February 21, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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Whitfield sets vision for Lawrence

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Deb Whitfield, it’s time to take her passion for the City of Lawrence to the next level by running for mayor.

ELECTION

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Whitfield, who has lived in Lawrence for nearly 30 years, is running in the May 2 Democratic primary against fellow Lawrence Common Council at-large member Shawn Denney.

“I have lived in Lawrence for nearly 30 years,” Whitfield said. “I raised my children here, and I care deeply about our city and its future. For 27 years, I devoted my career to developing strong leadership within the health care industry in central Indiana. It’s time for Lawrence to use our diversity, our proximity to Indianapolis and our top-rated schools to move our city forward with better quality of life, higher paying jobs and more growth opportunities for our citizens.”

Whitfield, who was elected to the common council in 2018, said the key issues for Lawrence residents are to maintain a high level of public safety, to expand economic opportunities and to improve quality of life through more arts, nature and entertainment options.

“I envision a united city, a safe and secure place to live and work, with equitable neighborhoods flourishing with new opportunities for citizens in all parts of our city,” Whitfield said. “My campaign for mayor will focus on bringing new economic development projects and jobs to the city, supporting public safety so that Lawrence can be the best place to live and raise a family in central Indiana, and putting a renewed focus on our neighborhoods, so that all parts of Lawrence receive the same opportunities and resources needed to thrive in our community.”

Whitfield, 69, said with the encouragement and support of her neighbors, she was elected to the common council.

Before serving on the Common Council, she said she spent more than 25 years in the community listening to the challenges people are facing and their desires for the future.

“I’ll carry that experience as we plan for the next 25 years of Lawrence’s growth,” she said. “My colleagues and I on the common council are responsible for record investments in public safety, jobs and infrastructure improvements in the City of Lawrence. We balanced budgets, supported all city employees and public safety personnel through challenging times and sponsored exciting new commercial developments across the city.”

Whitfield has two children and three grandchildren. She is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Community Health Network and is a board member at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Indianapolis and the Fort Benjamin Harrison YMCA. She is a member of The Links, Inc.; is a former board member of Martin University; and is an alumnus of Hoosier Women Forward.

Lawrence equipment company to relocate HQ

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By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

An environmental equipment company in Lawrence plans to relocate its headquarters to Noblesville in a move that will bring 41 new jobs to the city.

products, Best Equipment is unique because of its values, customer focus and community involvement. We are happy to welcome them home to Noblesville.”

BUSINESS

Best Equipment Co., Inc., plans to build a new 35,000-square-foot headquarters on 11.56 acres at the northwest corner of 141st Street and Herriman Boulevard as part of a $9.6 million investment. The company, which is family-owned and operated, has been in existence since 1917.

“Best Equipment’s decision to relocate their corporate headquarters to Noblesville continues our strategy to grow our economic base through corporate relocations in our community,” Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “Besides having great people and superior

The company, which provides services in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and recently expanded into Michigan, is owned by Mike and Maria Dahlmann. The couple have been involved with Best Equipment since the early 1980s and acquired the company from Mike Dahlmann’s father, city officials said.

The 41 new jobs, which will be added by December 2028, will have an average salary of $92,527, according to the city. City officials have approved a resolution granting a five-year, 80 percent real property tax abatement.

The abatement will result in an estimated savings of approximately $825,000, said Chuck Haberman, the city’s assistant director for economic development.

The new headquarters will include office space, a training area for employees and customers on their products, a showroom of heavy duty environmental equipment and indoor and outdoor common areas to host events. The facility will provide centralized support to staff in Indiana, as well as two Midwest service branches, officials said.

“Thanks to the hard work of our teams, Best Equipment continues to grow and improve, expanding our capabilities and support. To better serve our staff, customers, and communities, we are thrilled to work alongside the City of Noblesville, moving to a beautiful property that will allow the company to thrive for years to come,” stated Maria Dahlmann, owner and chief financial officer at Best Equipment.

The company plans to break ground later this year on the project.

Whitfield

COMMUNITY

Geist resident coordinates diaper drive

By Rich Brown news@geistcurrent.com

It’s an annual passion project for one local resident.

INITIATIVE

On March 15, Geist-area resident Krista Hays will again be coordinating Diaper Day, an annual fundraiser to help struggling families afford diapers for their newborns.

The Villages of Indiana began sponsoring the yearly Diaper Day in 2017. The Villages is a nonprofit that assists with placement of children into foster care or adoptive families. The agency also helps families to afford the cost of raising children – including the cost of diapers.

“We know not everyone can be a foster parent,” Hays said. “But we hope everyone can support a foster family, family in need or former foster youth. Donating diapers is an easy and simple way to help Villages’ families and children who stretch budgets and dollars each and every week.

The Villages’ 2023 goal is to collect 60,000 donated diapers.

“We’re especially looking for sizes 4, 5 and 6,” Hays said. “Also, we’re looking for toddler pull-on diapers.”

An advisory council assists The Villages with the annual drive.

“Most of us on the council have a child in diapers,” said Grace Oter, council chair and nursing director at Riley Hospital for Children. “We directly feel the impact at the cash register and understand the struggle among parents to make ends meet every day. No parent should ever have to choose between a diaper change and putting food on the table.”

Hays agrees.

“There are two ways to support families –make a diaper donation on or before March 15 or host a diaper drive,” Hays said. Donors can purchase diapers through The Villages’ Wish List on Amazon.com, and the diapers will be delivered directly to their office.

The other way is for the donor to deliver diapers directly to The Villages of Indiana locations at 3833 N. Meridian St. in Indianapolis or in Hamilton County at 802 Mulberry St., in Noblesville.

Hays

Junior leads HSE to fourth place

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School junior Audrey Crawford considers this her best swimming season.

STATE FINALS

“I think this season

I’ve improved a lot in some different areas,”

Crawford said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a breakout season, but it’s the season I’ve most improved.”

Crawford was second in the 200-yard individual medley in 1 minute, 59.87 seconds and 100 butterfly in 53.56 seconds at the Feb. 11 IHSAA girls swimming state finals at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI. The Royals finished fourth in the team standings with 148 points.

Crawford was second in the 100 butterfly and fifth in the 200 IM in the state finals as a sophomore.

“Going in I wanted to get second again,” Crawford said. “I kind of knew that it would be tough but that was a goal of mine.”

Crawford was joined by seniors Laura

Bergman, Anna Stole and Ashley Saple on the third-place 400 freestyle relay team. She also was on the fourth-place 200 medley relay with senior Katelyn Kertin, sophomore Kiley Zoeller and freshman Naomi Haines.

“I had a lot of fun,” Crawford said. “I love being with my team.”

Crawford committed to Auburn University in November 2022.

“I was in a lot better mood when I committed to have that off my plate,” Crawford said. “It’s a good motivator going into college and my senior year.”

Hamilton Southeastern coach Christian Hanselmann said the team’s goal was to get third.

“We got fourth. It was a really competitive meet, so for us to get that we’re happy with that but definitely not satisfied,” said Hanselmann, who is in his second year as coach. “We’re trying to do better than that. We had a senior-heavy group (at state). So, we have some major holes to fill.”

Senior Grace Newton was seventh in the 100 backstroke. Zoeller, Bergman, Saple and senior Ava Olson placed seventh in the 200 freestyle relay.

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Sharon Gleason

Sharon Gleason, a Zionsville resident, is president of Assistance League of Indianapolis, a nonprofit with several community outreach programs in central Indiana.

How did you become connected to the Assistance League?

I was introduced to Assistance League by a friend and neighbor. I attended a couple of fundraising events with her and her husband. I loved the mission of the organization and an ability to give back within my own community.

What do you enjoy most about the Assistance League?

The ability to give back, making a difference for children and adults in my community. I also love the friendships I have made.

What is your best habit?

Being organized. I am a list person!

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I like to read and learn from others what inspires them. This helps me think of my own world in a different way.

Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

“Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult

Do you have a favorite meal in town?

Muldoon’s Irish Stew. Especially in the winter.

What is your favorite song, and why do you like it?

“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart. It reminds me of all the advice, wishes and dreams I have for my children and grandchildren.

Crawford

Event to offer free financial aid help

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Financial aid professionals from across Indiana will be volunteering at 37 sites to assist College-bound students and their families in securing financial aid during College Goal Sunday at 2 p.m. Feb. 26.

ASSISTANCE

The free program assists Indiana students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In Hamilton County, the event will be held at Westfield High School, 18250 N. Union St.

The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and federal student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA must be filed by the state of Indiana’s priority deadline of April 15 to guarantee state aid for those who qualify.

One of many reasons College Goal Sunday is so important, according to the initiative, is because many families perceive the form to be too complicated and time consuming to complete. In less than one afternoon during College Goal Sunday, students and their families can get free help and file the form.

“Indiana is first in the Midwest and fifth in the nation in providing need-based financial aid to Hoosier students. But students must file the FAFSA to claim those funds, which go a long way in making the costs of college manageable for students and families,” Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery stated. “If you are considering education beyond high school, filing the FAFSA should be your first step, so you don’t leave money on the table. You don’t have to go it alone, either, as College Goal Sunday offers 1-on-1 help from financial aid experts.”

Students and parent(s) are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at studentaid.gov before logging in to the event.

Volunteers will walk through the online form line-by-line and answer families’ individual questions as needed.

A complete list of sites is available and more information is available at CollegeGoalSunday.org.

Carmel High School swimmer regains form after summer set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School sophomore swimmer Lynsey Bowen showed her determination and resilience this season.

“She had a tough summer (in 2022),” Greyhounds swimming coach Chris Plumb said. “She got sick, but she came back and put in the work. She is just maturing as a person. To see her be here and swim like she did was just awesome.”

Bowen repeated as the 500-yard freestyle champion Feb. 11 in a state record time of 4 minutes, 42.81 seconds at the IHSAA girls swimming and diving finals at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI in Indianapolis. She won the 200 freestyle title in a time of 1:45.49.

“Last year, I tied the record (4:45.15) and this year I broke it, which felt really good to not be sharing the record,” she said of the 500 freestyle race. “I had two of my teammates in the 500 with Lexi (Ward) and

MEET LYNSEY BOWEN

Favorite athlete: Katie Ledecky

Favorite movie: “Elf”

Favorite subject: English Hobbies: Bike riding, baking

Alyssa (Street). I’m just so proud of them, they did so good. I’ve been swimming with Lexi (Ward) for 10 years and I’m just so glad we went 1-2.”

Bowen was fourth in the 200 freestyle in last year’s state meet.

“It felt really good,” she said. “I just tried to sprint as fast as I can and get my hand on the wall, work on my turns and

I’M RIDING WITHOUT PAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME.

On the back of her horse is Ginger’s favorite place in the world. When her chronic back pain became so bad that it kept her out of the stables, she realized how limited she’d felt for years. She turned to the expert care at Goodman Campbell to get her back in the saddle.

Learn more about Ginger and her story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

underwaters.”

Bowen helped the Greyhounds capture their 37th consecutive state championship with a record 498 team points.

“I think this team is the best team I’ve ever been a part of,” Bowen said. “Everyone is so encouraging, and the meet was so much fun.”

Bowen said it took time to regain strength after being ill.

“I missed most of July and didn’t really swim anything at Summer Junior Nationals,” Bowen said. “I think I got back to mostly 100 percent at Winter Junior Nationals in December.”

Then she concentrated on improving.

“I worked on my stroke a lot and my turns,” she said. “Lexi and Alex Shackell have helped me so much with my technique and turns. I’m getting better and stronger every day in practice.”

Bowen’s sister, Kendra, is a former CHS swimmer who won the 200 freestyle in the state meet in 2019, her senior year. Kendra is a senior swimmer for Purdue University.

“I just always wanted to be like her, and I look up to her so much,” said Lynsey, whose mother, Renee, swam at Ball State University.

Campbell

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Carmel High School sophomore Lynsey Bowen was a double winner at the state finals. (Photo courtesy of Luke Miller Photography)

Bowen

OFF TO THE RACES

City of Fishers races to take Geist Half Marathon to next level

By Chris Bavender news@geistcurrent.com

For 15 years, the Geist Half Marathon was managed by the Geist Half Marathon board. About nine months ago, the board’s executive leadership approached the City of Fishers to explore opportunities for the city to take on the event.

“We were flattered by that. It’s a signature event, a long-standing community event here. So, we explored those conversations, and over the course of a couple months vetted it out and analyzed various things,” said Jake Reardon McSoley, director of Recreation and Wellness for the City of Fishers. “We got some plans together and were able to move forward. We are super excited to be able to take the baton and run with it.”

Early on, Reardon McSoley said city officials believed the event was something they would need a partner to pull it off at the high level they wanted it to be. So, they reached out to Vision Event Management, a running event management company, and its owner, Jeff Graves.

“They will be our production and event management partner, so they really are in charge of a large amount of the logistics and heavy lifting for this event,” Reardon McSoley said.

“Our role is core race production of the event,” Graves said. “This has always been a great community event, and now with the City of Fishers taking it over, I anticipate it even getting better.”

Graves and Reardon McSoley meet weekly, with a larger full-team meeting monthly, and sub-groups, such as volunteers, marketing, etc.

“So, there’s a lot of planning happening even now for an event that won’t be until Sept. 16 — just a lot of coordination of a lot of different things,” Reardon McSoley said.

One of the changes is moving the race date, which historically has been held in the spring.

“In our conversations with the board of the Geist Half Marathon, they shared they had gotten participant and community input over a number of years to potentially explore moving it to the fall, and they were actually strongly considering doing that before COVID happened,” Reardon McSoley said. “From the beginning, we looked at it as timing could really be beneficial for the community to move it to the fall for a few reasons. It has always sort of been the same week in the spring, which is exactly two weeks after the large 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. And that’s the largest half marathon in the state. It’s a huge draw, and rightfully so, and hard to share the spotlight of that event and made it difficult to compete with, to be honest.”

Reardon McSoley said organizers discovered that not a lot of people did both events, so the city started exploring what other options might look like.

“As we looked at calendars, we started to realize, ‘Hey, the weather is really nice in the fall, the reservoir looks great in the fall,’” he said. “And from a family scheduling point of view, that May timeline is a little bit crazy for a lot of people, and the fall, come middle to (the) end of September, seems to feel a little bit calmer and it would also be a little bit better from a roadwork and construction point of view.”

In another change, the 10K race was dropped from the schedule.

“We analyzed that and what past enrollment and participation had been and national trends, and it was sort of a hot, trending distance for events. For a while there, it had cooled down,” Reardon McSoley said. “So, in the efforts of trying to do a little bit less, but at a higher or as high a quality as possible with this transition, we decided to focus on just the 5K and the half marathon.”

The course for the half marathon will stay the same, while the 5K course will be tweaked a bit.

“We have been doing a lot of study of those courses from a bigger picture point of view,” Reardon McSoley said. “We are

really looking at this as an opportunity to sort of lean in to all the great things that make this a special race over the years but also reimagine it to see what it could be as we are moving forward. The 5K, we actually think there’s an opportunity to make a small adjustment that I think will actually add a lot of value to the course. There’s a new City of Fishers park coming online — Geist Waterfront Park will open in March — and we’re looking at adjusting a small portion of it that would have been an out-and-back in a neighborhood, and instead getting a chance to go into the Geist Waterfront Park and do a little bit of mileage pick up inside of that.”

Reardon McSoley and Graves are enthused about the vision the city has for the event.

“First and foremost, a safe event that is beyond the participants’ expectations when it comes to production,” Graves said. “We want to set a new standard for event experience.”

“I’m a recently retired runner — I did one a year for the last 25 years — and I am super excited to have a chance to really take this event and move it forward from a great foundation and great folks involved over the years and explore ways to make it bigger and better and take it to new heights,” Reardon McSoley said.

ON THE COVER: The start-finish line of a previous Geist Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration for the 5K and half marathon is open. Pricing for the 5K is $29.99, and $59.99 for the half marathon. On April 7, the registration fee will increase to $34.99 for the 5K and $69.99 for the half marathon.

For more, visit geisthalf.com or follow Geist Marathon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Graves Reardon McSoley

Not at your service?

Commentary by Terry Anker

“It’s not my job,” sneers the kid behind the counter. Perhaps, we think. But if not them, then who? OK, specialization leads to greater efficiency. Having the latte person make the Americano might slow down the entire production line leading to the kind of biblical chaos that was only known to readers of the Old Testament. Skinny-foam customers would likely get disproportional halves of “caf” to “decaf.” And some highly educated MBA’s vision of the perfect optimization of steps required to dispense coffee would be disrupted. Still, can’t we just get an extra cup?

As labor markets have tightened, the things that used to get done are now not happening. Young workers are scoring some of the lowest labor participation rates ever recorded. Older workers are retiring early as not before measured. And highly productive employees are self-reporting significant reductions in the amount of time they are putting into their jobs. Maybe it is a needed reset of expectations and demands. Maybe

we have all gotten a little lazy. Whatever the genesis or the analysis, we find that we’re being told to do it ourselves with increasing regularity and ferocity.

The promise of technology might help to carry us along. Soon, we hope, some device will lift the shifted burdens. In the meantime, we’re left to manage our own beverages or learn to live without. As we are confronted with a new paradigm of service, can we come to accommodate the changes gracefully while clinging to the fundamental elements of civil interaction? Kind, respectful exchange still carries the day, in most cases. But conflict over increasing gaps in expectation between providers and customers may be a harbinger of a new age in human interaction. We just want an extra cup. Is it really that diffcult? Well, it might be.

Out of sight, way out of mind

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve come to the realization that I may take the adage “out of sight, out of mind” a bit too seriously when it comes to my husband, Doo. Case in point, his recent ski trip.

HUMOR

I knew he would be in Colorado and that he’d be meeting up with our older girlchild who’s at Colorado State University.

And of course, I knew the exact day of his departure because I’d been dreaming for months about the five evenings of blissful solitude I’d be enjoying, filled with cozy frozen dinners for one in a perfectly tidy living room. Heaven was nigh!

But that’s about it. So, when our daughter called to ask for the Airbnb code, I could not help. And when my friends at work wondered where they were skiing, I responded, “Breckinridge? Veil? The Rockies?” I didn’t know the airline, if he was renting a car, nor that three of Doo’s buddies were going,

– DANIELLE WILSON

too. Basically, since I wasn’t part of this vacation and because I was more excited to have Doo gone, his itinerary literally went straight from my inbox to deleted mail with no acknowledgement on my part. He would be dead to me, and I couldn’t wait. But what if something had gone wrong? I would have been worthless to investigators had he suddenly disappeared or had a horrible accident. I’d have probably heard about the killer avalanche on the radio and turned the station. “Ooh, I love this song!”

Regardless, Doo has returned and my brief sojourn as a single lady is over. I still have no idea where he was, though. Out of sight, out of mind. Peace out.

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

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

Basically, since I wasn’t part of this vacation and because I was more excited to have Doo gone, his itinerary literally went straight from my inbox to deleted mail with no acknowledgement on my part.

Left to my own ‘devices’

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Mary Ellen and I compete against each other every evening as we watch “Jeopardy!” I usually win because she is also playing sudoku and is only listening to the show. She doesn’t realize the closed-caption answers come up on the screen. When I hear a clue like, “It’s the highest point in South Dakota,” I yell out, “What is Black Elk Peak?” Mary Ellen is impressed and asks, “How did you know that?” Her question would be easier to answer if I were willing to admit to cheating.

HUMOR

at a blistering 3 mph, and I’m expected to make this decision on the run? Well, it’s not really a run, but still, it’s a blistering 3 mph. I know one thing: Whichever option I choose, the phrase, “Can you hear me now?” is bound to be said a dozen times during the call.

The other night I asked Alexa to play John Legend. My Apple Watch chimed in and said, “Sorry, to hear John Legend you must sign up for Apple Music.”

There’s more competition in our household. We have the following electronic devices plugged in: My Amazon Fire, Mary Ellen’s Kindle, my Apple Watch, her Fitbit, three Alexa Echoes and two iPhones. Oh, and a landline phone, which I seldom use. But you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I’m old school.

I purchased new hearing aids before the holidays. These incredible devices have changed my life, but not always for the better. They’re intended to interface with other electronic devices, which has caused a bidding war for my undivided attention.

When I’m jogging, for example, my cellphone might ring. I hear that ring through my hearing aids. After I dig the phone out of my sweatpants pocket, I select how I want to take the call: over my headset, through my hearing aids, on the speaker or holding the phone to my ear. Here I am, moving

“I’m not talking to you,” I yelled at my wrist. Then I realized I should watch my tone because all the gadgets in my house are monitoring me. They know my most personal secrets. Best not to disrespect them.

Recently, one of my wife’s audio books for her monthly book club started coming though my hearing aids, and I couldn’t turn the sound off. I was doing the dishes, so I just kept listening. Later that week, I was the only person at the ladies’ book club who hated “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”

Yesterday, I asked Alexa what the weather would be like for the next week. She said, “I’m sorry, I can’t answer that question while you are driving.”

“I am not driving,” I hollered. “I am on my treadmill, going at the blistering speed of….”

POLICIES

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

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

There’s more competition in our household. We have the following electronic devices plugged in: My Amazon Fire, Mary Ellen’s Kindle, my Apple Watch, her Fitbit, three Alexa Echoes and two iPhones. Oh, and a landline phone, which I seldom use. But you’d have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. I’m old school.

– DICK WOLFSIE

It’s not about the music in Carmel Community Players production

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Tanya Haas doesn’t want attendees to be misled by the title of Carmel Community Players’ upcoming production.

COMEDY

“Even though the title is, ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,’ it is not a musical. There is a little bit of singing as part of the plot, but it’s definitely a straight play,” Haas said.

Carmel Community Players’ production will run Feb. 24 to March 5 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium.

The play takes place in an isolated mansion in the middle of a snowstorm. A group of performers and producers are cut off from the outside world with a deranged murderer, called the Stage Door Slasher, on the loose.

Haas, a Carmel resident, plays Helsa,. “She isn’t a major character in terms of stage time, but she is very important to the plot,” Haas said. “She tells everyone a bit about her life in the course of the show but is quite mysterious. One of the things I love about the role is also what is challenging about it, in that it’s a lot of physical comedy, which I love doing but my body doesn’t always love as I get older. I also have a German accent in the show, which I had thankfully been working on since appearing in a production of ‘The 39 Steps’ in 2021.”

Haas said the show is fun for the entire cast because the comedy is deliberately over the top.

“Not one character is meant to be subtle,” she said. “I think audiences will really enjoy it because it’s the type of show that just makes you laugh, and there’s really nothing serious about it all despite being a murder mystery.”

Zionsville resident Elizabeth Ruddell said she chose to direct the play because it is hilarious.

“There are many characters in it, and they are all bigger than life,’ Ruddell said. “I have seen this show many times before.

Each production brings something new to it. That’s why it is a joy to direct. There are challenges for the show, but it is not with the actors, all of whom are very talented and very funny. The challenge is the set, which holds many surprises for the audience. Be prepared to feel suspense and laugh. What a great combination.”

Noblesville resident Robert Fimreite plays Patrick O’Reilly.

Fimreite, 62, acted during his senior year in high school in Whitehall, Wis.

“I had to be talked into doing that, and then I took a 40-year hiatus,” Fimreite said. “I had a bucket list of things I wanted to do, and I wanted to do a show.”

In October 2018, Fimreite returned to

the stage as Lurch in Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s “The Addams Family” at The Cat in Carmel.

“Now, I’m doing three to four shows a year,” Fimreite said. “It’s been fun. It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends.”

Fimreite said he is performing his role with three different accents: Irish, New York City and German.

“That will be a challenge to me,” he said. “It’s been hilarious watching everyone develop their character.”

Fimreite agreed the show will be an audience favorite.

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘FOOTLOOSE’

“Footloose” runs through March 26 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK’

Civic Theatre presents “The Diary of Anne Frank” through Feb. 25 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘NEW WORLD DANCES’

The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will present “New World Dances” Feb. 25-26 at The Florence at the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘PROOF’

Mud Creek Players’ production of “Proof” runs through Feb. 25 at the Mud Creek Barn Theater in Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE

“National Geographic Live: Lindsay Zanno: T. Rex Rises” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

The Live at the Center series will feature the Katherine Nagy Trio with Tim Wright at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE

The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

FLOYD NATION

Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd, a tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

‘THE CAT IN THE HAT’

Civic Theatre will feature “The Cat in the Hat” Feb. 28 to March 4 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Cast members of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” are, front, from left, Tanya Haas, Kelly Keller, Jeffrey Haber; middle, from left, Hannah Janowicz, Eric Bowman, Eboni Wallace, Amber Roth; back, from left, Robert Fimreite, Sam Brown and Richelle Lutz. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Community Players)

CHS graduate to guest conduct

And it’s Gorgeous We Have Nothing to Show You...

Get a Sneak Peek at What’s Coming to Fishers

The excitement is building as The Courtyards of Fishers, Epcon’s newest low-maintenance community, is coming soon to Fishers, Indiana. And while there may be nothing to show you here just yet, we invite you to discover everything this gorgeous community of 50 homes will feature. You’ll really love Epcon’s new luxury ranch homes, designed and built for your lifestyle now and for years to come, featuring open, light-filled interiors and private, garden courtyards. And it’ll be easier than ever to enjoy the natural world as The Courtyards of Fishers is nestled in a beautiful and secluded wooded area with walking trails and a pond.

The community will also offer a low-maintenance lifestyle (no more mowing, edging or raking) that provides you with more time to do the things that matter most. With great proximity to Geist Reservoir, Fishers AgriPark, Top Golf, Fishers Yard District and Hamilton Town Center, you’ll have plenty of recreation, entertainment, shopping and dining to fill your days with. Additionally, I-69 is nearby, offering easy access to downtown Indianapolis from this beautiful boutique community.

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Evan Cooper was ready to guest conduct Indiana Wind Symphony’s tribute to legendary film composer John Williams in September 2022.

But IWS Music Director Charles Conrad needed emergency eye surgery and the concert was postponed about 10 days before it was set. Now Cooper, a 2005 Carmel High School graduate and Franklin Central High School director of bands, will get a second shot as the IWS is set to present the Williams tribute at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I’m thrilled to finally get to conduct these great works by such a great composer,” Cooper said. “Like John Williams’ music, there is building suspense and energy as an ensemble prepares for a concert. The excitement peaks at the performance where the ensemble lets loose all the energy spent in

SYMPHONY PALLADIUM

preparation — the focus, hours of practice, time spent on the study of the music. A unique sense of accomplishment and pride can be enjoyed by everyone in the room. Unfortunately, a canceled concert stifles the energy of the preparation. Fortunately, on the 26th, we’ll be able to finally unleash the music and play a great concert for those in attendance.”

Cooper will conduct Harry Potter’s “Symphonic Suite” and “The Raiders March” from “The Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“I have very fond memories of watching Indiana Jones on his adventures when I was younger,” Cooper said. “My cousin and I would love wearing hats like his and diving around the living room furniture trying to escape the bad guys. It’s special to conduct the John WIlliams melodies, not only from the movies, but the soundtrack to many of my most fond memories.”

Conrad will direct the rest of the concert, which includes music from “Star Wars,” “Jaws,” “Superman” and “Schindler’s List.”

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Ukraine orchestra to visit

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was booked in 2021 to play Feb. 24, 2023, at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. At the time, the Center for the Performing Arts president/chief executive officer Jeffrey McDermott said no one had any idea what that date would signify. Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24, 2022, igniting a war between the two nations.

“European orchestras are a staple of our classical programming at the Center, and those performances typically are booked years in advance,” McDermott said. “When we confirmed this show back in 2021, we had no reason to expect anything unusual. The coincidence of the date just seemed to confirm that this performance carried a special significance. We’re pleased that the show gave us an opportunity to partner with the local Ukrainian American community and the consulate in Chicago.”

The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, led by Theodore Kuchar, will perform at 8 p.m. Kuchar has been the artis-

tic director and principal conductor of the Ukraine orchestra since 1994.

McDermott said when the Center for the Performing Arts announced the 2022-23 season in the spring of 2022, Ukraine was the focus of the world’s attention.

Two nonprofit groups, the Ukrainian Society of Indiana and Indiana Supports Ukraine, will be in the lobby to share information about their efforts to celebrate Ukrainian culture and ship supplies to people living through a winter of war.

The concert will include works by Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg and Antonio Dvorák, with piano soloist Oksana Rapita

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Theodore Kuchar conducts The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

‘Ant-Man’ fun for the family

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

The new Ant-Man movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” is the 31st in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the first of Phase Five, tagged the “Secret Wars,” with additional releases scheduled between 2024 and 2025.

outside of our space and time, a “Star Wars” vibe visual medley with creative life forms and droids. As they travel among rebels and allies, Janet’s secrets expose a connection that threatens to destroy them all.

MOVIE REVIEW

The movie kicks off with the return of Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Hope Van Dyne/Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Cassie (Kathryn Newton), Scott’s now 18-year-old daughter. The group returns to the Quantum Realm, facing down supervillain Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). Majors’ delivers a Darth Vadar-like, menacing performance of the outer world outlaw who originally made his debut in the comic book “Fantastic Four No. 19” in 1963. The character will have a more prominent role in the MCU’s upcoming projects, “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”

Janet is the film’s star, leading the costume-clad alliance in their journey through the Quantum Realm, a sub-atomic sphere

Rudd is entertaining in reprising his role of Scott, just your average divorced, nice guy superhero bug dad raising a talented teenage daughter. Cassie comes into her own, learning the ropes of honing the talent and traits inherited from her dad. Sadly, Hope/Wasp is given little influence in the quest; her character is primarily insignificant, reduced to reactionary one-liners of the other players.

Much like Cassie’s meta telescope that transports them into the Realm, “Quantumania” sucks you into the action and delivers a few surprises in a fantasy world of victory and vengeance.

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

BEHIND BARS: NEW YORKER COCKTAIL

The New Yorker is sophisticated, yet very fun. Created by Vanessa B. from The HC Tavern + Kitchen, the New Yorker is made of Maker’s Mark, spiced simple syrup, lemon, orange and a red wine float, garnished with an orange wheel. To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

KITCHEN

Mullen earns role in ‘Five Points’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern Junior High eighth-grader Jackson Mullen had the time of his life.

now I get to work with her.”

Carmel resident Josh Kaufman sang a number as P.T. Barnum. This was his first experience with Discovering Broadway, which was founded by 2012 Carmel High School graduate Joel Kirk.

ELEVATOR, PANTS, PHONE, SHIRT;

CELLO, DRUM, VIOLIN; Flavors: COOKIE DOUGH, SMORES;

DAIRY COW

PERFORMANCE

Mullen, 13, attended a Discovering Broadway master class with Sierra Boggess in the fall of 2022 and ended up being selected to participate in Discovering Broadway’s “Five Points” concert, which was presented Feb. 10 at Madame Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis.

“This experience has been the best thing to be with all these amazing actors and singers,” Mullen said. “I’m so honored. Indiana is such a great place.”

Mullen was thrilled to work with Jessie Mueller, who won a Tony award for “Beautiful.” Aisha Jackson, who played Anna in “Frozen,” was another cast member. She was the first Black woman to play Anna on Broadway.

“I went to New York when I was 9 and saw her as Anna, and I got a picture with her,” Mullen said. “I thought it was cool that

Mullen

“It was interesting because going into it, all I had was the song that I was doing,” Kaufman said. “It was a little bit of discovering for me, and all of us as well.”

“Five Points” is set in New York in 1863 during the Civil War. It follows Willie Lane, a young Black performer, and John Diamond, an Irish immigrant and dancer.

This is the first time Kaufman, winner of Season 6 of “The Voice” in 2014, appeared in the incubation process for a production. A team has been working on “Five Points” for several years.”

“It was fun to do that,” said Kaufman, who played the title role of “Pippin” on Broadway in 2014. “I have such a broad range of music interest, so it’s nice to put yourself in a different style and try something different.”

For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.

Blueprint for Improvement: Contemporary kitchen in Carmel

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1980 in Carmel’s Cedar Point neighborhood, this home’s original kitchen was ready for a remodel to improve form, function and flow.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing peninsula was removed to improve flow and infuse the space with light.

• An island was added to increase functionality for the homeowner, an avid baker.

• Caesarstone Misty Carrara countertops were used on the perimeter cabinets, and Bianco Paradiso granite was used to accent the island.

• White upper cabinets combined with a light backsplash resulted in an airy and open feel, while base cabinets in a warmer wood tone help to ground the space.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Singling out hybrid words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Our family bought a minivan last year. With child No. 3 on the way, we needed more room for car seats and Cheerio dust. While some people hesitate to get on board with the idea of buying a minivan, I was all about it.

GRAMMAR GUY

My wife and I looked into hybrid minivans to save money on gasoline. Unfortunately, the hybrid van life was too rich for our blood, so we opted for a traditional gas-guzzler. Our kids named the newto-us gray minivan “Delfín,” Spanish for “dolphin.”

Hybrid electric vehicles operate through the combination of an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, utilizing energy stored in batteries. Hybrid words (also called hybridisms) combine prefixes and suffixes from multiple languages to create new words.

The most common type of English hybrid words combines Latin and Greek prefixes and suffixes. Since we’ve been talking about vehicles, we’ll start with the

word “petroleum,” which combines the Greek word “petra” (rock) with the Latin word “oleum” (oil). In the same way, the word automobile fuses the Greek “auto” (self-) with the Latin “mobilis” (movable). Here are a few of my favorite Greek and Latin hybrid words. The word liposuction fuses the Greek “lipos” (fat) with the Latin “suctio” (sucking). Dysfunction combines the Greek “dys-” (bad) with the Latin “funtio” (performance). Of course, this invention came much later than the Greek and Latin languages, but the word television marries the Greek “tele-” (far off) and the Latin “visio/visere” (to see). Note we have a company that makes TVs called Visio.

Nearly every example of English hybrid words combines Greek and Latin, and — interestingly — the Greek prefix or word usually comes first.

Visiting the City of David

Commentary by Don Knebel

In our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Jerusalem, an ancient city important to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Today we will visit a site that some archaeologists believe goes back to the time of biblical King David.

TRAVEL

According to the Bible, David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites in the 10th century B.C., and made it the capital of a kingdom uniting the 12 Tribes of Israel. People today probably imagine Jerusalem at the time as a great city, reflecting their view of David’s United Monarchy. However, most scholars believe that David’s Jerusalem occupied a narrow hilltop strip comprising no more than 10 acres, with a population of perhaps 2,000. This area, now called the City of David, was southeast of Mount Moriah, where King Solomon later built the first Jewish Temple across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives.

Excavations in the City of David area began in the 19th century. In the 1920s, archaeologists discovered a 60-foot-high terraced structure made of stone along the eastern side of the hill, overlooking the Kidron Valley. The purpose of this structure, labeled the Stepped Stone Structure, has long been a mystery. In 2005, Dr. Eliat Mazar, an Israeli archaeologist, reported that she had found another stone structure, just as unimaginatively called the Large Stone Structure, supported by the Stepped Stone Structure. With great fanfare, she said she had found King David’s palace. Other archaeologists quickly disagreed, saying that

there would not be a palace in such a small “hill-country village” at the time of David.

The site of Dr. Mazar’s excavations has become a popular tourist destination in Jerusalem. Guides point out that whatever the purpose of the Stepped Stone Structure, the square stone found at its lower righthand corner, with a hole in the center, is undoubtedly a latrine.

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

View of the Mount of Olives from the City of David in Israel. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

The Stepped Stone Structure in the City of David.

A latrine in the City of David.

Across

1. Expenditures

6. Org. with more members from Africa than the Mideast

10. In the Red?

14. Dickens’ Heep

15. Indiana Tech president Einolf

16. Hr. divisions

17. Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore

19. Spa treatment, for short

20. Seazcond oldest town in Indiana (in Perry County)

21. Like a spot in “Macbeth”

23. High card

26. Crushes and musses

29. Scot’s denial

30. Opposite of front

32. “Star Wars” princess

33. Old Russian rulers

35. Leave high and dry

37. TNT part

39. Indiana Senate President

(and Lieutenant Governor)

43. Agree to join

44. Snoozing

46. Nose around

49. Change direction

51. Balkan native

52. Surveillance device, briefly

53. Part of an Indiana driver’s license exam, usually

56. RN’s forte

57. Work too hard

59. Puts on WFYI

61. Latvia’s capital

62. Indiana Senate Minority Leader

68. Tidy

69. Butler frat letter

70. Poker declaration

71. Leaky radiator sound

72. Former Colts first round

pick Dawkins

73. Aggressive personality

Down

1. Mangy mutt

2. Spanish gold

27. Pesto ingredient

28. Non-clergy

31. Musical instrument of a sort

34. Spiritual essences

36. Dozed for a bit

38. Word with mass or rapid

40. “Nick at ___”

41. Ancient Brit

42. Recuperate

45. Plastic pipe, initially

46. Shows disdain

47. Maritime forces

48. Some Swiss watches

50. 40th US president

54. Meditation teachers

55. Distinguishing feature

58. “Peanuts” expletive

60. “Stargate Atlantis” network

63. ___ v. Wade

64. IND schedule abbr.

65. Cut off

66. Bullring cheer

3. Longtime Indy 500 announcer Collins

4. Bakery buy

5. Bake eggs in a shallow dish

6. “No prob”

7. Crooked Stick scorecard number

8. Indianapolis Indians pitching stat

9. Bonnie’s partner in crime

10. Alarm clock toggle

11. Earthy color

12. Make beloved

13. Stage whispers

18. Had prior arrangements

22. 2022 World Series winner

23. “Washboard” muscles

24. Felines

25. Sandy shade

Cream

67. Nutritional fig. Answers on Page

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