October 11, 2022 – Lawrence/Geist

Contact the editor:

Have a news tip? Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share?

Contact Managing Editor Taylor Dixon at taylor@ youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You may also submit information on our website, currentgeist. com. Remember our news deadline is typically eight days prior to publication.

News tips/story ideas: stories@youarecurrent.com

Letters to the editor/ guest columns: letters@youarecurrent.com

Advertise your business:

If you’re interested in reaching virtually 100 percent of the Geist market (11,360 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent (subject: Geist advertising) or by calling 317.748.2662.

Obituaries: obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising: legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions: circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community: www.facebook.com/currentingeist www.twitter.com/CI_Geist instagram.com/currentpublishing

Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. VIII, No. 38 Copyright 2022

Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Purple Line bus route comes to Lawrence

By Rebecca Fending news@youarecurrent.com

The views of the columnists in Current in Geist are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Commuting between Indianapolis and the City of Lawrence will be much easier because of the new Purple Line. The bus route runs 15.2 miles and offers citizens seamless travel stretching from the heart of down town Indianapolis to Ivy Tech Community College-Lawrence.

TRANSPORTATION

Artist rendering of the finished Purple Line. (Photo courtesy of IndyGo)

According to IndyGo, the Purple Line will share alignment and stations with the Red Line from the Julia M. Carson Transit Center to 38th Street and Park Avenue. In that segment, shared stations will benefit from five- to sev en-minute service as Purple and Red Line bus es alternate on the stretch. East of the Park Avenue station, the Purple Line will continue on 38th Street to Post Road. It will then travel north to Ivy Tech’s Lawrence Campus.

David Hofmann, deputy mayor of the City of Lawrence, said the new route will greatly benefit the people of Lawrence by improv ing and enhancing the connection between Lawrence and Indianapolis.

“For Lawrence residents, they will be able to catch an affordable ride to all the IndyGo destinations by making transfers to the exist ing Red Line and its many destinations, such as downtown Indianapolis,” Hofmann said. “This includes the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Broad Ripple, to name only a few. In short, it’s all about accessibility, affordability, conve nience, community-building and connectivity for our residents. If you can’t tell, we’re ex cited about the great potential of this project and its impact on Lawrence.”

Currently, the route along Otis Avenue and Wheeler Road up to the new station has been completely reconstructed and

re-paved and is now open to the public, ac cording to Hofmann. The next construction phase focuses on the route from Post Road south to East 38th Street.

“With good weather throughout this year and next, we are hopeful that the 2023-24 calendar will see Lawrence and Indianapolis riders connecting in both communities as part of their daily routines,” Hofmann said.

“It will be here before we know it.”

The Purple Line will run from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays, with hours extending lat er into the night on weekends. The schedule is comparable to the existing Route 39. The Purple Line will operate 365 days a year.

Lawrence Common Council OKs Keystone Project, redistricting map

By Taylor Dixon

The Lawrence Common Council met Oct. 3 in the Public Assembly Room of the Lawrence Government Center. The council approved a redistricting map and also approved a $70 mil lion project. The next monthly common council meeting is set for Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m.

What happened: The common council voted on an approved redis tricting map of the City of Lawrence.

What it means: The coun cil first saw a presenta tion at the July 5 meeting. The new map cuts parts of District 5 and District 2, making both smaller, with District 6 absorbing almost half of District 5. The redistricting proposal passed by a 6-3 vote.

What happened: The Common Council approved the $70 million multi-use devel opment at 5611 Lawrence Village Pkwy.

What it means: The five-story mixed-use building will include 248 residential units with 25,000 square feet of retail, office or other commercial space and a covered park ing area. The project will be paid for through bonds and residents will not see a tax increase. The developer, Keystone Group, bought the land from the Fort Harrison Re use Authority for $10.

“I think this is a great project for one of the last few remaining large parcels at Fort Ben,” said council member Tom Shevlot, who represents District 5. “The whole idea behind establishing the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority is to seek out opportunities and projects that adds value to the property while maintaining the integrity of the orig inal purpose, and so this particular project, in my opinion, fits perfectly within the scope of the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority as well as the needs of the community.”

Local businessman celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By Chris Bavender news@currentinfishers.com

Fishers’ businessman Tom O’Neil has been called a trailblazer for his work in the Hispanic business

grow, and vice versa.”

His passion for improving the community comes from knowing that the “stronger the whole community, from minority to ma jority, the healthier the environment is for everyone,” he said.

Home is where the people are.

BUSINESS

community. From spearheading the Hispanic Business Council, to assisting development of a schol arship fund for Hispanic children to co-founding the first Indianapolis Latino Expo, his work has been transformative. Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15.

“There is certainly a better understand ing of the size and scope of the Hispanic business community because of the work through the Business Council, which formed in the early 2000s as part of the IndyChamber,” said O’Neil, CEO and chair man of Officeworks. “Our group of Hispanic business owners stepped up, and our goal was to make Main Street aware of Hispanic businesses that were small and wanted to

“If you get too narrow in your fo cus, there are certain segments left out,” O’Neil said. “We want to be able to create an environment where ev eryone has the opportunity to thrive and be sustainable, and I think that helps everyone in the long run.”

That is why he believes Hispanic Heritage Month is so important.

“It makes the rest of the population aware of the Hispanic heritage, culture and business opportunities,” O’Neil said. “At the same time, months such as Hispanic Her itage Month help others become aware of cultures in their midst, which strengthens the entire community.”

As for the future, O’Neil is excited to watch the “great work” being done by the Indiana Latino Institute’s Leadership Circle.

BIKE SHARE LAWRENCETour

Monday, October 17 from 2-4p.m.

RSVP today by calling 317.823.6841, Ext. 5380

e ultimate in worry-free living: a gracious apartment at Westminster Village North. With all the amenities, all the advantages, all the security, and none of the maintenance. And the caring sta and amazing friends you’ll meet here— the people who truly make this place your home.

Want to know more? Come to our open house. We can’t wait to see you.

11050 Presbyterian Dr. • Indianapolis, IN 46236 • 317.823.6841 • WestminsterVillage.com

A Not-for-pro t Continuing Care Retirement Community

Rentals now include FREE entry to Fort Harrison State Park.

O’Neil

DISPATCHES

Lawrence North Graduate serves in Navy — Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Miller, an Indianapolis, Indiana, native is one of those sailors.Miller graduated from Lawrence North High School in 2015. Miller currently serves as a construc tion mechanic with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi.Miller comes from a military family that have served the United States for generations.“My great-grandfather and grandfather both served in the Navy,” said Miller. “My other grandfather served in the Army. I also have a cousin who served in the Army and one who served as a Marine. They showed me how much the military could be beneficial to starting out a career.”

Princess Program applications — The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2023 500 Festival Princess Program. Applications are available at 500Festival.com/ Princess. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023. The program provides 33 women from Indiana colleges and universities with the opportunity to make an impact during their college years as ambassadors of the 500 Festival.

OneZone Women’s Summit — Thursday Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be the first annual OneZone Women’s Summit presented by Krieg DeVault. The event will be held at FORUM Event Center, located at 11313 USA PKWY in Fishers. Throughout the day, participants will hear from various women in leadership with diverse backgrounds

sharing their stories.

Salvation Army volunteer opportunities — The Salvation Army of Indianapolis is looking for volunteers for the Coats for Kids event on Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Families who wish to register to receive coats for their kids can visit centralusa.salva tionarmy.org/indiana/coats-for-kids/. Volunteers are also needed for this event. Oct. 10-14 people can help with set up from 9 a.m. to noon and 1p.m. to 4 p.m. On distribution day, Oct. 15, assistance will be needed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Kathy Dalla Costa with the Salvation Army at kathy.dallacosta@usc. salvationarmy.org.

Indiana’s leader in heart care

Appointments available with doctors who listen

Are you out of breath when climbing stairs? Or have you noticed a heart flutter? Start a conversation with a cardiologist at Ascension St. Vincent about your heart health, or to get a personalized care plan or second opinion. From screenings to advanced heart care, including minimally invasive surgery, or help managing a chronic condition, choose leading heart care with locations across Indiana.

• Top cardiologists and care teams caring for more hearts than any other health system in Indiana

• Indiana’s most comprehensive valve and structural heart program offering the least invasive surgical options

• The largest heart transplant program and cardiac surgery program in the state

• Cardiovascular specialists part of a national team of heart care doctors

Schedule an appointment at ascension.org/StVincentHeart

Franki Henriques, right, a volunteer handler with Mas sachusetts-based Search Dogs North east, and her blood hound, Diamond, work with Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nate Biddle to follow the scent of a person hiding in the woods during a Sept. 27 training exercise. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Bloodhounds descend on Hamilton County for training

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Clear skies and crisp fall air in central In diana provided just the right conditions for Michael Sarvich to enjoy a week off from his job as an Amazon delivery driver.

in some states (although Indiana is not one of them). For those reasons, they are often used to follow trails of missing people or suspects on the run.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

He spent the time away in Hamilton County with his search-and-rescue partner, Joey, a 4-year-old bloodhound.

“People who don’t do this, they go on cruises, or they’re over in Europe,” Sarvich said. “My vacations are spent in a car with a dog in the woods.”

Sarvich and Joey, who live in Indianapolis and volunteer with the North Star Interna tional K9 Training Association, were among 15 teams from across the nation that partic ipated Sept. 25-29 in the second bloodhound seminar organized by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. During the week, the teams visited several sites throughout the county to practice trailing techniques and gathered in the evenings for dinner and discussion.

HCSO held its inaugural bloodhound semi nar in 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions closed a similar event held in Virginia to out-ofstate handlers. Indiana’s COVID-19 measures were not as strict at the time, allowing teams to attend from across the nation.

Neal Hoard, a HCSO deputy and seminar host, said the inaugural event went so well that HCSO plans to continue hosting it for the foreseeable future.

Bloodhounds have more scent receptors in their noses than any other dog breed, and their trailing work is so reliable it is permitted to be used as evidence in court

“They’ve been bred for this. They’re very ef ficient,” Hoard said. “They’re not agile. They’re made for straight lines and long distances.”

Hoard and his bloodhound, Maudie, are one of the few in central Indiana employed by a law enforcement agency. Some of the seminar participants work in law enforce ment, including a team from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Hoard said, but the majority — like Sarvich — are volunteers.

Most volunteer bloodhound handlers purchase their own dogs, and they continue to fund expenses related to their care and training. They’re typically on call 24 hours a day and must be willing to head out to a case at a moment’s notice.

It’s not always easy, Sarvich said, but it’s worth the effort.

“We show up at someone’s house at probably one of the worst moments of their lives. Their family member is missing, and they don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “We show up to try to help.”

Franki Henriques, a volunteer with Search Dogs Northeast, traveled 15 hours from the Boston area with her 7-year-old bloodhound, Diamond, to attend the seminar. They also participated in 2021, and Henriques said the experience was “priceless.”

“We actually get to work alongside law enforcement, so we are training exactly the way they would train,” said Henriques, who works full time as a pet groomer. “When we are deployed, we can follow the same pro tocol and procedures that law enforcement would want us to take.”

Meet Indiana Senate District 31 candidates

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Senate District 31 is a highly con tested race that covers parts of Fishers and Lawrence. The incumbent, Republican Kyle Walker, has served District 31 since 2020. His opponent, Jocelyn Vare, became the first Democrat elected to the Fishers City council in 2019. District 31 extends from 146th street to as far as 63rd street and stretches from Atlantic Road to the White River.

Kyle Walker

Name: Kyle Walker

Age: 45

Education: B.S., Busi ness Management, Indiana Wesleyan University

Occupation: Execu tive Vice President, MO Strategies

City of residence: Lawrence

Walker

Immediate family: Wife, Jennifer. Sons, Chase and Cameron

Previous political experience: City of Lawrence Council, 2004-2008 Website or best way for voters to reach

you: WalkerForIndiana.com

Why do you want to run for office? I’m running to help strengthen our economy, bring more, good-paying jobs to our region, keep taxes low, reduce the cost of living, increase public safety, support our public schools and improve the quality of life for all residents in the district. As senator, I’ve listened closely to residents and my votes reflect the majority of residents’ views. I’m dedicated to making a difference and being the most effective voice for residents, fami lies and businesses here.

What are your qualifications for this office? As a small business owner, I un derstand what it takes to start and grow a business. I’m passionate about fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and making it easier for businesses to grow and thrive. I also have past experience in local government working to improve infra structure, drive investment and strengthen our cities. As senator, I authored several successful pieces of legislation that will in crease public safety and strengthen econom ic development and job growth in our region.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? I’m focused on

delivering common sense leadership for our district. I will continue to support fiscally responsible policies, balanced state budgets and low taxes. I’m also focused on acceler ating economic development and bringing high-paying jobs of the future to our dis trict. Additionally, I’ve led and will continue to lead efforts to strengthen public safety, support and appropriately fund our public schools and improve quality of life in our communities.

What sets you apart from other can didates for this office? I have a proven record of passing legislation in the Senate and delivering results for our district. I au thored the second most bills that passed in 2022. I’ve led successful efforts to reduce crime, support law enforcement and first responders, and attract investment and de velopment to our region. I’ve also effectively secured funding for programs important to the success of our community, including the IoT Lab in Fishers which is accelerating local entrepreneurship.

How long have you lived in your district? I’ve lived in what I know to be the past or current boundaries of the district my en tire life except when I was away for college.

Something you want people to know about you? I take my responsibility of rep resenting people seriously. I listen to resi dents then I lead and vote to represent the views of the district. I focus on issues that matter most to people and on actions I can take to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I strive to be a commonsense leader and the most effective voice for our suburban dis trict. I will always prioritize doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.

Jocelyn Vare

Age: 52

Education: B.A., Butler University

Occupation: Founder/ owner of Propeller Market ing, a 20-year-old Fishers advertising agency that specializes in tourism and economic development for Indiana communities.

City of residence: Fishers

Immediate family: A son (27), a daughter (25) and a dog (shih tzu-poodle).

Continued on Page 9

Previous political experience: I am an at-large member of the Fishers City Council, elected in 2019.

Website or best way for voters to reach you: JocelynVareForIndiana.com

Why do you want to run for office? I want to serve you. You may have never voted for a Democrat before. That’s OK. But Indiana’s state government has never been this extreme before. Instead of working to improve Hoosiers’ lives, Indiana’s GOP su permajority is making life harder for all of us. I am running to provide better represen tation, real transparency and more balance. As a sensible Democrat with a proven track record of service, I am asking for your sup port and trust.

What are your qualifications for this office? I’ve been elected by the people of Fishers to serve the community. Now, the entire City of Fishers is in one State Senate district for the first time. You deserve a ded icated, proven voice to represent you in the statehouse. I am proud of my record as a representative who is accessible, engaged, open-minded, inviting and brave enough to stand up to a supermajority when they are too extreme or like to work behind closed doors.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? Repeal Indiana’s extreme abortion ban; pass sensible gun legislation, including the repeal of “permit less carry”; strengthen our public schools.

What sets you apart from other candi dates for this office? I will fight to repeal Indiana’s abortion ban. My opponent advo cated to further restrict women’s access to abortion care. I am a designated “Gun Sense Candidate,” which means you can count on me to fight for sensible gun legislation. My opponent is not. I’ll work to strengthen Indiana public schools and ensure that tax payer funds are dedicated to public school needs and addressing the teacher shortage, not funneled into private/charter schools without accountability.

How long have you lived in your dis trict? Twenty-four years

Something you want people to know about you?

If you live in Fishers or Geist and believe that our state needs a course correction, please know that I am the only State Senate candidate on your ballot with a record of moderating a supermajority. On Fishers City Council, I have worked with a GOP super majority to deliver solutions for neighbors.

I also know how to hold a supermajority accountable when it is out of control.

COLUMNIST SHARES LAUGHS WITH NEWCOMERS CLUB

From left, columnist Dick Wolfsie joins Newcom ers Club of Carmel board members Sally Ulrich, Cindy Garloch and Barbara Needleman at the club’s Sept. 15 luncheon. Wolfsie, whose work appears in Cur rent and is syndicated in other media outlets, spoke to the club about laughter. The Newcomers Club of Carmel is a nonprofit social club open to those living in Carmel and surrounding communities, whether they are new to the area or long time residents looking to meet new friends. It offers dozens of group activities and holds monthly coffee meetings for prospective members and a monthly luncheon with a featured speaker. Learn more at Car melNewcomers.com. (Photo courtesy of the Newcomers Club of Carmel)

Cathedral High School

Cathedral High School

Cathedral High School open house

open house

open house

FINANCING FOR 12 MONTHS

DISPATCHES

40% Off

Free

Fall-a-palooza set for Oct. 25 — Fall-apalooza will kick off the fall season Oct. 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the Fishers District, located at 9713 District North Drive in Fishers. Fish ers District, a mixed- use dining, entertain ment, retail and residential development will host their version of a fall festival at The Yard. The festival will include live music by local polka band “Indy Polkamotion,” a live pumpkin carving demonstration, face painting, performances by magician Daniel Lusk and a stilt walker. Apple cider will be available while supplies last and kids will be able to paint miniature pumpkins and par ticipate in other fall related activities.

Brighton Hospice looking for volunteers Brighton Hospice is looking for volunteers to help our office staff perform a variety of office duties such as organizing admission paperwork, filing, preparing and sending mail, answering phones, stocking supplies and helping with special projects and events. Hours and days for this volunteer opportunity are flexible and training will be provided. To learn more about this opportu nity please contact, Katresha Taylor, Volun teer Coordinator at by calling 317-798-2160 or by email at ktaylor@brightonhospice.com.

Studebaker named re gional sales manager with Centier Bank - West field resident Ben Stude baker has been named by Centier Bank as regional sales manager and will oversee the greater In dianapolis and Lafayette markets.

Fishers Wrestling– Fishers Wrestling Sea son is set to run Oct. 31- Jan. 11 2023. It costs $250 to register for the season and includes a shirt, shorts and singlet. For more infor mation or to sign up, visit https://docs.

Fishers State of the City announced– Fish ers will hold its state of the city address Nov. 17 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center. OneZone Chamber an nounced that IU Health will be the present ing sponsor. Guests will hear from Mayor Fadness and then join in the first ever VIP Reception afterwards, which will cost $50 to attend and will include live music, appe tizers and drinks.

Studebaker

Artist rendering of the proposed multi-use, five-story building at the corner of 56th street between Law rence Village Parkway and Melner Drive in the center of Fort Ben. (Rendering courtesy of the city of Lawrence / Keystone Contruction)

Council approves $70M multiuse development for Fort Ben

news@currentzionsville.com

The Common Council of Lawrence unani mously voted Oct. 3 to approve construction of an approximately $70 million multi-use development that will be the first of its kind in the city.

The five-story mixed-use building will include 248 luxury apartments with 25,000 square feet of retail, office or other com mercial space. The city said that the part nership between the Indianapolis-based developer Keystone Group, the City of Lawrence, the Mayor’s Office and the Fort

Harrison Reuse Authority will work togeth er to bring the development to the City of Lawrence.

The project will be paid for through bonds and residents will not see a tax increase. Keystone Group bought the land from the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority for $10.

“We are delighted to have Keystone Group as part of the Lawrence community. The addi tion of this mixed-use development will bring new businesses and restaurants to Lawrence for our residents and visitors to enjoy while helping meet the housing needs in our grow ing city,” Mayor Steve Collier stated.

Buy a New Air Conditioner and...

The Furnace is FREE

Schedule Now! Before The Deal Ends

SIGN UP FOR YOUR MORNING BRIEFING

Get free

and

Sign up at

WHS sophomore’s golfing skills continue to grow

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School sophomore Addi Kooi has only played competitive golf for three years, but she is rapidly developing on the girls golf team.

“She’s had an incredi ble season,” Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said. “Her game is blossom ing before our very eyes. She plays tennis on West field’s team. We love having multiple-sport athletes. She’s a competitor.”

Kooi finished in a two-way tie for fourth place with a 154 total in the IHSAA State Finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. She shot 79 in the Sept. 30 opening round and 75 in the Oct. 1 final round.

Kooi battled windy conditions in the sec ond round.

“The front nine was a challenge. We had a few shots that didn’t go our way,” Kooi said. “You have to work for every shot out here, and being patient really helped.”

Kooi said she learned some things from

MEET ADDI KOOI

Favorite athlete: Roger Federer

Favorite subject: Science/math’

Favorite TV show “The Office”

the first round, as far as where to place the ball.

“I definitely could have shot lower (than 75),” Kooi said. “I made a few mistakes.”

Bryant said she handled adversity very well during the state finals.

Kooi said she has improved the most in her short game.

“It saved me a lot of strokes getting up and down,” Kooi said.

Addi Kooi finished tied for fourth Oct. 1 in the IHSAA state finals. (Photo courtesy of Addi Kooi)

Kooi’s teammate, junior Samantha Brown, was one shot behind with a 78-77 for a 155 total. Westfield finished seventh as a team. “(Brown) pushes me so much,” Kooi said. “This is the first time I’ve ever beaten her.

She’s made me such a better player to see how she works and (how) she hits the ball. She’s a phenomenal player. It’s definitely impacted my play and got me to this level.”

Brown, who has committed to play for Purdue University’s women’s golf team, and Kooi both earned all-state honors from the Indiana State Golf Coaches Association.

“Sam was the leading all-state points getter,” Bryant said. “The crazy thing about Sam is, she was 14-under par for the season cumulatively.”

Kooi has been playing tennis since she was little. She played No. 3 varsity singles for the Shamrocks as a freshman last season.

“I’m leaning more toward trying to play golf in college,” she said. “But I love tennis and I will play throughout high school. I think I’ve gravitated more to golf, and it is more of my passion now.”

Kooi’s mother, Keri Grossman, played college tennis at the University of Southern Illinois and her father, Jeff Kooi, played basketball at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.

“My dad started golfing when he was young and he taught us all,” Kooi said.

When a brain, spine, or nerve issue puts the activities that make your life worth living at risk, we can help. Hear about our patients’ successes at GoodmanCampbell.com.

Kooi

Meet the Lawrence Schools District 2 candidates

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

Patricia Brenamen, Marta Lawrence, Nicole Sledge and Janet Jacobs are running for the MSDLT District 2 school board seat. District 2 encompasses the northwest part of the district from 96th Street to 56th Street. Incumbent Richard Freije of District 2 is not seeking reelection.

Patricia Coutinho Brenamen

Age: 38

Education: Two masters/ graduate degree: MBA and Master of Accounting

Occupation: Director of Trust and Corporate Opera tions with the Indiana Dept. of Revenue.

City of residence: Lawrence/Indianapolis

Brenamen

How long have you resided in your school board district: Twelve years

Immediate family: I am a Brazilian Im migrant, so my family isn’t around full time. My husband is from a small town in Indiana and came to Indianapolis in middle school.

He graduated from Warren Central. We have three children -- one in Forest Glen, one in Amy Beverland and the youngest one will be in Amy Beverland ELC next year.

Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: I haven’t set it up yet, but I plan on joining facebook and creating a page.

Previous political experience: None.

Why do you want to run for school board? My kids are in the school system, and I love Lawrence. We’ve had a wonderful ex perience with Forest Glen and navigating the special needs world. I want to ensure others know what Lawrence has to offer and also seek ways to improve access to all, including not-native speakers.

What are your qualifications for this office? I am Latinx and have immigrated to the U.S. calling the U.S. home for most of my adult life. My background is in accounting and finance, I have experience with budget ing, decision-making and strategic planning. Most importantly, I have kids in two different schools within the district. I believe my expe riences within the school and outside of the school will make it easier for me relate to the community and learn ways best serve the community and seek improvements.

What are the top three issues that your campaign will focus on? I don’t have an agenda. My goal is to listen to the voice of the people within the community to help improve in areas of need and to continue to focus on diversity and inclusion while maintaining the schools a safe place for our educators and students.

How do you believe public school dis tricts should address diversity, equity and inclusion matters? I believe we all bring special talents to the table and focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion will not only make our schools stronger but also make the future of our community stronger. Change begins with education. Learning has changed forever with the pandemic and racial divide in the past few years, we must model a place of love and acceptance to ensure all students feel like they can be themselves and be part of the Lawrence community.

Marta Lawrence

Age: 42 Education: Bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies at Miami University, currently en rolled in graduate courses in Organizational Behavior at Harvard

Occupation: Director of Solutions Strate gy at Salesforce

City of residence: Indianapolis

How long have you resided in your school board district: More than 16 years

Immediate family: Greg (husband for 17 years), Ben nett (12, 7th grade at Fall Creek Valley), Sage (10, 5th grade at Amy Beverland), Mavis (4, will be in Kinder garten at Amy Beverland next fall)

Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: Lawrence4Lawrence.com

Previous political experience: None Why do you want to run for school board? I decided to run for District 2 be cause I saw an opportunity to build on the work I’ve done over the last six years as a member of the Lawrence Township Founda tion Board and make an even greater impact on the students, families, teachers, and staff of Lawrence Township. As the district continues to rebound from the impact of

THE

CARTOONISTS

& PAULA

ANGÉLIQUE

the pandemic, the work of the Board will be even more critical and I’m up for that

What are your qualifications for this office? I’ve served as a member of the Lawrence Township Foundation for six years and led marketing efforts for the referendum. Professionally I lead strategic efforts for the Salesforce Marketing Cloud selling team where I drive efficiency and effectiveness for our multi-billion-dollar organization. I am a trusted advisor to our senior executives, and I have a reputation for being able to solve big problems others can’t. That’s the type of experience we need to lead our district forward.

What are the top 3 issues that your campaign will focus on? If I am elected to the school board, my approach will focus on three key pillars: commitment to the growth of every student, preparing students for the economy of the future, being a transparent voice for the community, students, teach ers, administrators, and staff.

How do you believe public school dis tricts should address diversity, equity and inclusion matters? Lawrence Township is one of the most diverse schools in the state. Not only are we racially diverse, but we are also diverse in terms of socioeco nomics and in learner interest and level. Fo cusing on the growth of the individual stu dent is key. We must examine low-achieving and low-growth groups and support these students’ success with attainable goals.

Name: Janet Jacobs Education: BSed, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio; MSed, Butler University, Reading

Occupation: Retired teacher

City of residence: Lawrence, Chesapeake subdivision

How long have you resided in your school board district: More than 25 years

Immediate family: Three children, all Lawrence Central graduates, seven grand children, two in Lawrence Township schools Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: facebook.com/oujacobs

Previous political experience: None What are your qualifications for this office? Simply put, education has been my life’s work. Teaching, mentoring, and advo cating for children is not only what I did in my career but who I am as a person. My background as a Title I teacher and coor

dinator prepared me by exposing me to all of the aspects of public education. I have written grants, prepared budgets, worked with the State Department of Education when writing School Improvement Plans, and in ISTEP testing. I’ve also provided pro fessional development to teachers, collab orated across districts, and attended state meetings to promote literacy.

What are the top 3 issues that your campaign will focus on? Parental involve ment, achievement gap, and attracting and retaining the best teachers.

Nichole Sledge

Age: 45

Education: BS Finance, Masters in Public Adminis tration (MPA). Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT)

Occupation: Education, Director of Student Services

City of residence: Indianapolis

How long have you resided in your school board district: 2 years

Website or best way for voters to learn more about you: committetoelectnich olesledge.org

Previous political experience (please include any elected office sought): NA

Why do you want to run for school board? I am running for MSD Lawrence Township Board of Education District#2. As a board member, I want to continue champion ing equity and culture initiatives by elevating the voices of all stakeholders, increasing rigorous course offerings throughout the dis trict, refining the teacher evaluation system, and ensuring policies substantiate the mis sion and vision of MSD Lawrence Township.

What are your qualifications for this office? I have a strong belief that education is a great engine of personal development. With that, I moved away from corporate America, I joined Teach for America in 2018 and cur rently work as an Administrator for a middle school in INDYs Martindale-Brightwood com munity. I am a parent of an MSD Lawrence Township student, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools, our students, and our teachers. Because I am an educator, I feel I can give valuable input to the board. Investing in our youth, public service work ers, and community is essential.

What are the top 3 issues that your campaign will focus on? It is my top prior ity to ensure that each student is served in the best capacity based on their individual needs; understanding that providing support to our school employees is the foundation for student success.

Jacobs

Sledge

COVER STORY

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

When Steve Collier was 55, he thought it was time to retire after serving a combined 33 years as a social studies teacher, dean of students, athletics director and coach at Lawrence North High School.

A lifelong Lawrence resident, Collier — who is winding down the second of his two terms as the city’s mayor — has always had a strong connection to the community, which is why in 2011 he became a city council member. It was supposed to be a good transition into retirement while continuing to give him something to do. He never planned on running for mayor. But in 2015, Collier, a Republican, was elected the seventh mayor of Lawrence.

“I’m not a very good retired person. I don’t do well when I don’t have something to do,” Collier said, laughing. “Running for mayor was not really something I’d ever set my sights on. I would say sometimes I was a reluctant leader. I mean, I never really sought the job, but when I take a job, I’m go ing to do the best I can.”

Now, after nearly eight years in office, Collier has decided it’s time to retire for good. He announced Sept. 20 that he would not seek a third term as mayor.

In his announcement, he thanked his wife, Chris, and his staff, who he considers “lifetime friends.” Collier also said that he is taking time to “finally consider (his) family.”

Collier said he is leaving the city in good hands, as he is publicly endorsing Republican Dave Hofmann, who an nounced his candidacy Sept. 22.

Collier has been talking to Hofmann, the current deputy mayor, about seeking the office for several months. Before serving as deputy mayor, Hofmann was appointed chief of staff of the City of Lawrence in March. Prior to that, he served six years as chief of the Lawrence Police Dept. He is a Lawrence resident and has lived in the city for more than 25 years.

Hofmann lauded Collier’s service during his time as mayor and said he would try to set his own path while building on Collier’s successes, if elected.

“(Collier’s) had two four-year terms as mayor, and in those eight years, he will have overseen just some really amazing growth, progress and accomplishments in the City of Lawrence, and I will not even attempt to fill his shoes. That would be very, very difficult,” Hofmann said. “But if I can make him proud when he looks back and sees the things that I’m continuing, and that under my leadership our city is doing (well), would be the ultimate level of my success as mayor.”

Collier credits virtually all of his mayoral success to his team, only taking credit for hiring good employees who work to help fulfill his vision for the city.

“You’ll hear me often talk about how I have a great team, and that’s really the only reason why we do so well,” Collier

said. “So, while I get a lot of credit for all this, it’s really all my team. I’ll take credit for hiring the right people.”

Longtime resident and Collier’s executive assistant Mary Jo Rothenbush has worked for Collier since 2016, first as an administrative assistant before stepping into her current role. She said she has seen the city grow tremendously since Collier took office. She also said Collier’s coaching background has helped in his role as mayor.

“I think his former coaching has really been instrumen tal in him developing his team because he has that team mentality. And so, for me, it’s been wonderful to work with him because he allows everyone to do what they need to do and to give 150 percent,” Rothenbush said. “He’s very, very hands-on. He’s there every minute of every day, and he’s just tireless in his pursuit of keeping Lawrence moving forward.”

Collier said his retirement plans include spending time with his “best friend,” Chris — his wife of 44 years — and his six grandchildren.

Collier said he believes that the city is on an upward tra jectory comparable to nearby municipalities.

“I believe the city will continue to move rapidly toward our rightful place along progressive cities like Fishers and Noblesville, our neighbors to the north,” Collier said. “My sincere hope is that the positive trajectory that the city is experiencing will continue and even expand.”

As for his time as mayor and the legacy he leaves behind, well, Collier said that is up to history to decide.

“I’d almost like to have somebody define (my legacy) when I leave,” Collier said. “The bottom line is that I left the city in a much better position than when I took over, and most of that is due to my amazing staff.”

ON THE COVER: Mayor Steve Collier pauses between the American Flag and the City of Lawrence flag outside his office. (Photo by Taylor Dixon)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

City of Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier said he is proud of many projects that have been completed during his two terms in office, including:

Lawrence Police Dept. opening its first standalone headquarters in 2019. The headquarters — the depart ment’s first in its 90-year history — is at 5150 N. Post Rd.

The Fort Benjamin Cultural Campus opened in the summer of 2021 and is the new site at the Fort Ben Farmers Market. The 1 1/2-acre Cultural Campus at 8950 Otis Ave. is home to the Arts for Lawrence Cen ter and the city’s first musical swings. The campus also has an amphitheater, visual arts center and the renovated Theater at the Fort.

Replacing and updating city and law enforcement vehicles was another of Collier’s proudest accom plishments. He said when he took office, many fire department vehicles had bald tires. Last year, the city updated all its fire vehicles. Collier said the city tries to replace about a quarter of its police vehicles each year. LFD Chief Dino Batalis paused b a new firetruck.

Steve Collier reflects on his eight years as Lawrence mayor

(Photo provided by the city of Lawrence)

Mayor Steve Collier pauses outside his office. (Photo by Taylor Dixon)

ESSAY

Ready to roll?

Commentary by Terry Anker

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 did not arrive at its des tination. Most Americans recall without prompting the events of that day. Ag grieved radicals, making a point of their dissatisfaction with our society, decided to teach us a lesson in the form of mass murder. With most tragedy, there are tales of heroism. There are stories of the best of us to counter the obvious exam ples of the worst. In coming to know that their lives were surely to be soon taken, a group of daring passengers refused to go silently into that good night. They refused to allow the villains to reap the full pleasure of their heinous acts. In rushing the cockpit, they’d either take control of the guided missile upon which they found themselves or drive it into the open fields below. Their sacrifice might allow others to survive.

Even as he headed to his own execu tion, Todd Beamer entreated the cellular operator to call his young wife and say that he loved her. It must have resem bled an epic moment from a modern re make of “Romeo and Juliet.” At home, Lisa Beamer must have clung to their young sons, 3-year-old David and baby Drew. Leading the resistance, Todd dropped the phone and was last heard to proclaim, “OK, let’s roll.”

Life is filled with many moments of both importance and inconsequence. They come to us as we are — ready or not. Sure, not having our car keys in hand as we walk through a darkened shopping center parking lot is likely inconsequen tial. Or it may predict our demise at the hand of an armed robber. Can we prepare after the fact, or do we have to be ready to roll when life demands it? What is the price if we choose not to be?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

— WILLIAM JAMES

HUMOR

Gravely behind in decorating

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Oh, it’s on. I drove by my neighbor the other day as she was setting up Halloween decorations in her front yard. With weeks to go before the greatest and most perfect holiday of the year, she’s already fooling around with purple twinkle lights, Styrofoam tombstones, and what looked to be a new inflatable. How dare she! I have not yet mentally nor physically prepared for my own elaborate display of zombies, witches, a pumpkin-head man and various incar nations of demon-possessed Regans and Carol Annes. But now she’s thrown down the gauntlet. I cannot have her house up and ready while mine still bears the boring décor of fall mums and pretty green September grass.

I’ll have to start with the big-ticket items, which means hauling close to a dozen life-size animatronics and skele tons from our basement room of horrors up the stairs, out through the garage and onto the lawn. I’ll then spend an hour or so on each “tableau,” arranging them in either unsettling or humorous scenes involving cauldrons, lawnmow ers and spider-infested tea parties to eventually construct a veritable wonder land of evil. Next up is the arbor entry way, a cheap metal apparatus held to gether only by duct tape and my sheer force of will. The electrical comes last, which, depending on the weather and if I can locate enough splitters, extension cords, and green floods, could take any where from one day to several. I’m not that far from Lowe’s, but each trip takes precious time!

My gung-ho neighbor may have gotten the jump on me this glorious Halloween season, but not for long. Be cause it’s on.

Peace out.

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.

Danielle

The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.

Smashing tale of a lost cellphone

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

On my way to pickleball last Saturday, I realized I didn’t have my cellphone with me. I panicked, but as I admitted in a previous column, my phone is never really lost, it is simply — to coin a new application for a perfectly good word — “unfounded.”

I knew when I arrived home it would be exactly where I left it, which is usually where you find things.

I remembered load ing the car with my stuff: gym bag, sun glasses, hat, paddle and … the phone. It must be in the car, I thought. I pulled over, got out, and looked between the seats, under the seats and in all the side compartments.

has a magnet on the back of the case) on the car’s roof and sped away. Your watch tracked the phone as you drove. The phone remained secure until you hit a pothole at 111th and Westfield. In a nanosecond, it was dislodged and bounced into the street.”

After I thanked Sherlock, I left to buy a new phone.

I showed the destroyed phone to the salesman.

“Isn’t the protective case guaranteed?”

“It was completely smashed to smithereens. I retrieved it and went home, clueless as to how this had all happened.

– DICK WOLFSIE

I said.

“Yes, 100 percent guaranteed.”

“But the phone is smashed.”

“Sir, we guaran teed the case, not the phone.”

I explained how embarrassed I was.

I got back in the car and headed for the gym.

At the first stoplight, I activated the “Find My Phone” app on my Apple Watch. It said the phone was at 96th and Lantern Road. So was I! When I turned west, the watch said the cell was at 96th and Gray Road. Me, too! A few minutes later, we were both at 106th and Westfield.  Obviously, the phone was in my car. But where?

The last time I checked the app, it said the phone was at 111th and Westfield. I played my pickleball games and bee-lined back to that address afterward. Sure enough, there was my phone — smack dab in the middle of the street, and except for the protective case, it was completely smashed to smithereens. I retrieved it and went home, clueless as to how this had all happened.

My wife’s analysis: “Loading the car with your hands full, you placed the phone (which

THE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

“Oh, don’t be,” he said. “I’ve had several customers who drove over their phones.”

I said, “I did not run over my own phone. Someone else did it for me.”

The tech guys shared other cellphone misadventures.

“Years ago, I had a customer,” said one employee, “who forgot he had set his phone in the freezer while he needed both hands to retrieve a stuck ice cream container from the back.”

That made everyone laugh. Except me. It was a very painful memory. I searched for hours to find that cellphone. And my screen was frozen the rest of the day.

Check my Facebook page for photo of my phone.

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

Hip and knee replacement: What to expect from your care team

Commentary by Dr. Leonard Buller

Getting a knee or hip replaced is a surgery that can improve an individual’s quality of life dramatically. Through out the entire process, from before surgery to the recovery stage, the patient’s care team will be there every step of the way.

ORTHOPEDICS

What happens before surgery?

The patient’s doctor will determine if surgery is necessary by taking X-rays. From there, the doctor can get a closer look and decide if surgery is the right path. Patients are encouraged to try other alternatives to limit pain before deciding on surgery. Options include exercise, over-the count er-medications, steroid injections, bracing, acupuncture, weight loss, or activity mod ifications. It is also vital that the patient’s health is evaluated with blood tests and sometimes a chest X-ray prior to surgery.

What happens during surgery?

A hip or knee replacement can last one

to two hours, while the patient is under general anesthesia. For a hip replacement, the surgeon will remove the damaged bone, tissue and cartilage from the hip joint. Then, the “ball-and-socket” part of the hip is re placed with artificial parts (typically metal rods) that will allow the hip joints to work properly and smoothly. For a knee replace ment, the surgeon will make an incision on the front or side of the knee to access the joint. The surgeon will then remove the damaged bone, tissue, or cartilage and re place the area with a new (manmade) joint.

What happens after surgery?

The patient’s movement will be extremely limited post-surgery. Patients can expect to be prescribed medication for pain. Following the surgery, a therapist may help with move ments and exercises to regain movement, momentum and recovery. Patients may be in the hospital anywhere from two to four days. It is vital to make sure the patient has a caregiver available to help them. Also, the patient should make sure they have enough groceries and prepared meals. Creating a designated area with easy-to-reach items and a plan for washing/bathing is also important. Patients should also make sure floors are walkable. Anything that may cause a tripping/falling hazard must be moved.

At IU Health Saxony, the care team will be there to answer any questions and help to make this process as seamless as possible. For more information, visit iuhealth.org/ joints or call 317-944-9400.

DISPATCHES

New radiation technique — For patients with cancer of the left breast, radiation therapy can be dangerous because it ex poses the heart and lungs to radiation. New research shows that holding one’s breath during radiation can push those organs out of the way and protect them. A machine assists with the process, so the patient breathes properly.

Source: Practical Radiation Oncology

Dr. Leonard Buller is an orthopedic surgeon at IU Health Saxony — soon to be IU Health Fishers

Genezen opens new headquarters in Fishers

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

On Sept. 29, Gov. Eric Holcomb joined Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness to welcome Genezen, a biotechnology and life sciences business, to its new headquarters. The busi ness started in 2014 at Launch Fishers and recently moved to a large manufacturing facility at 9900 Westpoint Dr. in FIshers.

GROWTH

In November 2021, Genezen announced plans to invest $40 million to lease and up grade its facility and create 62 new jobs at the 75,000-square-foot building.

Holcomb spoke on the growth of the life sciences industry in Indiana and lauded Fishers for its growth and recent announce ments in development.

“I’ve always known that there is a Fish ers airport here locally, but I think it’s really a Fishers launching pad created here

by Mayor Fadness,” Holcomb said. “Many companies are deciding, rightly so, to come here for good reasons. (Fishers is) a busi ness-friendly, family-friendly community, friendly place to be, and that speaks to the high quality of life that the (Genezen) team here is able to enjoy inside these walls and outside close by.

“This is a noble cause, and we’re just so proud to have you and your mission here at Genezen on fertile Hoosier soil. “

Fadness said he has seen Genezen grow from a small company working out of Launch Fishers to becoming a large compa ny in a permanent headquarters.

“I feel like I’m a proud parent to watch Genezen come from its early days to what it is today,” Fadness said.

Genezen CEO Ray Kaczmarek said he is proud of his team and all the company has accomplished since starting in Launch Fishers.

Back, center, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, left, and Gov. Eric Holcomb with Genezen staff at the Sept. 29 grand opening. (Photo by Taylor DIxon)

Carmel Community Players ready to set off ‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Dominic Piedmonte, the theme of “Tick, Tick… Boom!” immediately had an impact.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

“The Addams Family” runs through Nov. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘RENT’

MUSICAL

At first, the Indianapolis resident was unfamiliar with Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical.

“A friend told me about the auditions the day before I auditioned, and so I did a deep dive the night before and fell in love with the show immediately,” Larson said. “I was 29 and turned 30 the week after auditions, so I was incredibly connected to what Jonathan was feeling at the time of my audition.”

Piedmonte will play the role of Jon in the Carmel Community Players’ production of the musical Oct. 14 to 23 at The Switch Theatre, 10029 E. 126 St., Fishers. Larson went on create the musical “Rent” before dying of aortic dissection at age 35 the day of the off-Broadway preview in 1996.

“I really try to capture Jon’s mannerisms in the show, but also a bit of myself since a lot of what this show is talking about is turning 30 and having that feeling of not having done enough with the time that is given to us,” Piedmonte said. “That’s some thing everyone over 30 has experienced at one time or another.”

The biggest challenge for Piedmonte is mastering the lines.

“I’m on stage the entire time and have several monologues that are tricky in their wording because they are literally the writings of what was going through Jona than’s head when he encounters the feel ing of failure, realizations that the world around him feels dystopian, that everyone around him is so much more successful by the societal standards of the ‘90s,” he said. “Being a musician and artist myself as well as a full-time teacher, time just is something I never have enough of it seems. This show honestly really helped me process through some of the turmoil I was struggling with turning 30, and I

really am grateful that I’m given the oppor tunity to share this wonderful show that Jonathan Larson created.”

Like Piedmonte, Ervin Gainer is per forming for Carmel Community Players for the first time. Gainer said what he enjoys about the role is that he can relate to the character in some ways.

“I know what it feels like trying to achieve a dream that just doesn’t pan out in your favor,” said Gainer, who plays Michael. “I know what it feels like to settle for a job that isn’t your dream job/career, but it pays the bills and keeps a roof over your head. I know what it feels like to want love, have a family and be financially secure. Michael wants to live his ‘American dream,’ but it does come with challenges.

He is an openly gay male in corporate America who happens to find out that he is HIV positive at a time where folks left and right were dying of AIDS. To most, getting an HIV positive diagnosis meant a death sentence. You could be alive and well one week but gone the next week.

That is a major struggle for the character throughout the show and it weighs heavy

on his heart. I know how it feels to be openly gay and HIV positive because that is my life. I am thankful that nowadays getting an HIV positive result doesn’t mean a death sentence with all of the HIV medications that are out today.

“I love that this subject matter is touched in the musical. It’s so import ant. HIV stigma is still alive and well, unfortunately.”

Kathleen Horrigan, a Fishers resident, is directing with CCP for the first time. Horri gan said the biggest challenge is also serv ing as a director for the Lawrence Central High School play “You Can’t Take it  With You,” which is set for Nov. 11-13. She is the director of theater for Lawrence Central.

“I directed ‘Rent’ in Indianapolis for Footlite Musicals about 10 years ago and became quite a fan of Jonathan Larson,” Horrigan said. “Then my high school stu dents told me about the movie version of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and once I watched it, I was hooked then. Then I started reading a book about Jonathan Larson’s life and really wanted to direct it.”

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

Civic Theatre’s production of “Rent” will be presented Oct. 22 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘POSTMODERN JUKEBOX’

Scott Bradlee’s “Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘MY NAME IS NOT MOM’

Internet stars Tiffany Jenkins, Meredith Masony and Dena Blizzard will present “My Name is NOT Mom” at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘VOICE OF ROMANCE TOUR’

Johnny Mathis will visit with his ‘Voice of Romance Tour’ at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Palla dium at the Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

EDWARDS TWINS

The Edwards Twins present “The Ultimate Variety Show: Vegas Top Impersonators” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more fein steinshc.com.

Candlelight Theatre hosts ‘Haunted States’

The Candlelight Theatre will present “The Haunted States of America” at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site this month. The actors include Geist resident Donna Wing, who is the Candlelight Theatre creative di rector. The show is set for three weekends, Oct. 14-15, 22-23, 28-29, at the Harrison Pres idential Site, 1230 North Delaware St., India napolis, For more, visit: bhpsite.org/events/ hauntedstatesofamerica/.

From left, Dominic Piedmonte, Margaret Smith and Ervin Gainer appear in “Tick, Tick … Boom!” (Photo courtesy of Carmel Community Players)

‘One Dark Night’ at Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nick Zaza is eager to see how his Hal loween stage extravaganza plays in other markets.

MUSIC

The first one was performed in in 2018 in Akron, Ohio, where Zaza is based. The classically trained rock guitarist has previously played other shows across Ohio.

“One Dark Night…A Rock Symphony of the Macabre” will make its out-of-state debut at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We’re excited because the Palladium is beautiful,” said Zaza, who will perform four shows this month. “That’s the date I’m most looking forward to this year.”

The show will then be in the Pittsburgh area later in the month.

“The show is a celebration of the Gothic classical music from some of the great com posers, Prokofiev, Mozart, Beethoven. The musical element is classical music, rocked up with the band,” Zaza said. “It’s really electrified. We bring in the seasonal Hallow een element. We love the classical Holly

“One Dark Night…A Rock Symphony of the Ma cabre” is set for Oct. 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of Nick Zaza)

wood monsters, Frankenstein and Dracula, but quite possibly, could the real monster be inside of us, the monster within? We have a story that goes through it and great multimedia visuals behind us. It’s really an immersive experience.”

There are actors performing as “haunters” who loom throughout the set and venue,

There is a six-person band for the orches tral rock show and a narrator.

“It seems to be catching on and blowing up,” said Zaza, who also tours with his own band.

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org

Twins bring act to Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Twin brothers Anthony and Eddie Ed wards are not only identical but they share the gift of being mas ter impersonators.

VARIETY SHOW

“We do over 100 lookalikes and soundalikes,” Anthony said. “Every year is a different show. Everything is live. It’s not a drag show.”

“The Edwards Twins and their Ultimate Variety Show” is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael.”

“We started out at the Riviera many years ago,” Anthony said. “We decided to take the show on the road. We’re adding shows ev ery year. It’s been a great journey.”

The twins, based in Las Vegas, perform ap proximately 300 shows a year. They do about 20 different impersonations per show.

“We never usually do this small a theater, but Michael (Feinstein) is a dear friend,” An thony said. “We want to do as many of his showrooms as possible. We’ve been doing his showroom in (Los Angeles) for a very long time. We were in the area. I’m sure it’s a matter of time before we come back,

and we probably have to do two shows (in Carmel).”

Anthony said the show is fast paced and similar to variety shows like “Laugh-In,” “The Sonny and Cher Show” and “The Carol Burnett Show.”

“Carol saw me perform as her in Toronto and we became instant friends,” Anthony said. “Then two weeks later, she was in LA and she saw my brother in ‘La Cage’ and she thought it was me. She said, ‘Why are you guys together? You need to form an act.’ She said she would help any way she can, and she did. The rest is history.”

For more, theedwardstwins.com.

Anthony Edwards performs as Andrea Bocelli during the variety show. (Photo courtesy of the Edwards Twins)

Naraine’s art described as ‘bold’

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

Absolutely one of my favorite local artists is Janie Naraine, known in the art commu nity as JD Naraine. Perhaps that’s why we have several of her pieces confidently hanging on our walls! Her work is very bold and suggestive and can be well described as abstract figurative.

ARTIST

Naraine has been painting all her life and has a degree in fashion design from the University of Cincinnati and loved several classes in the fine art department. For years, she focused on portraits and transi tioned to her present mode about 15 years ago. Most of her work is completed with a live model and then finished back in her studio. Predominantly working in oil and pastel, Naraine also enjoys mixed media influences. She notes, “I play with color and shape and composition, capturing a bit of the essence of the model but also striving for a complete and finished painting.”

I fell in love with her style and work when my design studio was in the Indiana Design Center. Diane Wright featured her work at Coats Wright Art & Design there and

“Face of Many Colors” is displayed at CoatsWright Gallery in the Indiana Design Center

A AA

A A

A A A

A A A

now at her new place at 1057 East 54th St., C3, in south Broad Ripple. Her work also is available at galleries in Naples, Fla. Naraine mentioned how affordable her art is and that she is witnessing a strong movement of people wanting original art. That’s a trend I have experienced as well.

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

BEHIND BARS: ENCHANTED ELIXIR

Ingredients: Empress gin, lychee, lemon, grapefruit and sparkling wine.

Created by Harry & Izzy’s Northside bartender, Jen P.

To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Creepy sound of onomatopoeia

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Most people know what onomatopoeia is, but I’d bet most of them couldn’t spell it! Just ask me. Onomatopoeia, of course, is the naming of a thing based on the sound it makes. I can’t think of a better season to discuss onomatopoeia than Halloween. The word onomatopoeia is a Greek word meaning “the making of a name or word.” We’re all wary of things that go “bump” in the night. Is “bump” an example of ono matopoeia? The answer is: probably. Bump first shows up in the late 16th century as an English word meaning “a protuberance caused by a blow.” We can pretty safely assume that “bump” came from the dull noise made that causes the bump itself. Obviously, there’s the noun “bump” and the verb “bump” as well. Bump’s cousins include thump and thud.

instance of a word formed by the sound it makes. If you give out the “Krackel” candy, you’re likely to be one of the more popular houses on the block.

GRAMMAR GUY

You’ll want to be careful about mysteri ous creatures rustling in your bushes. The word “rustle” means what it sounds like: to emit soft, rapid sounds when in motion.

Does anyone have creaky basement stairs? I do, and they come complete with complimentary cobwebs. Creak shows up in the early 14th century, meaning “to utter a harsh cry.” By the end of the 16th century, the definition evolved to what we think of today — the sound of rusty hinges and old basement stairs.

Keep your ears open this season for spooky things that make creepy noises from which we get imitative, soundalike words. After all, onomatopoeia could be lurking around every corner.

A visit to Boston’s Old Town

Commentary by Don Knebel

What about the sound a nice bonfire makes? The fire crackles, as we say. The word crackle is another good example of onomatopoeia in action. The word “crack” showed up first, and it’s yet another great

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

Aerate and Overseed?

Today, returning from Cape Cod, we visit Boston’s Old Town, so successfully combin ing the best of our past and present that I was induced to “dance” in public.

TRAVEL

In 1630, Puritan settlers established Boston, named for an English coastal town, on an 800-acre peninsula extending into Massachusetts Bay. By 1710, Boston, capi tal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was the largest city in the 13 colonies, with a population of 9,000. In 1713, the colonial government constructed a brick building near the waterfront for meetings of the Massachusetts General Court. Now known as the Old State House, the brick structure replaced a building destroyed by fire. In 1742, Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Boston mer chant and reputed slave trader, built a mar ket house nearby, which he donated to the city. Despite its origins, Faneuil Hall became known as the “Cradle of Liberty” because Samuel Adams, James Otis and others made important speeches in the building support ing independence from England. In 1762, Otis made a speech in the Old State House that inflamed Bostonians against the English. On March 5, 1770, the Old State House was the site of the so-called “Boston Massacre,” in which British troops opened fire on an un ruly crowd, killing five.

Today, the restored Old State House houses a museum. A cobblestone marker in front remembers the Boston Massacre. Nearby, Faneuil Hall, along with Quincy Market and two other markets, constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of the nation’s earliest and most successful urban renewal projects. Since its opening in 1976, street performers have helped make the Market place area one of Boston’s most popular

destinations, attracting 18 million visitors a year. When I was there, five multi-talented African American performers, looking for “seven rich white guys” to teach to dance, pointed to me. What followed was not really dancing, but it was a lot of fun.

Faneuil Hall in Boston, Mass. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

Columnist Don Knebel dances at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston.

Old State House building in Boston.

Downtown Boston’s Quincy Market.

WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Locally

Mr. Handyman of

Zionsville, Carmel and Fishers

1950 E. Greyhound

Christopher Rogers Owner/Operator

Office

Classifieds

NOW HIRING: PAINTERS

We are in need of painters with or without experience Please Call (317) 397-9389 for info

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR SKILLED CARPENTERS!

Looking for job security? Simpson Construction Services has so much work that it must hire five people for residential remodeling NOW. The skilled carpenters we select will have strong abilities in bathroom remodeling, but also with respect to kitchens, decks, basements, wood and tile flooring, doors and windows, interior and exterior painting, drywall, plumbing and electrical, siding and room additions. Again: Only skilled carpenters need apply.

For immediate consideration, call Gary Simpson at 317.703.9575.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

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

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

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

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

PUZZLE ANSWERS – SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Women’s

the Carmel International Arts Festival. Please call Current

and

at 317.489.4444,

Healthcare is bigger than a

make our

why— your focus is our focus.