that during the first year, people would come up to the Kroger table and thank them for “saving the music.”

The 2024 Symphony on the Prairie season kicks off June 28 with The Music of Queen. Tickets go on sale starting April 23, and are available online and at many central Indiana Kroger stores. View the full lineup of concerts at indianapolissymphony.org.

James Johnson, CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, introduces the lineup of concerts planned for the annual Symphony on the Prairie series. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Central Indiana awarded $45M through state READI program

About $500 million will be awarded to 15 regions representing all 92 counties in Indiana to support quality-of-place and quality-of-life initiatives statewide.

Central Indiana, including Boone, Hamilton and Marion counties, will receive about $45 million.

The funding comes from the expansion of the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative and was approved by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation board of directors during a special session April 11.

According to a news release, READI 2.0 is a continuation of a state-led investment in cultivating vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent.

The 15 regional proposals covered projects to improve quality of life and quality of place, according to the announcement. In

central Indiana, the proposals were led by the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, covering Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.

According to the announcement, the proposals “promote the development of walkable and connected living, innovation and recreational districts that serve as magnets for talent attraction and innovation, and provide links to arts, culture and recreation.”

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated that the READI program is part of an overall vision for growth in Indiana.

“Our state’s strong fiscal position, made possible by years of responsible budgeting, has allowed us to make this significant investment while also cutting taxes for Hoosiers,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing this new round of projects in Hamilton County move forward.”

For more about the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, visit centralindianarda.org.

7th Annual Zenka Trunk Show

GOAL ACHIEVED

Fishers runner accomplishes longtime dream of finishing the Boston Marathon

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Sara Farny’s interest in running started small — a 5K here and there — but soon after she gave birth to her second son about 12 years ago, it became an important stress outlet — and one that didn’t require a lot of planning.

“I can just run, you know what I mean?” she said. “Get out the door, literally push them in a stroller and get out the door.”

Farny, a Fishers resident in the Geist area, said she also found a community through running.

“I was a member of the Fishers (YMCA) and they had a running group there and I found my people,” she said. “I think it was more the people that draw drew me in — to do more than just that first half marathon. So, initially it was just to get out of the house and have a little bit of mommy time. But then the community drew me in for more.”

That “more” eventually led her to qualify for and compete in the April 15 Boston Marathon. She completed the race in three hours, 49 minutes and 24 seconds, placing 14,133 out of the approximately 25,000 runners. For her age category — 40 to 44 — she placed 876th.

Farny, 41, said there were a couple challenges that she couldn’t really train for ahead of the big race: heat and hills. The temperature in Boston got up to about 70 on the day of the race, and she hadn’t run in warm weather for many months. And then there’s the terrain, which is very different from the flatlands of central Indiana.

“I ran a lot around Geist — the hills of Geist through the neighborhoods around Geist — and they do help,” she said. “It’s just, they’re not as big or long as the ones in Boston. Now, having done it, I probably would have (trained on) more hills.”

Farny’s first marathon was the Chicago Marathon in 2019, but that almost didn’t happen. Her son, Noah, was diagnosed with cancer — a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma — right when her marathon training was set to start. She wasn’t sure she could or should start training.

“It ended up running was my outlet during his treatments,” she said. “I had

girlfriends meet me at the most random times — middle of the day, you know, super early morning. They knew I needed it just as much as I knew I needed it.”

Noah’s treatment was aggressive, relatively fast and effective. He rang the “cancer-free” bell about four months after his diagnosis, on Oct. 4, 2019, and a week later, Farny ran the Chicago Marathon to benefit the Ronald McDonald House nonprofit, which supports families of children going through medical treatments.

Farny said helping Ronald McDonald

House had been her intention before Noah was diagnosed, and it became more important afterward, because her family used that nonprofit’s services.

She has competed in other marathons since then, but the Boston Marathon has been a goal for a while. Farny finally qualified for it during the 2023 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.

Walking up to the start of the April 15 race felt a little surreal.

“It was like a pinch-me moment, I’m finally here kind of thing,” she said. “Five

GEIST HALF MARATHON AMBASSADOR

In addition to the big-city races, Sara Farny runs the Geist Half Marathon nearly every year, and is a race ambassador — helping to promote that local race, which takes place Sept. 14 this year.

“My husband and I have done the race, one of their races — either the 5K, 10K or half marathon — almost every year,” she said. “I’ve only missed twice, and it was because I had two May babies and it was back when the race was

in May.”

The race, organized by the City of Fishers, switched from spring to fall in 2023 to not compete with other springtime races in the greater Indianapolis area.

The Geist Half Marathon also offers 10K and 5K options, with all the racecourses in the Geist neighborhood. Registration is open for the popular race. For more, visit geisthalf.com.

of us from the Fishers Running Club all started together and made it about halfway together, and just soaked up the run and the people and the crowds.”

She said she had to walk up some of the hills, rather than run, and the spectators helped encourage her to continue.

“I’ve always heard about Boston crowds, and they truly did not disappoint,” she said. “You weren’t ever alone on the course because of the amount of people just cheering for everybody. They really helped push you through.”

When she reached the home stretch, she said, she started crying.

“I just threw my arms up when I saw the finish line and cried like a baby as I crossed underneath the finish line,” Farny said. “It was everything I wanted. It was hard, but it was everything I wanted.”

Later that day, she got something else she really wanted — a well-deserved bacon cheeseburger and a beer.

ON THE COVER: Sara Farny of Fishers completed her first Boston Marathon April 15, with a time of three hours, 49 minutes and 24 seconds. (Photo courtesy of Sara Farny)

Fishers runner Sara Farny accomplished her goal of running the Boston Marathon April 15. (Photos courtesy of Sara Farny)

Fishers resident Sara Farny, with her son, Noah, is a longtime runner, and has participated in the popular Geist Half Marathon since it started.

5,000th baby born at Ascension St. Vincent Fishers

BIRTH news@currentinfishers.com

Baby Neela probably didn’t plan to be a milestone, but her birth on April 10 marked the 5,000th delivery at Ascension St. Vincent Fishers’ Labor and Delivery Center.

According to the hospital, Neela Annette Cripe was born at 8:30 a.m. April 10, weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. She is the first child for parents Dafne Sanchez and Trevor Cripe of Ingalls.

Fishers city limits.

“Pregnancy was honestly pretty easy, delivery was really easy, the staff here was great, so, we’re really happy overall,” Sanchez stated. “We didn’t realize she was going to get the balloons and all this attention, but she’s loving it.”

Valerie Gathers, OB/GYN, said this milestone highlights the service Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, 13861 Olio Rd., provides as the only labor and delivery center within

“Fishers has been booming, not only with move-ins but with deliveries,” she stated. “It’s so exciting. I’m a Fishers resident, so this is even exciting for me because I’m getting to deliver my neighbors, friends. It’s awesome. I’ve been practicing for 11 years and delivering babies is one of the biggest joys I get. I can wake up at 3 in the morning, smiling, happy because you get to be the first face that this newborn sees when they come into the world.“

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness recognized the achievement by presenting Neela with the “World Changer” award.

Ascension St. Vincent Fishers recently celebrated 10 years at its Olio Road location.

Statewide, Ascension St. Vincent facilities deliver around 8,000 babies per year. For more, visit healthcare.ascension.org.

Neela

Fishers firm offers IT support for churches, small businesses

By Cassie King news@currentinfishers.com

Since its establishment in 2001, Technic Consulting has provided Information Technology services. In 2014, the Fishers-based company narrowed its focus to cater specifically to the IT needs of churches, Christian schools and small businesses.

TECH

David Kusch, Technic Consulting owner, said those entities have unique needs.

“We realized that churches and small businesses often face distinct IT challenges without the resources for dedicated IT staff,” Kusch said. “Our mission then became clear: to alleviate these technological burdens, allowing them to concentrate on their core objectives.”

The restructured Technic Consulting assumes complete responsibility for the IT needs and challenges of small and midsized churches, nonprofits and Christian schools. It offers full-time monitoring, maintenance, upgrades and security of the network and computers.

Technic Consulting’s service area is an approximately 1.5-hour radius from Fishers,

along with some clients in the northwest suburbs of Illinois. Among its clients is Community Bible Fellowship Church, 231 E. 161st St., Westfield.

“We were facing a critical juncture in our building process and our IT plan had fallen apart,” said Nate Pletcher, technical and production director at the church.

“We needed to establish the core network infrastructure to run various building systems, and everything seemed to be going wrong. Through some connections, I heard about Technic Consulting and very quickly, the stress of getting things in place on time and under budget dissipated. After

the install and configuration, the ongoing support has been excellent.”

Jill Payne of LifeSpring Community Church in Spring Grove, Ill., said the church was having ongoing technical problems.

“We were facing significant challenges with our deteriorating church computer network,” she said. “Fortunately, another local church recommended Technic Consulting to us and David helped us navigate through the process seamlessly.”

Technic Consulting offers a compli-

mentary IT, network and security assessment to identify ways to enhance the security and efficiency of their computers and networks.

“What sets Technic Consulting apart is our desire to empower churches, Christian schools and nonprofits by removing the hurdles of technology,” Kusch said. “We enable our clients to focus wholeheartedly on their mission.”

For more, visit Technic Consulting’s website at tchelps.com.

David Kusch is the owner of Technic Consulting. (Photo courtesy of David Kusch)

Future becomes past

Commentary by Terry Anker

ESSAY

Barrier: Stigma

Barriers to health care aren’t always apparent. Depression and other mental illnesses can impact every aspect of an individual’s life and the lives of those around them. Fortunately, this young woman found the courage to challenge the stigma around mental health that many face, and her journey is now inspiring others.

EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

Someone once said that regret is the desire for a better past. They may be right. Still, what is accomplished in pining for a time that never was, a life that wasn’t lived? As we move on in this world, time strips us of our future. One moment we peer at life in the far distance and in the very next instant, the present blasts by us in a blur, leaving only miles of past behind us. For some, we are grasping the wheel, busy keeping our lives in our own lane enroute to our hoped-for destinations. We are seeking a family, career, adventure or fame. Perhaps we hope for them all.

Others see very little on the road ahead and only desire a route back to that which came before. But on this boulevard, there is no offramp. We drive until the route’s end. If all goes well, we will see the sights, have a bit of fun and share the trip along the way. There is no do-over. It could be

that regret is acknowledgement of the irreversibility of the past. What is done cannot be undone. Still, if there are miles ahead of us, why can’t we use the time that we have to build a new past? If our decisions today become our past tomorrow, what choices would we make if we truly desired one filled with as much joy as imagined possible?

Isn’t it remorse that adds a bitter taste to the flavor of regret, and if so, why do we dwell on what we did yesterday instead of what we can do today? If it’s unrepentant remorse that spawns regret, can we atone and set a course that delivers a personal history not so regrettable? The only constant is change. Future becomes past.

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

Is it the weekend yet?

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, this week has been a chore. And not a fulfilling chore like mowing the lawn or scrubbing a disgusting bathroom ‘til it shines pretty. Work was boring, my commute to work doubled and the realization that there are still six more weeks until summer hit hard. Blech.

HUMOR

Occasionally, we schedule movies in our history classes to give teachers time to grade papers. We’ve been studying Vietnam and are heading into the Nixon administration, so we showed “The Post.” Normally, I can crank out essays and tests while keeping one eye on the film. But this year, for four periods in a row, I was consistently drawn into the political drama. Curse you, Meryl Streep, for being so compelling! Anyhoo, I accomplished nothing, which really made the week drag.

And since moving into our oldest’s new house in Indy, my commute went from 12 minutes to 30. I don’t know the roads yet, and every morning Google Maps sends me a different route. I also was forced to drive our youngest’s piece of poo Civic, with no adjustable mirrors or radio and a driver’s side door that won’t stay open. Getting to school, especially when it monsooned, was not the peaceful experience I’ve come to

“Since moving into our oldest’s new house in Indy, my commute went from 12 minutes to 30. I don’t know the roads yet, and every morning Google Maps sends me a different route.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

appreciate.

Finally, my last complaint about inane problems that aren’t actually problems is that our school year doesn’t end until June 3. Meaning I have to come back after Memorial Day and then again after the following weekend. Of course, I’ve known this for a while, but it dawned on me recently that I’m still a good way from summer nirvana. Double blech.

So, yeah, the week was a chore. Peace out.

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

Actors Theatre of Indiana brings Broadway musical parody

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Billy Kimmel, the best description of “Forbidden Broadway” is, it’s the musical version of “Saturday Night Live.”

Kimmel will act and direct Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Forbidden Broadway,” which runs April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The show is a revue with a parody of different Broadway musicals.

Kimmel was on the “Forbidden Broadway” tour for approximately 11 years — through five different versions of it.

Kimmel is joined in the four-person cast by ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins and Kieran Danaan. Brent Marty will provide the musical accompaniment.

“The show always has four actors, who are singers and dancers,” Kimmel said.

More than 20 shows are represented in 90 minutes.

“So, it’s pretty brisk,” said Kimmel, who is based in New York City.

The biggest challenges are the 10-second costume changes.

“It’s an aerobic workout, too, because it’s like being shot out of a cannon,” Kimmel said.

This is the seventh time Kimmel has directed with ATI, including previous versions of “Forbidden Broadway.”

The last time he directed “Forbidden Broadway” with ATI was in 2019.

“This show has been going on for 40 years off-Broadway and it’s become sort of an institution to the Broadway community and theater lovers,” Kimmel said. “People come to see shows in New York and make room to see if there is an edition playing to see it. Now, it’s a rite of passage for people that become Broadway stars. If you’re lampooned (in the show), then you’ve made it, so to speak.”

Kimmel said every few years, American playwright Gerald Alessandrini would do

an edition and it would run for a year or two. Then Alessandrini took a break to write “Spamilton: An American Parody” in 2014. Kimmel said Alessandrini wrote a new edition in 2019, but it wasn’t out long because of the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down theater shows in March 2020.

“The show is going to make its Broadway debut this summer, which is a huge deal because it’s always been off-Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s writing a whole new show for it, and they are going to have past stars in it. They’re going to come in and do cameos.”

Kimmel said there are numbers that are always in the show, such as “The Lion King” and “Les Misérables.”

“We keep them because they are crowd pleasers and they’re sort of the pillars of the show,” Kimmel said. “In between, we’ve changed things out and freshened it up if there is something new on Broadway and it’s more relevant. It’s hard to do Carol Channing anymore because people under 50 don’t really know her anymore.”

One spoof is on “Annie,” which opened on Broadway in 1977.

“The spoof is ‘Annie is now a granny,’”

Kimmel said. “One of the newer ones is ‘Mary Poppins.’ There is a Mary Martin and Ethel Merman bit that we’ve never done.”

Although the show is a parody with some biting jokes, Kimmel said it’s lighthearted fun.

“(Alessandrini) never wanted people to think we hated Broadway. We’re lampooning it because we adore Broadway,” Kimmel said. “He’s a brilliant parody lyricist.” Danaan, a 29-year-old New York City resident, has never performed in “Forbidden Broadway” but he recalled hearing the numbers for the first time when he was around 10 years old. He said the costume changes are difficult, but the hardest part for him is learning all the words.

“It’s costumes on top of costumes,” Danaan said. “It’s all songs we know the Broadway lyrics to, but it’s relearning the songs with the ‘Forbidden Broadway’ lyrics. You only have time to think about what you are doing and then you move on to the next thing. It’s exhausting but it’s so much fun.”

His favorite number is his solo spoofing “Memories” from “Cats.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE KING AND I’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production of “The King and I” runs through May 19 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Live at the Center series will feature Mike Wells at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $10 or a free livestream registration is available at thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Zach Day’s performance is set for April 25, followed by Dueling Pianos, presented by Brittany Brumfield, April 26; and Eric Baker & Friends Presents “Southern California in the 70’s” April 27 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘ANASTASIA’

Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” runs April 26 to May 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Forbidden Broadway” April 26 to May 12 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

’THE DINNER PARTY’

Carmel Community Players presents “The Dinner Party” April 26 to May 5 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘SPRINGTIME CELEBRATION’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Springtime Celebration” concert is set for 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

Best-selling humorist David Sedaris will give a presentation at 7:30 p.m. April 29 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Kieran Danaan, Billy Kimmel, Brent Marty, Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins rehearse for “Forbidden Broadway.” (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

APRIL 26 - MAY 12

IWS celebrates spring

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As Charles Conrad conducts his penultimate concert as the Indiana Wind Symphony music director, it’s fitting that a new piece of music pays homage to his legacy.

CONCERT

“There is a piece in honor of the fact that I founded the Wind Symphony 27 years ago and the composer David Sartor is going to be conducting,” Conrad said. “We’ve played several of his works and we got a chance to premiere a couple of them.”

Purdue University All-American Marching Band. Conrad is retiring after this season and Gephart will inherit Conrad’s role.

Conrad said composer Mark Wolfram will be in the audience for his piece “Vertical Planes,” which will feature solos by Larry Purdue, French horn; Brian Hoover, trumpet; Mike Villano, trombone; and Bill Schmidt, tuba.

The IWS concert opens with Frank Panella’s “The Polar Sun” from 1908. It also plays a German march, “The Sun Eagle.”

The piece called “Vision” by Sartor, from Nashville, Tenn., will premiere in “Springtime Celebration” at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It’s got a mixture of different styles and different textures,” Conrad said of the program.

Conrad is conducting eight pieces while Jay Gephart, who takes over as music director for the 2024-25 season, will conduct three pieces. Gephart is the director of the

Conrad said the pieces were played by IWS April 8 during the City of Carmel Solar Eclipse program.

Two 1924 marches by John Philip Sousa are in the first half of the concert. They are “Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company” and “Marquette University March.”

Other pieces include “Rain Softly on Me” by Julie Giroux and one by French composer Lili Boulanger.

The IWS will close its season May 19 with “Finales and Fanfare.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony. org.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at the Palladium, call 317.843.3800 or visit atistage.org. May

Conrad

ATI season features legends, laughter and love

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana will rely on a tried-and-true formula for its 202425 season.

SCHEDULE

“When we were designing the season, it was important to us to do what we do best and what our audiences love most — and that is fun, funny, uplifting musicals,” Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell said.

Murrell said. A third is a smaller, newer musical with a mystery.

The last type of show is the large-scale Broadway show that has been scaled down to uniquely fit in the Studio Theater space, Murrell said.

Murrell said the season is dubbed legends, laughter and love.

“We also honed in on four types of shows that ATI has historically done incredibly successfully and has gotten a lot of audience feedback,” Murrell said. “One of those is the jukebox musical, sort of the soundtrack of our lives, so there is one of those in the mix.”

Another type is the Broadway classics reinvented for the Studio Theater stage,

The 2024-25 season begins with “Ring of Fire” from Sept 13-29, featuring the music of the legendary Johnny Cash. That will be followed by “She Loves Me” Nov. 1-17. The 2025 portion includes “Whodunit” Jan. 31 to Feb. 16, 2025, and “9 to 5: The Musical” April 25 to May 11.

“Ring of Fire” will include different actors portraying Cash at different times in his life.

“She Loves Me” started on Broadway in 1963 and was revived in 2016.

“Whodunit” is a murder mystery by longtime Broadway actor and playwright Ed Dixon.

Dolly Parton composed the music for “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the 1980 movie. For more, visit atistage.org.

Murrell

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Visiting Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our ongoing tour of Egypt, we continue our stay in and around Luxor, visiting the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s female pharaoh. Hatshepsut was born in 1508 B.C., the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I. After a brief stint as regent for a young male pharaoh, Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh in 1479 B.C. During her reign, she dressed as a man, sometimes wearing a false beard strapped around her head. One of the most successful rulers of her era, Hatshepsut expanded Egyptian trade and engaged in a massive building program that remained unmatched for centuries. Among the many buildings constructed during Hatshepsut’s reign was her mortuary temple, dedicated upon her death in 1458 B.C.

The temple, on the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor, is nestled against a limestone cliff and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of antiquity because of how well it blended with its surroundings. The 97-foot-tall temple, where Egyptians could worship the deceased Hatshepsut and her father as gods, includes three colonnaded terraces

rising above the desert floor. The upper terrace features statues of Hatshepsut, shown with a false beard. The walls of the temple are adorned with scenes of Hatshepsut and Thutmose with the gods, one showing Hatshepsut’s divine birth. The temple complex also includes shrines to the Egyptian god Anubis and goddess Hathor.

Shortly after Hatshepsut’s death, her successors sought to remove any evidence of her existence, which included defacing her temple images, where her soul was thought to reside. Statues of her at the mortuary temple were damaged and some were destroyed. Twentieth-century archaeologists reconstructed Hatshepsut’s lost reign from images overlooked for destruction. After Christianity came to Egypt, Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple was used as a monastery, which gave rise to its current name, Deir el-Bahari, Arabic for “Monastery of the North.”

Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple.

A shrine inside Hathsepsut’s mortuary temple in Luxor, Egypt. (Photos by Don Knebel)

LEGAL NOTICE

On April 4, 2024, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC filed a Petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) in Cause No. 46038 respectfully petitioning the Commission for authority pursuant to Ind. Code §§ 8-1-2-42.7 and 8-1-2-61 to modify its rates and charges for electric utility service through a multi-step rate implementation of new rates and charges using a forecasted test period; approval of new schedules of rates and charges, general rules and regulations, and riders; approval of revised electric depreciation rates applicable to its electric plant in service, and approval of regulatory asset treatment upon retirement of the Company’s last coal-fired steam generation plant; approval of an adjustment to the Company’s FAC Rider to track coal inventory balances; and approval of necessary and appropriate accounting relief, including authority to defer to a regulatory asset expenses associated with the Edwardsport Carbon Capture and Sequestration Study, defer to a regulatory asset costs incurred to achieve organizational savings, and authority to defer to a regulatory asset or liability, as applicable, all calculated income

resulting from future changes in income tax rates.

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otherwise set forth in the RFP Documents. The Proposals will be publicly opened at 11 a.m. on June 1, 2024, at Fishers City Services Building and then taken under advisement.

In general, the Services outlined in the RFP consist of weekly pick-up of bagged, containerized and/or bundled household Solid Waste, Yard Waste and bi-weekly (or alternatively weekly) curbside commingled Recycling from all eligible Residential Units within the geographic limits of the City and disposal. The Services may also include Solid Waste and Recycling collection and disposal for designated City Facilities, all as required by the RFP Documents, the Contract Between the City of Fishers, Indiana and Contractor, and the City of Fishers Residential Solid Waste, Yard Waste, Recycling Collection and Disposal Specifications (the “Specifications”). Copies of the RFP Documents may be examined without charge at the Fishers City Services Building, 3 Municipal Drive,(Front Desk)Fishers, Indiana 46038, or is available online at https://fishers.in.gov.

Proposals are required to include a Bid based on the Contract and Specifications as set forth in the RFP Documents but may also propose alternative contract terms and specifications for the Services. Any such alternative proposals should include a statement of the impact of each proposed alternative on the price. Proposals must be submitted on the forms in the RFP Documents, must contain the names of every person or company interested therein, and shall be accompanied by:

(1) Indiana State Board of Accounts Revised Form No. 96 as required in the Instruction to Proposers, including a financial statement, a statement of experience, a proposed plan or plans for performing the Services and the equipment the Proposer has available for the performance of the Services;

(2) Bid Bond or certified check in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total Bid amount, including alternates with a satisfactory corporate surety or on a solvent bank. The Bid Bond or certified check shall be evidence of good faith that the successful Proposer, if the original Bid is accepted, will execute the Contract as included in the RFP Documents. The Bid Bond or certified check shall be made payable to the City.

Any Bid may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled closing time for receipt of Bids, but no Proposer shall withdraw its Bid within one hundred eight (180) days after the actual opening of the Bids.

All Bid Bonds and certified checks of unsuccessful Offerors will be returned upon selection of the successful Proposer and execution of the Contract, and provision of the required Performance and Payment Bonds.

A Performance Bond with good and sufficient surety, acceptable to the City, on the form enclosed, shall be required of the successful Proposer in an amount equal to at least one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Sum for one (1) year, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the Contract.

The Contractor shall execute a Payment Bond to the City, approved by the City, on the form enclosed, and for the benefit of the City, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Sum for one (1) year. The Payment Bond is binding on the Contractor, its subcontractors and material suppliers, and their successors and assigns for the payment of all indebtedness to a person for labor and services performed, material furnished, or services rendered. The Payment Bond must state that it is for the benefit of the subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, and those performing services. The surety of the Payment Bond may not be released until one (1) year after the City’s final settlement with the Contractor.

All out-of-state corporations must have a certificate of authority to do business in the State. Application forms may be obtained by contacting the Secretary of State, State of Indiana, Statehouse, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

At the City’s discretion, to further assist in its evaluation, one or more responding Offerors may be requested to participate in discussions or negotiations. The City may accept any Bid as submitted, or alternatively may negotiate with Offerors on the scope of services, specifications, contract terms, or any other aspect of the RFP. The City reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all Bids or Proposals, and/or to waive any informalities, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitation when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.

City of Fishers, Indiana

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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, good-natured 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