May 16, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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New state law sets rules for school libraries

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

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LEGISLATIOIN

A new law approved by the Indiana House and Senate and signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb establishes a set of rules regarding school library materials that will allow any community member to ask for specific items to be removed from the shelves.

House Bill 1447 states that by Jan. 1, 2024, school governing bodies shall establish:

• Procedures for each school to prepare a catalog of materials available in the school library.

• Procedures for each school to allow a parent or guardian, or any member of the community to submit a request to remove material from the school library that is obscene or harmful to minors.

• A response and appeal procedure for each school to respond to such requests.

The procedures must require that the governing body review a request at its next public meeting.

The governing bodies also must publish the catalogs and policies on the website of each school, and make hard copies available, according to the bill. Schools may not make material available that contains obscene matter or matter harmful to minors within a school library.

“Obscene” is defined in state statute. Matter or performances are considered obscene if:

• The average person, applying contemporary community standards, finds that the dominant theme of the matter or performance, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex;

• The matter or performance depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct; and

• The matter or performance, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

“Harmful to minors” also is defined in

state statute. Matter or performances are considered harmful to minors if:

• It describes or represents, in any form, nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sado-masochistic abuse;

• Considered as a whole, it appeals to the prurient interest in sex of minors;

• It is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable matter for or performance before minors; and

• Considered as a whole, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

In response to the bill, the Indiana Library Federation issued a statement. The ILF said it supports policies that require publicly available policies that create more transparency.

“At the same time, we maintain that eroding the defenses from prosecution in state law will have an extremely chilling effect on librarians’ efforts to make diverse, age-appropriate materials available to students without government interference,” the ILF said in the statement.

Chad Heck with the ILF explained that the bill removes the educational defense to prosecution. The law has allowed a defense to prosecution for providing content harmful to minors if materials have an educa-

tional purpose.

“For example, if a library provided sex-ed materials, those would clearly have an educational purpose and so a librarian could not be charged with the crime of providing content harmful to minors,” Heck wrote in an email responding to a request for comment. “Fortunately, 1447 preserved the defense that librarians cannot be charged if they are acting within the scope of their employment. While librarians can still escape charges, other youth-serving professionals may not with the removal of the educational defense.”

Existing Indiana law makes it a felony to expose minors to “harmful” material.

ACLU Indiana opposes the newly passed law. In a statement, the civil liberties organization states that the bill opens up the possibility for educators to be criminally prosecuted.

Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Director of Communications Dana Altemeyer responded to a request for comment.

“The MSD of Lawrence Township is in the process of reviewing the new law and will ensure that board policy is in alignment prior to it taking effect,” she wrote in an email. “We are proud to partner with the Indianapolis Public Library through our shared system, in place for almost 10 years.”

My Healthy Baby program reaches a new threshold — The Indiana Department of Health and Indiana Family and Social Services Administration have expanded My Healthy Baby, an obstetrical navigator program designed to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies, to the entire state. My Healthy Baby

connects pregnant women who are enrolled in Medicaid with free home-visiting services and support in their communities during their pregnancy and throughout their baby’s first year of life. Since its inception in 2020, the program has referred more than 12,000 women to local support through programs such as

Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Families. The program recently expanded to include all counties in Indiana. Eligible women can be referred to My Healthy Baby by a provider or can refer themselves by visiting myhealthybabyindiana.com or calling 844-624-6667.

Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township is reviewing the newly adopted statewide policy regarding school library materials. (Photo courtesy of MSD of Lawrence Township)

Jump start your savings.

Former

NFL center

Hardwick

shares at dad’s meeting

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Former NFL center Nick Hardwick figured he had it made.

PARENTING

“I retired after 11 seasons with the same team,” said Hardwick, who played with the San Diego Chargers before the team’s move to Los Angeles. “I made a massive amount of money. I was the team captain the last five years I played. I had a retirement press conference. The entire news media was there. My whole team was there. I had the most dream-like career you could have.”

Hardwick announced at the 2015 news conference he was going to be working as a disc jockey on a classic rock station for three hours a day.

“Two months later, I called my boss and quit,” he said. “I walked inside and told my wife she could take everything but a million dollars and I’m going to Nicaragua. I had two boys, then 3 and 1 years old. It took me a long time for me to realize what I was saying is, I’m going to Nicaragua to kill myself.”

His wife, Jayme, told him he wasn’t leaving his boys and they would get him the help he needed, and they did.

Hardwick, now a Westfield High School assistant football coach, shared his story at the first meeting of the Men of Westfield May 7 in at the West Fork Whiskey Co. in Westfield. The group was created for fathers to share ways to be better dads. Hardwick’s son Hudson is 11 and Teddy is 9.

Hardwick, a 1999 Lawrence North High School graduate, moved to Westfield three years ago. He coached in Westfield youth football leagues the first two years. He was an IHSAA state wrestling runner-up in the 171-pound class at Lawrence North but didn’t play football.

Inspired by Purdue University’s 2000 Rose Bowl season, he walked onto the Boilermakers’ football team in 2001 after his sophomore year. He played one year at defensive tackle before moving to the offensive line. He was a third-round pick in the 2004 NFL draft.

Hardwick now provides support for NFL players who have difficulty transitioning after retiring.

“I’ve had three former teammates in the last five years, not kill themselves but die

from alcohol and drugs,” he said. “The way fans look at players is probably the way a child looks at his father. A dad is impervious, like a wall. Your will is unbreakable, but there I was, about to kill myself after an amazing career like that.”

Hardwick had to retire because of a serious neck injury. He also suffered six concussions but said he doesn’t believe those were the main issue behind his suicidal thoughts.

“The things that affected me were losing my identity, losing my passion and purpose, losing my teammates, losing a goal, losing the urgency and losing the fanfare factor of it,” he said. “Going from that speed of life to a 9 to 5 job in a place where I’m not outside and fighting was challenging.”

Hardwick, who runs a weight-loss company called Train Like A Lineman, does a podcast called “The Hardwick Life Podcast.” Before leaving San Diego, he worked on the Chargers radio broadcasts for three years.

Hardwick said he agreed with the changes to make the NFL less violent to curb concussions. He compared the changes to parenting.

“I grew up in a hard house,” he said. “My dad was old school. His dad was old school. He probably thought he was taking it easy on me, but he wasn’t. It felt like I got spanked every night for years. But the dad game has changed. Parenting has changed. Society has changed. The social construct is different than it’s ever been, but it can still be pretty awesome. It’s only going to be awesome if we change with the change.

“We’re here for the evolution of being a better dad. I struggle with this: how do we give the essence of what our parents gave us, tough, respectful, hard-working but evolve it to bring in more components, kindness, empathy, compassion.”

Nick Hardwick spoke at the Men of Westfield meeting May 7 at West Fork Whiskey Co. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

COMMUNITY

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know Kurt Frederick

Kurt Frederick is an assistant principal at Westfield High School and has also worked in the classroom as a special education teacher. Before coming to Westfield Washington Schools, Frederick was the transition coordinator for MSD of Wayne Township in Indianapolis. He serves on the board of directors for Limitless Ability, a planned adult day care program that will provide speech, occupational and physical therapy services, behavioral supports, with a targeted opening date of September 2025.

What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

I work out every weekday morning at the Fishers YMCA between 6:15-7:15 a.m. I’ve maintained a consistent morning workout routine for seven years now.

My worst habit is that I can’t sit still for long. I rarely take time to pause, reflect, or rest.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I am a decent cook. I make a couple restaurant quality dishes -- mainly breakfast foods (chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon sugar french toast sticks, banana break). My wife and I enjoy taking cooking classes together.

What do you do when you’re stuck?

I either change scenery (go to a different room, location, etc.) for a switch in perspective or ask a colleague, my wife, my kids, or a friend for help.

What is your dream vacation?

Italy, for sure. I would love to take in the rich history, beautiful landscapes, delicious food and potentially connect with family.

How do you relieve stress?

Exercise, music, and family time are my go-to stress relieving strategies. I am so grateful to have a supportive and encouraging wife who brings out the best in me. My kids are so much fun and always make me laugh. My parents and sister have always been there for me to talk or give advice as well.

LAWRENCE

Project: Drainage Improvement project

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

Expected Completion: August

Project: Water main replacement

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

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 & Kincaid Drive to modify to a right-in/right-out entrance started in April.

Expected completion: August 2023

Project: Roundabout preconstruction at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: 106th Street and Hoosier Road. Utility relocation is taking place now for the project, which goes out to bid this spring.

Expected completion: To be determined. 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. The ramp from I-69 North to 82nd Street and the ramp from 82nd Street to I-69 North is closed through late 2023. For detour routes and additional project information, visit clearpath465.com

Expected completion: Project lasts through 2024.

FISHERS RESIDENTS

Pence Media Group captures honors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youcurrent.com

After having twin boys in December 2015, TV journalist Nicole Pence Becker learned she was pregnant again.

ACHIEVEMENT

“So, I delivered three babies in 13 months,” said Pence Becker, who left her job as CBS4/WTTV morning anchor in 2017. “I had like a mini-day care. I was changing 30 diapers a day. I only left television because that was what was necessary for our family. I loved my job on television, but it just didn’t work.”

When it was time to start doing something outside the home, she started Pence Media Group, a digital and media consultancy, in 2019. She said PMG really took off in 2020.

“PMG was created to offer the opportunity for startups, Fortune 500s or growing companies to have that agency’s full-service support with a group of experts at the table,” said Pence Becker, who lives in Westfield with her husband and four sons, who are 7 and younger. “It’s been an awesome opportunity for me because I felt we’ve been able to help people and scale their businesses with and for them.”

That hard work was rewarded recently when Pence Media Group, which is based in Carmel, won six MUSE Creative Awards, which are part of MUSE international awards, including a gold award for the best Small Agency of the Year.

For its work on the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo, PMG won a gold award for the event conference/convention and silver for social media for a live event.

PMG has five full-time employees, including Pence Becker, and five to 10 consultants.

“(The consultants) work on projects based on their expertise and what aligns with their skillset and experience,” Pence Becker said. “We’ve got that hybrid model in the consultancy.”

Pence Becker, 39, is the daughter of U.S. Rep. Greg Pence (R-Ind.) and niece of former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. Learn more at PenceMediaGroup.com.

Pence Becker

Woman dies after shooting at Lawrence store

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A 25-year-old woman died the afternoon of May 8 after she was shot while working at the Dollar Tree on Pendleton Pike in Lawrence.

CRIME

Lawrence Police Chief Gary Woodruff said the call came in around 1:30 p.m., and officers responded to the scene. They found the victim with at least one gunshot wound. She was treated at the scene and then taken to a local hospital. Woodruff said she later died from her injuries.

Witnesses and other sources led police to identify the suspect as a former Dollar Tree employee, Jalen Thomas, 21, of Indianapolis. He was arrested without incident and has been charged with murder, although the final charges are up to the prosecutor’s office.

Woodruff stressed that the crime was not a random act of violence.

“This is two known people to each other,” he said. “What exactly were the circum-

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stances remain under investigation. But it is definitely not a random act.”

Woodruff expressed concern with how easily people can turn to violence.

“Just in general, not specifically with this case, people seem far too willing to visit violence upon others instead of finding better ways of managing their perceived conflicts,” he said.

The coroner’s office has identified the victim as Jasmine Bennett.

Lawrence police are investigating a May 8 shooting death at the Dollar Tree on Pendleton Pike. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)

Hamilton Southeastern softball player possesses a powerful bat

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior third baseman Payton Fox credits her power surge to weight-lifting classes.

“In the beginning of my junior year, I would hit a lot of doubles that would one-hop the fence,” she said. “Now, I feel all those doubles from last year are just going out. So, getting stronger helped me a lot.”

Through May 8, Fox was hitting .492 with nine homers and 36 runs batted in for the Royals (14-5).

“She’s definitely a contact hitter, but she has some power,” Royals coach David Cook said.

This is Fox’s second year as a starter. She hit .427 with eight homers and 32 RBIs as a junior. She saw some action as a sophomore.

“She works at the game,” Cook said. “She works hard in the weight room. She is a

MEET PAYTON FOX

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “Pitch Perfect”

Favorite musician: Giveon

smart kid. She just does all the right things. We’ve moved her over to shortstop a couple of times when we’ve had to pinch-hit.”

Cook said Fox, who will play softball for Ball State University next season, is well suited to play third base.

“She has a strong arm, (is) hard-nosed and tough,” Cook said. “She’s not afraid of it because that’s part of the battle there. It’s

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a tough place to play.”

Fox said she tends to lead more by example than being vocal but has worked on

being more vocal.

“I was put in the Student Athletic Council at my school and that’s really helped me a lot,” Fox said. “We talk a lot about leadership in there, and you have to lead by more than example and you have to hold people accountable. I feel like I’ve been trying to work more on that. Being seen as a leader has made me more of one.”

This is her second year on the Student Athletic Council.

After losing in the sectional the past two seasons, Fox said the team goal is to win a sectional title.

“We have a lot of returning starters and we’ve grown a lot closer as a team, and that helps,” she said. “Last year, it took us (some time) to get that team chemistry, and this year we’re coming in with that team chemistry that we left off with.”

Fox started playing softball at age 7.

“I did dance and gymnastics when I was really little and I did soccer, too,” said Fox, who plans to major in architecture at Ball State. “I played basketball from fifth to eighth grade. I realized in high school I was playing basketball for my friends, but I was playing softball because I love the sport.”

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior third baseman Payton Fox will play for Ball State University next season. (Photo courtesy of Sorna Chockalingam)

Fox

500 foundation fundraising goes public

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The 500 Festival Foundation is taking its Fueling the Community fundraising campaign to the public.

NONPROFIT

The campaign, which started in 2021 with an internal drive, was announced May 3 at the 500 Festival Kickoff to May event, presented by STAR Bank.

“Once we launched our efforts internally, we began our fundraising process by working with those who have been most engaged and invested in the 500 Festival throughout our 65-year history,” 500 Festival Foundation Executive Director Christine Swarm said. “Our Festival community responded with such enthusiasm and generosity, we felt it was time to put out our outreach efforts more broadly.”

The campaign raised $3.4 million from donations from previous supporters. The goal now is to bring that total to $5 million.

Carmel resident Nadine Givens, who has served on the 500 Festival board and 500 Festival Foundation in various capacities since 2004, said for more than 25 years the 500 Festival’s free education, fitness, and leadership development programs and initiatives have impacted the lives of 100,000 Indiana youth and families each year.

“In response to the growing community need for these programs, the 500 Festival is determined to raise the dollars needed to continue the traditions and enhance the programming,” said Givens, a PNC Private Bank senior vice president and Indiana Market Director. “As our vibrant city grows, so do the numbers of children and adults of all ages who want to participate in the events and programs the 500 Festival offers. It is our goal to meet that ever-growing demand. It is important, for we have demonstrated we have an impact towards ensuring Indiana a great place to live and thrive.”

Swarm said the fourth-grade program brings history, science, math, language arts and a history of the Indianapolis 500 to classrooms throughout the state. It’s a free curriculum.

Swarm

NATURE CONNECTION

Geist Park offers a quiet green space for a short escape

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

At only 17 acres, Geist Park to the north of Geist Reservoir is one of the smaller spaces run by Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. But it’s a perfect little escape if you need a short stroll through nature to clear your mind after a long day.

The park, which opened in 2000, was quiet at midday on a recent warm, sunny Monday. A mother watched her son playing on the recently upgraded equipment in the nature-themed playground before they took a stroll to look at the creek. Two young women walked their friendly dogs along the trail, and a family tried their luck fishing.

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Bruce Oldham said the park’s history is interesting. It started with a land swap and partnership with developer Patrick Verble. The park is dedicated in honor of his father, Carl E. Verble of Fortville.

The park is getting ready for some new features, with the development of the Geist Greenway Trail through Fishers Parks, and installation of the historic Bell Ford Bridge, a covered bridge that dates to 1868. The bridge had spanned the East Fork of the White River in Jackson County but collapsed in 2006. As much of the original bridge as possible was salvaged from the river, and it has been in storage ever since.

The 325-foot bridge is a unique combination of wood and wrought iron, Oldham said, and when it’s installed, it will have clear siding “so people can actually see the structure of it.”

The bridge, like the park’s trail, will be ADA-compliant, so people who use wheelchairs can experience it as well.

“Every project that we look at, we look at under a lot of different lenses, and ADA is one,” he said. “The county as a whole went through a complete ADA audit several years ago. So, we have a bible of information on what needs corrected and what we’ve done right, and how to do those things.”

A contractor for that project hasn’t yet been selected, so a time frame for completion is yet to be determined. But the 5-mile Geist Greenway Trail is under development now. Oldham said the project required some trees to be removed from the park, and the county parks department worked with the contractor to minimize how many trees had to be cut. And, he said, they always replace them. He pointed out a section of the park with little flags, showing where volunteers had come in and planted new trees.

“Anytime a project like this comes in, and we lose something, our bare minimum replacement is 3-to-1,” he said. “But oftentimes, we go well above and beyond that.”

Volunteers also planted native grasses in a prairie section of the park, and Oldham said they also help with invasive plant removal, litter cleanup and other maintenance.

“We take volunteers as individuals, large groups, com-

mercial groups,” he said. “We had 251 Fishers High School students out last week at four different properties, planting trees, removing invasive species, mulching flowerbeds — all sorts of different activities. Just community engagement, really.”

The park is open 24 hours a day, and there are no admission fees. Although there are cameras to monitor the parking lot and playground, it’s not staffed and people can come and go as they choose.

“Our mission is to be a large passive-recreation department,” Oldham said. “So, we don’t necessarily get into all the baseball fields and basketball courts and those types of things. We specialize in larger open-space, passive-recreation trail systems, nature education, those types of things.”

To that end, the park offers a concrete launch area for kayaks and canoes — although people do have to haul the watercraft from the parking lot to the launch. There also are stops along the trail that make great fishing spots. Oldham pointed out one that included large flat-top rocks perfect for sitting and dropping a line. He said the rocks serve a dual purpose: A place to sit and stabilizing the creek bank from erosion.

“Our staff did this erosion control themselves and bringing in the boulders. Number 1, it’s a good place, you know, some flat top rocks and stuff, to be able to fish off of, but it holds the erosion back,” he said. “We’ve got a staff that’s does absolutely amazing work with not only invasive species control, but erosion control, and how we use native plants in order to help with that.”

Keeping the park as natural as possible is a goal. Oldham said that when they can, they leave trees that have partially or fully collapsed, because those create habitat for different species. The department also provides habitat, as well, such as special nesting boxes for owls and a wood duck nesting platform in the middle of the bog area.

Birdsong was present all along the trail, and at the end, where the trees opened up to a clear view of the creek, a family of ducks, complete with three ducklings, was busy paddling and feeding along the grassy edge. A heron scouted for fish on the opposite bank, and a pileated woodpecker flew past.

Oldham said the park also is a great place to watch turtles basking in the sun. Or just sit on a rock, listen to the creek and let the stress of the day melt away.

VOLUNTEERING WITH HAMILTON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Bruce Oldham said the department has many opportunities for volunteers, including numerous Eagle Scout projects throughout the year.

Although the department focuses on passive recreation, it does offer some events that use volunteer help to succeed. They include the Cool Creek Concert Series, Migration Celebration, Maple Madness, Pioneer Fall Festival, Potters Bridge Fall Festival and Little Haunt on

the Prairie, according to the department’s website.

Volunteers also can help at the Cool Creek Nature Center, caring for wildlife, tending native plants in the greenhouse, cleaning, and educating others; and with general maintenance including removal of invasive species.

For more on how to volunteer, visit hamiltoncounty. in.gov/446/Volunteer-Opportunities.

ON THE COVER: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Bruce Oldham looks out onto Fall Creek at the end of the Geist Park Trail, close to the headwaters of Geist Reservoir. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Bruce Oldham stands on a small footbridge on the Geist Park Trail that runs along Fall Creek. (Photos by Adam Seif)

A family of ducks feeds at Fall Creek, seen from the Geist Park Trail.

Historic Taylor’s Bakery changes hands

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

BUSINESS

After 110 years and four generations, the longtime Taylor’s Bakery in Indianapolis and Fishers has changed ownership.

But customers should rest assured that the new owner plans to maintain the quality they’ve come to expect from Taylor’s Bakery.

Brothers Drew and Matt Allen of Fishers co-owned the bakery until Feb. 8, when the transfer of ownership became official. But they didn’t stop working at the business right away. Drew Allen said they still went in to help with the transition, and make sure the new owner, Burrows Holdings, had all the tools, tricks and special recipes needed to maintain the business that will continue to carry their family’s name.

Taylor’s Bakery was founded in 1913 by D.O. Taylor, the Allens’ great-grandfather. Drew Allen said that makes the emotional attachment to the business even stronger.

“I’ve been explaining it to my friends — my name is on that building,” he said. “My middle name is Taylor. My great grandfather was a Taylor. My grandmother was the second generation of the business. So, when she married, the name became Allen, but my son has the middle name Taylor; my dog has a middle name Taylor.”

So, the business was a huge part of his life, and was very demanding. Allen said.

“It’s a very intense business,” he said. “It really never sleeps. Even if your doors aren’t open, you’ve got people working; you’re always preparing for the next day.”

The intensity is a big reason why the brothers made the difficult decision to sell. They had been missing out on family activities, Allen said, and so they sat down with the whole family to talk about it. They all agreed it was the right choice, and they started the lengthy, time-consuming process of selling a business.

Unfortunately, during that process both of the Allens’ parents died within a year of each other. Their father in early 2022, and their mother just this year as the deal to sell the business was coming to a close.

“It just happened so fast with mom, and then the business — not only was the business intense, but then selling it. You can’t tell anyone what you’re doing. And so it just – it was awful timing, but everything was

in motion, and we just kind of had to follow through on it. So, we were literally balancing the loss of Mom, and then the sale of the business, and then mom’s funeral.”

Allen said that since the sale, he and Matt Allen have been going in daily to help with the transition and make sure the business continues to succeed. He said the sale contract stipulated that all employees would keep their jobs, and among their advice to the new owner was, “Take care of your employees.”

“You guide and you provide them a good job. And if everything goes right, over decades, people show up and they continue to perform,” he said. “There’s just so much hard work behind the scenes. And then you go in on a Saturday morning and you see just an enormous amount of product made. And that was always the reward for me.”

That daily involvement is starting to slow down now, though, and Allen said he’s been able to do things with his family that he was never able to do before.

“I’ve had so many people say, ‘Oh, my gosh, what are you going to do? What are you going to do?’ And my answer is, I’m going to be a dad,” he said. “I literally woke up and made my son a breakfast sandwich. And I drive him to school when I can. I’ve been on field trips, which I’ve never done before, which is crazy. Now I can coach. It’s opened up a lot of family (time) for me, which is just great.”

That doesn’t mean he’s going to stay out of the business world, though. Allen said he has plans for future endeavors.

“I’m an entrepreneur at heart. So I already have several things going on that I’m super excited about,” he said. “I’m totally reenergized. So, I mean, it’s — it’s great. I’m very happy.”

From left: Matt and Drew Allen. (Current file photo)

Submissions open for Indy Chamber awards program

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ment and collaboration.

OPPORTUNITY

Last year, Arts for Lawrence successfully submitted projects for recognition through Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards program. Submissions for projects to be recognized this year are open through June 30.

According to an announcement from Indy Chamber, the awards recognize excellence in architecture, construction, engineering, innovative reuse, interior design, landscape architecture, neighborhood revitalization, public art and real estate development.

“The Monumental Awards spotlight the businesses and individuals who prioritize quality of place through planning, designing, and building more appealing and attractive places to live, work, and play,” the announcement states.

The Fort Ben Cultural Campus won second place in the “Innovative Reuse” category in 2022.

Indy Chamber notes that the built environment — physical structures and infrastructure that make up a community — can affect health and safety, economic develop-

“This event showcases the vision and talents of Indy’s design, engineering, and construction industries, and highlights individuals dedicating their time and creativity to building long-lasting development for the Indy region,” said Marlon Webb, senior director of Regional Economic Development with Indy Chamber. “Overall, the built environment significantly impacts communities and shapes the quality of life for residents. Planners, architects and developers increasingly consider their impact on communities and strive to create innovative, functional, resident and business-friendly environments.”

The awards recognize projects that demonstrate excellence in design and celebrate the people and organizations that helped create them, said Lynn Busby, Monumental Awards chairperson and director of Community Outreach at Indiana Careers in Construction Association.

“By recognizing outstanding projects and the people behind them, the Monumental Awards help to promote best practices in design and construction and encourage innovation and creativity in the built environment,” Busby said.

Projects completed between June 1, 2020, and May 1, 2023, in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby counties are eligible for the program, according to the announcement. Submissions must be received by

midnight on June 30 to be considered. For information about submitting, sponsorship information, and guidelines, including category descriptions and judging criteria, visit IndyChamber.com/ MonumentalAwards.

The Fort Ben Cultural Campus won second place in the Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards Program in 2022 in the “Innovative Reuse” category. (Photo courtesy of Indy Chamber)

You’ve got (a lot) of mail

Commentary by Terry Anker

“Thank you for calling,” mollifies the monotone automated attendant, “the number you have reached has a mailbox that is full and cannot take messages.” What are we supposed to do now? How can someone be so inattentive as to not take a moment to delete a few older communications? In our mind’s eye, we see the physical mailbox at the curb stuffed with paper, exploding from its open door and piled on the ground. Is the good homeowner on an extended vacation and neglected to notify the U.S. Postal Service of their prolonged absence? Are they trapped in their home, fallen and unable to get up? Should we notify the authorities? Happily, it rarely comes to this predicament. Most often, folks empty the tin can on a post at driveway’s end with some regularity. Many even enjoy the walk and retrieval. In these digital times, we have come to relish less the incoming ping of “You’ve got mail,” often discovering in it more annoyance than joy. Routinely, callers are met with an outgoing voice message

ESSAY

that proclaims — this mailbox is not monitored, and the interaction will not receive a response. Maybe they want us to text them. Maybe they are simply information overloaded. The crammed inbox rejection is a defense mechanism from the endless onslaught of interaction.

Last week, Microsoft shared that a personal account was dangerously close to running out of space. It reported 400 megabytes available out of 50 gigabytes (if you ask, the internet tells us that to be about 0.8 percent). How is it possible? The calendar goes back awhile, and the old messages list is lengthy. But still, how did it get so bad? Could it be time to let it overflow? What’s the harm of locking the door and hiding inside? Would anyone even notice?

Couldn’t be critically catty — darn it!

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

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

Don’t let your back hold you back.

Back pain, neck pain, numbness in your extremities, and movement disorders can turn everyday tasks into painful challenges.

With self-referral appointment options, Community Health Network makes it simple to start your road to recovery. Find personalized care for your pain at Community.

Learn more about your neurosurgery options at eCommunity.com/neuro

Or call 317.621.2727 to schedule an initial evaluation.

HUMOR

I love weddings. The rituals, the pageantry, the occasional drama. Mostly, I enjoy the people-watching and the opportunity to silently pass judgment on anything and everything, from the food to the timing to the bar placement. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help myself. My mom owned a catering business when I was a kid and is still the queen of party planning. I come by my critical cattiness very naturally.

Anyhoo, my husband Doo and I recently attended a fantastic event where, honestly, I couldn’t find much to complain about. For starters, the ceremony was adorable. The two ring bearers were dressed as mini-security officers complete with briefcases and tactical earpieces. One of the flower girls decided she’d had enough and left mid-vows, just sauntered up the hill and disappeared around the house. And it was the perfect length of time, not too long, not too short. No full Catholic Mass here!

Cocktail hour was also great. Doo and I stuffed our faces with mini mozzarella balls and gorgonzola cheese and met a couple who’d known Doo when he was young. “You were that tiny boy with glasses!” And it didn’t hurt that both the weather and venue were gorgeous. Partly cloudy, temps in the mid-70s, and a classical revival mansion circa 1915? Yes, please!

The only real annoyance was one of our dinner companions, an older gentleman who, when he learned that I’m a U.S. history teacher, immediately asked if I taught that “woke stuff.” Oh, lord, here we go. We have a couple more weddings lined up this spring, so stay tuned, friends. Hopefully, they’ll be spectacularly awful! Peace out.

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

AT WESTFIELD FOOT AND ANKLE, YOU’RE MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER

Sick of this sick room

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

SLIDERS?” suggested Mary Ellen.

She ended up leaving all my meals on a table in the hallway. I had to exit my office, wearing my mask, and then return to my room, quickly shutting the door.

HUMOR

We just got back from Washington, D.C. I was there for a reunion with old college friends who I worked with on The Hatchet, our award-winning newspaper back in the ‘60s at The George Washington University. I was a humor columnist, and that’s where I got my start in journalism.

My wife Mary Ellen and I had a super time, but I hope the event wasn’t a super-spreader. I came home with COVID-19.  Who did I get it from? I don’t know, but even if I did, I am a good reporter. I would never reveal my source.

When we left for D.C., I was excited about the get-together, but meeting up with COVID-19 again was not the reunion I was looking forward to. This was my second bout with the illness.

When we arrived home and I complained of a sore throat, Mary Ellen blamed it on my incessant talking for three days, but she made me take a COVID-19 test. When it was positive, she panicked because she had her own reunion coming up and didn’t want to miss it.

The first thing she did was isolate me in my home office and forbid me to leave it. All our communication was through the closed door. I was never to open it. For a guy who is hard of hearing, this was tough.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR DINNER?” my wife asked loudly.

“Does it have to slip under the door?” I asked.

“YES, HOW ABOUT A DOZEN WHITE CASTLE

“HOW’S THAT SLOPPY JOE?” she asked.

“I dripped a lot all over the carpet.”

“DICK, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE OFF YOUR MASK WHEN YOU ARE EATING.”

Mary Ellen would often ask what I was doing to keep busy. I told her I was watching the National Geographic special about elephants.

“I thought we would watch that together?” She said.

“OK, I’LL WATCH BASEBALL,” I told her. “YOU HATE BASEBALL.”

“DICK, WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME?”

“I forgot who was hard of hearing.”

By the third day, I missed seeing Mary Ellen. I heard the shower running, so I figured it would be safe to talk to her outside the glass sliding door. When she saw me, she used her finger to scroll a message on the fogged-up glass. I hoped it would be a note about how much she also missed seeing me. It said: GO AWAY! OK, this was not a “Love, Actually” moment, but at least we were communicating.

I am better now, and Mary Ellen is headed for her reunion. Before she left, I wished I had asked if I could come out of my room.

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.

“I didn’t get anything else out of the other doctors I saw except fuse my ankle. Dr. Sullivan took the time to talk with me, examine my foot and ankle, offer the custom made brace as a choice, and explain all of my options. I can’t say enough about him.”

David Ferrin, ankle and wound patient

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

“I came home with COVID-19. Who did I get it from? I don’t know, but even if I did, I am a good reporter. I would never reveal my source.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Carmel car collector to sell vehicles to raise funds for nonprofit projects

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Craig Dobbs has more than 30 cars in his collection, but that number will soon dwindle.

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’

“Beauty and the Beast” is set to run from May 18 through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘AN EVENING WITH NATALIE MERCHANT’

PHILANTHROPY

“Some of the cars I’ve had for so long,” he said. “If I haven’t driven it for four or five years, I’ll probably sell it.”

The longtime Carmel resident is consigning three cars to sell at Mecum Auctions’ 36th Original Spring Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The auction began May 12 and runs through May 20. Dobbs is selling a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback, a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport and a 1970 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport. He estimates the Chevelle will sell for about $70,000. He also is selling two other cars to private buyers.

Dobbs founded Children’s TherAplay, which uses hippotherapy to help children with disabilities. Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and speech therapy that uses the natural gait of and movement of a horse to provide motor and sensory input. The nonprofit was created in 2001, using Dobbs’ Lucky Farms in Carmel.

“I’m hoping to raise around $300,000 between the five cars,” he said. “We’re doing it for scholarships for the kids who can’t afford TherAplay. Even though all the kids are supposed to have insurance, it doesn’t always work that way. We’ll even pay the deductible for the kids.”

The other objective is to rehab the old Jimtown High School gym to make it a community center for children.

TherAplay started with two horses, one therapist and a barn helper. Dobbs said there are 16 physical and occupational therapists, two speech therapists and two doctors. Dobbs said there is a waiting list of 80 to 100 children.

“We are trying to whittle that down with some of the expansion we did,” Dobbs said. “There are plans for a community outreach center next year.”

Dobbs had a 1970 Nova Super Sport when he was in high school similar to the one he is selling, but it was canary yellow.

Dobbs, a managing director with the investment firm Graystone Consulting, has cars stored at his other properties, in Kosciusko County, in a maintenance facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Florida.

Dobbs purchased six cars from one Mecum show in Indianapolis, the only time he has made purchases at that show.

“Mecum has been good to me,” he said.

Many of Dobbs’ purchases have come from estate sales.

“I’ve sold and upgraded a little bit of what I have in the collection,” Dobbs said.

“I’m trying to find more things that I will drive.”

Dobbs, 58, owns several muscle cars.

“When I was younger, I wanted to buy a GTO Judge convertible and I have one now,” he said. “I grew up with them and couldn’t afford them, but I love to have them. The Corvette I have is 1964, the year I was born. My uncle was married that year and he built that. He sold it to me for $20,000, which is what he had into it, with the promise I couldn’t sell it until he passed away. I have a 1967 Lincoln Continental with suicide door.”

For more, visit mecum.com.

“An Evening with Natalie Merchant: Keep Your Courage Tour” will stop at 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble will present “Alice in Wonderland” May 20-21 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Jeremiah Cosner will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. A performance of Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with Billy Stritch at the Piano is set for 7:30 p.m. May 19-20. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘LOW BRASS TO THE FORE’

Indiana Wind Symphony presents “Low Brass to the Fore” at 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Art of Wine set for May 20 -- Art of Wine returns to the Carmel Arts & Design District from 5 to 10 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend the event, which includes entertainment, unique art and shops and restaurants. Visitors must be 21 or older to purchase wine or wine tasting tickets. Wine tasting tickets and the VIP prime jour tickets are available at CarmelArtofWine.com.

More than a dozen Indiana wineries will be on site with a variety of wines to purchase or to sample with a wine tasting ticket. The wineries will offer reds, whites and several different fruit flavors. There will also be several local food vendors available including 317 Charcuterie, Rita’s Italian Ice. Bier Brewery will also be in attendance selling beer as an alternative to wine.

Craig Dobbs with a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Bone records on display

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

The Great American Songbook Foundation’s most unusual display has fittingly found a home at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Carmel.

EXHIBITS

Forté Sports Medicine is a title sponsor for the exhibit, which features bootlegged copies of early rock ‘n’ roll, blues and jazz recordings that were etched into used X-ray film for underground sharing among music fans in the former Soviet Union, where Western music was illegal. Although the film is cut into the disc, with a cigarette used to burn a spindle hole in the center, the images of ribs and other bones are still clearly visible.

In 1958, an American doctorate student, Richard Judy, joined one of the first exchange programs with Moscow State University. When he arrived in the USSR, he quickly discovered that Russian students were listening to American music available on flimsy X-rays from back-alley merchants. Judy was fascinated by the bone records and bought several during his time in the

USSR. The Indianapolis doctor donated six or seven bone records to the Great American Songbook Foundation in 2013. After Judy died in September 2020, his wife, Jane Lommel, donated the rest of the 18-record collection.

“Prior to the donation of the Judys, I was not aware of bone records,” said Michael Feinstein, founder of the Greater Songbook Foundation. “It was extraordinary to learn not only about the history but the technology and how they figured a way to bring music to the Soviet Union in the 1950s. It’s amazing how music, culture and history all conflate.”

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics CEO Marty Rosenberg said his company was looking for something that resonates with the community besides sports.

“We have X-rays and we’re an orthopedic group,” Rosenberg said. “We have an opportunity to partner with a local organization with a national footprint. We’re an independent group and this is the spirit of independence. It’s been the perfect partnership.”

There also is a display in the south lobby of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ set

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

MUSICAL

Elizabeth Stark Payne treasures the family shows at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.

“Maybe because I have young children or maybe because I’m still a kid at heart,” Payne said.

Payne will direct “Beauty and the Beast,” which runs May 18 to July 9 at Beef & Boards in Indianapolis.

“Being surrounded by talented people all day, creating Disney magic, envisioning those little kids dressed as Belle or Beast with smiles, what’s not to love and look forward to?” Payne said. “I stage managed the last production back in 2016 while I was pregnant with my first daughter. My mother (Suzanne Stark) played Mrs. Potts, so it was a special time. I also did props and was the company manager for this and the previous 2005 production.”

Payne, a Fishers resident and Carmel High School graduate, is a Beef & Boards co-owner along with her father Doug Stark and two brothers.

“Every theater has their own special quirks that may be considered challenges, but I like to think of it as thinking outside the box,” Payne said. “Many Disney productions have a lot of spectacle to them, meaning big sets, big costumes and lots of effects. We are an intimate venue, so we don’t necessarily have the space for what you would find in a big Broadway proscenium house. So, I like to think outside the box to give the audience the spectacle they want within the intimate setting. I think it works out great, especially because it gets the kids up close and personal to the characters.”

Payne said “Beauty and the Beast” is probably her second-favorite musical behind “The Little Mermaid.”

“I have three daughters and they each like something different, but my youngest, who is 3, wears a Belle dress weekly,” Payne said. “I’m not kidding.

The last Disney show she directed after “The Little Mermaid” in 2019 was “Newsies” in 2021.

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Payne

Concert all about that brass

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

Charles Conrad recalls being wide-eyed the first time he watched and heard trumpeter Doc Severinsen perform musical magic.

A 12-year-old in the mid-1960s, Conrad, like so many others during television’s three-channel era, had turned the dial to watch “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” on NBC.

Something about Severinsen’s performance clicked with Conrad, who all these years later is confident the Indiana Wind Symphony’s upcoming concert, “Low Brass to the Fore,” has the potential to inspire current and even potential tuba players in the same manner.

The Indiana Wind Symphony concert is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“The biggest thing is that we’re doing a premiere of a new work,” said Conrad, musical director of the Indiana Wind Symphony. “It is a tuba concerto, and the soloist is Tony Kniffen of the Indianapolis Symphony

MUSIC BALLET

Orchestra. The conductor is James Beckel, and he’s a former member of the Indianapolis Symphony.”

The new piece is “Look Through a Window.” Beckel, now retired, had been with the ISO since 1969.

Kniffen has been the principal tuba player with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra since 1997.

“It is a spectacular new work that every young tuba player should hear. They will be inspired by it,” Conrad said.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

Dancer does double duty

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Aurora Ausserer is not only playing the lead role in Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s “Fairy Doll,” but she is teaching the younger dancers.

“That, honestly, is more rewarding to me than the dancing for the shows like this,” Ausserer said. “I just see myself when I was 3 and 4 (years old) and being able to help them get on stage and do that (is rewarding). In the piece we’re doing this year, I’m dancing with them, so it’s really fun to be able to share that with them.”

Ausserer has the title role in “Fairy Doll,” set for 1 and 4 p.m. June 3 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The classical piece is about a mechanical doll that comes to life.

Dancers ages 3 to 7 play bunnies and porcelain dolls in the Carmel-based IBC production.

“I’m leaving this year, so it’s like a last

hurrah with all my friends and also all my students,” Ausserer said.

Ausserer, who graduated high school from online classes in December 2022, became a full-time teacher this year.

“It’s making sure they’re working hard and learning but also falling in love with ballet,” she said. “At that age, it’s what it’s all about. You can’t scream and yell at them too much. You just want to nurture their love for it. It’s been fun to see all the little kids get excited for their roles.”

There is more acting in this show than “The Nutcracker” and other smaller IBC shows, Ausserer said.

“The technical stuff is fun to work on, but being able to tell the storylines through acting and working with lots of different people and characters to make it all come to life is really fun,” she said.

Luke Derksen, a Carmel resident, plays the roles of the Postman and Harlequin Doll.

“It’s fun to do a lot of different things,” he said.

For more, visit indianaballetconservatory. org.

Tony Kniffen will perform as a tuba soloist with the Indiana Wind Symphony. (Photo courtesy of Indiana Wind Symphony)

Ausserer

Derksen

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Jenna Hymes said 2023-24 offers variety. (Photo courtesy of CSO.)

CSO’s 2023-24 schedule features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

dy Mlady, our 2022 Whiskers d Pet" ckage

CONCERTS

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes sees the 2023-24 schedule as having something for everyone.

The orchestra will present a total of 13 performances during its 48th season, beginning with its traditional patriotic concert July 4 at CarmelFest at Carmel Gazebo. All other CSO concerts are scheduled at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

“What I like about the Masterworks is there is a wonderful array of music throughout the season,” Hymes said. “Similar to this year, I programmed familiar classics like ‘Beethoven’s 7th,’ with new works like our opening piece, a commissioned work by Caroline Ahn. Our Carmel audience will hear an epic choir piece with ‘Verdi’s Requiem’ and a Charlie Chaplin silent film performed to live music. These are just some of the dynamic offerings for the 2023-24 season.”

The Holiday Pops’ two concerts will feature Broadway veteran Ben Davis and teenage vocalist Amelia Wray, who grew up in Carmel.

“Any time I can present a young, polished performer to our audience I am thrilled because I know what it means for them as they are launching their career,” Hymes said.

Other highlights include visits by Cirque de la Symphonie and Jeans ‘n Classics in 2024,

“I know the Cirque de la Symphonie has

stunning music and that the artists are equally magical and mesmerizing,” Hymes said. “This concert will be different from anything we have ever done and a spectacle for our audience. From our recent pops concerts, I know the Jeans ‘n Classics concert will be fun, upbeat and pure joy. People love this music because it is familiar, danceable, brings back memories and they know the lyrics.”

The schedule includes: Oct. 7: Masterworks 1: Modern Classics with guest artist Gabriela Martinez, piano; Oct. 22: Sounds Exciting! – Classical Kids Live: Gershwin’s Magic Key; Nov. 11: Masterworks 2: Unity, Veterans and America (selections by Coleman, Ravel, Ives and Still); Dec. 10: Holiday Pops! Featuring Indiana Ballet Conservatory and Second Presbyterian Church Choir; Jan. 27, 2024: Artistry of Cirque de la Symphonie; Jan. 28: Family Fun Concert with guest conductor Thomas Chen of Carmel High School; Feb. 10: Masterworks 3: Symphony Goes to the Movies with guest artist Francisco Fullana, violin; March 16: Masterworks 4: The Firebird & Bohemian Delight (featuring selections by Smetana, Stravinsky and Dvorak); April 13: Masterworks 5: Verdi Requiem featuring the Anderson University choirs; April 21: Side-by-Side with CHS Orchestras and May 4: Jeans ‘n Classics “Soulful” showcasing 50 years of R&B, Motown, funk, disco and pop selections.

Season tickets will be available soon at the Palladium Fifth Third Bank Box Office, 317-843-3800 or at thecenterpresents.org. Tickets for individual performances will go on sale this summer. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

, g ack for a night of fun, including:

Wine, beer, bourbon & vodka tastings. A Silent Auction featuring experiences of a lifetime. Adoptable animals just waiting to steal your heart.

Friday, June 16, 2023

6 - 9:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites Noblesville Tickets available at dWhiskers.com

Benefiting the Humane Society for Hamilton County

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 2000 in Carmel’s Fairgreen Trace subdivision, this home’s owner was ready to update and upgrade the kitchen. A new appliance layout, optimizations and fresh design aesthetic helped transform this room from cramped to chic.

• The dark backsplash in a herringbone pattern provides the perfect contrast to the chic white cabinets. Brass hardware and fixtures give the space a touch of warmth and luxury.

• Decorative columns were replaced with a cabinet wall, increasing storage space and overall square footage of the kitchen.

• A reworked layout for the appliances improved both form and function. Placing the range in a central location and moving the sink to an adjacent wall helped improve the room’s sight lines and create a more efficient workflow.

• A new, larger island allows for additional prep, serving and gathering space, for both daily use and entertaining.

• Extending the cabinets to the ceiling adds visual height, making the ceiling feel higher and the room feel more spacious.

A visit to the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing series about New York City’s often-overlooked gems, we visit the Morgan Library & Museum, formerly the Pierpont Morgan Library, in the Murray Hill neighborhood on Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th streets.

TRAVEL

John Pierpont Morgan was a financier during the so-called “Gilded Age.” Between 1890 and 1913, his company organized or financed 42 major American corporations. In about 1890, Pierpont, as he preferred to be called, began collecting important manuscripts and works of art from around the world. In 1902, he engaged McKim, Mead & White, renowned architects, to design a building in the same block as his home to hold his collection. When completed in 1906, the classic marble building cost $1.2 million (about $30 million today) and featured marble blocks cut so precisely that they did not require mortar between them. The library opened in 1910, with Belle da Costa Greene, the African American heroine of 2022’s “The Personal Librarian,” its librarian and curator. By the time of Pierpont’s death in 1913, his

massive collection included ancient manuscripts, Egyptian art, Renaissance paintings, Chinese porcelains and much more. After Pierpont’s widow, Frances, died in 1924, his son, John Pierpont Morgan Jr., known as “Jack,” created a public institution to own the library and its collections. Today, the Morgan Library & Museum houses the nation’s second-largest collection of musical manuscripts, including the score

for “Symphony No. 35,” autographed by Mozart, and Bob Dylan’s notes for the lyrics to “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Other highlights include a 15th-century picture Bible from France, a 15th-century Gutenberg Bible, the journal Henry David Thoreau used in writing “Walden Pond,” and a manuscript of “A Christmas Carol,” with Charles Dickens’ handwritten changes. My personal favorites include 1-inch cylindrical seals from ancient

Sumer that can be rolled to create detailed, three-dimensional images.

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

5.10 5.15

Inside the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City.

(Photo by Don Knebel)

1. Fox’s feet

5. Panda Express request

10. Joe’s Butcher Shop cut

14. Tropical fish

15. Be indebted

16. Mackey Arena crowd sound

17. Insignificant

18. Clabber Girl Museum site

20. Ambulance letters

21. Hung around

22. Covered in foliage

24. Butler frat letters

28. Moving ahead

31. Utah state flowers

32. Achilles heel, metaphorically

36. GPS reading 37. Sky light

39. Cut into cubes

40. Observe

41. Greek letters that sound like “news”

42. Residence

44. Rundown

46. Patella

50. How Hoosier Lottery numbers are chosen

54. Appliance maker

55. Stages a historical event at Conner Prairie

58. I-69 semi

59. Antique Fan Museum site

62. Indiana Fever’s Cannon

63. Against

27. Chicago-to-Indy dir.

29. Carpenter’s groove

30. Milk choice

33. NHS subj.

34. Quick kiss

35. Norse god

37. Bird feeder fill

38. Drug addict

40. Mellencamp song: “Women ___”

41. CIA relative

42. Force measures

43. Pastures

45. “Shucks!”

47. Museum of Miniature Houses site

48. Indy Zoo inhabitant

49. Missionaries’ targets

51. Trump’s Secretary of Education

52. Chilling

53. Neighbor of Sicily

64. Eightsome 65. Tilt

66. “Hey, over here!”

67. Clothing lines 68. Misfortunes Down

1. Grapefruit kin

2. Tarzan’s “kin”

3. Hallmark Ornament Museum site

4. That girl

5. Polite denial

6. County adjacent to Putnam, Morgan, Monroe, Greene and Clay

7. I-465 ramp sign

8. ___ throat

9. Attendees

10. Baby’s bed

11. Texans on a Colts scoreboard

12. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel

13. Not post-

19. Dillinger bank job

21. Old harp

23. Babe in the woods

25. Storybook monster

26. “___ to self...”

Jobs on a Film Set

Hoosier Crops

Indiana Peony Festival Site

56. Chowder bit

57. ___ Montana Grill

Electrical jolt

Elected ones

61. NBA tiebreakers

62. Col. Lilly

Answers on Page

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/

VACATION RENTAL

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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

Immediate opening for full time experienced dental laboratory technician. Position offers full benefit package Please forward inquiries and resume: khunterlab@gmail.com

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

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PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Relatives: BROTHER, FATHER, GRANDPA, NEPHEW, SON, UNCLE; Cities: CALGARY, MONTREAL, QUEBEC, TORONTO, VANCOUVER; Waterfowl: DUCK, GOOSE, HERON, SWAN; Jobs: DIRECTOR, MAKEUP ARTIST, PRODUCER; Crops: CORN, SOYBEANS;

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