FISHERS
EST. 1872
Dear residents,
As fall approaches and children return back to school, I am filled with immense pride for our community and the strides we have made together. This season marks not just a return to classrooms, but also a celebration of the outstanding achievements and growth within our schools and city.
Fishers' schools have consistently demonstrated excellence, with numerous awards recognizing the dedication and talent of our teachers and students. I'm proud to share that we've already distributed $80,000 of the $500,000 in funding allocated for Educator Innovation Grants this year, supporting groundbreaking projects in our classrooms. These grants are a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in education. We are excited to continue this initiative and empower our educators and students to achieve even greater success. If you are an educator, I encourage you to apply!
A special shoutout goes to Fishers Police Department's School Resource Officers and Fishers Fire and Emergency Service's Education Team. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Their commitment is fundamental to creating the secure and supportive environment that makes our schools a safe place to learn. Fishers' achievements extend beyond education. We continue to garner accolades, affirming our status as a vibrant and thriving community. As one of the largest cities in Indiana, we have truly made our mark. This is a refiection of the hard work and dedication of every resident who contributes to our city's success.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the grand opening of the Fishers Event Center this fall. This state-of-the-art facility will host a variety of community and special events, further enriching our community's cultural and social landscape. Additionally, the Fishers Art Center in Fishers Municipal Center will soon begin a new semester of classes, offering opportunities for creative expression and learning.
As we embark on this new phase for our community, I am enthusiastic about the exciting amenities and developments that lie ahead. The upcoming Fishers Community Center will serve as a hub for connection and wellness, and Fishers White River Park will offer the community unparalleled access to the White River and additional ways to reconnect with nature.
Together, we have built a community that not only excels but also cares deeply for one another. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to a successful school year and continued growth and progress for our city.
Yours in Service, Scott
Fadness
Explore the Fishers Art Center
Have you checked out the new Fishers ART
CENTER
Municipal Center at 1 Municipal Drive? The complex features the brand-new City Hall and Fishers Art Center, which includes free art exhibitions, a performance theater, and art classes.
Register now for fall classes for both kids and adults, operated by the art experts at the Indianapolis Art Center! Learn more at FishersArtCenter.org.
About us
Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XIV, No. 26
Copyright 2023 Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032
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Sold-out luncheon shows efforts to further Hamilton County improvements
By Jessica Todd and Conrad Otto news@currentnoblesville.com
A capacity crowd of 500 people attended the 35th annual Hamilton County State of the County luncheon June 26 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville.
COUNTY NEWS
The event’s theme was “The Way We’re Going,” referencing the county’s future. Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger was the keynote speaker.
“Today, we have over 377,000 people in Hamilton County,” he said. “That is a 242 percent growth between 1990 and 2024.”
Dillinger said Hamilton County’s annual growth has been about 3.8 percent per year since 1990, and it is now the fourth-largest county in the state.
Besides population growth, Dillinger focused on road updates and future development plans.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
In a joint effort with the Indiana Department of Transportation, Hamilton County and the cities of Fishers and Noblesville, the goal is to complete construction on Ind. 37 for a smoother and safer flow of traffic on the interchanges starting from the intersection of 126th Street and Ind. 37 to 146th Street, according to Dillinger.
Dillinger said 146th Street improvements were needed because it was deemed the most dangerous road in the county by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office.
The $37.6 million construction project on the Ind. 37 and 141st Street interchange began last month and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026. Dillinger said Ind. 37 will remain open through construction, but 141st Street will not be accessible from Ind. 37.
Dillinger also mentioned construction on the 146th Street and Allisonville Road interchange, which began last spring. The $44 million project is expected to be completed in summer 2025.
Dillinger said a $37.8 million construction project will begin on the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Road interchange in 2026 and is expected to be complete in 2028. He said the state funded $8.7 million of the project’s cost.
Construction on the Pleasant Street Bridge over the White River in Noblesville
is expected to be completed in November 2024.
HAMILTON COUNTY 4H FAIRGROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS
Dillinger said the 4H Fairgrounds are ready to undergo renovations with a $65 million master plan. Phase 1, which will replace the Winks and Annex buildings that were demolished because of Pleasant Street improvements, is already underway with upgrades to the Exhibition Hall and improvements to classrooms.
A new bicentennial building, renamed The Silos @37, will be built where the former Winks and Annex buildings were.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER
Dillinger discussed plans for a domestic violence center on Ind. 38. The county purchased 9 acres for $550,000 near Hague Road.
“We don’t have a place to put battered women and children in this county,” Dillinger said. “If we have that problem, we have to take them to Marion (County) or Madison County. That’s not what Hamilton County should be doing.”
County Commissioner Christine Altman is working with Prevail on a project design. Dillinger said there is no start date for construction. A total of $15 million was set aside to plan for the center.
HAMILTON COUNTY CHILD CARE CENTER
Dillinger said the national average spent on child care weekly in 2023 was $321 per child, an increase of 13 percent from $284 in 2022.
“We’re running into problems because we have 24/7 (county employees), and there’s nowhere to keep the kids,” Dillinger said. “We’re attacking that problem right now.”
Dillinger said the benefits of a child care center would support the county’s workforce and make Hamilton County a more attractive place to work, especially for young professionals and families.
The county is considering a potential location at the Parks Department Coroner’s Office on Lakeview Drive. The county received a $750,000 state grant and the project would be a partnership with the county, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and Riverview Health.
FINAL ITEMS
Dillinger mentioned several other projects, including a $65 million expansion of the Judicial Center, a new Wastewater Treatment Facility on U.S. 31 and 236th Street, which is 70 percent complete; and expansions and improvements to the Indianapolis International Airport and Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers.
Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger speaks at the State of the County luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Tom Maquell)
DISPATCH
Fishers road construction update
— The following projects are underway and might affect traffic in the Fishers area:
CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
• Later in July, there will be lane restrictions at 106th Street and Cumberland Road while Verizon contractors install underground facilities. Lane restrictions will be in place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• The City of Noblesville began construction June 17 on a roundabout at 141st and Promise Road this summer. The intersection of 141st Street and Promise Road will be closed through mid-August. Detour route signage will be in place prior to the closure.
• Preliminary construction work has begun on the final interchange of the State Road 37 Improvement Project at 141st Street. During this phase, pavement markings and concrete barriers will be placed. There will be no closures, only intermittent lane restrictions during the hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more and to sign up for updates, visit 37thrives.com.
• Allisonville Road at 146th Street will have occasional lane restrictions for the delivery of materials in the work area. These lane restrictions will take place in the left-hand westbound lane of 146th Street.
• Closure of 126th Street and Southeastern Parkway began May 30 for construction of a single-lane roundabout. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of July.
• Construction is ongoing for the 96th Street and Allisonville Road Roundabout Project. Allisonville Road remains open with lane restrictions but 96th Street is closed from Allisonville to Hazel Dell Parkway. Construction has moved to Phase 3A, which involves a slight shift in traffic to allow the contractor to build the future driveway for the Circle K gas station. On or after July 15, the contractor will move into Phase 3B and traffic will shift from the east side of Allisonville to the west and will continue to flow north and south. The project is scheduled to be completed at the end of the year.
HSE Schools superintendent talks budget numbers
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Patrick Mapes has been on the job about four months and in that time has reorganized the central office and taken a hard look at the district’s budget.
DATA
Mapes gave a presentation to the HSE Schools Board of Trustees during a June 26 work session. He said when he started at the end of February, budget work remained from the previous year — primarily balancing funds that showed deficits — and that the books should have been closed weeks before he arrived.
Mapes said that, based on enrollment, the district could have cut up to 30 teaching positions in its elementary schools. However, he said, there were unfilled positions for classes that require special licenses, such as special education and English language learners.
“So, we just decided to say, hey, let’s repurpose great teachers into these positions that they’re licensed to teach and that way we can continue to provide services to the students where we’re lacking,” he said, adding that no teachers were involuntarily moved into those new positions.
“We’ve been moving money around and that’s a dangerous game,” Mapes said. “When you take money out of operations and you put it into education, if you put in more than what you really should, something gives — either a project’s not getting done, equipment’s not being repaired or, in our case, we go out and we get general obligation bonds and we start moving items into the general obligation (and) out of operations. It’s just not fiscally responsible.”
Mapes added that future enrollment is a potential concern. He said enrollment, particularly at the elementary level, has declined for the past few years and funding largely depends on the ADM — average daily membership.
“I know it’s very difficult for young families to find affordable housing in our school district, and that plays into that factor,” he said. “We haven’t had a lot of students enroll yet for kindergarten, so we do urge families that have students who are going to be kindergartners to get them enrolled and that way we can hit the ground running to start the school year.”
Part of Mapes’ presentation focused on overall teacher salaries. He said the district gets additional funding from the state each year and a minimum of 62 percent of that funding is supposed to go toward teacher salaries and benefits. He said HSE Schools used more than 100 percent of its additional state funding for teacher salaries in 2023-24, with overall teacher salary costs increasing by about $10 million over the prior year.
He said administrator salary costs remained fairly flat at about $11 million between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Some of the numbers in Mapes’ presentation were positive. He said the district’s elementary and middle school ILEARN reading and math scores are above average. ILEARN stands for Indiana Learning Evaluation and Assessment Readiness Network.
High school students who took the SAT standardized college admissions test also scored better than the state average, he said, and the district’s graduation rate was about 98 percent.
The next HSE board meeting is 6 p.m. July 24 at the district’s central office, 13485 Cumberland Rd. All HSE board meetings are livestreamed online at hseschools.org/ board/board-of-school-trustees.
DISPATCH
IndyCar two-seater experience – Thrill-seeking philanthropists will have the chance to fly around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 180 MPH while fundraising for fellow Hoosiers. ‘Speed for Community Need’ takes place Oct. 9 at the speedway benefiting United Way of Central Indiana. Interested parties must commit to raising $1,500. United Way has teamed up with the Indy Racing Experience for the fundraiser. Participants 18 and older who meet the height and weight requirements will ride behind a professional IndyCar driver for two speed laps around the track. Learn more at uwci.org/ speed-for-community-need.
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Mapes
HSE teachers’ union files unfair labor complaint
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association, the labor union representing Hamilton Southeastern Schools teachers, has filed an unfair labor complaint against the district with the Indiana Education Employment Relations board.
DISPUTE
The complaint focuses on the alleged behavior of new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Brian Murphy, who was hired in March, toward HSEA President Abby Taylor. According to the complaint, issues started with an April 23 discussion about elementary school staffing following enrollment changes. In a later text message to Murphy, Taylor expressed concern about the process for those staffing changes. Copies of the text thread were included in the complaint.
that the process is being done correctly. I don’t trust that the process will be done correctly in accordance with the handbook and data collection.”
Murphy responded: “Thank you for that concern. In the future, I would like each of us to communicate with each other assuming the best rather than coming out of the gate assuming the worst in my experience that has always been better at resolving issues.”
Taylor wrote: “We have a duty to ensure
Murphy: “Please reread my last text about approaching people with good faith. I’m trying to counsel you as how to be a Murphy
Taylor: “Yesterday during discussion, the process that was communicated didn’t show a thought or consideration of the great teaching staff that we have here in HSE. In fact the communication was flippant and it was communicated to my discussion team that ‘things will shake out.’”
Continued from Page 6 early May. The following day, Murphy allegedly called Slayton and left a voicemail stating that he would be filing his own civil, criminal and civil complaints.
good advocate. … Let me know if there’s any other issues. Your disagreement has been noted and any concerns will be noted in an email. Thank you.”
The two later talked on the phone. According to the complaint, Murphy accused Taylor of acting in a passive-aggressive manner and that he didn’t appreciate her tone.
“Taylor replied that she was being factual and assertive,” the complaint stated. “At some point during the call, Taylor told Murphy that she did not feel comfortable with the conversation and that she would like to end the call and have representation when they meet next. Murphy then questioned whether Taylor was capable of doing her job as association president.”
Murphy then texted Taylor that he was not happy with the way she treated him and others and that he planned to contact the state union. He allegedly sent a message to the Indiana State Teachers Association, stating that if the situation wasn’t fixed, he would contact Speaker of the House Todd Huston.
“Murphy then called (ISTA UniServ Director Becky) Slayton and told her that she needs to take care of Taylor or fire her as association president,” the complaint states. “When Slayton responded that was not how it worked, Murphy stated that he would be calling the head of ISTA, state representatives and mediators. Murphy then told Slayton that Todd Huston lived in his neighborhood and all it would take is a conversation between Huston and Murphy to bring down collective bargaining.”
The complaint also alleges that Murphy physically and verbally intimidated Taylor during meetings and refused to reschedule a meeting when association representatives said they were not available.
Taylor submitted a hostile work environment complaint related to Murphy’s actions to Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley in
Murphy also allegedly warned both Taylor and Slayton about practicing law without a license when they cited Indiana law.
The complaint asks the Indiana Education Employment Relations board to order HSE Schools to end unfair labor practices and pay $5,000 to the union for each unfair labor practice committed.
In response to a request for comment, HSE Schools stated that the district is unable to provide information or comment on the specifics of the complaint.
“Hamilton Southeastern Schools deeply values the important role our educators and staff play in shaping the future of our more than 21,000 students,” the district stated. “We are committed to maintaining our high standards of educational excellence in our classrooms.”
During a recent HSE Board of Trustees meeting, several members of the public spoke, stating simply that they support HSE teachers.
While not directly referencing the complaint, Superintendent Patrick Mapes said during his report to the board that he was surprised by the number of “adult issues” that have come up since he started in late February.
“I’m also surprised about the amount of people who believe everything they read on social media and haven’t figured out there’s another side to the story that may not ever make social media,” he said.
A prehearing conference on the matter is scheduled for July 23, during which the parties and a hearing officer will “discuss mediation, discovery, deadlines for motions and/or a date for a hearing,” according to the IEERB website. “If the case is not resolved through an agreement by the parties, the hearing examiner will issue a decision based upon the hearing or motions filed by the parties.”
DISPATCHES
Applications open for fall Author Book Fair — Local authors can apply to be featured at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Meet an Author, Be an Author Book Fair, set for Oct. 19 at the IPL Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St. The fair provides an opportunity for the public to meet local authors, attend writing workshops and network with published writers, aspiring writers and fans. No registration is required to attend this free event. Featured authors receive free table space to sell
and promote books, network with other authors and engage with the public. The application period closes Aug. 26. An application link is available at indypl.org.
Volunteers needed — The City of Fishers has numerous volunteer opportunities available for upcoming and ongoing events. Those include the weekly farmers market, the Fishers AgriPark and Geist Half Marathon. For more, visit volunteerfishers.com.
Project Rouj assists homebuilding efforts in Haiti
By Adanna Mbanu adanna@youarecurrent.com
Founded in Zionsville, Project Rouj is a nonprofit organization that provides jobs and builds houses in Haiti.
NONPROFIT
Project Rouj CEO Jamalyn Peigh Williamson moved to Haiti in 2003 with her husband David to better understand how the United States influences the rest of the world after taking a class on developing nations while attending Duke University.
The couple moved to Zionsville in 2005 but returned in Haiti in 2010 when a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit, collapsing the country’s infrastructure and destroying homes. The Williamsons stayed to help rebuild homes and realized that Haiti needed something more.
“We thought the mission was building houses, but really what the mission had turned out to be is creating jobs and the byproduct of that is that people get safe, secure housing,” Williamson said.
The increase in housing in Haiti has allowed people to move forward with their lives. It also kept many homeowners from spending excessive amounts of money to have a place to live.
“One of our homeowners, because they weren’t spending money trying to fix this house that was falling apart, was able to
start a tree nursery,” Williamson said. “So, now we are able to plant around 100 trees at every house we build because his tree nursery is where we buy those trees from. People have been able to have more money by either having a job with us, or getting a house from us, which then frees up money they were spending to try and keep themselves dry from a leaky roof.”
Project Rouj is the largest employer in Fondwa, Haiti, employing more than 150 people, according to the organization, whose name is derived from the word rouj — which means red in Haitian Creole — representing the red roofs commonly seen throughout Fondwa.
Project Rouj prides itself on not simply building homes in Haiti, but allowing Haitians to work for the organization, which can ultimately help end the cycle of poverty.
“We never hand a dollar directly to a person that hasn’t worked for it,” Williamson said. “We really are trying to help (Haitians) help themselves. We felt our main project was to help people get out of dilapidated homes, get them in a secure place, make them feel safe so that they can then think about what dreams they want for their lives. We’ve achieved that, but we’ve also had this enormous blessing of now being able to help people by giving them jobs.”
Learn more at projectrouj.org.
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Pictured: Brian, Wesley & Ashley Morisette
Haitians assist in building homes in Fondwa, Haiti, with help from Zionsville-based nonprofit Project Rouj. (Photo courtesy of Project Rouj)
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New laws focus on education in Indiana
LEGISLATURE
New laws passed during the 2024 Indiana Legislative session took effect July 1, including several aimed at boosting opportunities for Hoosier students and teachers.
High school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver’s education, certification and credentialing exams.
“Hoosier high school students need more opportunities to participate in work-based learning, apprenticeships and internships,” House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated. “Expanding these scholarships will provide young Hoosiers these experiences that are key to determining career paths and developing high-demand skills for the 21st century workforce.”
State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) authored the new law.
“All students should be able to pursue educational opportunities that prepare them for what comes after graduation,” Goodrich stated. “This program is a game changer that will help young Hoosiers achieve success, no matter their career goals.”
third-graders struggle to read by strengthening remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support in second grade. Schools also will be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.
Lawmakers said a measure aimed at boosting reading proficiency will address data that shows 1 in 5 Hoosier
“Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students,” State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) stated. “Providing targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading will better prepare these learners for future success.”
Hoosiers looking to make a career switch to education can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. One-time, nonrenewable scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to applicants with a bachelor’s degree pursuing a transition to teaching certification.
“Like many other states and other industries, we’re facing a shortage of educators,” stated State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville), who serves as a member of the House Education Committee. “Providing scholarships to Hoosiers who are enrolled in transition to teaching certification programs is a common-sense move to boost our talent pipeline and support our students and schools.”
A measure to provide nearly 90,000 retired public servants including teachers and first responders with a $360 pension boost to cover cost-of-living expenses also became law July 1.
To view new laws, visit iga.in.gov.
Huston
Goodrich
Schaibley
Cash
WHITE RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
City of Fishers’ newest park to open in 2025
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
There’s a lot going on near the intersection of Allisonville Road and 96th Street, with a new development and road construction for a new roundabout adding to traffic congestion in an already busy area. But a new project near that intersection will offer respite and natural beauty to visitors who want to temporarily escape the bustle of urban life.
The City of Fishers recently announced its plans for White River Park, set to open in spring 2025. The site is about 120 acres, said Jake Reardon-McSoley, the city’s director of recreation and wellness.
The city already had plans to create a park with land it owned at that site. Those plans expanded when CRG Residential — which is building the new River Place mixed-use development at that intersection — donated an additional 25 acres for the park.
“The majority of the 120-acre park parcel really couldn’t be developed,” Reardon-McSoley said. “It’s in either (a) floodway or flood plain. There is some space that could be developed technically, but (CRG) thought it could really be a great partnership and gifted that property to the city for the purpose of a park — a community park.”
The city received a $4.7 million READI grant through the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to finance the park’s development. READI stands for Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative.
“As a state, Indiana is making unprecedented investments in quality-of-place assets to ensure we have vibrant communities that attract top talent and support Hoosiers and their families,” READI Director Jim Rawlinson stated. “Fishers White River Park will increase public green spaces and connectivity throughout the community while furthering regional efforts to better leverage the White River waterway throughout the central Indiana region.”
That grant was supplemented with another $1 million from Hamilton County. The total $5.7 million fully paid for the park’s first development phase.
“A great part to residents here is, not a nickel to any taxpayers,” Reardon-McSoley said.” It’s just a free community asset we
(Below) An aerial photo shows a portion of what will be the City of Fishers’ newest park. Plans call for maintaining the natural landscape, trees and plants for visitors to enjoy. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
think is going to be a gorgeous sanctuary of a park.”
The city launched a community survey, he added, and hosted several open houses to understand what residents wanted from their new park.
“It was pretty clear what our community was interested in for this park — that was really an opportunity to showcase
natural beauty and not necessarily create any more manicured sports fields or other amenities,” Reardon-McSoley said. “And so, that’s what we started working on for concepts and designs and really wanted to reflect the spirit of what we heard from our residents. And so, what our community can expect when we open next year will be a sprawling, large park with just under 2.5
CONNECTIVITY
The City of Fishers has been working to improve pedestrian connectivity and the White River Park project’s design reflects that ongoing goal, said Jake Reardon-McSoley, the city’s director of recreation and wellness.
“We will have a connection from the Fishers White River Park directly to Heritage Park at White River, which is another Fishers park just immediately north of this property,” he said. “That’ll be kind of fun for residents to explore that large trail connection. And then,
we’re actually under construction right now for a pedestrian bridge to go across the White River and that’ll actually connect the Heritage Park property with Hazel Landing, which is a Carmel park on the other side.”
He said that city officials will continue looking at ways to connect the new park with other parks and trails throughout the community, leading to a broad network of paths for residents to walk, run or bike.
miles of trails to explore.”
The park also will have scenic overlook boardwalks so visitors can get close to the river and a kayak launch for those who want to get even closer.
“Access to the White River was a really important focus point,” Reardon-McSoley said. “I don’t think, generally, Fishers residents think of the White River as an opportunity to recreate in our community and we wanted to change that and really kind of provide an opportunity for residents to launch their own kayaks or nonmotorized water vehicles and just engage with the river in a number of ways.”
In addition to the boat launch and overlooks, he said there will be a “creek-stomping” area for kids to splash and play. There also will be some more practical amenities, such as a parking lot, restrooms and a water-bottle fill station. But, he said, development will remain light.
“We’re trying to really kind of work with the grain of the property, not against it,” Reardon-McSoley said. “So even the paths that we’re creating for hiking, walking, running, are really just kind of expanding and improving some of the natural kind of deer paths and trails that have been on the property over the last 100 years.”
There will be some paved trails, but most will be crushed rock or dirt paths. The crushed rock improves accessibility for those with mobility limitations, he said, and they considered grades when designing various trails.
“If you get a chance to go out and explore it, it’s rugged,” Reardon-McSoley said of the site. “There’s all kinds of elevation changes and wildlife. It’s a unique property in a lot of ways but making sure there’s the proper grading — both for traffic and pedestrian access coming in — we had to work on grading so that was accessible.”
He said the city hopes to break ground on the park project in September with a goal of opening in May 2025. Development at the park won’t stop there, though. Reardon-McSoley said the city has future plans, including a possible disc golf course.
ON THE COVER: The City of Fishers has finalized Phase 1 plans for the new White River Park on 120 acres near Allisonville Road and 96th Street. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
(Above) The City of Fishers worked with Browning Day to design the new White River Park, set to open in late spring 2025. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Fishers)
‘Cats’ gets new life in Civic Theatre YAP show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Anne Beck conducted a survey of Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program members and alumni of possible future musicals.
“Cats” was listed in the top three by all 75 participants. One reason it was listed so high is because most high schools don’t attempt to present it.
“It’s incredibly challenging,” said Beck, the YAP coordinator. “It forces them to think about character from beginning to end. The program itself is all about building people up and (the performers) have to be on the side, kind of building up the character that’s in the forefront at the time. It’s a big theme about acceptance and forgiveness and being who you are and not having to apologize for it. I love the messages and it’s great for this age group.
“They are working really hard and they’re killing it. It’s just really exciting to see they love it, too.”
The Fishers resident is direct ing the YAP production of “Cats,” which runs July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Civic Theatre has not performed the An drew Lloyd Webber classic at any level.
Beck performed in “Cats” at the Gate way Playhouse in Bellport, N.Y., in 2012 with Ken Page, who was reprising his Broadway role as Old Deuteronomy, and director Jacob Brent, who portrayed Mr. Mistoffelees in the original video production.
“Learning it from them, I know it so well,” Beck said.
There are 30 cast members — 15 males and 15 females — from 14 high schools.
Emma Hornbecker, a Lebanon High School graduate who will attend Indiana University this fall, plays Grizabella.
“I wasn’t very familiar with ‘Cats,’’’ Hornbecker said. “I don’t think a lot of theaters around here take it on because it’s very daunting. I listened to all the music before auditions and really fell in love with it.”
This is Hornbecker’s first appearance in a YAP production. She played Liesl Von Trapp in Civic’s main stage production of “The Sound of Music ‘’ in 2023.
“I think through Grizabella I’ve learned a lot about the themes of forgiveness and compassion and I really like how she teaches that to the other cats,” Hornbecker said.
Hornbecker sings “Memory,” the musical’s signature song.
Andrew Horras, who will be a Fishers High School sophomore, plays
in Junior Civic’s “Newsies Jr.” in 2023.
Noah Greer, a 2024 Fishers High School graduate who will study dance at Ball State University this fall, enjoys his role as Mongojerrie.
“He’s very energetic, very fun,” he said. “He’s mischievous.”
Greer and Horras perform an energetic number together.
“He tumbles a lot and that’s definitely kind of taxing but it’s all a part of the process,” Greer said. “It’s very hard also doing like a five-minute number with just two people on stage. You don’t have a lot of people on stage to back you up, so it’s really important that you’re locked in for the full five minutes there.”
The chemistry comes naturally as Greer and Horras are close friends.
“I think people will enjoy just watching us get into the characters,” Greer said. “It’s very different. You have to stay in character for the full two hours. I think that it’s really just fascinating getting to watch everybody do that because you just see different things in each corner of the stage. Everybody’s doing something different. I think that’s something that audiences will really enjoy.”
Taylor Smith, who will be a Lawrence North High School senior, plays Old Deuteronomy.
“I enjoy playing a character that can really command a room,” Smith said. “That’s not something that I’ve really been able to play before. I’ve often played a comedic side character, but I don’t often get to play characters that really are about like majesty and grandeur. I think it’s really cool to try something new.”
Beck said Adrienne Conces, Civic’s resident costume designer, has done an amazing job.
“She puts a unitard on a mannequin and is hand-airbrushing all the different colors and stripes and dots for each character,” said Beck, who is designing the wigs.
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’ Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” at Basile Westfield Playhouse July 18-28. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Bubbles up! Let’s Celebrate Jimmy Buffett” is set for July 18; Dueling Pianos: ‘80s Music July 18; and Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Jimmy Buffett” July 20 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUSICAL’ Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” July 17-21 in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre. net.
SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
“Best of John Williams” is set for 8 p.m. July 19-20 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
DAN + SHAY
Dan + Shay: Heartbreak on the Map is set for 7 p.m. July 19 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE & CHICAGO
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago’s Heart & Soul Tour stops at 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Ruoff. For more, visit livenation.com.
DISPATCH
Broadway star set for Public Masterclass — Three-time Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry will team up with Michael Feinstein at 2 p.m. July 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy summer intensive to critique performances by 10 randomly selected students. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
MUSICAL
Clockwise from the top, Andrew Horras, Fishers, Austin Lizama, Zionsville, Lyra Montalvo, Fishers, and Emma Hornbecker, Lebanon. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Filmmaker ‘pedals’ documentary at Indy Shorts
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Joe Rudy considers himself a community social worker. A Noblesville resident and owner of Rudy’s Re:Cycle shop in Cicero, he is a former youth pastor and property manager of Bethel Lutheran Church and is now a bicycle shop owner.
DOCUMENTARY
“He’s everyone’s friend, and he’s a person that’s always willing to lend a hand,” said 12 Stars Media co-founder Rocky Walls, noting that Rudy’s shop focuses on bicycle repair and provides the community access to affordable bikes. Rudy is featured in the documentary short film “Bike Story,” directed by Walls and produced by his Noblesville-based company, 12 Stars Media. The film’s world premiere is at 7:30 p.m. July 23 at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival. 12 Stars Media has had a film at Indy Shorts every year since 2021. The July 23 premiere is at Living Room Theaters. There will be a showing at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at The Tobias Theatre at Newfields in Indianapolis.
maybe the ‘70s,” Walls said.
Walls said he recognized there was a story to be told through the bikes and immediately thought of Rudy, who he’s known for years through their mutual community work. Rudy was also a subject in the short they were filming at the time, “Toboggan ‘Bout Town.”
“I felt comfortable with Rocky’s vision from the very beginning,” Rudy said. “My hope is when people see this film, they might feel the importance and impact they have on their own community. When we don’t feel like we have a choice in what’s going on in the world, we can put the work in, get a little grimy, learn some new things and make some new friends right where we are.”
Walls said people use “our bikes to get places or to get together with people and go on a journey.”
While filming another local short documentary in 2022, Walls — also a Noblesville resident — received a call from a friend that the new owners of the nearby Lacy building were clearing it out and might have some things he’d be interested in. Hoping to find a unique addition to his typewriter collection among the 30-, 40-year-old untouched items, Walls paid them a visit.
“While I was there, I happened to see, and it truly was like out of a movie, there was this window where this light was kind of pouring in, and it was illuminating these four bicycles hung upside down in a corner that truly didn’t look like (they) had been touched or certainly not ridden since
The film explores “the concept of bikes as a symbol of freedom and coming of age,” said Walls, emphasizing how the importance of bicycles changes throughout people’s lives. “Adolescent experiences sort of revolve around a bicycle, often being the first means you have to explore further out into the neighborhood to go do things with friends that you couldn’t before.”
As Rudy restores the bikes, Walls said the film evokes nostalgia, encouraging viewers to restore what used to bring them joy.
“It might be picking up something from your childhood and revisiting something that you used to really love,” Walls said.
Filming took place in Noblesville and Cicero on and off for two years from January 2022 to April 2024, with a crew of six to eight people.
Walls said he plans for the film to be available in the fall on the Hoosier documentary streaming platform Hoodox, which he co-founded in 2021 with 12 Stars Media co-founder Zach Downs.
DISPATCH
Walls
Rudy
SATURDAY, JULY 20
7 p . m . – M idnigh t 9 p . m . COUNTRY SUMMER
Country Summer is a modern country/pop party band built for fun and here for the party. Country Summer delivers an upbeat show for singing and dancing!
The street party begins at 7 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors. The School of Rock band performs at 7:30 p.m.
You won't want to miss this fun, free community event!
Bring your non-perishable food items to donate to the Carmel Summer Meals program
Cast takes on fantasy classic
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Annalisa Schuth enjoys the camaraderie of participating in Main Street Productions’ youth plays.
PLAY
Schuth is cast as Susan in “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” which runs July 18-28 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. Brandi Davis is the director. The play is based on the 1950 novel by C.S. Lewis and is part of a series of fantasy books called “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
and it’s really fun to play with my other (stage) siblings,” said Schuth, who will be a sophomore at Westfield High School. “It centers around these children who walk into a wardrobe and find themselves in a magical land. It’s an allegory of the Bible, which is kind of cool.”
Nora Gapinski-Coon, who will be an eighth-grader at Westfield Middle School, plays Mrs. Beaver.
Schuth
In 2022, Schuth performed in “30 Reasons Not to Be in a Play” and was in “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” in 2023.
“They’ve all been fun in different ways,” she said. “The first was fun because I was getting to know a lot of people and I had a lot of different characters. ‘Robin Hood’ was a fun cast to be with and a funny play. This one has a great cast, too.”
Susan is one of four siblings in the story.
“It’s definitely one of my bigger roles
“I like that I can portray a side character, but I still have an important role in helping the children,” she said. “It’s a fun character to play.”
Gapinski-Coon, a fan of the Narnia books, acted in “Robin Hood” last year and worked on lighting and sound the previous year.
Jack Elicker, who will be a sixth-grader at Westfield Intermediate School, plays two roles.
“I like I get multiple roles,” Elicker said. Elicker said he likes that he doesn’t have a lot of lines to memorize but has to act to express his character. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
Sponsored in part by
Brewing up community, culture, connections
Commentary by Mark LaFay
For many people, coffee isn’t simply a morning ritual. It’s a way to connect with others. Making it is a craft to be mastered and a reflection of the community’s evolving tastes. Through conversations with several roasters in Hamilton County, I’ve discovered how coffee has become a cornerstone of community life here.
Let’s start with Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel. In 2018, Diane McAndrews opened Indie Coffee Roasters on Main Street. Since then, it has expanded to multiple locations, including a second in Carmel at North End, at Purdue University and in Noblesville.
“Consumer interest is growing and people are getting more curious about coffee,” McAndrews said. “It is very culinary. We don’t serve food. It was our strategy from Day 1. We focus on coffee and community, knowing people.”
Jeremy Balch at Geist Coffee also emphasizes quality and community engagement. He took over an existing shop in 2018 and revitalized it. He uses beans from Utopian Coffee Roasters, known for their direct sourcing from farmers.
“Over the past few years, customers have been asking deeper questions about coffee origins and processing,” Balch said. “Our culture is shifting from blind consumerism to educated purchasing. Farmers are now able to invest in better equipment and processing methods that truly affect quality and taste in the cup.”
Allie Commons, founder and owner of RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery in Westfield, said she started roasting beans even before the shop opened in May 2021.
“We would roast beans in the ‘garage’ while the shop was being built out,” Commons said. “Neighbors would smell the roasting, see the activity and it built a bit of buzz prior to opening,”
The staff often encourages customers to check out the roastery. Educational cupping classes are also an interactive opportunity to teach customers about the nuances of artisanal coffee.
MOTW Coffee & Pastries, established in 2021, with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis, has made education a cornerstone of its business. With a foundation rooted in community and a commitment to local causes, MOTW trains its baristas
to share their extensive coffee knowledge with customers.
“MOTW’s foundation has always been about community,” Nasif Rahman with MOTW said. “Our baristas go through extensive training and testing to be prepared to give guests a great experience.”
Ken Julian of Julian Coffee Roasters in Zionsville has seen the evolution of coffee culture firsthand. Founded in 2004, Julian Coffee Roasters initially operated several coffee shops but now focuses on wholesale and online retail. It ensures quality through state-of-the-art roasting equipment and direct trade relationships with farmers in Honduras.
“Coffee is similar to wine in that every coffee can have a variety of flavor profiles based on how it is processed at the farms and how it is roasted,” said Julian, noting that his shop’s subscription service introduces customers to new micro-lot coffees each month, keeping things fresh and exciting.
These personal stories reveal quite a bit about our local coffee culture. The common thread running through each roaster is their passion for education, quality and community engagement. Whether it’s offering cupping classes where consumers learn to drink and smell coffee, inviting customers into the roastery, or training baristas to be coffee educators, these shops are fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the coffee they drink.
LaFay
COFFEE
Geist Coffee, 10110 Brooks School Rd, ephasizes quality and community engagement. (Photo courtesy of Geist Coffee)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 TH , 2024
11AM to 3PM at Lucas Estate, Carmel, IN
oki.wish.org/wws
Foreigner to visit Ruoff
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youcurent.com
For Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein, the time is right to slow down a bit.
CONCERT
“We’re in the middle of a two-year farewell tour,” Bluestein said. “We’re not saying goodbye completely but basically we’re entering a new chapter where we’ll not be traveling as extensively as we have been because it’s been about nine months a year for about 20 years. It’s going to be considerably less, so this is a full-on, going out with a bang during these two years.”
Foreigner has paused its official farewell tour concerts to perform a Renegades and Juke Box Heroes summer tour with Styx. The tour will visit Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville at 6:45 p.m. July 26. John Waite serves as the opening act.
Foreigner brought its farewell tour with Loverboy to Noblesville in July 2024, shortly after the tour started. The tour with Styx will feature a few less songs than the farewell tour, but will include all the major hits.
“It’s a leaner, meaner set,” Bluestein said. “Instead of 100 minutes, this is closer to 80 minutes.”
Foreigner will be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Oct. 19 in Cleveland as part of the class of 2024.
“It’s a buzz, for sure. A lot of people think it’s long overdue,” said Bluestein, who joined Foreigner in 2008. “It’s a thrill and it looks like we’ll all be there. It will be a nice reunion for the older members as well as newer members. It’s kind of hallowed ground and pretty amazing to be inducted to a prestigious institute. I think it’s going to be kind of a then-and-now scenario.”
Mick Jones, the band’s founder and guitarist, and former lead singer Lou Gramm co-wrote most of the band’s hit songs. Jones, the last original member, hasn’t been able to tour with the band since 2022 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Bluestein, 55, is looking forward to spending more time with his 8-month old daughter.
“I’m a first-time dad. I’m looking forward to being a dad more full time, or at least half time,” Bluestein said.
Bluestein started playing classical music and then began performing more jazz in high school. Before joining Foreigner, he toured with Enrique Iglesias, Anastacia Lyn Newkirk and Boz Scaggs.
“Versatility is something I was shooting for to have a lot of opportunities and be employed in different situations,” he said. “It’s served me well. I’ve always loved different styles of music. Duke Ellington used to say there are two kinds of music, don’t worry about genres, there is good and bad. I feel Foreigner music is really good music.”
Bluestein, who also serves as a record producer, writes music for TV and movies. Bluestein and his girlfriend Tina Terry perform as a duo called Tina Blue.
For more, visit livenation.com.
FREE EVENT THE NOBLESVILLE STREET DANCE
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
The Noblesville Street Dance is a family-friendly community event in downtown Noblesville from 6 to 11 p.m. July 20. Admission is free. There will be a free kids zone and live music. Food vendors will be onsite with items available for purchase.
OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS
LATE NIGHT ON MAIN: The free street party begins at 7 p.m. July 20 with food and beverage vendors opening for business. The stage where the band Country Summer will perform will be located on West Main Street and Range Line Road near The Olive Mill in Carmel.
Michael Bluestein has been the keyboardist for Foreigner since 2008. (Photo courtesy of Krishta Photography)
Park provides ‘passive nature’
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Rumbling traffic along U.S. 31 and Ind. 38 can’t drown out the peaceful tranquility of MacGregor Park.
A passive nature preserve, MacGregor Park is in a conservation easement, making it protected land, immune from development. The 96-acre, dog-friendly park was donated by Sheila MacGregor Beals to Westfield Washington Township in 1999. Born in 1909 in Scotland, MacGregor Beals moved to the United States following World War II and lived on the property. The preserve’s wellmarked 3 miles of trails follow the regular path she took while walking the property.
The trail is well maintained with areas of easy to moderate inclines on the western and eastern sides of the property.
Along the prairie and wetlands trails in the northern portion of the park, visitors will find a Peace Pole — a monument that displays the message “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages.
Blossoms are also plentiful in the preserve, including beebalm, cone flowers, black-eyed Susans, butterfly weed, milkweed, buttonbush, false sunflowers, crownvetch, raspberry bushes, prairie
TAKE A HIKE!
roses, daisies, Indian hemp, ninebark, compass plants and clover.
Visitors can bring a natural material ornament to leave on the Christmas tree near the northwest portion of the property. The origins of the tree are not fully known, only that a patron placed an ornament on an evergreen in 2004, and ever since, other hikers have added to that collection.
MacGregor Park is owned and operated by Westfield Washington Township. Learn more at westfieldwashingtontwp.us/162/MacGregor-Park.
Senior care community recognized — Allisonville Meadows, 10410 Allisonville Rd. in Fishers, a member of American Senior Communities, was recently recognized by national senior industry knowledge leader, ElderCare Review. ElderCare Review chose ASC as its front cover and feature article in print for the July 2024 issue and showcased the provider throughout its online platform and other outlets. For more, visit eldercarereview.com/magazine.
United Way announces medical debt relief program — A joint investment of over $1.7 million from United Neighborhood Centers of Indianapolis and United Way of Central Indiana will relieve more than $239.6 million in medical debt for more than 112,000 people across the region. The effort began after an anonymous donor gave $1.2 million to the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to abolish more than $169 million of debt for 74,013 people in Marion County. United Way of Central
Indiana contributed an additional $500,000 to Undue Medical Debt to abolish more than $70.4 million of additional debt for more than 38,000 people in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Undue Medical Debt uses donations to buy medical debt in bulk at a discount. Then, rather than collect the debt, the nonprofit abolishes it. For more, visit unduemedicaldebt.org.
IU Health using new aFib technology — Cardiologists at Indiana University Health North and Saxony hospitals are now treating patients experiencing atrial fibrillation with new technology that increases patient safety and reduces patient recovery time. IU Health’s cardiac electrophysiology team is the first to bring this technology to Hamilton County. The advancement in AFib treatment is called pulsed field ablation (PFA) and delivers rapid electrical pulses to restore normal heart rhythm. For more, visit iuhealth.org/heart.
MacGregor Park is located at Ind. 38 and U.S. 31 in Westfield Washington Township. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Editor:
READERS’ VIEWS
I read the letter to the editor from Ray Maddalone in the July 2 edition. Yes, banning books is different from moving young-adult books, but it serves the same purpose — keeping kids from reading books intended for young adults.
Since “inappropriate” is subjective, parents should be the ones deciding if their
child can read a particular book. I’m a retiree and frequent library user and how I vote has no bearing on my use of the free public library. I resent being called “radical left” when all I want to do is borrow a book of my own choosing and hope others are allowed to do the same.
Pamela Jackson, Noblesville
Fourth of July fun
Editor,
I wanted to pass on a quick story about a delightful experience on July 4th.
For some years, it has been a family practice to watch the Conner Prairie fireworks from the parking lot of the Prairie Trace Elementary school in Carmel. Whether intentional or not, Carmel-Clay schools made a change that made the event much more enjoyable for the 100 or so people who were there.
Orange cones blocked the parking lot
entry directly from River Road. Apparently, this was to facilitate the application of a sealcoat. What might be a new parking lot at the rear of the school was open.
The result was that those watching the fireworks parked in the rear and congregated in front. Children and adults had free access to run around the front parking lot without concern for safety.
This all made a special event even more memorable.
John Homer, Fishers
Lost art of scamming
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Have you noticed that scamming is attracting fewer and fewer people who are really good at it? I am beginning to note a real lack of know-how in their approach. In the past week, I have had dozens of messages in both my email inbox and my spam folder that lack the expertise required to be successful at being a fraud. Here’s one I received the other day (NOTE: ALL THE SCAM TEXTS WILL BE IN CAPS):
HUMOR
And my favorite:
DEAR DICK WOLFSIE:
YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS HAVE REPORTED DICK WOLFSIE FOR PRETENDING TO BE YOU. WE WILL REVIEW YOUR PROFILE AND LET YOU KNOW IF IT VIOLATES OUR COMMUNITY STANDARDS. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.
The nerve of me, pretending to be me. Who do they think I am? Me? I hope I’m doing a good job and not some cheap impersonation.
Here’s another: WE DETECTED SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT YOUR SIGN-IN TO YOUR AOL. IF IT WAS YOU, YOU ARE ALL SET.
All set for what? Another 30 years of AOL and paying for this outdated service? That’s also the end of their text. There is no place to click or call, and nowhere do they ask for personal information. What kind of ineffective rip-off is this? The scamming profession has failed to attract the necessary talent to keep the art of the swindling business alive.
Here’s another area where these con men (and women) are slipping. These are from my spam folder”
• YOUR HULU ACCOUNT MAY BE IN JEOPARDY OF BEING SUSPENDED. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
• YOUR NETFLIX ACCOUNT COULD BE ENDING. GO TO THIS WEBSITE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
• YOUR SIRIUS ACCOUNT MIGHT BE EXPIRING. CALL THIS NUMBER.
– DICK WOLFSIE
• YOU ARE IN DANGER OF OWING $10,000 IN BACK TAXES. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
What a weaselly approach to swindling people. What’s with using words like MAY, COULD and MIGHT? Do you think a Chicago gangster in the 1920s would say to a bar owner, “If you don’t pay the kickback money, we might come back with a sledgehammer, and there is a small possibility that you would be in jeopardy of having your knees crushed. “
If you are going to perpetrate a scam, you need to give your targets the heebie-jeebies. Let me help you would-be criminals out. Here’s a good example of how to do it:
DEAR ED,
YOU OWE $10,000 IN BACK TAXES. WE ALSO HAVE YOUR GRANDSON TIED TO A LAWN CHAIR IN OUR BASEMENT. AND TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE, YOUR NETFLIX ACCOUNT EXPIRES IN 20 MINUTES. CLICK HERE TO KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT FROM BEING SUSPENDED,
Yes, you slime buckets. Take a course on how to write convincingly. Hone your craft and be the best you can be.
For more information. Click here or call: 993-555-0100. Or else.
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 once-monthly 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.
Dr. Lawrence E. Lloyd, DPM Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
Race in-person or virtually
Fundraise for PAWsome prizes
Leashed & in-stroller dogs welcome
Shirt, medal and swag for all participants
A little harmless talk?
Commentary by Terry Anker
Born the fourth of nine siblings, Kim Wayans found fame as the recurring character Benita Buttrell on the early 1990s TV sketch comedy
ESSAY
“In Living Color,” which was created and produced by older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans. Her catchphrase elevated the segments onto the national stage and into our collective vernacular.
herself wasn’t a gossip. We all got a laugh from the universality of it all. Who doesn’t know someone like Buttrell and her deserving targets?
Proceeds benefit HSHC's Survivor Program and hundreds of animals in need Saturday, August 10, 2024 | Four Day Ray, Fishers Register at WoofstockRocks.com or scan below!
“But I ain’t one to gossip, so you ain’t heard it from me,” would naturally precede some of the most toe-curling and juicy chinwags recently overheard in the neighborhood. Ms. Buttrell made it her business intimately to know everyone else’s business. She understood how to use this information to her own advantage and did.
It was all harmless enough, even funny. The skits poked fun at the bride whose choice to wear white may not have been related to purity, or the big spender whose gold watch was likely plated. She was the voice of truth, at least a sort of veracity. Still, her reliability stood in all things except for her claims that she
Is all tattling harmless, even if a bit tasteless? The Supreme Court of the United States has sprung an unprecedented leak of late. Its classified discussions are not being kept so confidential and appear in the media before adjudicated. So, when does a “leak” become an intentional political tool and the secrets used to gain advantage? Sharing corporate privileged news for benefit is called insider trading and will land the gossip in jail. Martha Stewart can attest. Is there likewise a reason to cage the judicial jay birds? We all use information to gain elevated status, but when does the harm move from middle school busybody to prison jailbird?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
Unique Custom Log Cabin For Sale
Beautiful custom one of kind hand crafted artistically designed square log cabin sitting on 86 acres in Switzerland county Indiana. Property is just off 129, 15 minutes from Vevay, Indiana. Cabin sits on top of the property with a pond view. Full walkout basement with 30’ x 12’ wide porch. There are 2 ponds appx ¾ acre on the property for your fishin pleasure. Creek adjacent to the roadside that you cross for entrance into the property. Half mile gravel driveway. Four wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. There are trails for riding atvs or just enjoying a hike around the property.
has an open concept style. One full bath in the main level with a Custom cedar king bed and custom cedar couch and chair. Main level overlooks a pond with multiple large windows. Living room area has a propane fireplace faced with creek rock. Poplar saw milled log floors, Full kitchen with custom hickory kitchen cabinets all on main level. Loft upstairs with a half bath.
recreational vehicles etc.
Bonus smaller cabin!!! - small hunters cabin/lodge with a 16.8 front porch with small garage appx 16 x 16.
Bonus Bonus! - electric hookups for campers at the base of the property across from the creek
This property is a must see dream home for the ones that want to enjoy the great outdoors!
Enjoy the wildlife with your morning cup of joe. Turkeys and deer visit often for your viewing pleasure. If you’re a hunter then this property is made for you as well. Permanent tree stands made within the property or just for viewing wildlife. Sportsmans paradise!
*Rising Sun Casino - 29 miles - 45 minutes FOR SALE
upon serious requests *Pre-approval before showing required *Serious inquiries only please
Nice spacious front and back covered porch 34’ x 12’.
Cabin has 3 levels with 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bath. New green metal roof December 2023. Main level
Downstairs open concept with full bath. Downstairs kitchen area has a double sink with lower cabinets and fridge. Sleeping area has a full-size custom cedar bed and fireplace with washer and dryer located downstairs. The downstairs room walks out on the back porch which overlooks the pond. Cistern water tank holds 2,000 gallons. Water is available in town for you to haul and propane furnace. 24 x 40 Barn located just off the side of the cabin for storage of large equipment,
*Attractions close by Belterra Casino 13 miles - 23 minutes
*Historic Madison IN 20 miles
37. Lessens
38. Marion County city
41. Missionary’s target, perhaps
44. Indiana State Prison weapon
45. Estate beneficiary
49. Poker declaration
51. Pacer’s Cleveland foe, briefly
53. Indianapolis Bridge Center card
54. Marion County city
57. Cut with a beam
59. Noblesville lodge member
60. Like most Pacers players
61. Capital of Japan
62. ___-friendly
64. Marion County city
67. Blown Away Hair Salon job
68. Jousting need
69. Usual force on Earth, for short 70. Back talk
Take-out order? 72. Fiddling emperor Down
1. Cul-de-___ 2. Wisely cautious
3. Set one’s sights on 4. Dining room furniture 5. Prefix for “graph”
100% 7. Indy Zoo sounds
Daybreak
Whirlpools 10. Playground game 11. Writes hurriedly 12. “Have we started yet?”
13. Overnight flights
18. Footnote abbr. 22. At no time
24. Fannie ___ 26. Life’s conclusion
29. ___ de cologne
30. Belfry Theatre play parts
33. Bygone IND carrier
35. LBJ’s veep
36. It’s a long story
39. Beginning
40. Indiana Fertility Institute cells
41. I-69 multicar accidents
42. World’s fourth-largest inland body of water
43. I-69 rubberneckers
46. “Piece of cake!”
47. Become frozen
48. Fishers HS color
50. Facilitate
52. YouTube journal
55. Angela Buchman weather forecast, maybe
56. Justice Kagan
58. “Rubber Capital of the World”
61. “Of ___ I Sing”
63. Real-estate ad abbr. 65. IV units
Sense of self Answers on Page 23
Have you checked out our Friday Fives?
Shared every Friday on our City of Fishers lnstagram.
Monthlong Events
Summer Events
j U ly * Fishers Farmers M arket presented b� IU Health Fishers ( Saturdays, 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP) aug
* Free Tuesday Concerts ( 7 PM, NPDAMP)
* Fishers Parks' Storywalk ( Flat Fork Creek Park)
19 Fishers Art Center's Make It Take It: Wheel Throwing ( 7 -9 PM, register at FishersArtCenter.org)
20 Fishers Parks' Monsoon Madness (11 AM -3 PM Holland Park)
Biz Kids Festival at the Fishers Farmers Market ( 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP)
Fishers Art Center's Make It Take It: Digital Painting in Procreate ( 7 -9 PM, register at FishersArtCenter.org) * 1 6 17 23 24
21 Fishers Art Center's Make It Take It: Gel Printing ( 7 -9 PM, register at FishersArtCenter.org)
26 Fishers Art Center's Make It Take It: Paint Your Pet ( 7 -9 PM, register at FishersArtCenter.org)
27 Fishers Art Center's Make It Take It: Paper Marbling ( 7 -9 PM, register at FishersArtCenter.org)
28 Fishers Art Center's Make It Take It: Wheel Throwing ( Noon -2 PM register at FishersArtCenter.org)
29 Day of Service at the Fishers Farmers Market ( 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP)
See the full event calendar for details and other upcoming events at FisherslN.gov/Events
Sept1
Fishers Farmers Market presented b� IU Health Fishers ( Saturdays, 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP)
Fishers Parks' Storywalk ( Ritchey Woods N ature Preserve) Before the Bell ( 5:30 - 7:30 PM, NPDAMP)
National Night Out
( 5 -7 PM, Fishers Police Department)
Health & Wellness Day at the Fishers Farmers Market ( 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP)
NP D AMP Ticketed Show: Niko Moon ( 8 PM , Tickets: npdamp.com)
NPDAMP Ticketed Show: Brett Dennen ( 8 PM , Tickets: npdamp.com)
31 & Fishers Blues Fest � (4-10 PM, NPDAMP)
Fishers Farmers Market presented b� IU Health Fishers ( Saturdays, 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP)
Fishers Parks' Storywalk ( Cumberland Park)
Safety Day at the Fishers Farmers Market ( 8 AM - Noon, NPDAMP)
Geist Half Marathon,10K & SK Register at GeistHalf.com
City Recycling Day ( 8 AM -1 PM , Billericay Park)
20 Fishers Parks' Glow in the Park:Adult N ight ( Ages 21+, 8 -10 PM , NPDAM P, Tickets:playfishers.com)
21 Club Day at the Fishers Farmers Market ( 8 A M - Noon, NPDAMP)
Fishers Parks' Glow in the Park:All Ages ( All ages, 8 -10 PM NPDAM P, Tickets:playfishers.com)
Enjoy the beautiful waterfront scenery of Geist Reservoir with a family friendly SK, 1OK, or half marathon this fall.
The Geist Half Race Series presented by Meijer returns on Saturday, September 14 with a walker-friendly course complete with live music, outstanding community support, and a fun, all-ages after party! Register at GeistHalf.com before prices go up on September 1.
