May 2, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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Guild to celebrate 150 years serving elderly residents of Central Indiana

By Edward Redd

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NONPROFIT

Since 1873, the Little Sisters of the Poor have worked to provide a home for elderly residents in need in central Indiana. The charity, which relies on volunteers from Hamilton and Marion counties, will celebrate 150 years of serving the community this spring.

The Little Sisters of the Poor is an organization of Roman Catholic nuns founded in 1839 by St. Jeanne Jugan. Its guild provides homes and services for the elderly in need. Internationally, the group serves more than 9,900 people in 31 nations and 164 homes. Sister Maria Cecilia of Little Sister of the Poor in Indianapolis said worldwide, the guild has approximately 1,300 sisters as well as Jeanne Jugan association members.

“It is such a joy to have the guild members with us,” Sister Maria Cecilia said. “We always have people to turn to who are part of our big family. It is really a blessing. We cannot do this mission without the support of our volunteers and benefactors.”

The organization has been in Indiana since 1873. Its first home was at 500 E. Vermont St. For more than 50 years, its home has been at 2345 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis.

Most of the home’s residents are in their mid-to-late ‘80s. Many are Roman Catholic,

From left, Linda Bear, former president of St. Augustine Home Guild, Sister Marie Christine and Mary Patout, 2023 St. Augustine Home Guild president. (Photo courtesy of Colleen Yeadon)

but the home accepts men and women of all faiths. It welcomes low-income elderly of at least 65 years of age, regardless of race or religion. Although the majority of its residents are from Indiana, the home has also taken in residents from out of state and overseas.

The St. Augustine Home Guild of Indianapolis has full-time and part-time staff members and more than 300 volunteers who work to create a loving home for approximately 100 elderly residents. Forty percent of its guild members, who are also volunteers, live in Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville and Lawrence.

Sister Maria Cecilia said residents live as a

family. The Little Sisters are committed to living out their vocation, giving joy to residents each day and adding meaning to their lives.

“The residents here at St. Augustine are elderly, but they don’t come here to die. People think this is a nursing home for the elderly and they come here to die. What we are doing is striving to make their last days full,” Sister Maria Cecilia said.

A normal day for a SAHG resident begins at 6 a.m. when they are awakened by a nun who makes their bed as the resident showers. Breakfast is served at 7 a.m. Daily Mass is at 11 a.m. and lunch is at noon.

SAHG Member Colleen Yeadon said residents can have company any time of the day. The Little Sisters stay in contact with visitors that come to see residents, to make the environment feel more like a home.

“People are welcome to have dinner and lunch with them and they are welcome to just be there and make it as much of a home as possible for (residents),” Yeadon said.

Inez Hayes, a resident for five years, said her experience at the home has been familial. She described the Little Sisters as being hospitality based, which surprised her. Growing up Catholic, she was accustomed to nuns who were tough and strict.

“They’re very, very warm, friendly people. They love to give parties and they love to dance,” Hayes said

Mt. Vernon grad embraces Princess role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Jenna Nicodemus, the idea of becoming a 500 Festival Princess was quite appealing.

way this year,” she said.

Nicodemus is eager to participate May 14 in the Salesforce & J.P.Morgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day, which includes the Rookie Run.

500 FESTIVAL

“I had a couple of friends at both IUPUI and Mt. Vernon (High School) who had been in the program,” Nicodemus said. “I heard great things about it and the outreaches you can do.”

The 2020 Mt. Vernon graduate, a senior majoring in public health and epidemiology at IUPUI, was selected earlier this year as one of the 33 500 Festival Princesses.

A McCordsville resident, Nicodemus said one of her friends worked with Girls, Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, a nonprofit in Indianapolis that encourages girls to be confident and prepared for their futures through direct

Jenna Nicodemus, a 2020 Mt. Vernon High School graduate, is one of 33 500 Festival Princesses.

(Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

service and advocacy.

“I’ve given tours and worked with them in the past,” she said. “I thought it was cool I’d be able to engage with different nonprofits like that and reach communities.”

Nicodemus will attend her first Indy 500 May 28.

“But I’ve heard phenomenal things and I’m really excited to experience it in a brand-new

“I love kids and I’ve worked a lot with them, so I’m excited to engage with them in that way,” she said.

Nicodemus has quickly developed friendships with the other 32 Princesses.

“I feel like I’ve known some of them for years,” she said. “We have so much in common with the leadership and similar interests in being with the program in the first place.”

Nicodemus’ mentor is Bill Beck, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Elevance Health.

“He’s been great so far,” said Nicodemus, who added that Beck brought her flowers for the Princess reception April 22 in Fishers.

Filling potholes a never-ending task for Lawrence streets crew

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Where there are roads, there are potholes. Even the nicest, newest road can develop them.

ROADWORK

All it takes is a little crack in the asphalt where water can get in before a freeze. Water expands when it freezes, which widens the crack and weakens the asphalt around it, and then cars drive over that weak spot and break up the surface even more. And there you have it: pothole.

Jim Heneghan is the City of Lawrence Streets Department Director. He said fixing potholes on the city’s 210 miles of road is a never-ending process for his department. It even has a portal on the city’s website where residents can report potholes, he said.

“We actually print those out and use them as work orders,” he said. “We keep a spreadsheet of what we’ve filled and when.”

Heneghan said the department filled about 2,000 potholes in April alone. When it gets a report of a “chuckhole,” as he calls them, the department doesn’t just fill the one that was reported; crews go through the entire neighborhood and fills as many as they can find.

It’s not just a matter of throwing some asphalt mix into a hole. Heneghan said crews use a blower first to blow out all

the debris, and then put in the asphalt and tamp it down. In the wintertime and early spring, they use “cold mix,” which stays tacky. That helps it stay in place, kind of, through the colder months.

Later in spring and into summer, crews use a more permanent “hot mix,” which compacts better and holds for a longer time.

When a street has a lot of potholes in a row, Heneghan said they strip patch it, instead. That involves removing sections of the asphalt and replacing it. They also do crack-sealing, in hopes of keeping water from getting into the cracks and creating future potholes.

But eventually, there will always be more potholes, he said.

“You win some battles, but you won’t win the war,” Heneghan joked.

To report a pothole or other maintenance issue within the City of Lawrence, go to cityoflawrence.org/report-potholes.

DISPATCHES

Lawrence Council holds short mid-month meeting — The Lawrence Common Council’s mid-month meeting on April 19 lasted about five minutes. There were no action items on the agenda other than signing vouchers, approving claims and authorizing payments. The council recently adopted an ordinance requiring council approval before the controller can pay most claims, not including payroll, and requiring a fully itemized invoice for claims. The Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting was led by a visiting Scouts troop. The council also did not have its regular meeting on April 3. The next City of Lawrence Common Council regular meeting was set for May 1.

Lawrence attorney to speak at state seminar — Craig, Kelley, and Faultless partners David Craig and Scott Faultless announced

that have been invited to speak at the 35th Annual Indiana Trial Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Seminar on May 2 and 3. David Craig of Lawrence is speaking on Catching the Shipper Red-Handed in a Commercial Motor Vehicle Wreck Case; and Scott Faultless, who is on the Executive Committee of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, will talk about Set-Off Provisions in Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage Cases. They both sit on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. They are recognized as two of the top trial lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association and have numerous other recognitions and awards. Craig is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families. He is also the host of the podcast, After the Crash.

Lawrence streets department crews have filled about 2,000 potholes in the month of April. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Coffee with Colleagues

Wednesday, May 10th

(Second Wednesday of every month)

7:45AM to 8:30AM

Heartland Film • 8950 Otis Ave.

These monthly coffee & Donuts are designed to bring members together & network with other Chamber members. Please feel free to bring co-workers or guest with you, and we’ll give everyone present an opportunity to introduce themselves to better network with colleagues.

Thank you USI Consultant for the donuts & Thank you Porter Books & Bread for the Coffee!

Register at:

lawrencein.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/3387

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Gail Robbins

Gail Robbins is a Zionsville resident and is a past president of the Zionsville Lions Club.

Where do you volunteer?

The Zionsville Lions Club.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have several, but long walks are my favorite thing to do.

How long have you lived in Zionsville?

We moved away for a little while and came back in 2002 so, about 21 years this time.

What Club program is the most meaningful to you?

Amongst so many life-changing programs, the eye screening is by far the most meaningful to me. We screen close to 16,000 students each year.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Zionsville?

I’m pretty classy, I love Friendly’s and Greek’s Pizza.

What do you feel is the best place to visit in Zionsville?

Beautiful Lions Park!

What would you suggest for anyone wanting to join the Lions Club?

I would suggest that they understand our motto, which is we serve, first and foremost.

Anything you would like to add here?

After doing a lot of traveling throughout my life, I can honestly say Zionsville is a dream town to live in.

Washington earns promotion to LC head coach

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

like we do have.”

BASKETBALL

Phil Washington’s first mission as the new Lawrence Central High School boys basketball coach will be to strengthen the feeder system.

“We want to build it up,” said Washington, whose hiring was approved April 24 by the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township’s school board. “We want to form a strong umbrella around everything we touch from elementary school to middle school. We want to build some strong basketball camps and a network of coaches where we can all interact with each other. We want to make sure everyone is connected. That’s the goal.” Washington, 39, had been an associate head coach under Al Gooden for the last three seasons.

“We have young talent coming back and talent coming in from Belzer Middle School,” Washington said. “We have some guys coming in that are going to end up playing immediately (on varsity). If you are good enough to play your freshman year, you got to play. It’s all about getting them conditioned and getting them stronger to play in a strong conference and schedule

The Bears return one full-time starter in Bryson Luter and one part-time starter, Nizyi Davis, from last season’s 15-8 squad., Washington was coach of Indianapolis Attucks High School boys basketball team from 2012-16, winning City Coach of the Year honors after leading Attucks to a 19-6 record and a sectional title in 2014-15. He previously had spent one year as Arlington High School girls basketball coach.

He then coached the Indianapolis Blaze of the Continental Basketball Association from 2016-19. Washington is now coaching in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.

Washington said he was surprised by Gooden’s decision.

“I knew he wanted to coach with three generations on the bench,” Washington said. That happened last season.

Gooden’s son, Al Gooden Jr., was an assistant coach, and his grandson, Al Gooden III, was a freshman last season.

“He won a state title (at Fort Wayne Harding) when I was a senior in high school,” Washington said of Gooden. “He’s definitely one of the greats,”

Washington, a former Anderson Highland High School basketball player, was a practice player at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. He started as a student assistant coach for Southern men’s and women’s teams.

Washington

We want to make sure everyone is connected. That’s the goal.”

– PHIL WASHINGTON

Lawrence Navy sailor recognized

news@geistcurrent.com

A Lawrence native has been recognized by the U.S. Navy for his work with sexual assault prevention and response.

AWARD

According to an announcement from the Navy, USS Boxer Sailor Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Jayson Salgado was named the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Unit Victim Advocate of the Year during an April 3 ceremony at Naval Base San Diego.

The event was held to bring awareness to Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and to recognize outstanding SAPR awareness and advocate response from sailors across the waterfront.

“(Salgado) has been chosen because he goes above and beyond this call of duty not only for the SAPR program and for the support he provides to USS Boxer Sailors, but also to the installation as a whole,” said Kristin Kammermeier, the Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Fleet and Family Support Center, NBSD.

According to the announcement, Salgado delivered 35 hours of SAPR training, was active in FY22 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month events and has taken on a caseload while balancing his work as a ship-based IC.

Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned Feb. 11, 1995, and is the sixth ship to bear the name. Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel, and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

Cleaning Concrete Sealing Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Epoxy Floors

From left, Capt. Robert Heely, commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego, presents the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Installation Unit Advocate of the Year award to Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Jayson Salgado of Lawrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roland Ardon)

Westfield’s No. 1 golfer’s sharper mental skills provide boost

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior golfer Alec Cesare views his mental game as his biggest improvement.

“I don’t get down on myself when I hit bad shots and make big mistakes,” Cesare said. “I know if I have a bad hole, I can make it up.”

The right-handed Cesare plays in the No. 1 spot for the top-ranked Shamrocks. His brother, Jake, a sophomore, plays the No. 2 spot. “Alec has made a huge commitment to his physical strength the past couple of years, which is allowing him to hit the ball higher and farther than ever before,” Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said. “Alec has also improved his course management through pre-round preparations on his own and in-round adjustments that allow him to score well even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.”

Cesare has lofty goals for himself and his team.

MEET ALEC CESARE

Favorite subject: Accounting

Favorite athlete: Cameron Smith

Favorite movie: “Happy Gilmore”

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii

“My goal is to win state finals individually and as a team,” Cesare said.

Cesare, who has signed to compete for Ball State University, is one of the state’s top-ranked players.

“Alec has focused on continuous improvement during his time at Westfield,” Bryant said. “He arrived already having a decorated junior golf prep career, including a trip to the Drive, Chip and Putt national

finals in Augusta (Ga.) in 2019. He continues to push himself every day individually to maximize the most out of his ability, which, along with our senior class, pushes the rest of our program to new heights.”

Last year, the Shamrocks won conference, sectional and regional championships and placed second in the IHSAA state finals, losing to Guerin Catholic by one stroke. Cesare finished tied for 15th among individuals. He finished tied for 12th in the state finals as a sophomore.

“It was honestly disappointing last year to see the way it ended,” Cesare said. “We played great and we let it slip away on the backside. We’re still frustrated and upset about that. We’ve worked and practiced even harder to win it (this year).”

In the summer of 2022, Cesare finished tied for 11th in the Indiana Amateur. He has won 35 junior golf tournaments through the years.

Cesare, who picked up golf at an early age, played on the freshman basketball team for the Shamrocks before deciding to concentrate on golf. He committed to Ball State in July and plans to major in finance or sports management,

“I really liked the head coach (Mike Fleck) and the way he coaches,” he said. “The golfers are all good guys. I’ve grown up playing against them. It was a no-brainer decision.”

AMERICA’S MOST ACCOMPLISHED BRAIN AND SPINE TEAM— JUST MINUTES AWAY

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is a world-class neurosurgery team pioneering best practices and providing collaborative, patient-centered care—and right here in Central Indiana.

Learn more at GoodmanCampbell.com.

Alec Cesare is the No. 1 golfer for the topranked Westfield High School boys golf team. (Photo courtesy of Alec Cesare)

Cesare

LAWRENCE

Project: Drainage Improvement project

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Meet Current in Lawrence/Geist

Managing Editor Leila Kheiry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, Fishers,. Suggest story ideas, ask questions and learn more about Current in Lawrence/Geist. For more, email leila@youarecurrent.com

Location: Drainage systems on Rainbow Lane north of Indian Lake are currently under construction.

Expected Completion: August

Project: Water main replacement

Location: 46th Street (between Franklin Road and Shadeland Avenue); Richardt Ave (between 46th and 56th streets); Woodcroft Ave. (between 46th and 47th); Elmhurst Dr. (between 46th and 47th); Kingman Dr (from 47th south to dead end); McGuire Court (46th north to dead end)

Expected completion: End of summer

Project: Sewer main replacement

Location: 50th Street between Franklin Road and Normal Avenue

Expected completion: End of June

FISHERS

Project: Fall Creek Road

Location: Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail.

Expected completion: August

Project: 106th Street & Kincaid Drive

Location: Construction of center curb

on 106th Street and intersection improvement at 106th Street and Kincaid Drive to modify to a right-in/right-out entrance starts in April.

Expected completion: August 2023

Expected completion: To be determined.

Project: State Road 37 Improvement Project

Location: Ind. 37 & 141st Street. A preconstruction phase is currently in place. During this phase, 141st Street will have a temporary right-in-right-out traffic configuration.

Expected completion: The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the Summer of 2023.

Project: Clear Path Improvement Project (I-465 and I-69 interchange)

Location: New ramps will provide direct movements from eastbound I-465 and northbound I-465 to northbound I-69. Binford Blvd. will also be reconstructed to separate local traffic from traffic entering and exiting I-69 and I-465. Access to I-69 from Binford Blvd. will remain open. Drivers can expect to see significant activity on I-69 at the 82nd Street interchange.

Expected completion: Project lasts through 2024.

Lawrence Schools announces new appointees

news@geistcurrent.com

The School Board of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township approved the appointment of Mari Swayne to the position of director of human resources, and Natalie Schneider to the position of director of elementary education.

EDUCATION

According to announcements from the school district, Swayne transitions to her role from that of Director of the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, where she has served since June of 2018.

Before coming to the MSD of Lawrence Township, she served in the MSD of Pike Township as director of the Pike Career & STEM Center, assistant principal at Pike High School, dean of students at Pike High School, and instructor of business and IT at the Pike Career Academy.

Before moving to school administration, she was a business teacher at Pike High School. She also has experience in higher education, having served as a Student Affairs Coordinators of Recruitment, Training & Development at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Schneider will transition to her new role at the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year from that of principal at Crestview Elementary School in the MSD of Lawrence Township, where she has served as building leader since June of 2018.

In 2022, she was honored as the Susan Jordan Administrator of the Year. Before that, she served as the assistant principal at both Skiles Test and Brook Park elementary schools. Her teaching experience was in mathematics at Belzer Middle School and Grades 1 and 2 at Charles Loos Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio.

Swayne Schneider

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Lawrence teacher receives educator award

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Lawrence teacher Andy Todd has been named a 2023-2024 Armstrong Teacher Educator for the Indiana University School of Education.

RECOGNITION

According to an announcement from the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, the award recognizes outstanding teachers across Indiana.

Todd teaches sixth grade at Mary Castle Elementary School and was the 2022 Lawrence Township Teacher of the Year.

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According to the IU School of Education, Armstrong Teacher Educator awardees are brought to the Bloomington campus to work with future teachers.

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“The Armstrong Teacher Educator Award is more than a ‘teacher of the year’ award,” the IU School of Education website states. “In addition to recognizing educator excellence, the award provides financial support for top Indiana educators to work with current IU faculty and undergraduates in the classroom and early field experiences.”

Recipients travel to Bloomington to participate in panel discussions of current issues in education and invite IU students to their own classrooms to observe and learn, according to the website. Some Armstrong winners also become teachers-in-residence and make regular trips to campus throughout the year to visit classes and collaborate with IU faculty on their curriculum, as well as conduct workshops on career development or related professional issues.

Armstrong Teacher Educators receive reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses when visiting the Bloomington campus, funding to pay for a substitute teacher while they’re away from the classroom, and a $750 honorarium for their participation in fall semester discussion panels at IU. Armstrong teachers-in-residence receive additional funding and support.

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Todd

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Lawrence North High School presents ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A giant, talking, carnivorous alien plant will take center stage for Lawrence North High School’s spring musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” set for May 5 and 6 in the school’s auditorium.

The play is a dark comedy, and Musical Director Greg Johnson said it’s been a challenging but fun show to produce. It’s also very different from last year’s musical, “Chicago.”

“Which we do on purpose,” he said. “We try to choose shows year after year that give the kids a different theatrical experience. So, if we do a (Bob) Fosse number that’s very dance heavy, we’re (then) going to do something that’s a little bit more quirky.”

“Little Shop of Horrors” falls firmly into the “quirky” category. The main character is a down-on-his-luck guy who works in a struggling flower shop and pines for a co-worker who is in a relationship with a sadistic dentist. His luck temporarily changes for the better when an alien plant shows up, but the small, kind-of-cute plant then starts demanding sacrifices that get larger as the plant grows. Let’s just say things go downhill from there.

While the cast is not as large as other musicals, Johnson said it’s challenging to stage. Mostly because of all the props.

“I mean, you have to have a man-eating plant, a dentist’s chair and old dentist tools and fake blood,” he said.

And while the musical is a dark comedy, the roles have a lot of depth that students have been discovering,

“I will say it’s a great acting challenge for our kids,” Johnson said. “They’re really having to delve kind of deep to find nuance and character. It’s not just about being happy or sad. It’s finding this — like this contextual nature of duality and trying to fight against yourself.”

They have not just one but two puppeteers to play the physical role of Audrey 2 — the man-eating plant — and a third actor as the plant’s voice.

Junior C.J. Price and sophomore Lesli Soto-Estrada are the puppeteers. They switch off who will play the puppet each show.

Soto-Estrada said she has some experience with smaller hand puppets, because her mother likes to make them. But Audrey 2 gets bigger as the show progresses, and the larger versions were a brand-new experience.

“The third one, we are sitting like inside of this giant pod. And then the plant is put over our heads and on top of our legs,” she said. “And the movement comes from our arms just opening and closing. And that’s the one I had a little bit of more trouble with.”

Price has several roles in the musical. He said he was recruited to be the second puppeteer because Soto-Estrada couldn’t do all the shows.

“I was just a drunk (in the show). And then they’re like, ‘Hey, guys, does anybody else want to be the puppeteer?’

And I was like, ‘I have nothing more to do,’” he said. “And then they were like, ‘Hey, you wanna be (the voice of) God?’ And I was like, ‘OK.’”

Junior Grace Rehmel plays Audrey — the love interest, not the plant. She said it’s been fun getting to know her character.

“She’s very happy-happy all the time,” Rehmel said. “But she’s also really broken because she’s been beaten and abused. And throughout the show, she learns how to, like, love again, and then she dies.”

Rehmel said the most challenging part about her character has been holding onto the accent, even while singing, and wearing high heels for three hours at a time.

Another actor working hard on his accent is freshman Clive Guidry, who plays Mr. Mushnik, the flower shop owner who speaks with a Yiddish accent.

“He’s pretty fun, but also very angry,” he said. “It’s a task, especially with like the accent. But it’s really fun, and I’m so happy to be with this group of people.”

Sophomore Taylor Smith plays the lead role of Seymore. Ironically, he couldn’t be interviewed in person because he had just been to the dentist. In an email, he said his charac-

ter has been interesting to explore.

“I love the way in which the protagonist slowly descends down a path of darkness that he can’t quite recover from,” Smith said, adding that his favorite song in the play is “Mushnik and Son.” “The choreography is too spectacular to miss.”

Assistant Director Emily Keith has been working on choreography costuming, music, set building and more. She said this is her first year teaching, and she’s only ever performed in plays before. This is her debut experience on the production side.

“It’s been really fulfilling, being on the other side of it and putting the magic together and not performing the magic,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed having my hand in all of the different production aspects that I never saw as a student and being on the other side of it. That’s really exciting.”

Keith also had her first experience using power tools, which was fun, as well.

Amanda Armstrong is the staging director. She said the students are doing a fantastic job with their complex roles and with the music.

“In the same song, you’re vying for the person to emote, and you’re emoting with them. And then you’re on this emotional high, and then you’re sunken with their sadness. And it happens within one song,” she said. “And our students are phenomenal actors. There was one rehearsal — just a rehearsal — and when they got done acting it, (Johnson and I) both looked at each other and we had giant tears.”

IF YOU GO:

Lawrence North High School’s production of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” will have three showings:

7 p.m. May 5

2 p.m. May 6

7 p.m. May 6

Tickets are $5 per person for general seating, and $10 for premium seats if purchased ahead of time. For tickets purchased at the door, the cost is $12, and must be paid for in cash.

To purchase tickets online, go to lnt.ludus.com/ index.php?show_id=200435982

All performances will be at the school’s auditorium. Audience members should enter through Door 15 on the west side of the building, facing Hague Road. Organizers also will be accepting donations for Coburn Place, a transitional home for nonbinary, transgender and cisgender survivors of domestic abuse, and their children.

The Audrey 2 puppet was rented for the play. (Photos by Adam Seif)

Grace Rehwel plays Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

ON THE COVER: Junior C.J. Price is one of the student puppeteers controlling Audrey 2 in “Little Shop of Horrors. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Guided — or misguided — by fear?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Birth rates among the young, First World and educated have never been lower. It seems that our modern age has determined that the greater privilege is to avoid procreation. Absolutely, babies are not requisite, and a full life is readily available without them. But some would imagine selfish millennials, Gen Zs, or whatever group one might wish to disparage, refusing to share their avocado toast with the hungry, chirping mouths of their fledgling offspring.

ESSAY

Still, isn’t it all too convenient to accuse and malign those generations that follow our own as idle, selfish and rudderless? It has been the sport of the old and aging for centuries. But just as much as those might like it to be true, the evidence pushes to the contrary. The young will come, as they always have, to pick up the yoke of advancing civilization – well, when the elders are willing to get out of the way. In the passing years, experience, maturity and grit inevitably are gained. It is a good system and has served humanity well.

Recently, a 30-something and highly successful professional proclaimed his intention to soon marry. Wedding arrangements were being made and life decisions were firming. “No kids,” he proclaimed, continuing, “We cannot, in good faith, bring a child into this terrible world.” The jarring turn from flowing optimism to intense cynicism is increasingly common with the demographic. Climate, war, pandemic, bad political leadership, the loss of Tom Brady, and the inescapable looming zombie apocalypse have led many to the brink. Kidding aside, there are legitimate and concerning matters. Besides, who cares how others choose to live? And what defines a good life, anyway? Yet, why are so many opting out so soon? If fear dominates our decisions, are we selling ourselves short? Are we dying before we’re dead?

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

Not the same ‘old’ feeling

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

suddenly back on tour (“Um, Mrs. Wilson, I think you mean Maluma, not Madonna”).

HUMOR

Most days, friends, I don’t feel my age. Sure, I can’t sleep through the night anymore without multiple potty runs and hot flashes, and my knees have wrinkles, but generally I go about my business as if I’m a seasoned 30-something. Recently, however, I was forcibly reminded that I’m nearly eligible for full AARP benefits. What happened? I hosted a bridal shower for one of my best friend’s daughters. Her daughter! The horror!

And what’s next? Babies? For the love of all that is holy! It seems crazy to me that I could realistically become a grandmother at any time. Not that I wouldn’t be amazing. Are you kidding me?

I’m on the other side of 50, and if I’m not wearing my readers, party games become powerful time warps where long-retired ‘80s pop stars are suddenly back on tour.

How is it possible that our kids are old enough to get married? That my own children are technically “grown-ups” and that, like my friend, I might soon be hunting down a pair of 1996 champagne flutes so the happy couple can toast with the same glasses their parents used. But that’s the world I’m currently operating in. I’m on the other side of 50, and if I’m not wearing my readers, party games become powerful time warps where long-retired ‘80s pop stars are

I’d be the best gosh-darn mamaw that ever lived. But the point is, the person in the mirror doesn’t look like someone’s mother-in-law, let alone a grammy.

Anyhoo, the shower was certainly a reality check, and one that I’m not entirely sure I’m OK with. Despite the slightly elevated cholesterol and random white brow hairs, I just don’t feel that old! Peace out.

- DANIELLE WILSON

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

Funny things about Washington

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I am going to a get-together of the folks who worked on my college newspaper, The Hatchet, in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s at The George Washington University. As I reread some of my stuff almost 55 years later, I realized my writing then wasn’t really very good. My journalism teacher said my column was sophomoric, which I took as a compliment because I was only a freshman at the time.

All those attending submitted a brief summary of what he or she has accomplished since graduating. I was a little intimidated by some of these, but I also thought many had rambled on and not stuck to the suggested length of 500 words. I opted for brevity. The sign of a good humorist is being succinct. Here’s my employment history in a few words:

• Hired

• Fired

• Hired

• Fired

• Rehired

• Fired again

• Hired

• Retired

In my bio, I did mention that I had recently been elected to the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I wanted my GW friends to know this as soon as possible. I was concerned that by the time I got to the reunion, they might take back the award.

My friend Seth has visited 46 countries, enjoying all the different cultures based on his interest in anthropology. Another classmate became an executive editor of

the Chicago Sun Times. The more I read these mini resumes, the more I knew that being a goofy field reporter and a humor columnist was not going to get me selected to address the group on the topic: How I changed the world.

By the way, I saw an old girlfriend from back in the ‘60s on the invitee list who I hadn’t seen or heard from in 55 years. I sent her an email telling her I hoped she was coming to the reunion.

“I’m sure I will recognize you after all these years,” I told her.

“I bet you will,” came the response.

“I’m still 6-foot-2 with a full-length beard.”

I had sent the email to Seth by mistake.

Just a final note.

- DICK

Ten years ago, a similar reunion was held. My wife and I were excited to return to Washington, D.C., for a visit.

I made the hotel arrangements, which I seldom do because I always mess something up. A week before the trip, Mary Ellen asked me to confirm the reservations and to be sure we were near The White House, a site we planned to visit, and close to the restaurant where the reunion dinner was to be held. I called.

“I’m just confirming our rooms and I wanted to know how far we are from The White House,” I said.

“About 3,000 miles,” the hotel clerk said.

I had booked a hotel in the state of Washington.

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.

In my bio, I did mention that I had recently been elected to the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I wanted my GW friends to know this as soon as possible. I was concerned that by the time I got to the reunion, they might take back the award.

WOLFSIE

McCordsville resident Michael Hoyt prepares to run OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Michael Hoyt)

Earn up to *

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Michael Hoyt ran when he was in the U.S. Army, but he hated it.

Centier.com/Connect |

1-888-

employees.

“I ran my first 5K in July 2009,” he said. “Ever since then I’ve run a lot of races.”

EVENT

“I was active duty for 10 years, but I hated running,” Hoyt said. “The most I ever ran was 5 miles.”

Times have changed. The McCordsville resident continued his streak in the Carmel Marathon races in April. He has participated in all 13 years at the Carmel Marathon, completing the half-marathon 11 times, the marathon once and a 5K with a knee brace in 2017. He plans to run in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon May 6 in Indianapolis.

Hoyt started running in 2008 after his mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2007.

“I started to run to clear my mind,” said Hoyt, who is married with three daughters and a son. “Little did I know my dad would die before my mom would. I continued to run and lost about 50 pounds and my mom passed away in December of 2008. My dad died in August of 2008. They were both 66 years old, high school sweethearts.”

The 6-foot-2 Hoyt, who went from 254 pounds to 199 pounds at that time, said both his parents were smokers, and that was the cause of both dying early.

Hoyt soon saw the benefit of running and learned about 5K races from one of his

That first race was a hot day and he had an atrial fibrillation problem for the first time.

“I finished the race and I just felt odd, my heart was racing all over the place,” he said.

He went to the hospital and his heartbeat became regular again.

He didn’t have another incident until eight months later. It came back and was a continuous problem. Four years later, in 2014, he had a heart procedure at Community North Hospital by Dr. Randall Wolf, who invented the procedure called the Wolf MiniMaze to treat atrial fibrillation.

Hoyt has completed 140 half-marathons and 35 full marathons. Since having knee surgery in 2016, the half-marathon has been his longest distance.

Hoyt gained 70 pounds since the peak of running and his weight rose to 272 in December 2022.

“I have been working out regularly and I’ve only lost 10 pounds,” he said. “But I hope to be down to 230 by next year this time.”

In years when Hoyt doesn’t run in the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, he sings as part of a quartet, the 4 Light the Quartet that has performed at the Mini-Marathon in the past.

For more, visit indymini.com.

Carmel Symphony Orchestra shows respect to Queen of Soul in concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Shaleah Adkisson’s respect for the Queen of Soul’s talent has only grown since she joined a tribute group.

“It really gave me an opportunity to dig into Aretha Franklin’s music in a way that I hadn’t before,” she said. “I feel like she and her music are so pervasive in our culture. So, we know who Aretha Franklin is and her songs on the radio, but having to perform and perform at such a high level really required me to learn more about the songs themselves and where they came from and who wrote them. Was it a cover and how long after the original cover was it recorded?”

Adkisson and two other Broadway vocalists, Tamika Lawrence and Melvin Tunstall III, and pianist and music director John Boswell form Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin. The group will join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. May 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. It is part of the pops concert series and the final CSO concert of the 2023-24 season.

“A lot of the arrangements we’re doing are in her original keys, which in a lot of cases she didn’t even perform in her original keys once the albums were recorded,” Adkisson said. “So that is definitely a challenge. It’s just having to dig in and learn about the songs, then really figuring out how to navigate them in my own voice and make them my own.”

Adkinsson said that challenge has been one of her favorite parts of the act.

Adkisson said the singers have solo numbers, and some are duets and some are all together.

Adkisson enjoys singing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

“That is my favorite Aretha song by far and my favorite Carole King song,” Adkisson said. “It’s just so iconic, and every time I get to sing it, it’s really special.”

Adkisson said she enjoys “The House

that Jack Built.”

“I don’t think I heard it before this concert,” she said. “Actually, when I first started working on the show, there was another singer that sang it, and I always thought it was so much fun. That song was handed to me this year. It’s a lot of work and it’s a very quick tempo. So, it really requires a lot of memory, which sometimes fails me. But I really like the song a lot.”

Adkisson no longer performs full time. She became an arts administrator as the manager of school programs in the education program at New York City Center in the fall of 2021.

“I have friends that have since the pandemic stepped away from it completely, but I know that I need to feed my artistry, regardless of circumstances,” she said.

“So, this really gives me a great outlet to just sing and to be in front of these really amazing symphonies with these large audiences. It’s really soul-feeding and helps me to continue to practice my artistry

even though I’ve shifted my focus.”

CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes looks forward to the joint performance.

‘I grew up with this music. My older brothers played it all the time, so it is all familiar to me and I love them all,” Hymes said of Franklin’s songs. “I could never pick a favorite Aretha song because they are all unique and wonderful.”

Hymes said the pops concerts have been a popular part of the CSO seasons. An Earth, Wind & Fire tribute act joined the CSO in January.

“I think the community of Carmel is mixed, and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is providing variety in all of our programming from music selected for kids of all ages, more traditional classical concerts, music written by living composers, pops concerts with music from familiar bands like The Beatles and great vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Aretha, American music and much more,” Hymes said For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

“An American in Paris” runs through May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘MR. CONFIDENTIAL’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s world premiere of “Mr. Confidential” is set to run May 3-14 at the Studio Theater at at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

Civic Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music” runs through May 13 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Brent Marty and vocalist Amy Rafa present “The Carpenters Project: An Offering” at 7:30 p.m. May 4 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Clint Holmes will perform the songs of Peter Allen at 7:30 p.m. May 5-6. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

EVIL WOMAN: THE AMERICAN ELO

Evil Woman: The American ELO, a tribute group to Electric Light Orchestra, will perform at 8 p.m. May 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘RESPECT: A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents “Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin” at 7:30 p.m. May 6 in a pops concert at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

“ALMOST, MAINE”

The Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s production of “Almost, Maine” continues May 4-7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

“CRIMES OF THE HEART”

The Belfry Theatre’s production of “Crimes of the Heart” continues through May 7 at the Theater at the Fort in Lawrence. For more, artsforlawrence.org.

MUSIC

Shaleah Adkisson performs in an Aretha Franklin tribute band. (Photo courtesy of CSO)

‘Unity’ concert designed to showcase the power of music

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

MUSIC

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir makes the turn toward summer with two concerts scheduled for May.

On May 6, the presentation entitled, “Unity,” takes place at 3 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis. The ICC features, “Celebrations,” at 4 p.m. May 21 at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

Joshua Pedde, the ICC’s artistic director, looks forward to both concerts.

“The ‘Unity’ concert will showcase our youngest singers, who are in kindergarten, through high school,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident. “Then we are bringing in other choirs, from Anderson and Columbus, and they will be part of the concert. It’s an opportunity to see the breadth of the Indi-

anapolis Children’s Choir.”

The show also features the Directors’ Jazz Orchestra, a talented group of musicians which has roots in Madison County, and is the resident band for the Pendleton Heights Jazz Festival.

The full ICC family of choirs will be on display, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 400.

“Unity” is named in honor of music’s generations-long knack of being able to unite while celebrating hope and joy, Pedde said, adding that the concert will debut two new pieces of music.

Later this month, “Celebrations” will be its own unique musical showcase.

“The concert will be our high school singers accompanied by a chamber orchestra,” Pedde said. “The text is based on Walt Whitman’s poetry, and it’s some really neat music.

For more or to purchase tickets, visit icchoir.org/tickets.

Film adaptation of classic novel worth the wait

Commentary by Julianna Childs

The carefree dog days of summer in 1970s New York City evolve into traditional American family suburban life in Kelly Freemon Craig’s charming adaptation of the landmark novel, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Judy Blume’s avant-garde novel has impacted generations with its timeless coming-of-age story and insightful humor for over 50 years.

MOVIE REVIEW

In one of the year’s most anticipated movies, Abby Ryder Fortson (“Ant-Man”) plays the title pre-teen role, whose awkward stage is magnified when she moves from NYC to a New Jersey suburb with her family. As they pack up the family car, Margaret whispers to God, “Please don’t let New Jersey be too horrible.”

Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie play Barbara and Herb, Margaret’s parents, who struggle with their identities while adapting to a spacious home, yard sales and PTA meetings.

Margaret acclimates to her new life by

navigating a series of conflicting moods about buying her first bra, crushing on boys and joining a secret club. As she and her friends wait to see who will get their period first, they try to rush puberty along by landing training bras and reciting, “I must, I must, I must increase my bust.”

Craig films these scenes with affection for the girls, never illustrating them as silly.

Oscar-winner Kathy Bates plays Sylvia, Margaret’s free-spiriting, judgment-spouting grandmother who makes for some of the film’s more entertaining scenes. With its timeless themes and tender approach to complicated emotions, audiences will find “Are You There God?” a familiar and enjoyable film adaptation of Blume’s classic novel that was definitely worth the wait.

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.

Music by RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

Pedde

NIGHT & DAY

Conductor set for ‘Magic Flute’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Scott Schoonover has a long history with “The Magic Flute.”

worked with Indianapolis Opera. However, Schoonover had worked with Indianapolis Opera General Manager David Starkey at Asheville (N.C.) Lyric Opera.

“When I was in college, I played piano for the opera class, and that was one of the first operas I ever learned,” he said. “It’s kind of fun to go back to it now. Those things that you learn in college really stick in your head in a certain way differently than things that you learned later. It’s really fun to work with those again. I’ve conducted two productions of it. The last time was 2007.”

Schoonover, founder and artistic director of the Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis, is serving as the guest conductor for the Indianapolis Opera’s production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” May 5-7 at The Toby Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis.

This is the first time Schoonover has

Schoonover said he likes the music and the story of “The Magic Flute.”

“It’s always interesting to see what different companies do with it,” Schoonover said. “The music is super accessible. It’s got a lot of drama, but it is also very beautiful and lyrical. It’s interesting, I think, for people who haven’t seen a lot of operas. There are songs, and then in between the songs, there are lines, which is a little different than most of the things that Mozart wrote, which was just all music up to that point.”

Schoonover said the songs are not long and the pieces are very different from one another.

“It presents a lot of different styles, and there’s really something for everybody in this particular opera,” he said.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

En Pointe dancers excel in YAGP

OPERA BALLET

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Dancing has been in Joey Moore’s family for many generations. His parents, Christopher and Anne Moore, have co-owned En Pointe Indiana Ballet in Noblesville since 2016. His uncle and aunt, Robert Moore and his wife Pollyana Ribeiro, are the studio’s co-directors.

Joey Moore performed the “Male Swan Lake Classical” at the 2023 Youth America Grand Prix competition March 16-19 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. He earned top honors in the men’s senior classical solo.

Youth from Hamilton County presented the award-winning performances.

Moore, 16, began dancing at age 9. After his first year of dancing, he won his first competition at a BellaMoxi dance competition in Kentucky. Since then, dancing has been a passion.

“I was kind of at this spot (BellaMoxi) where I was like, ‘Do I really want to keep doing this or is it just a hobby of mine?’” Moore said. “Winning first place for my cat-

egory really pushed me to understand that this is what I want to do.”

Moore, a Noblesville resident, said his dream is to join a ballet company and be either a principal dancer or a soloist.

John Paul Pack, a Carmel resident, took first place in the 2021 and 2022 Midtown’s Got Talent competition in Carmel. He finished second in CarmelFest Has Talent in his age division in 2022. At the 2023 YAGP, he performed the “Paquita” dance and placed in the top 12 in the junior division.

Pack, who was 13 at the time and is now 14, said he has been dancing for seven years. The YAGP was his first dance competition.

Pack said he fell in love with dance after seeing “The Nutcracker” at age 7. He has trained at En Pointe for six years. He said he loves dance but has little interest in performing competitively.

“I’m not really a competition dancer, so I haven’t really looked into any competitions,” Pack said. “But I really enjoyed this one.”

Pack will appear in “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland” May 12-13 in Anderson, performing as the door mouse. He plans to return to YAGP in 2024.

Schoonover Pack

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Where’s Amy attends “The Four Phantoms in Concert”

Where’s Amy attended “The Four Phantoms in Concert” April 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert brought together four stage actors who have played the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning “Phantom of the Opera,” which recently closed in New York. The powerful performance featured many hits from “Phantom of the Opera” as well as songs from other Broadway favorites. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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

From left, Asheley Harris (Noblesville), Brittany Webber (Geist) and Kristie Cassidy (Noblesville). (Photos by Amy Pauszek)

From left, Jordan and Janel Jensen (Fishers) with their children, Hannah, Carter, Eliza and Emma.

Blueprint for Improvement: Basement built for entertaining

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2018 in the Hidden Oak section of Indianapolis, this home’s unfinished basement began as a blank canvas and was ready to be optimized for gathering and entertaining.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A wet bar, fridge and dishwasher were added to make prep and clean-up a breeze

• From movie night to gameday, this space was redesigned to provide plenty of room for any size crowd. A snack bar with waterfall edge, custom sectional and table with builtin bench seating ensure there’s room for everyone.

• Built-in shelving offers more than meets the eye, serving as both a display feature and as a hidden entry to the storage room.

• An industrial-style light fixture, stone walls and brass finishes perfectly compliment the warm and transitional aesthetic of 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.

A visit to the Negev

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, during our last stop in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to the Negev, a rocky desert and semi-desert region that has several connections to the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament.

Canaanites and their cities when they eventually entered near Jericho. In about 1,200 B.C., the Israelites built a fortress at Arad near the original Canaanite city.

TRAVEL

The Negev, between Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Jordan in southern Israel, includes about 55 percent of the land of the State of Israel, but only about 8 percent of its people, about one-fourth of whom are Bedouins. Near the southern end of the Negev is the Wilderness of Zin, which scholars believe is the biblical Kadesh Barnea, where Moses struck a rock to get water for his parched followers and their animals. Bedouins have long known that porous rocks in the area absorb water, which can be released by striking the rock.

Arad, on the eastern edge of the Negev, is where the Bible says the Canaanite king of Arad barred Moses from entering the Promised Land, leading God to promise that the Israelites would be allowed to destroy the

In 1962, archeologists unearthed a temple within the fortress, dating to the time of King Solomon and built to honor Yahweh, the invisible God of the Israelites. Unlike other temples to Yahweh, this one also included a shrine to what many scholars believe was Asherah, a Canaanite goddess. Beersheba, today a city of about 20,000 that is the administrative capital of the Negev, marked the southern boundary of the United Monarchy of David and Solomon. South of Beersheba is Makhtesh Ramon, a 1,500-feet-deep crater created by geologic forces that is the largest of its kind in the world. Wildlife in the Negev includes the ibex, a once-endangered wild goat.

Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev in Isreal. (Photos by Don Knebel)

A Bedouin home in the Negev.

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

Across

1. Curly coif

5. Spooky

10. *Hive sound

14. Tattle

15. *Crucifix

16. Sheltered, at sea

17. Recipe word

18. Some Butler exams

19. Wildebeest

20. Phone button

22. Region including Lebanon and Turkey

24. Common swab

26. Actor Brynner

27. Former “American Idol” judge

30. Indy winter hrs.

33. Old Russian rulers

37. *Prairie View Golf Club warning

38. Like Hanukkah celebrants

40. “The Raven” writer

41. Half and half

42. Ma and pa

43. Debtor’s letters

44. Fleece-lined boots brand

45. Trepidation

46. *Colts throw

47. Not the winner

49. Rap’s Dr. ___

50. Helpful clues

51. Rep. rival

53. In need of a map

55. Assembly of delegates

60. Opens a bottle

64. Medicinal plant

65. Trolley bell sound

67. Harvest

68. Benjamin Harrison’s VP: ___ Morton

69. *Ensnare

70. The E in HOMES

71. *Merchants Bank of Indiana offering

72. Turn away

73. Dictionary entry...and what can be added to the answers to the starred

clues to make more Down

1. Ind.

29. Bottom-of-the-barrel stuff

31. *Take an oath in Hamilton County Court

32. Christmas tree decoration

34. Bee-fitting description?

35. Pigeon perch

36. Children’s Dr. ___

38. Indy’s coldest month, usually

39. Sault ___ Marie

42. Less diluted

46. Brickyard 400 quickchange artists

48. Squeeze between

50. QVC alternative

52. Muslim holy city

54. Should

55. Ump’s “safe” or “strike”

56. Bread spread

57. Flaring star

58. Croat or Serb

59. Fill

61. Aviation prefix

or ETA

2. Ice chunk

3. Surprise attack

4. Muscle targeted by side planks

5. Bacteria that led to the temporary closing of Carmel’s Flowing Well

6. Goof

7. Hoosier Park horse color

8. Speck in the ocean

9. Fishers HS writing assignment

10. Einstein Bros. ___

11. Arm bone

12. Greek god

13. Citrus peel

21. Hawks on a Pacers scoreboard

23. ___ Chris Steak House

25. Gazed

27. Run ___ of the law

6

4

5 Indy Zoo Animales 1 Ball State University Home

62. Two twos, say

63. Raced around I-465

66. Major ATM maker Answers on Page 18

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WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

FINE BATHROOMS

Classifieds

GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL

Professional & Economical

Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.

VACATION PROPERTY RENTAL

Hondo’s Hideaway on beautiful, serene Bald Head Island, N.C., is a new-tomarket, exquisitely decorated 3 BR/2.5 BA in prime location. Close to beach, shopping, market and dining. Owner’s suite on first floor with ensuite bath, tile shower, dual sinks and two closets. Second floor has two bedrooms with Jack-and-Jill bath, each with private sink and tile tub/shower. Two four-passenger golf carts, bicycles and kayak. Spacious screened porch. Additional queen air bed will accommodate two additional guests. Temporary club memberships to both Shoals Club and BHI Lifestyle Club. Kitchen is fully equipped with top-of-line large and small appliances as well as every culinary necessity you would need to prepare the most elaborate meal.

Additional details and photos: https://www.bhiturtletimevacations. com/vacation-rentals/rental/6988/

Do

NOW

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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

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

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

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40

SPLUNK DVLPMNT ENG’R

for Kinney Group (Carmel, IN). Architect, deploy & configr Splunk products. Reqs BS in CS, IT or rel +5 yrs progrsv exp in IT systs admin us’g Splunk (incl Splunk Admin, Search Proc language, Report’g & Dashboard Creatn). (In lieu of above, will accept MS in CS, IT or rel +2 yrs of stated exp). Also reqs Splunk Entrps Cert Admin & Splunk Core Cert Power User certs. Reports to Carmel, IN & may work remote & travel to unanciptd clnt sites. Apply @ bill.carson@kinneygroup.com

We

HELP WANTED

Looking for an entry level employee to join our help desk.

46033

Primary duties include inbound tech support calls and emails utilizing a project management, ticket tracking software. This is a part-time position, depending on experience and demand (15+ hours), in a flexible work environment. Available shifts are mid-day 10

-

and evenings 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Please send resumes to info@theankerconsultinggroup.com