June 20, 2023 — Lawrence/Geist

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Lawrence court filings continue in mayor, council dispute

By Leila Kheiry leila@youaarecurrent.com

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POLITICS

City of Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier has filed a response to specific allegations raised by the Lawrence Common Council in the ongoing civil court case filed by Collier in late March.

Collier’s administration filed a petition March 23 in Marion County Superior Court over the council’s decision to appropriate $250,000 to investigate who was at fault when the city’s 2022 budget was not submitted to the state by deadline.

Collier’s petition asks the court to declare the appropriation null and void, based on state statutes that say an appropriation cannot be made without the mayor’s recommendation. Collier’s petition also asks the court to rule that the council was at fault for the 2022 budget issue, because it allegedly failed to provide details needed for that budget to be submitted on time.

tigation,’” Collier’s response states. “The council’s own counterclaim belies these false assertions, as it quotes from documents the council received from the mayor and his administration in response to its investigation subpoenas, as well as testimony from depositions of the mayor and two senior members of his administration that the council took over the better part of three days.”

Collier

Collier asserts that he has not refused to submit to the council’s legal authority to investigate, but is standing by his statutory authority to refuse to recommend an additional appropriation to fund the investigation beyond what the council previously budgeted for the 2023 fiscal year.

council can hire as its attorneys nor the financial terms of that particular contract, as long as the council has sufficient appropriated funds in its budget. If the council wants to increase its appropriation though, Collier argues that it then needs the mayor’s recommendation, as required by state statute.

In his response, Collier also states that case law cited by the council to support its position actually supports the mayor’s arguments. In the cited City of Gary case, that city’s council won, but Collier argues that it prevailed because state statutes give a council explicit authority for that particular disputed expense — police, fire and appointee pay.

In its late-May response to the petition, the council alleges that through the petition and other actions, Collier’s administration is attempting to avoid investigation. On June 7, Collier filed a response to those allegations.

“The council falsely suggests that the mayor has refused to ‘submit to the council’s legal authority to investigation [sic]’ and retained lawyers to ‘impede the inves-

“The council claims that unless this court gives it the authority to unilaterally appropriate unlimited funds for its lawyers, its investigative authority is meaningless,” Collier states. “However, the fact that the council has obtained numerous subpoenaed documents and several days of deposition testimony from the mayor and his administration belies those claims as well. The mayor has cooperated with the council’s investigation into the budgetary reversion, demonstrating that the council’s investigative authority is not ‘useless and meaningless.’”

The mayor’s response adds that he does not have the authority to dictate who the

DISPATCHES

Fishers student earns spot on President’s List — Maddie Stookey has been named to the President’s List at Miami University. Stookey, a 2021 graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, is majoring in kinesiology and pre-med, and is minoring in nutrition and general business, according to the university. Her parents added that she earned a 4.0 GPA, spent a term in Ecuador with Medlife providing medical and dental care to underserved populations, and is in Nepal this summer, hiking to Everest Base Camp and studying altitude medicine.

“There is no statute expressly withdrawing the mayor’s recommendation authority for additional appropriations for any city budget matter, including the council’s legal services,” Collier argues in the response. “The legislature has not clearly expressed that such appropriations should be outside the scope of the mayor’s recommendation authority. The court should reject the council’s invitation to disturb that system here.”

A court hearing has not yet been scheduled in the case. It has been assigned to a five-judge panel comprising Judges Kurt Eisgruber, Cynthia Ayers, Timothy Oakes, Heather Welch and Amber Collins-Gebrehiwet, according to court documents.

For additional coverage of this topic, see earlier Current stories at youarecurrent.com.

Harvest Fest applications open — Fishers Arts Council is accepting juried submissions for its fourth annual fall Harvest Fest arts market at Heritage Park at White River. All artists and artisans interested in selling their work at the event must submit a booth photo in addition to photos of the work they plan to sell. The deadline for submissions is July 10 for the Sept. 10 festival, which runs from noon to 5 p.m. The booth fee for artists is $30. To submit an application, go to fishersartscouncil.org/submit-your-work.

Lawrence Police Department appoints new deputy chiefs

news@geistcurrent.com

Two Lawrence Police Department captains have been promoted to deputy chief positions.

PROMOTIONS

According to an announcement from the LPD, the promotions are part of new LPD Chief Curtis Bigsbee’s work to restructure department leadership.

“Among my first tasks as chief was to evaluate and restructure our department’s leadership, working to identify who I would ask to serve as our deputy chiefs,” Bigsbee said. “It is my honor to announce that I have selected Captain Erika Schneider and Captain Travis Cline to serve as our new deputy chiefs.”

Schneider will oversee the Operations (Patrol) Division, while Cline will oversee Investigations and Administration Divisions, in addition to other duties for both.

Schneider was born and raised in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence Central High School. She is a fourth-generation law

enforcement officer, following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather, father and mother. Schneider began her career with the City of Lawrence in 1998 as a telecommunicator before joining the Lawrence Police Department as an officer in 1999, graduating from the 139th Session of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

Schneider served as a patrol officer, field training officer, instructor, sergeant, lieutenant and shift commander, along with serving in the Investigations Division as a general detective, narcotics detective, sergeant and lieutenant. She also served as administrative assistant to the chief of police, training director, captain of the Administration Division and, most recently, commander of LPD’s Professional Standards Division.

Schneider holds the distinction of being the first third-generation graduate of the FBI National Academy, graduating from the 231st class. She is also the handler of LPD’s first psychiatric service canine, Hoss, who assists Schneider as a member of the

State of Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Critical Incident Memorial Team and the Lawrence Police Department Honor Guard.

Cline grew up on the east side of Indianapolis/Lawrence area, graduating from Scecina High School. He started his career as a reserve officer for the City of Lawrence in 1998, while also serving as an investigator with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

Cline joined LPD full-time in 2000, graduating from the 145th Session of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He worked as a patrol officer, detective, shift supervisor

THE

and detective sergeant, with over 20 years of investigations experience. He also served as a detection K-9 handler, member of the LPD Special Weapons and Tactics team, and was assigned to the Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force for 12 years, where he was deputized as a federal agent while investigating and dismantling high-level drug-dealing organizations and importers, in addition to street-level drug dealers. Several cases Cline investigated resulted in both federal and state felony convictions.

In 2021, he was appointed as captain, commanding LPD’s Investigations Division.

PARADE: 10am-11am

CLASSIC CAR SHOW: 10am-3:30pm

TUESDAY

JULY 4 LAWRENCE COMMUNITY PARK 5301 N FRANKLIN RD Get more info about 4th Fest and other City of Lawrence events at visitlawrenceindiana.com

FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS: 6pm-10pm

LIVE MUSIC: 7pm-10pm

Schneider

Cline

“Among my first tasks as chief was to evaluate and restructure our department’s leadership, working to identify who I would ask to serve as our deputy chiefs. It is my honor to announce that I have selected Captain Erika Schneider and Captain Travis Cline to serve as our new deputy chiefs.”

– LPD CHIEF CURTIS BIGSBEE

news@geistcurrent.com

The City of Lawrence Redevelopment Commission is looking for public input regarding electric vehicle charging stations in the city.

EV input sought for Lawrence CITY

According to the city’s website, electric vehicles are on the rise in Indiana.

“In 2021, there were 10,360 new electric vehicles registered across the state, a nearly 50 percent increase over 2020 registrations,” the announcement states. “As electric vehicles and other alternative-fuel vehicles continue to gain a foothold in the market, federal, state and local governments are exploring ways to support these technologies and increase their viability for everyday travel. From public electric-vehicle charging stations to permitting and incentives, local governments have an important role to play in this process.”

Earlier this spring, the City of Lawrence Redevelopment Commission kicked off a planning process to identify potential electric-vehicle charging station locations, to look into the logistics and design and to consider investments in electric-vehicle infrastructure to meet current and future

demands.

Two surveys are available for people to fill out. One is for residents and visitors, and the second is for businesses and community organizations. Links to both can be found at cityoflawrence.org/news/2023/06/02/ city-lawrence-electric-vehicle-charging-overview.

The study is funded through a grant from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Organization, with matching funds from the City of Lawrence Redevelopment Commission. The total anticipated cost is $90,000.

The City of Lawrence Redevelopment Commission is looking into where electric vehicle charging stations should be installed within the city. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

As summer arrives, Epcon invites you to take a tour of our beautiful model homes offering single-level living and private, outdoor courtyards. Plus, take a tour of the community clubhouses and amenities. See it all for yourself during the Summer Open House Weekend at our Hamilton County communities.

Moving Wall coming to Lawrence

news@geistcurrent.com

The Moving Wall, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display at Lawton Loop in Lawrence June 22 through June 25, with a special ceremony set for 1 p.m. June 24.

MEMORIAL

The keynote speaker will be Sammy L. Davis, the only living Indiana recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, according to the Vietnam Veterans of America Sammy L. Davis Chapter 295, based in Lawrence.

“It is a real thrill for our chapter to have Sammy speak at the Moving Wall again,” said Dennis Smalling, president of VVA Sammy L. Davis Chapter, which is sponsoring the Moving Wall’s visit to Lawrence. “We named our chapter of VVA after him, not just because he received our nation’s highest award for valor during the Vietnam War, but because after his military service, Sammy dedicated his life to promoting the virtues of patriotism and self-sacrifice exemplified by members of the military by speaking to school and community groups around the country.”

According to the VVA chapter, Davis earned his Medal of Honor Nov. 18, 1967, while defending Firebase Cudgel near Cai Lay South Vietnam from a Viet Cong attack. During the battle, although wounded, he used machine guns and howitzers to hold off enemy attacks and in spite of a serious back injury that rendered him unable to swim, used an air mattress as a flotation device to ferry three wounded soldiers across a river to safety.

Davis is often referred to as “The Real Forrest Gump” because the movie used footage from Davis’ Medal of Honor ceremony with Tom Hanks’ head superimposed over that of Davis.

Members of Vietnam Veterans of America Sammy L. Davis Chapter will erect the Moving Wall at the south end of Lawton Loop in Lawrence beginning June 22 at 9 a.m. The Wall will remain open for viewing 24 hours per day until it is taken down June 25.

The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. June 24 and will include music, blessings from clergy representing several religions and an address by Sgt. First Class (retired) Sammy L. Davis.

“We named our chapter of VVA after him, not just because he received our nation’s highest award for valor during the Vietnam War, but because after his military service, Sammy dedicated his life to promoting the virtues of patriotism and self-sacrifice exemplified by members of the military by speaking to school and community groups around the country.”

– DENNIS SMALLING

Davis

The Moving Wall, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be on display at Lawton Loop in Lawrence June 22-25. (Image courtesy of Vietnam Veterans of America Sammy L. Davis Chapter)

Krga appointed principal of Crestview Elementary School

news@geistcurrent.com

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education voted June 12 to approve Amanda Krga as the new principal of Crestview Elementary School, effective July 1.

community will be impressed with the experience and skills Krga brings to the school.

EDUCATION

According to the school district, Krga comes to Crestview from Sunnyside Elementary, where she served as assistant principal since 2019.

“Throughout my years of service to Lawrence Township, I have had the opportunity to learn from its dynamic leaders and to develop my instructional and organizational leadership skills,” Krga said. “I look forward to utilizing all I have learned to best serve the Crestview community and to support all students’ academic, behavioral and social-emotional growth.”

Supt. Shawn Smith said the Crestview

Krga

“I am confident that we have selected the best person to continue leading the school on the path of successful teaching and learning,” he said.

Krga began her career in Lawrence Township in 2013. She served as a teacher at Harrison Hill and Sunnyside elementary schools. Before joining the MSD of Lawrence Township, she was a corps member with Teach for America for two years.

Krga has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from IUPUI, which she earned in 2011. She completed her master’s degree in education leadership at IUPUI in 2016.

MSD of Lawrence Township is the ninth-largest in the state, serving approximately 16,000 students. For more, visit LTschools.org.

Eskenazi Health was recently named Indiana’s #1 hospital for community benefit and health equity by the Lown Institute. Thanks in part to community partners and philanthropy, we are helping families get beyond barriers.

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Wraparound services from Eskenazi Health do more than treat illness. They chart a course for preventive care, ensure families have access to nutritious food, and provide a sense of partnership and advocacy. For Ileanna and her husband Eddie – that matters.

COMMUNITY

LAWRENCE

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Project: IndyGo Purpleline Construction

Location: Northbound on Post Road between Pendleton Pike and the CSX Railroad will be closed during IndyGo Purpleline Construction. Southbound will remain open.

Expected completion: August

Project: Drainage Improvement project

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 Avenue (between 46th and 56th streets); Woodcroft Avenue (between 46th and 47th); Elmhurst Drive (between 46th and 47th); Kingman Drive (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: 126th Street

Location: 126th Street between Royalty Drive and Bellingham Boulevard is closed for median and crosswalk construction. The detour shall use Olio Road to Southeastern Parkway.

Expected completion: June 30

Project: Bridge joint replacement on 116th Street

Location: 116th Street between Eller Road and River Road will be under lane restrictions for bridge joint replacement by Hamilton County. Lane restrictions will be in place daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Flaggers will be in place.

Expected Completion: June 16

Project: 146th and Allisonville Interchange

Location: Phase 1 of construction for the grade separation intersection improvement has begun at 146th Street and Allisonville Road. One thru lane and one left turn lane in all directions will be closed through the intersection. Closures of Sowers Drive and Saville Road at 146th Street will be necessary in June. Please exercise caution while driving through this construction zone. In addition to these closures, the worksite speed limit will be 35 mph.

Expected completion: The entire project is set for completion in summer 2025

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Fishers woman competes for Homes for Wounded Warriors

news@currentinfishers.com

A Fishers woman and an Indianapolis man have made it to the quarterfinals of a national competition that benefits Homes For Wounded Warriors.

June 22. The semifinals round runs through June 29, and the finals run through July 6. The winners will be announced July 13.

COMPETITION

Torrey Loftus of Fishers said the competition is an annual contest that offers female and male athletes the opportunity to become the next Ms. and Mr. Health and Fitness. The winners will be featured on the covers of Muscle and Fitness magazines. Each will receive a $20,000 grand prize. The competition is based on votes that the competitors receive, Loftus said. People can vote for the athlete of their choice every 24 hours for free, and they can vote anytime by donating to Homes for Wounded Warriors. Each dollar counts as a vote.

Loftus said Matt Newmann of Indianapolis, who owns the Crossfit box, or gym, that she attends, is also in the quarterfinals. Voting for the quarterfinals round ends

“I’m excited to have made it to the Quarterfinals and also really nervous because I have no idea what I will be up against,” Loftus said. “It has been a lot of fun to be in the competition with my friend and owner of Dog Fight Fitness & Barbell Club, and I imagine it is probably unusual to have two people from the same box (gym) to have made it to the quarterfinals.”

Loftus said she’s passionate about donations going toward Homes for Wounded Warriers.

“I’m a social worker and have been working with veterans for the last 15 years,” she said. “I also volunteer for the Humane Society for Hamilton County, so if I win, I am going to donate to their Pets Healing Vets program.”

To vote for Loftus, visit mshealthandfitness.com/2023/torrey-lof.

Free NetSmartz training offered for youths and adults

news@currentinfishers.com

training is designed to educate youth about how to stay safe in the digital world.

valuable resource, giving youth the tools to safely navigate the online world.

SAFETY

A Carmel-based organization that works to prevent youth abuse and suicide statewide is offering training sessions June 27 in Fishers for children and adults.

The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide announced it is working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to offer free NetSmartz training sessions. The youth

“These age-appropriate and engaging presentations will cover crucial topics such as inappropriate content, protecting private information, cyberbullying, online solicitation, reporting and — specifically for teens — sexting,” the announcement states.

Melissa Peregrin, executive director for Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, said NetSmartz is a

“By partnering with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, we can deliver comprehensive, age-appropriate training that addresses the specific challenges young people face online,” she said. “Our aim is to empower them to make informed decisions and stay safe in the digital realm.”

The youth session is specifically designed for youth in ninth through 12th

grades. A separate session for adults provides the knowledge and resources to have meaningful conversations about online safety at home.

The training sessions will take place on June 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Delaware Township Community Center, 9094 E 131st St. in Fishers.

To secure a spot for the free training, go to indianaprevention.org/training or contact Director of Programs Megan Banet at megan@indianaprevention.org.

After years of dieting and then reaching her highest weight yet, Yvette started a conversation with a doctor at Ascension St. Vincent who listened. Our team of doctors, bariatric surgeons, dietitians and specialists provide comprehensive care for weight loss. Take the first step. Attend a free weight-loss seminar where you can ask questions, meet doctors and hear from others who have faced similar challenges.

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If you’ve struggled with your weight, don’t wait it out.

Mt. Vernon, Lawrence Central seniors capture state titles

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

George Burhenn’s focus is on football now.

However, before the tight end reported to Purdue University to begin summer training, the 2023 Mt. Vernon High School graduate captured the 110-meter hurdles in 15.33 seconds, placed third in the 300 hurdles and was on the fourthplace 1,600 relay team June 2 at the IHSAA boys track and field state finals in Bloomington.

heart is in football.

“His greatest strength in the hurdles, both highs and intermediates, is that he runs each one like he had footprints to stay on from start to finish and they remain the same,” said Marauders assistant track and field coach Bruce Kendall, previously the longtime head coach. “He attacks each and every hurdle, and if you look at his football runs when he encounters a tackler, he looks exactly the same. It is merciless, chin down, arm forward, power through.”

“It was awesome. You can’t really ask for a better way to end my high school sports career than being on the podium in all three events and having a day like that,” he said.

The only other time he placed in the state finals was fifth in the 300 hurdles in 2022.

“I worked in the summer and the offseason at Acceleration Indiana, which really helped me with my speed,” Burhenn said. “I focused on getting faster with my hurdles coach, Chris Norris, because the form was there.”

TRACK RECOGNITION

Burhenn said he enjoys track but his

Lawrence Central’s Elijah Jackson, who also will be a freshman on the Purdue football team this fall, closed his career with a state title as well. Jackson, a running back, captured the 100 meters in 10.52 seconds.

“Elijah has made huge improvements from year one to year two,” Lawrence Central coach Shawn Carson said. “The biggest jump was trusting his coaches and trusting his training. Over the past year, his commitment helped him to experience growth in the sport.”

Heritage Christian junior Luke Himes won the shot put with a throw of 65 feet, 1-1/2 inches.

St. Elmo wins spirits awards

By Mark LaFay editorial@youarecurrent.com

St. Elmo Steak House, arguably the most well-known steakhouse in Indiana, was recently recognized for another of its signature menu items – cocktails.

The downtown Indianapolis restaurant won a pair of Double Gold medals for its Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan cocktails in the Ready-To-Drink category at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The SFWSP is the oldest and, likely, most prestigious spirits competition in the nation.

St. Elmo recently began bottling its Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan cocktails, two of its top sellers.

“Our ready-to-pour cocktails are great for

enjoying a piece of the St. Elmo’s experience at home,” said Stephanie Ebarb, director of marketing for Huse Culinary Group. “Now, you can have a St Elmo’s cocktail at home without needing all of the ingredients and without any of the mess.”

Opened in 1902, St Elmo is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location and is well known for its steak, seafood and wine cellar. As its recent awards reflect, it is now building a sterling reputation for cocktails.

“Winning two Double Gold medals is a rare achievement. We are quite proud,” said Bryn Jones, vice president of marketing for Huse Culinary Group.

St. Elmo’s ready-to-drink cocktails can be found at grocery and liquor stores in central Indiana. The products can be purchased online at Shopstelmococktails.com for shipping nationwide.

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

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Burhenn Jackson

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Lawrence. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.

The historic gazebo sits in the Fort Ben Historical District in Lawrence. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Fishers to build new $60M community center

BEHIND EVERY KNEE IS STRONG KNEE

DEVELOPMENT

The City of Fishers announced June 13 that it plans to build a 105,000-square-foot community center at Johnson Farms on Hoosier Road near 121st Street.

The $60 million Fishers Community Center will be recreation-focused, according to the city, and will include amenities such as a dog park, indoor playground, indoor walking/ running track and an aquatics facility.

“As we strive to build a culture of health in our community, a vital component of this is creating a place where our community can come together to care for their overall wellbeing,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness stated. “With this new community asset, we not only offer a place for health, fitness and recreation, but also a place to gather and socialize with friends, family and neighbors, which we know is equally important in fostering a strong quality of life in our community.”

Art Johnson owns the property.

“My family has been part of this community for generations, and I am excited to be a part of Fishers’ legacy and have our land serve as a central spot in the community for gathering and recreation for years to come,” he said.

The new community center was designed based on input from residents, according to the city’s announcement. A steering committee was formed in 2021, chaired by Fishers City Councilmember Todd Zimmerman, to identify and prioritize community needs and how they could be served by an indoor facility.

Nearly 3,500 residents completed a survey to share the amenities they most desired in the facility. Many of those priorities were included in the design.

“What I hope for residents to get out of this center is a sense of place and community,” Zimmerman said. “More than the sports or athletics of it, this is a place to bring our residents together. It’s also a place that is welcoming to all, from our neighbors in the surrounding communities to out-of-town visitors exploring Fishers for the first time.”

The center will offer memberships and day passes with discounts for Fishers residents. Free amenities will be available to residents and nonresidents, including a large indoor playground, indoor track for

walking and running, and a café.

According to the city, the main level of the center will include a 5,300-square-foot indoor playground; aquatics facility with a lap pool and a zero-depth entry warm water pool with a waterslide and play features; an 18,600-square-foot gymnasium featuring three basketball courts, which can also be converted into volleyball and pickleball courts; clinical rooms and offices for the Fishers Health Department; a child care facility; multipurpose rooms; public gathering spaces; and a café.

The second level will feature a fitness and wellness center, including a spin studio and group exercise rooms, along with an indoor track for walking and running.

A roof terrace for outdoor exercise and gatherings is planned for future phases.

The city worked with community stakeholders such as the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability to include accessibility features such as adult companion-care rooms with adult changing tables, a zero-depth entry pool, a water wheelchair and accessible fitness equipment. The community center will also house Outside the Box’s adult day program to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The center is estimated to not exceed $60 million and will be paid for through city-issued bonds following a build-operate-transfer agreement set to end in 2026. The city states that it does not anticipate tax rates will increase as a result of this project.

The project was set to go to the Fishers Finance Committee on June 14 and the Fishers City Council on June 19. If approved, the project will break ground this fall with a planned opening in spring of 2025.

To learn more, go to ThisIsFishers.com/ CommunityCenter.

The City of Fishers announced plans to build a new community center on Hoosier Road near 121st Street. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)

RAIN OR SHINE

Fort Ben Farmers Market kicks off summer season

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

As the first Fort Ben Farmers Market of the season opened June 1, Cameron Heneghan led her way to the booths, rubbing a thick layer of sunscreen on her face and waiting as patiently as a 4-year-old can while her grandfather stopped to chat with friends along the way.

“I like the farmers market,” Heneghan said. “I buy all kinds of food.”

“We come here every Thursday,” her grandfather, Jim Henaghan, said. “This is our date every Thursday. I brought her in one time, and she doesn’t forget it.”

Fort Ben Farmers Market at 8920 Otis Ave. in Lawrence takes place every Thursday afternoon, rain or shine, now through early October. The market has grown over the past few years, with more customers, more vendors and more attractions.

Market organizer Damaris Iraheta said the Fort Ben Farmers Market started in 2017 in response to some area grocery stores closing. It had about a dozen vendors at the time, and took place at the Civic Plaza. In 2022, it moved to the Cultural Campus, where it expanded to 40 vendors.

“Events such as back-to-school vaccines, Fall Fest, yoga and live music have been added to make a fun and interactive space,” Iraheta said. “We strive to make the Fort Ben Farmers Market a place to shop, dine and spend quality time. We also believe in the importance of adding a variety of options when it comes to vendors at the market.”

She said the weekly event is more than a farmers market; it’s a community resource for residents and an attraction for visitors.

The first market of the year took place on a hot, sunny afternoon. Most of the booth holders had tents for shade, but a few hardy souls sat without protection from the bright sunshine. Vendors offered fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, homegrown mushrooms, locally produced honey, crafts, food and drinks, and apparel.

Korka Diatta sat under a canopy behind a table filled with her colorful wares. The selection included wide-brimmed sun hats, bucket hats, T-shirts, hand-held fans and other accessories, all in bright colors and patterns.

Diatta said this is her first year selling at the Lawrence farmers market.

“I just wanted to try it out,” she said. “I visited the farmers market before and saw beautiful things so I said maybe I can share my stuff to see if people might be interested.”

Her items are handmade by herself and others, she said, and she named her business, Kankou Elegance, after her mother. So far, she said, it’s going OK.

“It’s the first day,” she said. “I’m not expecting much, but it’s a good environment.”

Adding to the environment were the strains of acoustic cover tunes by Indianapolis duo Traci and Jimmy, heard throughout the Fort Ben Cultural Campus where about 40 booths lined the paved pathways. The market has a different musical group performing throughout the event each week,

along with food trucks and seating for those who want to grab a bite to eat — like an ice cream doughnut — and take a break from shopping.

Baked goods and popcorn are among the items available, along with homemade jams, pet products, jewelry and natural soaps.

One booth offered Tony’s Boss Sauce, an Indianapolis-made barbecue sauce, in hot and sweet varieties. Tony Watts, the booth holder and business owner, gave out samples of both, starting with the hot.

“You’re going to get a little sweet flavor first, and then you’re going to feel the burn,” he said. “You feel the heat coming? It sneaks up on you.”

It certainly does.

“Try a little sweet,” he said, offering a new sample. “Even kids love my sweet sauce. You can put your sweet in your

Korka Diatta, owner of Kankau Elegance, has had her business five years. This is the first year she is selling her wares at the Fort Ben Farmers Market.

baked beans if you like to make baked beans or like to make meatballs.”

A full list of market vendors and a site map, updated each week, is available at visitlawrenceindiana.com/events/fbfarmermarket/ Some vendors are there every week, and others have signed up for a partial season. Visitors also can look up the weekly performers scheduled for the main stage and the calendar for special offerings, such as yoga and fitness classes. Food assistance programs, such as SNAP and Fresh Bucks, are accepted for approved items.

The Fort Ben Farmers Market allows pets on leashes, and the Fort Ben Cultural Campus is ADA accessible.

FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM ENCOURAGES YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Sprouts at the Fort Ben Farmers Market is a program that allows children ages 5 through 17 an opportunity to have a oneday booth for a reduced fee of $10 per space to sell products that are handmade, handcrafted or hand produced.

According to the City of Lawrence website, food can be sold at the market, but it is limited to popcorn, snow cones, pretzels, cotton candy, lemonade and pre-

packaged cookies.

“As market vendors for a day, Sprouts (participants) will practice basic skills of product development, marketing, sales and customer service,” the website states. “With help from the adults, Sprouts should develop a business storefront and signage for their booth space, label, price their products legibly, and create simple but attractive product displays.”

Sprouts vendors are responsible for providing all necessary booth equipment, such as a tent, tables and chairs. Booths must always be staffed, and adult supervision is required. Sprouts participants must set up and clean up up their own booth space.

For more, email fortbenfm@gmail.com or visit visitlawrenceindiana.com/events/ fbfarmermarket/fm-involve/fm-sprouts/

(Photo by Adam Seif)

ON THE COVER: Kathleen Jameson sells flowers from her booth at the June 1 Fort Ben Farmers Market. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Missing pieces of having it all

Commentary by Terry Anker

We live in a culture where great beauty is often wrongly associated with limited intelligence. It is probably the envy of those less gifted with the privilege that accompanies matching the current ideal type of physical appearance that started the unwarranted perception. “You may be handsome, but I’m smart.” It only seems fair. Why should one person have it all? Like all misconceptions based on stereotypes, they are soon proven inaccurate.

ESSAY

Norma Jeane Mortenson appeared on the planet in 1926, long before many women would consider a life beyond the confining protection of some male human, in a place where good looks were recruited globally to enhance the fantasy factories of her native Los Angeles. From an orphanage to 12 individual foster homes, the young Norma Jeane found respite via marriage upon her 16th birthday. She came to understand that it was her appearance — and not her head for business — that would clear the path for another kind of life, thereby Marilyn Monroe was manifested.

It is generations now since the iconic beauty left us. Photographs, paintings and sculptures still bring scores to museums. Her hair, style of dress and demeaner remain a standard of femininity for many. Still, too, she was among the highest-grossing and most successful actresses in the history of the film industry, totaling more than $2 billion in today’s money. With great intention, she curated and propagated the billion-dollar persona. Later in her career, Monroe mused, “I restore myself when I’m alone. A career is born in public — talent in privacy.” She managed the distinction between the personal and the projected. Some might rightly argue that she ultimately succumbed to an inability to fully reconcile the two. Beautiful? Certainly. Intelligent? Absolutely. Where are the gaps in our lives? If we have it all, can we still be missing something?

Child’s play sure was fun

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Longtime readers will recall a perilous journey I made with one of my daughters, then a 20-year-old microbiology major and hardcore K-pop fan who talked stream of conscience for literally the entire 16-hour car ride. Good times. Gooood times.

“I had no idea what to expect, particularly because he is now a recent college graduate with no clue about his future.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

HUMOR

Recently, I had the chance to make a similar road trip with her twin brother, known not for his word vomit but instead for marathon video game sessions up in his room. I had no idea what to expect, particularly because he is now a recent college graduate with no clue about his future. In anticipation of perhaps whole states traversed in awkward silence, I had several Yacht Rock playlists and four episodes of “Armchair Expert” ready to go.

To my surprise, we spent 13-plus hours in delightful conversation, covering everything from anime series I need to watch (“Attack on Titan”) to his favorite cousins (“Alex and Nick”) to whether red dye 40 was actually bad for you (no). We savored biscuits at Cracker Barrel, missed being part of a seven-car pile-up thanks to a McDonald’s snafu,

failed to answer correctly more than five Trivial Pursuit questions on a card (because baseball is dumb) and contemplated the wisdom of C-Span in ranking James Buchanan as the worst U.S. president over Andrew Johnson. It was wonderful.

I never got to sing along to Steely Dan or Kenny Loggins, nor did I get to enjoy Dax Shepard hanging with a neuroscientist. But I was able to engage with a child in a way I haven’t been able to in many years, without his sibling for distraction or the new Zelda game as competition. Truly good times. Peace out.

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

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

AI isn’t so smart — or is it?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

go to the next page of the newspaper.

HUMOR

Recently, I experimented with an artificial intelligence app on my phone. I began with a few pressing questions in my life, like how do I get rid of the racoon that is destroying our deck? And will the trash people take my old lawnmower? I had been told that AI could create a story if you simply prompt the app with an idea or question. Just for fun, here is what I requested: Write a funny essay on why Dick Wolfsie is not funny. What you are about to read is exactly what I received back in less than 30 seconds:

• Here are some reasons Dick Wolfsie is not funny: First, he has a weird name. Sounds like a cross between a detective and a werewolf. He has always had boring jobs. For 30 years he has been telling stories about quirky people he met, but all the stories were boring. His jokes fell flat and he never tackled anything serious. He never challenges himself, his viewers or his readers. He plays it safe and boring. Everything is a cliché and totally predictable. He did bring his dog Barney on TV for many years. That’s what saved his career. Viewers watched Dick on TV because of the dog. His writing depends on horrible puns and weak punchlines. Where is the sarcasm and irony that good writing demands? In conclusion, Dick Wolfsie never makes people think. He just makes them yawn, turn off the TV or

Yes, that’s what artificial intelligence wrote about me. For this column, I edited out the parts that made me look bad. My first reaction was they must have confused me with a different Dick Wolfsie. You know, another guy who was on TV with his dog and writes a humor column.

I asked my wife, Mary Ellen, to read the essay.

“Dick, this is outrageous. It’s full of inaccuracies. You didn’t bore people for 30 years on TV.”

“Thank you, Mary Ellen.”

“Wasn’t it closer to 40? And they said you end every column with a dreadful pun.”

are some reasons

“But I don’t, do I?”

“Of course not. You sprinkle dozens of them throughout the column. Along with the cliches.”

“But I do tackle serious topics.”

“Without question. Who could forget your important story about the guy who collects manhole covers? Your column about Miracle Whip versus mayonnaise?

And my favorite: Why men who drink beer attract more mosquitoes?”

Now depressed, I had an idea. My original request set me up for witty insults. This time, I’d phrase it more positively: Write an essay on why Dick Wolfsie is comedy genius.

POLICIES

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

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.

“Here

Dick Wolfsie is not funny: First, he has a weird name. Sounds like a cross between a detective and a werewolf. He has always had boring jobs.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Civic Theatre’s YAP set to stage ‘Revue!’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As a director, Kenny Shepard always wants more time.

Shepard will direct Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s “Revue!” in two performances at 6 and 8 p.m. June 26 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We have just 10 rehearsals to put the show together, so the performers have a lot to carry on their shoulders — learning songs and monologues, blocking, lyrics and then moving the show into the actual performance space,” Shepard said. “Another challenge, which I love, is making sure each artist’s voice is heard and each story is told authentically. All 13 of them answered a long list of questions for me, and I took their experiences about social media, dating, family, friendships, bullying and other topics and wrote a script, often using their words verbatim as monologues.”

Johnna Tavianini is the music director.

“Johnna and I both teach at Ball State (University), but we’ve only worked together once before, and that was on the last production of ‘Revue!,’” Shepard said. “We are all so lucky to have Johnna onboard. She really is a genius at making these young artists sound like stars while propelling their unique stories through music.”

The song, “Children Will Listen” from “Into the Woods,” is powerful for Shepard.

“The lyrics and Johnna’s arrangement work so well to further the stories many of them are telling,” Shepard said. “These performers are very brave, sharing personal experiences about racism, dating as a member of the transgender community and being bullied. I respect their honesty and openness more than I can say. The social media section is also an eye-opener

to me. These teenagers communicate and validate each other in ways that are so foreign to other generations.”

The cast has 13 singers and actors, all high school age.

“Some are entering high school and some are already driving, working and thinking about college and future plans as adults,” Shepard said. “Even though they may only be four or so years apart in age, individually, they’re at very different places, which is also fascinating. I love seeing the leaders emerge and some younger performers rising to the level of their more experienced peers.”

Wyatt Painter, a 2023 Park Tudor School graduate, looks forward to the number, “It Hurts Me.”

“I chose this song for a previous audition at school, but I ended up not getting the role I auditioned for with that song,” Painter said. “I’m excited to take a song I worked on previously and turn it into something amazing with the help of the cast.”

Painter also is eager to perform “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”

“The song is from a song cycle called ‘Songs for a New World,’ which I love,” Painter said. “I get to open the number with one of my friends and castmates, Caroline (Brundage). We went to school together this past year, it being my senior year and her freshman year. However, we originally met last summer because we were both a part of last year’s ‘Revue!’ We have become good friends, so it means a lot that we can have this moment on stage together before I go to college.”

Painter has struggled the most with memorizing lyrics.

“The only time I have before rehearsal is my 30-minute break at work, but I always try and use my free time to study lyrics whenever I can. I work at my school as a camp counselor and co-leader for various camps,” Painter said. “Working an 8 (a.m.) to 4 (p.m.) job where I’m constantly around screaming children alongside a four-hour rehearsal can be tiring, but I love both, even though I struggle with memorization sometimes.”

This is the second year Painter has appeared in ‘Revue!”

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

“Beauty & the Beast” runs through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘GODSPELL’

Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star production of “Godspell” runs through June 25 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Feinstein’s Presents: Dueling Pianos” at 6:30 p.m. June 21 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for 7:30 p.m. June. 22. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

‘BOEING BOEING’

Red Barn Summer Theatre’s production of “Boeing Boeing” will be presented from June 21 to July 1 at the Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

‘NEWSIES

JR.’

Jr. Civic Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies Jr.” from June 23-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘MUSIC OF THREE CENTURIES’

The Indiana Wind Symphony will play alongside high school performers in a free outdoor concert at 6:30 p.m. June 24 at the Carmel Gazebo. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

‘THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER’

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will present “The Music of Harry Potter” at 8 p.m. June 23-24 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘REVUE!’

The Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s “Revue!” is set for 6 and 8 p.m. June 26 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

COMEDY AT THE CAT

Comedy at the Cat, featuring comedian Dave Dugan, Troy Davis and CoLee Reyes, is set for 7:30 p.m. June 24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

Many members of the 2022 cast of “Revue!” return this year. (Photo courtesy of Anne Beck)

Painter

Shepard

‘Boeing Boeing’ set for Red Barn

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

“Everyone else is from different countries, so there are a lot of accents going on the stage at the same time,” Taylor said.

COMEDY

Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor loves a good farce. So, why not follow the season-opening farce with a second one? Red Barn Summer Theatre’s production of “Boeing Boeing” will be presented from June 21 to July 1 at the Frankfort venue.

Taylor, the play’s director, said Red Barn performed “Boeing Boeing” more than a decade ago.

“Since then, it’s been redone,” Taylor said. “There was a new revival on Broadway and the script has been reworked, so it’s a slightly different show since the first time we did it.”

Taylor said the plot centers around the American living in Paris, who has three fiancées who are all flight attendants from different airlines.

“He explains to his friend that it is all on a timetable and none of them know about each other,” Taylor said. “Next thing you know, the timetable breaks and they are all there at the same time at the apartment.”

Taylor

The fun ensues as the friends try to hide the fiancées from each other.

“It’s your classic bedroom farce,” said Taylor, adding there is some adult subject matter in the show.

Taylor acted in the play in Red Barn’s previous production of the comedy, which takes place in Paris.

Two friends are now old college friends and both Americans. One lives in Paris and the other is coming to visit.

Taylor said in the original script, one friend was British and the other was French.

There are four women and two men in the cast.

Taylor said there is not a lot of detailed stage direction in the revised script.

“It leaves a lot for creativity from the director’s side but it’s also very challenging that you have to plan everything out,” Taylor said.

For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

Lobster Palooza is getting back to its roots.

it’s really exciting to come back home and put this event in the full functionality of the entire property,” Starkey said. “The Meridian-Kessler neighbors are really excited.”

FUNDRAISER

The Indianapolis Opera fundraiser is returning to the renovated Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

“The ‘Back Home’ theme is the pervading testament,” Indy Opera General Director David Starkey said. “This is where the event started 12 years ago in the back parking lot, which is a historical location. It’s where the former Greek Festival was held back in the day. We’re not going back to that back parking lot, but it’s been reimagined to the entire campus with the courtyard and patio.”

The 13th Annual Lobster Palooza, featuring a New England-style lobster boil, is set for 6 to 10 p.m. July 15.

Last year, the event was planned for an outside tent but was moved indoors because of weather issues at Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville.

“It was great, but it limited the scope of the event,” Starkey said. “This year, it is all planned to be inside but there are outside activities on the patio, courtyard and on the front lawn.

Starkey

Valet parking and cocktails are included in the ticket price. There are fundraising activities during the event.

There will be a live band with dancing after dinner. Before dinner, the opera singers will perform in the performance hall.

“The acoustics are just extraordinary, so we’re going to do a special opera cabaret, highlighting a couple selections from the upcoming season,” Starkey said.

“Now that the building has been remodeled and historically protected because of all the stuff we’ve done with protecting the architecture of this building, circa 1961,

There will be selections from Opera in the Park, “Carmen” and “A Little Night Music.”

For more, visit indyopera.org.

MUSIC BY Alan Menken

BOOK BY Harvey Fierstein LYRICS BY Jack Feldman

WRITTEN BY Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

PRODUCED

Based

the Disney Film

NIGHT

DAY

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends ‘Director’s Choice’

Where’s Amy attended the opening night of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s “Director’s Choice” June 9 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts. The show was a compilation of GHDT’s favorite dances chosen by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock. If you missed this show, do not miss the one-night-only production of “The Music of La Casa Azul” with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at The Center for the Performing Arts Aug 5. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.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, GHDT G2 Dancers: Audrey Holloway (Geist), Hillary Riley (Carmel), Audrey Springer (Noblesville), Rebecca Zigmond (Carmel), Allie Hanning (Carmel), Evangeline Meadows (Carmel) with GHDT Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock (Carmel). (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

NIGHT & DAY

Cheesemaker offers nice variety

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Summertime around our house means time outside. If you like to get out and about while there are 15 hours of available sunlight, then you may also like cooking and or eating outside, as well!

We love heading to the park to cook out and fish, hanging at Symphony on the Prairie or doing other sorts of daytime outdoor excursions. Cheese, crackers and fresh fruit are no-brainers in the cooler. If my daughter Maggie, age 3, is in tow, then you better believe we have at least one whole watermelon just for her!

4 OR MORE & SAVE UP TO 20% ASK ABOUT THE SUITE EXPERIENCE!

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT*

Sat Jul 22 at 7pm

DAUGHTRY: BARE BONES TOUR*

Wed Aug 9 at 7:30pm

SPYRO GYRA*

Sat Aug 12 at 8pm

BEN HARPER*

Tue Aug 15 at 7:30pm

LIFE WITH THE AFTERLIFE: TRUE TALES OF THE PARANORMAL WITH GHOST HUNTER AMY BRUNI

Sat Sep 16 at 8pm

UPTOWN: MOTOWN REMIXED

Thu Sep 28 at 7:30pm

ANIMANIACS: IN CONCERT

Thu Oct 5 at 7:30pm

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: BILL MEDLEY & BUCKY HEARD

Fri Oct 6 at 8pm

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH*

Sun Oct 8 at 7pm

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

Wed Oct 11 at 7:30pm

WISH YOU WERE HERE: THE SIGHT & SOUND OF PINK FLOYD

Sat Oct 14 at 8pm

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA

Thu Oct 19 at 7:30pm

HARRY CHAPIN AT 80: A RETROSPECTIVE, FEATURING THE CHAPIN FAMILY

Fri Oct 20 at 8pm

BILL FRISELL FIVE AND AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE’S OWL SONG

Sat Oct 21 at 8pm

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Sat Oct 28 at 8pm

AN EVENING WITH BRUCE COCKBURN

Wed Nov 1 at 7:30pm

BÉLA FLECK, ZAKIR HUSSAIN, EDGAR MEYER WITH RAKESH CHAURASIA

Thu Nov 2 at 7:30pm

GRACE POTTER

Fri Nov 3 at 8pm

ETTA MAY

Fri Nov 3 at 7:30pm

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE

Sat Nov 4 at 8pm

TRES SOULS

Sat Nov 4 at 8pm

THE LITTLE MERMEN: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY TRIBUTE BAND

Sun Nov 5 at 3pm & 7pm

EASTON CORBIN

Thu Nov 9 at 7:30pm

GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS

Fri Nov 10 at 8pm

CANDACE BUSHNELL: TRUE TALES OF SEX, SUCCESS AND SEX AND THE CITY

Sun Nov 12 at 7pm

ANNE SOFIE VON OTTER & BROOKLYN RIDER SONGS OF LOVE AND DEATH

Fri Nov 17 at 8pm

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

Sat Nov 18 at 8pm

THE BLACK MARKET TRUST

Sun Nov 19 at 7pm

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR: CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

Fri Nov 24 at 2pm

JIM BRICKMAN: A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

Thu Nov 30 at 7:30pm

THE MIDTOWN MEN: HOLIDAY HITS

Fri Dec 1 at 8pm

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS  CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023

Tue Dec 5 at 7:30pm

JON MCLAUGHLIN: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Fri Dec 8 at 8pm

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND HOLIDAY SHOW

Sat Dec 9 at 8pm

BIG BAD VOODOO

DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY

Wed Dec 13 at 7:30pm

AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS

Fri Jan 26 at 8pm

ALAN CUMMING & ARI SHAPIRO: OCH & OY!

A CONSIDERED CABARET

Sat Feb 3 at 8pm

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO: HEREDEROS

Fri Feb 9 at 8pm

SOFIA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Fri Feb 23 at 8pm

ARETHA’S GOLD: CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN

Fri Feb 24 at 8pm

THE IRISH TENORS

Fri Mar 8 at 8pm

CARRIE NEWCOMER WITH PIANIST GARY WALTERS & STRING QUARTET

Sat Mar 9 at 8pm

BRUCE HORNSBY WITH YMUSIC

Sat Mar 9 at 8pm

IMAGINATION MOVERS

Sun Mar 10 at 1pm & 4pm

JESSE COOK

Sun Apr 7 at 7pm

RAY CHEN

Fri Apr 12 at 8pm

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION

Fri Apr 19 at 8pm

RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Sat Apr 20 at 8pm

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN & SPECIAL GUEST

Fri May 17 at 8pm

Recently, I was introduced to a cheesemaker based in Point Reyes, Calif., called Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. It is a family-owned operation that started out as a dairy farm in the 1960s but transitioned to making cheese in 2000. Its first cheese to market was its Original Blue, the first of its kind in the state. Its cheeses are rich, creamy and just all-around awesome. My favorite is the Quinta. Take a look at three fantastic Point Reyes cheeses that would be great for any outdoor activity you might

pursue:

Original Blue — This blue cheese is super creamy, white in color with bits of blue all throughout it. The blue mold provides fruity and nutty flavor notes that are mind numbing.

Quinta — This is a soft cheese, comparable to brie. It has a soft rind with a smooth soft interior texture. You can eat this when it’s new, but the more it ages, the better. This cheese is money when it is past 80 days. At this point, the cheese starts to take on the consistency of cheese dip. It is amazing!

Toma — The best comparison to this is provolone but not as mild. There is a delightful nutty characteristic to this cheese. It is great to slice and eat with stone fruit or apples, or place-shred for pizza. It’s super versatile and great for munching on with some crispy white wine.

Pauly set for Feinstein’s shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Samantha Pauly has crafted a concert with more than a few of her favorite things.

CONCERTS

“It will be a mix of Broadway tunes, some career highlights and some of my favorite pop songs,” Pauly said. “My music director, Adam Cole Klepper, is an absolutely brilliant pianist and uses sheet music as a guide. He makes great arrangements of a lot of the songs on the set list, so some of them don’t sound the way they typically would.”

“An Evening with Samantha Pauly” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 7-8 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

Pauly, best known for her role as Katherine Howard in the Broadway show “Six,” a musical about Henry VIII’s six wives, said she is partial to Ariana Grande songs.

“I also like to include some Broadway songs that help facilitate my interactions with the audience and tell some personal

stories,” Pauly said. “I guess you could say I’m doing a mini tour. It started with Feinstein’s in San Francisco and Carmel reaching out to my managers asking if I would come perform my solo show. That was followed by Blue Strawberry in St Louis.”

More shows were added, so in addition to her residency at Chelsea Table & Stage in New York City, Pauly had a busy first half of the year.

Pauly appeared in Discovery Broadway’s concert of “Hamlet,” a musical, in 2022.

“Not only was it thrilling to be a part of creating a new show and role, it was amazing to get to work with so many incredible artists, (such as) Adam Pascal and Jordan Donica,” Pauly said. “I mean, it was so powerful to share a stage with them and witness their brilliance. Discovering Broadway is such a welcoming and professional company. They make it so easy to come in and perform and get things done.”

Through Discovering Broadway, Pauly will teach two master classes July 8 for choreography at Grace Church in Noblesville.

For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org and feinsteinhc.com.

Pauly

BEN HARPER GRACE POTTER ROBERT CRAY DAVE KOZ KATHERINE MCPHEE

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis

Lean in on italics for

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Visiting the Chena River near Fairbanks, Alaska

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we travel along the Chena River near Fairbanks, learning about the Alaska Native culture and what developed from it.

TRAVEL

Fairbanks is in central Alaska, about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Most scholars believe the surrounding area was first populated approximately 12,000 years ago by Athabaskans, descendants of people who had crossed what was then a land bridge between Siberia and what is now Alaska. Athabaskans were the original people of the Alaskan Interior. They were semi-nomadic, hunting caribou and moose, trapping small animals and catching salmon in fish wheels. They established semi-permanent settlements, typically along a river, and domesticated dogs, which they used for transportation and hunting. Today, about 16.000 Athabaskans live in Alaska.

In the early 1950s, Jim Binkley, whose father had established an Alaskan freight-hauling business, built a paddlewheel boat named Discovery in his backyard and started giving tours on the Chena River from a spot near Fairbanks. Today,

descendants of Binkley operate three boats on the Chena River. The newest, Discovery III, has a capacity of 900 people. Three-hour tours provide information about the area, including its original people and wildlife. The boats stop at the Trail Breaker Kennel along the river, where the widower and daughter of the late Susan Butcher, who won the Iditarod race four times, demonstrate how their sled dogs are trained. The boat also stops for an extended visit at the Chena Village, a re-created Athabaskan village, complete with reindeer (domesticated caribou). Athabaskan guides talk about the lifestyle of their ancestors and demonstrate such things as how to prepare salmon caught in a fish wheel for the winter and how to survive when the temperature gets as low as 60 degrees below zero. Visitors can speak with the guides and observe dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel.

GRAMMAR GUY

Italicized words are the “leaning in” of language. When it comes to fonts (or typefaces, if we’re being fancy), “Roman” letters refer to the default, upright letters we type into our emails and word processing software, while “Italic” letters are slanted to the right. When you put certain phrases in italics, it draws attention to them as key words you want to apart for emphasis. These words are literally leaning in.

What happens when you lean in too much? You fall on your pants pocket. I’m suggesting that if you constantly give 110 percent, you’ll likely experience burnout. In the same way, if you put your entire email in italics, your reader will have trouble discerning what’s important from what’s ordinary. I highly recommend healthy margins -- on paper and in your work/life balance.

Aside from emphasis, when should you use italics in your writing? Surprisingly, AP style suggests that you don’t use

italics in titles of magazines or newspapers; instead, simply capitalize them (e.g., Sports Illustrated). The AP dictates that books, films, TV shows, songs, albums, speeches, works of art, etc. don’t get italicized, either; instead, surround them with a warm pair of quotation mark hugs (e.g., “To Kill a Mockingbird”). Sacred books, including the Bible or the Koran, do not get italics or quotation marks. So, what gets italicized in AP style? Nothing. I have a hard time with the AP’s italics rules. Because my column appears in newspapers, I abide by the quotations-around-titles rule. However, I prefer to italicize words for emphasis, as well as non-English words (like derrière), words reproduced as sounds (e.g., Bees go bzzzzz.), or words as words (e.g., I challenge you to use the word indefatigable in a sentence.).

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

Trail Blazer Kennel in Fairbanks. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

36. Auto pioneer 37. Miracle-___ (garden product)

40. Spice queen guest in the CUMMINS boardroom?

43. Leak sound

44. Lease

46. Charged particle

47. ‘60s war zone

49. All over again

50. Makes blue, perhaps

52. Musical instrument often made of plastic

56. Lack of dainty trim in the ELANCO boardroom?

58. Ham it up in the CORTEVA boardroom?

60. Roman 506

61. Like slingshots and forks in the road

64. Got together

65. Heavenly food

67. Swiss peaks

68. Competent

69. Dined

Indy’s Baseball Stadium

at home

70. Proofing override

71. Christian of couture

72. Certain Slavs

73. Pea holders

74. Hoosier Park feedbag fill Down

1. Go to

2. Grant an appeal in Hamilton County Court, perhaps

3. Brain covers

4. Break a commandment

5. Recoils, with “away”

6. Possible response to “Gonna win?”

7. Fishers breakfast chain letters

8. MCL offering: pie a la ___

9. Westfield Middle School grade

10. St. Louis-to-Noblesville dir.

11. Chewy candies

12. Grandfather clock time

66.

68.

Answers

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