November 1, 2022 — Lawrence/Geist

Lawrence Common Council discusses raises for elected officials

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The Lawrence Common Council met Oct. 19 in the Public Assembly Room of the Lawrence Government Center. The council discussed the approval of a 5 percent raise for all elected officials, a debate that has been in discussion as part of the annual budgeting process since early July. The council ultimately tabled the discussion for a later meeting.

officials than most others — Fishers, Green field, Carmel,” Douthit said. “When it comes to city government, you get what you pay for.”

GOVERNMENT

Tom Shevlot, who represents District 5, said pay should not be a motivation for those looking to serve.

“No one should want to do this for mon ey,” Shevlot said. “Good people should not want (to serve) just for the pay.”

Deputy Mayor David Hofmann said pay raises for elected officials were needed.

communities.”

Pay increases for elected officials have been a point of debate in the past for the City of Lawrence.

Tyrrell Giles, who represents District 1, said he would prefer the amount he would receive from a pay increase be put toward community enrichment.

“With that increase, it’s what, a few hundred (dollars per year)? I would rather put that towards a new playground or park upkeep,” Giles said.

City Controller Tyler Douthit said a pay increase would draw “quality candidates” to serve the city.

“The city has comparatively lower-paid

“In many ways, our elected officials are no different than the rest of our employees and even the citizens they serve. They have families, bills, expenses such as grocer ies, gas, car payments and mortgages,” Hofmann said. “I believe that reasonable, modest, predictable pay raises should be expected for them, just like other employ ees receive. While it’s true that nobody should ever enter public service for the pay check, it’s also true that a fair living wage should be provided, in keeping with the salaries of elected officials in neighboring

“We hope to avoid an untenable situation like from 2016 to 2020, where the mayor did not receive a pay raise during those four years,” Hofmann said. “Next year will be the second year that Mayor (Steve) Collier will not receive a pay raise if the council decides to deny raises for elected officials. He is the only elected official to be in this condition.”

President At-Large Lisa Chavis suggested lowering the proposed 5 percent increase to 3 percent to negate the necessity for an even higher salary increase in the future.

“If we lowered the proposed percentage to 3 percent, that would keep us from hav ing to approve an increase of 10 or 15 per cent in coming years,” Chavis said.

The council did not vote on the matter and will revisit it the next meeting.

The next Lawrence Common Council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

City Controller Tyler Douthit and Deputy Mayor Dave Hofmann present to the Lawrence Common Council. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

Board Break-a-Thon fundraiser to benefit children’s hospital

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Mark your calendars for the return of Board Break-a-Thon, an annual fundraiser for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascenion St. Vincent conducted by Master Yoo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

The Nov. 5 event, which will be in the Hamilton Southeastern High School gym from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is an exhibition that showcases the ability of Master Yoo’s stu dents for a charitable cause.

The event is open to the public. Master Yoo’s students’ board-breaking skills will be on display, along with many different types of board-breaking techniques. Students will break more than 3,000 boards toward reaching their goal of raising $30,000.

Corporate sponsorships from local busi nesses are also available for the event.

According to Jin Park, director of Master Yoo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, Master Yoo’s

— which has locations in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville — has partnered with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent “in support of the programs and activities that they provide to help those who are physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially challenged and vulnerable.”

Master Yoo’s Board Break-a-Thon has raised more than $162,000 for the cause since 2013.

Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. and will feature advanced student demonstra tions, special presentations and special guests from Peyton Manning Children’s Hos pital at Ascension St. Vincent. Master Yoo’s will accept donations during the event.

“We are confident that our staff and stu dents will put on a crowd-pleasing show and the positive energy for that day will be motivating and inspiring,” Park said.

For more, visit the event website at mas teryootkd.com/boardbreakathon or contact the school at 317-733-8800 or send an email to MasterYooEvent@gmail.com.

Participants at the 2019 “Board Break-a-Thon” in Carmel. (Photo provided by Master Yoo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do)

Lawrence receives IMPO grant for projects

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

On Oct. 19, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Or ganization awarded $75,000 grants for planning projects in Fishers, Greenfield, Indianapolis and Lawrence.

COMMUNITY

The funding comes from federal plan ning dollars, which were awarded to the respective cities to plan for future projects. Once community needs are pin pointed and plans are developed in the cities, the grantee can find additional public and private financial resources.

Established in 1972, the IMPO plans for and distributes federal transportation funds for highways, transit, bike ways, trails and sidewalks to move people and goods in central Indiana.

Each of the following projects will receive a $75,000 grant:

City of Lawrence Capital Improvement Plan & Program — Lawrence will establish a Capital Improvement Plan & Program that prioritizes needed infrastructure projects over 20 years and develops a revenue-constrained list for the first five years of the plan period. Engineering Director Sri Venugopalan said the project will focus on creating a “solid transportation plan for the whole city, as we didn’t have one before.”

Charging Lawrence — Lawrence will study and plan for electric vehicle charging stations in the community. The

plan will provide the information needed to pursue pub lic-private partnerships for the infrastructure.

“There’s a new study from INDOT about electric charging stations and how Lawrence has several locations great for the charging stations. This grant will help us find a prime location for it, then we need to figure out how to fund the building of the stations,” Venugopalan said.

City of Fishers Greenway and Trails Study — Fishers will use its grant to produce a citywide greenways study to identify primary pedestrian routes and priority gaps in the pedestrian network. With the new Nickel Plate Trail and Geist Greenway, city leaders want to expand the Fishers

2040 Bike and Pedestrian Map.

IndyMoves 2.0 — Indianapolis will update the IndyMoves integrated transportation plan, which incorporates the county’s Pedestrian Plan, Greenways Plan and Thoroughfare Plan, as well as the IMPO’s Regional Freight Plan, Regional Safety Plan and relevant plans and policies. The updated plan will help the city identify capital needs.

Charging Greenfield — Greenfield will study and plan for electric vehicle charging stations in the community. The plan will provide the information needed to pursue pub lic-private partnerships for the infrastructure.

Charging stations could be installed at the City of Lawrence Government Center. (Photo courtesy of the city of Lawrence)

Vietnam vet to be inducted into Indiana Military Hall of Fame

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This was a pleasant surprise for George Stavropoulos.

VETERAN

The Fishers res ident, who served during the Vietnam War, will be inducted Nov. 4 into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame at The Garrison, 6002 N. Post. Rd., Indianapolis.

“I was pretty surprised when I found out I had been nominated and even more surprised when I found out I had been selected,” he said.

Stavropoulos, 75, landed in Vietnam on April 23, 1967, and was assigned to the 1st platoon, C Co., 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, a distinguished Marine battalion known as the ‘Walking Dead.’”

“On July 2, 1967, my company was ordered to go out by helicopter and help with the dead and wounded of our sister company, B Co. We had no idea what we were dropping

into at the time,” he said. “We landed in the middle of an ambush and were immediately attacked by North Vietnamese small-arms fire, machine guns and artillery. The losses from both companies were cata strophic. During the day, I sustained multiple wounds from a grenade, artillery and a gunshot.

For his efforts on that day, he said his superiors believed he war ranted a recommendation for the Silver Star medal for valor.

“I also received two Purple Hearts (medals) that day for a total of four Purple Hearts in four months,” he said. “After my lengthy hospital stay, I returned to the Navy and finished my enlistment in June 1969 at the Naval Hospital in Long Beach, Calif.” Stavropoulos, who serves as a member of the Fishers Armed Services Commission created by the City of Fishers in January, moved to Fishers in 2009. He and his wife had moved to Anderson to be closer to his daughter, Susan.

A Lawrence Christmas

Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Civic Plaza

The Parade will begin at

and will be followed by the Variety Show and Tree Lighting.

out

at

Stavropoulos

Rocca to speak at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Mo Rocca, a “CBS News Sunday Morning” television correspondent, humorist, history enthusiast and Emmy winner, will speak Nov. 10 at the Benja min Harrison Presidential Site’s 17th annual Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series.

The series supports the mission of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to in crease participation in the American system of self-government by sharing the life sto ries, arts and culture of an American Pres ident. Proceeds help the Presidential Site — the former home of President Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis — share innovative civic education and outreach programs with more than 30,000 children and adults each year.

The event, which will be held at the In diana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis from 6 to 9 p.m., annually welcomes 300 guests to enjoy dinner and a

nationally recognized speaker.

Lisa Boncosky, a Benjamin Harrison Pres idential Site Board member and co-chair of the Speaker Committee, looks forward to the event.

“COVID has kept this event from happen ing the last few years, so we’re excited to have it back,” Boncosky said. “We try to find speakers who fit with the Benjamin Harri son Presidential Site mission, and Mo Rocca has a love for U.S. history and presidents.”

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Vice President of Development Bethany Gosewehr said that the site — the former home of President Benjamin Harrison — has wanted to book Rocca since 2020. Gosewehr expects a good turnout.

The event will will carry on the tradition of honoring men and women in the United States military who, like Harrison — a former Union general during the Civil War — served their nation.

Seating is exclusive and limited capacity. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite by searching the event by name.

Erika Rowe 842-1125

‘Groovy’ new cafe opens Geist Center

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Adorned in 1970s décor to embody the peace, love and good vibes of the era, The Groovy Cat Cafe recently opened at 11659 Fox Road in the Geist Center. It offers hot or iced drinks, sandwiches, pas tries and other items.

The Groovy Cat Cafe opened Aug. 13, and owner Lisa Sweeney looks forward to serv ing the community, although opening a cafe “wasn’t really on the radar.”

“Our entire family loves to cook and bake and we’re really good at it, if we do say so ourselves,” Sweeney said. “We have al ways bonded over food and special dinners together. The idea to open our own space came up when I was on a 30-day hiking and camping trip with one of my daughters. I came home and presented it to Steve (hus band), Grace (youngest daughter) and our youngest son, Jack, who had just graduated from high school. Everyone was on board and really excited.

“Fourteen months later, we opened our doors, and it has just been the most won

derful experience so far.”

Menu items range from breakfast sand wiches, baked goods and fresh-brewed coffee to soups and fresh-made salads. Sweeney said the most popular items are fancy toasts (like avocado toast or blis tered balsamic tomato with goat cheese), breakfast sandwiches and the tomato pesto

grilled cheese.

“My favorite menu item is our Harvest Salad: quinoa cooked in apple cider and tossed with roasted sweet potatoes, cran berries, apples and candied walnuts, served on mixed greens with our homemade maple apple cider vinaigrette,” Sweeney said.

The Groovy Cat Cafe partners with several local businesses, such as Tinker Coffee, Teas Me Cafe and Grateful Ground Farm, to “bring our guests the freshest and highest quality ingredients out there,” Sweeney said.

Baked goods, salad dressings and many flavored syrups are made in-house.

Sweeney and her family are longtime Lawrence residents who wanted to get more involved with the community.

“We have lived in Lawrence, just around the corner from the cafe, for over 30 years and raised all of our kids here,” Sweeney said. “We love this community and are so honored to be serving so many familiar and new faces every day.”

Learn more about The Groovy Cat Cafe on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Its website, thegroovycatcafe.com, will launch in mid-November.

Paid for by Friends of Jocelyn Vare

The Groovy Cat Cafe counter. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Sweeney)

HSE wide receiver produces big plays for top-ranked team

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern High School ju nior wide receiver Donovan Hamilton’s speed and improved mental game has made the difference for him this season.

“(Hamilton) creates significant big-play potential for our team,” Royals coach Michael Kelly said. “Most teams struggle defending him 1-on-1.”

The 6-foot-4 Hamilton had 41 catches for 680 yards and eight touchdowns for the Class 6A No. 1 Royals, who were unbeaten heading into the Oct. 28 sectional game against Homestead.

“I think I’ve made the most improvement this season in the weight room and in the mental part of the game,” he said. “Coach Kelly and (strength and conditioning coach Stephen Krzyminski) are always pushing me to go hard in the weight room. Also, back to last season, coach (David) Weitz, our offen sive coordinator, was always on me about

MEET DONOVAN HAMILTON

Favorite athlete: Calvin Johnson

Favorite subject: Spanish

Favorite movie: “Toy Story 2”

Ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach

my mental state during the game. He told me during the offseason he wanted to see me improve that more than anything else, so that’s what I did.

“My coaches in both football and basket ball told me I need to keep my head up after bad plays and just keep working. It has helped a huge amount in my game.”

BRAIN

Kelly agreed.

“The biggest growth this year has been

his ability to play the next play,” Kelly said. “He has matured significantly as a player.”

It also helped that Hamilton has been healthy

“I broke my thumb (last year) and missed over half the season,” said Hamilton, who had five catches in 2021. “I didn’t get a lot of playing time when I came back.”

Hamilton said a big key to the team’s suc cess is its work ethic.

Hamilton recently received his first col lege football offer from Ball State University.

“I have definitely had more coaches reach out to me after our team’s success this season,” he said. “I hadn’t had any prior to the season due to my injury holding me back from playing last year. So, it’s great to finally get some exposure and show what I can do.”

Hamilton averaged 7.7 points per game for HSE’s boys basketball team last season.

Hamilton’s older sister, Amaya, was a 2019 Indiana Girls All-Star, playing on the Royals’ state championship team. She is a junior guard/forward at Duquesne Uni versity. Their father, Brian Hamilton, was a defensive tackle for Notre Dame.

Donovan Hamilton recently received a college football offer from Ball State University. (Photo courtesy of Olivia White)

Hamilton

Suspect arrested in Lawrence carjacking

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The Lawrence Police Dept. arrested a suspect last week in connection with the

24 carjacking at the 8600 Pendleton Pike

Tree.

George Landy, 52, of Indianapolis, was arrested by LPD and Indiana Crime Guns Task Force detectives Oct. 25

preliminary charges of armed robbery, criminal confine ment, felon possessing a handgun and resisting law enforcement (fleeing).

According to LPD Chief Gary Woodruff, a silver Honda Pilot taken in the carjacking was recovered in the area of 30th Street and Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis on Oct. 25, which led to detectives taking Landy into custody. A handgun was recovered from the suspect.

The LPD originally responded to the car

jacking at 4:30 pm Oct. 24.

According to Woodruff, the incident be gan at the Dollar Tree at 8600 Pendleton Pike when a female customer left the store. The victim reached her vehicle and was approached from behind by a Black male described as being in his late 40s or 50s and wearing dark clothing.

The suspect told the victim to move to the passenger side while lifting his shirt to show a handgun in his waistband. She complied, and the suspect entered the victim’s car and drove to a local bank in the area of East Washington Street and Arlington Avenue. He then conducted a cash withdrawal using the victim’s debit card.

The suspect then drove to downtown Indianapolis, near the City-County Building at 300 E. Washington St. The victim was told to exit the vehicle. The suspect drove off in her vehicle.

Landy

Spotlight on Art benefits nonprofits

By Mark Ambrogi mark@yourecurrent.com

luxurious Hotel Carmichael with only juried and award-winning artists participating.”

FUNDRAISER

Several years ago, Esther Lakes attended an art event with an artist friend in Atlanta. Lakes found it to be different from any event she has attended in Hamilton County.

Since then, she has wanted to create something similar to raise funds for organizations that assist children.

Lakes created Spotlight on Art, Benefit ting Children with the help of community leaders. The event is set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael and will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of No blesville, Children’s TherAplay and Prevail.

“The event will be similar to the one I attended in Atlanta, but on a much smaller scale,” said Lakes, founder and chairman of Spotlight on Art. “The event in Atlanta takes place for a couple of days, much like an art festival. We wanted Spotlight on Art to have a little more upscale feel to it, so we decided to make it an evening event to be held at the

A Carmel resident, Lakes serves as a board member for Prevail Inc. and the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and has been a financial supporter of both nonprofits.

“All three organizations are important community organiza tions that make a difference in so many lives of children,” she said.

“I strongly believe in the work and service they provide.”

The artists participating include painters, textile artists, a woodturner and a ceramic artist. There will be a booth of chil dren’s art representing three local elemen tary schools as well as children’s art from the three organizations.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Facebook page, Spotlight on Art, Benefiting Children or Prevail (prevailinc. com) or wedoauctions.com/bidapp/index. php?slug=spotlightonart.

Tickets are $50. Admission includes wine, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to view and purchase art from award-winning artists.

Riverview Health is looking for volunteers to join its great team.

of the many

areas include patient transport,

services and the gift shop. Shifts are available in the morning

afternoon, at least one day per week, Monday-Friday.

at Riverview Health in Noblesville

you’re

Westfield, please contact the manager of Volunteer Services, Melinda Nash, at 317.776.7236 or mnash@riverview.org. You can also scan the QR code to download an application.

Lakes

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Construction on the newest branch of the Indianapolis Public Library system is well underway and is expected to be finished early next summer.

The Fort Ben Branch will occupy 2.4 acres at 9330 E. 56th Street in Lawrence. The new branch will service the gap between the Lawrence Branch on the northeast side and the Warren Branch on the far east side, according to Joe Backe, director of communications for India napolis Public Library.

“With the development of the area around Fort Ben over the last several years, the interest in a library to anchor the area has grown,” Backe said. “This project has been in the works for nearly a decade, and we are excit ed to see that it is finally coming to fruition.”

Not surprisingly, the community and staff members look forward to the opening of the new branch.

“If the crowd that came out to the groundbreaking is any indication, this com munity is eager to see this project come to fruition,” said Shelby Peak, who will serve as the Fort Ben Branch manager. “I am ex cited to serve this historic community.”

The new branch was envisioned as part of a redevelopment plan since the land was decommissioned and transitioned from the U.S. military to the City of Indianapolis in the 1990s, according to the IndyPL website. Originally slated to open in 2021, the project was delayed because of rising construction costs associated with the COVID-19 pandem ic, including increased labor costs and infla tion of construction materials prices.

The project is funded by bonds approved by the Indianapolis City-Council Council that will be assessed without an increase in IndyPL’s debt service tax rate. Backe said recent construction additions to the $14.3 million project include exterior framing and sheathing, brick installation, parking lot paving, roofing and interior framing.

The purpose of the Fort Ben Branch is to meet the needs of each neighborhood with in the Lawrence and Geist area, said Mike

Coghlan, capital projects manager with In dyPL. The library’s location is strategic with it being in a high-traffic area with access to public transportation, making it more acces sible to the community.

“Before breaking ground on this branch,

the architects led three virtual community input meetings to learn what services, amenities and priorities meant the most to patrons in the surrounding community. We’ve incorporated that feedback. It will be a beautiful public space,” Coghlan said.

RENOVATED LAWRENCE BRANCH

According to the Indianapolis Public Library, the Lawrence Branch opened in 1967 on North Franklin Road in a store front previously occupied by the Law rence Post Office. It was the first branch to open within an incorporated town in Marion County. Rapid population growth demonstrated the need for a larger, per manent facility to serve the northeast side. A 3.44-acre site was purchased from MSD Lawrence Township for a new 13,500-square-foot library that opened in 1983.

Renovated in 2020, the Lawrence Branch re-opened to changes that max imized access to the Library’s services

and collections, created engaging and functional spaces for those of all ages, and increased access to new technol ogy. The project also provided group study and tutoring areas, improved light ing, more outlets for charging stations, and updates to the entrance, public restrooms and interior finishes.

The $1.5 million Lawrence Branch and other capital projects identified in the Li brary’s Strategic Plan were funded from individual bonds approved by the India napolis City-Council Council totaling over $58 million assessed with no increase in the Library’s debt service tax rate.

(Source: Indypl.org)

Amenities in the new 22,000-square-foot library include interactive areas designed specifically for children, teens and adults; public-use computers and other technolo gies; group study and collaboration rooms; tutoring spaces; and a community meeting room with a capacity of 100 patrons. There will also be walk-up, bike-up and drive-up material-return locations to make the build ing’s services more easily accessible.

In addition, to promote built-in energy and resource conservation, the building will feature a roof-top solar photovoltaic system that will provide 80 percent of the new li brary’s electricity needs.

As construction moves forward, plans to furnish the interior of the new library are the focus in completing the project.

“We will spend the next few months mov ing in shelving, furniture and the new (book) collection,” Coghlan said.

Construction is expected to be complete by June 1, 2023.

construction

ON THE COVER: Fort Ben Library Southeast Elevation as of Oct. 10. (Photo courtesy of Mike Coghlan)

Backe

Interior of the Fort Ben Branch underconstruction in Lawrence. (Photo courtesy of Mike Coghlan)

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 7

Democrat Andre Carson and Libertarian Gavin Maple did not respond to Current’s request to complete questionnaires.

» ANGELA GRABOVSKY

Party: Republican Education: RN – Nursing School, Odessa, Ukraine.

MBA – Northwestern University

Occupation: Board Certi fied Financial Planner, wealth manager, entrepreneur.

Immediate family: Ilya Grabovsky – Hus band. Three adult children and eight grandchildren

Top campaign issues: First, it’s tackling inflation and bringing down prices on important goods such as groceries and gas. Second, is clean ing up our streets that have taken on the dramatic rise in violent crime in our neighborhoods. And third, is providing our children with a quality education while empowering parents to have a voice in how their children are educated.

INDIANA HOUSE DISTRICT 88

» CHRIS JETER (INCUMBENT)

Party: Republican Age: 43

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Oklahoma Baptist University Juris Doctor, The George Washington University School of Law

Occupation: Attorney and small business owner

City: Fishers

Length of time in district: 15 years

Immediate family: Wife, Karen. Children, Macy, 7, Hayden, 3, and Kali, 2

Top campaign issues: Pro small business policies, support for law enforcement and personal freedoms.

» DONNA GRIFFIN

Party: Democrat Age: 63

Education: Master’s degree, sociology, University of Texas at El Paso; Bachelor’s degree Journalism/sociolo gy, Butler University; graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, Indianapolis Occupation: Adjunct professor at Butler University, a substitute teacher in Han cock County and independent author and media creator. She has either lived or worked in all four counties of District 88.

City: Greenfield

Immediate family: Griffin and her hus

band, David, live in Buck Creek Township in Hancock County. They have a daughter and son-law who live in Marion County, a son and daughter-in-law who live in Bloomington, and four grandchildren.

Length of time in district: 15 years

INDIANA SENATE 31

» JOCELYN VARE

Party: Democrat Age: 52

Education: B.A., Butler University

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

City: Fishers

Length of time in district: 14 years

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

Top campaign issues: Repeal Indiana’s extreme abortion ban; pass sensible gun legislation, including the repeal of “permitless carry”; strengthen our public schools.

» KYLE WALKER (INCUMBENT)

Age: 45

Party: Republican Education: B.S., Business Management, Indiana Wes leyan University

Occupation: Executive vice president, MO Strategies

City: Lawrence

Length of time in district: I’ve lived in what I know to be the past or current boundaries of the district my entire life except when I was away for college

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

Top campaign issues: I will continue to support fiscally responsible policies, bal anced state budgets and low taxes.

MSDLT SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2

» PATRICIA COUTINHO BRENAMEN

Age: 38

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

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

City: Lawrence/Indianapolis

Length of time in district: 12 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 Bever land ELC next year.

Top campaign issues: 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 con tinue to focus on diversity and inclusion while maintaining the schools as a safe place for our educators and students.

» MARTA LAWRENCE

Age: 42

Education: Bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies at Miami University, currently enrolled in graduate cours es in Organizational Behav ior at Harvard

Occupation: Director of solutions strate gy at Salesforce City: Indianapolis

Length of time in district More than 16 years

Immediate family: Greg (husband for 17 years), Bennett (12, 7th grade at Fall Creek Valley), Sage (10, fifth grade at Amy Bever land), Mavis (4, will be in kindergarten at Amy Beverland next fall)

Top campaign issues: Commitment to the growth of every student, preparing students for the economy of the future, being a transparent voice for the commu nity, students, teachers, administrators, and staff

» JANET JACOBS

Education: BSed, Ohio Uni versity, Athens, Ohio; MSed, Butler University, reading Occupation: Retired teacher City: Lawrence, Chesa peake subdivision Length of time in district More than 25 years

Immediate family: Three children, all Lawrence Central graduates, seven grandchildren, two in Lawrence Township schools

Top campaign issues: Parental involve ment, achievement gap and attracting and retaining the best teachers.

» NICOLE SLEDGE

Age: 45

Education: BS Finance, master’s in public admin istration, Master of Art in Teaching (MAT)

Occupation: Education, di rector of Student Services City: Indianapolis

ELECTION

Length of time in district 2 years

Top campaign issues: It is my top prior ity to ensure that each student is served in the best capacity based on their indi vidual needs; understanding that provid ing support to our school employees is the foundation for student success.

AT LARGE

Morgan Bailey didn’t respond to Current’s request to complete questionnaires.

» JESSICA DUNN

Name: Jessica Dunn

Age: 50

Education: Graduated from Indiana University with an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Butler Uni versity with a master’s degree in school administration

Occupation: Executive director of enrich ment programs for Indianapolis Public Schools

City: Lawrence

Lived in district: 25 years

Immediate family: Husband: Rich Hast ings; daughters: Mackenzie Edge-Reetz and Gabriela Feeser; Son, Gavin Reetz

Top campaign issues: We need to em phasize hiring and retaining great individ uals so that MSDLT does not experience a shortage of staff. In addition, we must critically assess the data to ensure that every student experiences a world class, equitable education. Finally, we must focus on the social and emotional needs of our students and families by investing in and ensuring access to mental health support.

» JENNIFER M. TURSI

Age: 33

Education: Associate de gree in legal studies; bache lor’s degree in political sci ence; and I am in a graduate degree program at IUPUI pursuing a Master of Science in criminal justice and public safety.

Occupation: Paralegal City: Lawrence Lived in district: 27 years.

Immediate family: Spouse, Anthony Tur si; children, Cecelia (11) and Sebastian (7).

Top campaign issues: I believe in strong civic education; providing the necessary tools and support for each student’s indi vidual social, emotional, and educational needs; and community involvement.

ESSAY

Word play

Commentary by Terry Anker

For many, the English language is fundamentally difficult to learn. There are countless words that mean different things but are spelled the same. Many others are spelled differently and have different meanings but are pronounced identically, and still more are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations. Here, it would seem, context is everything, and most discern from the various possible intentions by the other words that come before and after the one in question. Word games, even among those of us who might call the English language our native tongue, can become impossibly complex, absent sufficient framework to help one dis cern the meaning.

Still, for those of us who enjoy the mental exercise of language, homonyms, homophones and homographs make rich fodder for double entendre and farce-like confusion. Games like Wordle, Scrabble, Wordscapes, crosswords, or clever vanity license plates challenge us to open our perspective and sharpen our wit.

An electric car owner might express their freedom from the pump with the plate BYBY GAS. In saying bye, bye to traditional fossil fuel, they are no longer required to “buy buy” at the filling sta tion.  OK, it all makes good sense and is terrific word play. But a significant percentage of our government road pro grams are paid for via fuel taxes. Good again. User taxes often make sense and are the fairest. But if we all “buy buy” electric vehicles, who is now supporting the infrastructure fees? Should electric utilities collect a percentage of their bills as a “plug-in” apportionment? Or are the folks left with traditional inter nal combustion engines footing more of the cost, and are those of us who are e-capable escaping the taxman? Maybe they should. Is it only in the context of our intended policy that we can decide?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to letters@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.

HUMOR

Playing the quiet game

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It’s been a while since I’ve had to utilize the Quiet Game, a tried-and-true parental ploy for getting children to be silent for a few godforsaken minutes. Even when our four kids were still living at home, they were mostly barricaded in their rooms or off with friends. Si lence basically became the norm. But recently, I had to unearth a version of the QG from my bag of retired mom tricks simply to make it home from West Lafayette.

My husband, Doo, and I, along with our oldest son, had spent the afternoon at Purdue University visiting our young est for Parents Weekend. We’d started at a seedy campus bar and ended at a parking lot tailgate party. Needless to say, the cheap beer and deceptively potent shots had flowed freely. Not for me, of course; real Coke and strong cof fee are my preferred means of partying these days. At any rate, by the time we were ready to head back, Doo and our firstborn were on a roll. An obnoxiously loud and decidedly fervent roll.

Somehow, I had to find a way to sur vive an hour-plus car ride in a Honda Accord with these two, who even when sober are famously known as high-deci bel talkers. As I began muttering the serenity prayer, I suddenly remembered the QG. “Let’s see who can be quiet for five minutes!” I announced with enthusi asm. “OK!” they replied.

Not surprisingly, neither made it. The grown men in my life just couldn’t keep their gosh-darn, drunken mouths shut. But they did at least try, and I was able to gain a couple precious moments of relative calm. Thanks, QG!

Peace out.

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

Terry Anker

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’”

Dying to win an argument

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

A woman who keeps quiet during an argument with her husband is four times more likely to die from heart disease, according to an article in the journal of Psychoso matic Medicine, something I don’t generally read, but my doctor’s office lobby had a choice of that or a 1993 Reader’s Digest.

HUMOR

So, if I argue with my wife, I’m a boorish brute. But if she argues with me, she’ll live longer? More and more women will be gin taking issue with their husbands’ point of view in the hopes of staying healthy. This puts men in a tough spot. My favor ite phrase to Mary Ellen, “Would it kill you to agree with me for a change?” has a new meaning.

We have debated just about everything in our 42 years of marriage: How to eat pop corn; when to nap; how to load a dishwash er; how to cook a scrambled egg. We once debated whether my mother knew how to raise children. I thought my mom had done a pretty good job, but I must admit, Mary Ellen provided some strong proof to the contrary. Me!

I must not be a good debater, because I lose exchanges even if I present facts. For example, I was sure this past July was my wife’s 71st birthday, but she claimed she was only 67. I knew she was just kidding, but I liked the challenge and the chance to win an argument. I asked to see her passport and her driver’s license to bolster my position.

For a long time, they also said it was tea that is good for you, so now I’m drinking both tea and coffee four times a day, just to be sure. I might not live longer, but since I can never fall asleep, it will certainly feel longer.

This journal also claimed that drinking several cups of coffee a day is good for you, only months after the same publication said coffee causes heart disease. For a long time, they also said it was tea that is good for you, so now I’m drinking both tea and coffee four times a day, just to be sure. I might not live longer, but since I can never fall asleep, it will certainly feel longer.

My wife and I have argued about some odd stuff through the years (argue is the wrong word. Mary Ellen doesn’t want read ers to think we don’t get along). We talked about this the other day as our voices got louder and we shook our fingers at each other. In the end, I would have said I lost the argument, but now I know I simply got annihilated in a friendly discussion.

“Not only that, Mary Ellen, but I’m 75 and when we got married, I was four years older than you,” I said. “That hasn’t changed.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Oh, Dick, you’re living in the past. That was 42 years ago.”

She keeps reminding me that if she digs in and holds her ground in a disagreement, she will live to a ripe old age.

“Dick, don’t you always want me to be around to take care of you?”

No argument there.

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

CE Solutions moves to Fishers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Its Carmel home had served CE Solutions well for 20-plus years.

RELOCATION

“We saw a lot of suc cess with it,” said CE Solutions President J.D. Taylor, who has been with the company for approximately 20 years. “We really had ex ceeded the space at our location.”

The structural engineering company moved in early October from its Carmel building at the intersection of Range Line Road and Shoshone Dr. to 8770 North St., Suite 100, in downtown Fishers.

“We’ve doubled our space, and it’s much more efficient,” Taylor said. “We’ll be able to grow significantly more in this space.”

Matt Clark, who serves as chief executive officer, purchased the company from Steve Osborn earlier this year. Osborn, who found ed the company in his Carmel basement in 1998, remains as the founding principal. Osborn owns the building in Carmel. Osborn said his plan is to lease the space, which is approximately 3,000 square feet. Taylor said there has been continued

CE Solutions recently moved to office space in downtown Fishers. (Photo courtesy of CE Solutions)

growth through the history of the company. They are working on adding to the staff of 16 now.

“I think moving here into this space is go ing to help with the recruiting,” Taylor said.

The new building housing CE Solutions was constructed in 2018, while the Carmel building was older.

“Downtown Fishers is robust in terms of its development,” he said. “With all the tech nology companies moving to Fishers, we’re excited to be part of that (growth), and I think it is going to give us a lot of energy.”

Those interested in the Carmel space, should contact ALO Property Group’s Lora Moore at lora@alopg.com. For more, visit cesolutionsinc.com.

Biopharmaceutical company moves to Fishers headquarters

By Taylor Dixon taylor@youarecurrent.com

Telix Americas, the U.S. branch of the Aus tralian-based biopharmaceutical company Telix Pharmaceuticals, has moved into its new headquarters in the Crew building near Interstate-69 and 116th Street.

edKevin Richardson, CEO of Telix Americas. “Telix chose Fishers as its U.S. headquarters because it offers a strong quality of life for our employees and because of the import ant life sciences ecosystem across central Indiana.”

LIFE SCIENCES

The 10,000-square-foot headquarters will support oncology and rare disease product development and commercialization, ac cording to the company. The firm has grown exponentially in the U.S. since 2019, growing from four to 100 employees in the last three years, according to the company. Thirty-three of those employees work in Fishers.

“This is an exciting time for our employ ees. With our first commercial product launched in the U.S., and others in develop ment, Telix has a real opportunity to grow along with the Fishers community,” stat

The statement also said that the location is ideal for employees and visitors because of the various things that will contribute to the quality of life outside of work, such as dining and entertainment.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness is delighted to have Telix join the city’s growing life sci ence industry.

“I couldn’t be more excited to share in the excitement of Telix’s permanent U.S. head quarters here in Fishers,” Fadness stated. “Telix’s growth, combined with top-tier workforce and lifestyle amenities, is what continues to establish Fishers as a leader in life sciences in Central Indiana. We look for ward to celebrating many more milestones with the Telix team.”

Bolt for the Heart to raise funds for AEDs for IMPD

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Bolt for the Heart’s goal is to save as many lives as possible by placing automatic external de fibrillators in law enforcement members’ patrol cars.

Pierre Twer, president of Bolt for the Heart, said funds raised from the annual Thanksgiving Day run has helped complete the goal of equip ping all Indiana State Police and Hamilton County law enforcement departments with AEDs. The focus now is on placing AEDs, used to restart a person’s heart in case of sudden cardiac arrest, in all India napolis Metropolitan Police Dept. vehicles.

The 11th annual Bolt for the Heart 5K Run/ Walk is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 24, starting at Carter Green in front of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Last year, we gave 100 AEDs to IMPD, and this year we would like to at least donate 100 this year,” said Twer, who serves as president of Bolt for the Heart.

The 2020 event was a virtual run amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had a couple thousand runners reg ister last year,” Twer said. “Before the race, it started raining, so we had about 800 no-shows. Then right at 9 o’clock it stopped raining and didn’t start raining again until 10 o’clock, so those that were there had a great time.”

Twer, a Westfield resident who works with open-heart patients for Abbott Laboratories, said the approximately 800 T-shirts that weren’t picked up were given to Carmel Fire Dept. and Carmel Police Dept. members.

Race packet pickup is noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Twer encourages people to pick up packets Nov. 23, but there is pickup from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. on race day

The most AEDs donated by Bolt for the Heart was 134 in 2019. The cost of each AED is approximately $1,700.

Two major sponsors are IU Health and Performance Services.

For more, visit boltfortheheart.com.

DISPATCHES

Eye pain relief – When something small and abrasive gets in your eye the last thing you want to do is rub it against your fragile cor nea. Try this instead - grab a facial tissue. With one hand, pull your lashes so that the upper lid is away from your eye. With the other hand holding the tissue, gently blow your nose three times. The pressure should make that foreign object fly away.

Source: BottomLineInc.com

Hands and feet always cold? – When your body senses a drop in external temperature, blood vessels in your extremities contract in order to redirect more blood to your trunk. This protects your organs by keeping them warm. This is why cold weather affects your hands and feet more than other parts of your body. To counteract this, stay well hydrated and increase your activity.

Dangers of juicing – Making your own juice from fresh fruits and veggies can be a healthy choice for many people. There is a risk, however, of getting an overdose of sugar. Removing the juice (and sugar) from the fiber of the fruit makes the sugar

content more concentrated. A good rule of thumb is to use a rotating variety of greens as the base of your juice with only one serving of fruit.

Souce: Naturalon.com

Avoid that cold – As soon as you feel that first hint of a cold begin a regimen of Vita min C and zinc. Take 500-1500mg of Vitamin C daily. Any more than 1500mg can cause diarrhea. Take 10-25mg of zinc per day. Be aware, though, that zinc lozenges and tab lets can cause upset stomach or a metallic taste. This regimen is not a cure, but it can stop the virus from spreading and getting worse.

Source: BottomLineInc.com

Get started running – Want to start run ning but are so out of shape you don’t know how to begin? Couch to 5K is a free app that takes you through an eight-week program designed to build up your endurance and stamina. It’s a great way to get started if you’ve never tried running. Available for iOS and Android.

Source: Greatist.com

Twer

Soprano to play ‘Tosca’ in Indy Opera production

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It seems fitting that Angela Brown is finally getting to play one of her favor ite roles in her hometown.

PERFORMANCES

“Honestly, I don’t know exactly how many times be cause I have sung full productions and concert versions of ‘Tosca’ in several plac es in the United States and Europe, but never in Indiana,” Brown said at “Tosca” performances. “That I get to sing my favor ite opera and title role for my hometown audience, fans, family and friends is excit ing, to say the least. After (the) COVID (pan demic) and lockdown, it is nice to finally get back to some kind of normalcy.”

Brown, an Indianapolis resident, will perform in the title role of “Tosca” Nov. 11-13 in the Indianapolis Opera’s production at The Tarkington at the Center of the Performing Arts in Carmel. The opera is set during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802).

“‘Tosca’ is one of my favorite operas because she is a complex woman,” Brown said. “She is jealous, hopeful, in love, vin dictive, courageous, brave and impulsive. It’s wonderful to be able to peel the onion of her madness all evening, not to mention the gorgeous music of (Giacomo) Puccini that I get to sing.”

Brown said it’s one of the more chal lenging operas for sopranos.

“The soprano uses the full range of her voice as well as the range of her emo tions,” Brown said. “You have to be smart to sing ‘Tosca.’ You could ‘blow your wad’ in the second act if you are not careful. At that point in the opera, Tosca has been beaten down to the point that she is pray ing and begging God. To be able to rally yourself after all the emotional turmoil she is expressing right before the signature aria, ‘Vissi d’arte,’ takes a smart singer. And I hope I fill the bill.”

Brown will work for the first time with Metropolitan Opera tenor Gregory Turay and director James Marvel. Turay plays rebellious painter Cavaradossi.

“This is exciting for me because Gregory

and I competed in the Metropolitan Opera competition together and we have known each other for many years,” Brown said. “I look forward to being his Tosca and to working with James Marvel for the first time, too.”

This is Marvel’s first time directing at Indianapolis Opera. He has directed many times at Indiana University.

However, Marvel, who is the director of the opera program at the University of Tennessee, said when Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey was at Asheville (N.C.) Lyric Opera, he did three or four shows.

“We’ve known each other for a couple of decades now,” said Marvel, who also runs an agency for other directors, conductors and designers.

Marvel has directed “Tosca” at least five times.

“It’s one of my very favorites,” said Marvel, who directed “Tosca” for Opera Carolina Oct. 13-16 in Charlotte, N.C. “I think it’s the most perfectly constructed opera both dramatically and musically that has ever been written. If you were to say to me, you can only direct one act of any

opera for the rest of your life, it would be Act 2 of ‘Tosca.’ If you were to say you can only direct two acts, it would be Acts 1 and 2 of ‘Tosca.’ I literally think it’s genius, it’s brilliant.”

Marvel said he has been aware of Brown’s work for several years.

“It’s been a dream of mine to work with her for a good while,” Marvel said.

Marvel said the key to directing “Tosca” is being flexible and to work with the peo ple in the room.

“If someone has a different interpreta tion of the character than you have, you can have conversations about it,” Marvel said. “Ultimately, your dedication has to be having the best show possible, not to having my show. It’s the performers’ ‘Tosca.’ The most challenging thing is the timing about what you do with the sol diers at the top of Act 3. Finding the right choreography with the soldiers and the changing of the guard and training them to walk as soldiers takes time. Every set is different.”

The performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 3 p.m. Nov. 13.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

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

CARMEL APPRENTICE THEATRE

Carmel Apprentice Theatre will present “The Addams Family,” a musical, through Nov. 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘VIOLET’

Actors Theatre of Indiana will present “Vio let” through Nov. 13 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carm el. For more, visit atistage.org.

JON MCLAUGHLIN

Jon McLaughlin: Indiana 15th Anniversary Tour will stop at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1-2 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenter presents.org.

CHRIS BOTTI

Chris Botti will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”

The Indiana Wind Symphony will perform “Pictures at an Exhibition” with soprano soloist Jessamyn Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

DISPATCH

ICC to host Sing-A-Thon — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will host its annual Sing-AThon fundraising event from noon to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Singers from first grade through high school and beyond will perform a free concert at Shelton Auditorium on the Butler University campus as the ICC raises funds toward its $40,000 goal. The fundraising event helps support ICC programming, scholarships and outreach efforts through out the year. For more visit, icchoir.org/ Sing-A-Thon to donate and see the full schedule of Sing-A-Thon performances.

Indianapolis resident Angela Brown, who will perform in the title role in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Tosca,” pauses outside of the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Paulina Osherov)

Violinist will appear as CSO soloist

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes was immediately impressed when she saw violinist Alexis Kenney per form for the first time a few years ago.

“The minute I heard him play, he was on my list to work with as a guest art ist,” Hymes said. “At the CSO, we were able to contract him soon after.”

Kenney will perform as a guest soloist in the CSO’s Masterworks 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Alexi is a fantastic musician and that is always the main criteria I consider when choosing guest artists,” Hymes said. “I was impressed by his playing as well as his energy.”

Kenney will perform as the soloist on “Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.”

Kenney solos with major orchestras across the U.S. and aboard and plays recit als at places like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Cen ter and London’s Wigmore Hall. Last year, he

released his first recording, “Paul Wiancko: X Suite for Solo Violin,” a piece he commis sioned and premiered in 2019.

The concert opens with “Overture from Colas Breugnon,” which Hymes describes as a fast and exciting piece by the spirited Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky. That is followed by “Bruch Violin Concerto.”

The concert ends with a piece by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

IWS to feature guest conductors

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

School graduate, will be the guest soloist.

MUSIC

Indiana Wind Symphony music director and founder Charles Conrad is using the rest of the 2022-23 season and the follow ing season to find his replacement.

Conrad, 68, said he is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 season, his 25th with IWS. He will turn 70 short ly before that season ends.

“We are in conductor search at this point,” Conrad said. “I’m going to have a guest conductor do at least a couple of numbers as kind of an audition at each show.”

The IWS will perform a concert featuring “Pictures at an Exhibition” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

Conrad will conduct the opening piece and then introduce guest conductor Trae Blanco, who is the director of bands at But ler University. Blanco will conduct the rest of the concert.

Jessamyn Anderson, a 2011 Carmel High

“Pictures at an Exhibition” is the arrange ment that was done for the Marine Band, which is most of the second half of the concert, Conrad said. Anderson will perform “Songs from a Silent Land” by com poser Michael Daugherty, a compo sition professor at the University of Michigan. The piece was inspired by poems of Emily Dickinson and Chris tina Rossetti.

“It’s a new piece that premiered in 2018,” Conrad said. “We were supposed to do it in 2020 but it got canceled because of COVID.”

Anderson will sing “The Girl in 14G” to demonstrate her Broadway skills. The song is about a girl who moves to New York and has a jazz singer below her and opera sing er above her.

Conrad is recovering well after having surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. The IWS had to cancel its Sept. 25 concert featuring the music of John Wil liams. It has been rescheduled for Feb. 26, 2023.

For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

the

Violinist Alexi Kenney will perform during the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 2 concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy Carmel Symphony Orchestra)

Blanco

‘Five Points’ takes another step

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Douglas Lyons, this writers’ retreat was another major step for “Five Points.”

THEATER

Lyons and Ethan Pakchar and Harrison David Rivers were hosted by Discovering Broadway Oct. 9-14 at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

Set in New York City in 1863, “Five Points” follows Willie Green, a young Black man, and Irish immigrant and jig champion Josh Diamond. The show follows the birth of American tap dance. The musical’s book was written by Rivers, the lyrics by Lyons and the music by Lyons and Pakchar.

“The Discovering Broadway residency was a huge game changer for our process,” Lyons said. “Since we started this show eight years ago, all our lives have evolved. Scheduling has become one of our largest hurdles, so our time in Indy afforded us some divine time to solely focus on our much-needed changes. We got a lot of great work done.”

Lyons said some changes were made during the retreat.

“Two characters were cut,” he said. “Two

new songs were written, and a lot of new lyrics were reworked. Personally, not being in NYC and having the space to meet with out much distraction created a vibration around the work. I like to call it ‘the hum.’”

Lyons said the team goal is to finish a new draft by February 2023.

“Our time with Discovering Broadway really got us closer to that dream,” he said.

A concert with songs from the musical at the Madam Walker Legacy Center at In dianapolis will be performed Feb. 10 during Black History Month.

For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.

Getting ready for the holidays

Commentary by Mark LaFay

We are getting close to the holiday sea son and with the holidays, and you know what that means: Party time!

CHARCUTERIE

Our family loves to have friends and family over for food. There is something special about having loved ones in the home. The warm feeling is magnified during the holidays when we become more introspective, thoughtful of the past year and hopeful of the year to come. If you like to entertain in your home, or maybe hosting events for work, you can’t always cook a big awesome meal. Sometimes making hot and cold appetizers can become a drag. You can probably guess what I’m getting ready to say. Entertain with charcuterie!

Charcuterie can be as expensive as a nice dinner, depending on the items and quantities you purchase. You don’t need to go overboard with meat and cheese, which also happen to be the most expensive in gredients. A healthy mix of toast, crackers, savory and sweet spreads, fresh and dried

fruit, mixed nuts and preserved, pickled or fermented veggies can definitely help you have a lovely spread on a smaller budget. When picking out items for your char cuterie board, find combinations you know to be good. High fat generally goes well with high acid. Salty can pair nicely with sweet as well. Soft gets a little more di mension when paired with crunchy. Guide the eater by grouping your inspired combi nations close together. This will make the munching more intuitive.

Finally, consider your portion sizes. I always suggest portioning your meat and cheese first. The reason for this is that meat and cheese almost always are the focal point of the board. When you are out of either of them, the grazing will start to dissipate.

Happy entertaining!

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

Douglas Lyons, left, and Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk during Lyons’ visit for the writers’ retreat. (Photo courtesy of Douglas Lyons)

Blueprint for Improvement: Authentic Indianapolis addition

Built in 1926, the owners of this home in the But ler-Tarkington neighborhood wanted to expand their indoor space and upgrade their outdoor experience while maintaining their home’s architectural integrity.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Custom trim, moldings and authentic period finishes help ensure the additions blend seamlessly with the home’s original architecture, inside and out.

• An additional bedroom was constructed on the home’s second story, which was reconfigured to create space for a master closet and laundry room.

• A covered patio helps incorporate the secondfloor addition into the home’s exterior, while an integrated heater allows for outdoor enjoyment across seasons.

• Composite decking, custom aluminum railings and a concrete patio come together to create a perfect gathering spot that blends seamlessly with the home’s historic appeal.

(formerly Case). You may email

at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com

Commentary by Larry Greene

Having your fill of words

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

ed fellow.”

GRAMMAR GUY

We all have that friend — the overshar er, the nonstop talker, the chatterbox. Sure, we’re stuck with them; as adults, it’s hard to get rid of a friend. We want to keep our friends at a safe distance and our enemies on line. However, did you know there are several words that describe various types of garrulous, long-winded folks? Let’s investigate.

If you want to describe someone as a Chatty Cathy but don’t want them to feel bad about it, call them “multiloquent.” It has a nice ring to it. The word is derived from the Latin prefix “multi-” (much) and “loqui” (to speak). Sure, Jeff is multilo quent, but occasionally he tells a good joke.

Let’s suppose you don’t want to sound kind when referring to a verbose ac quaintance. Consider describing him as a “blatteroon.” Seventeenth-century author Thomas Blount who wrote “Glossographia or a Dictionary of Hard Words” defined a blatteroon as a “babbler,” or an “idle-head

What does “prolix” mean? “Prolix” sounds like a medication featured in a commercial where people start in black and white and out of focus, but then be come clear and colorful by the end. In fact, symptoms of someone described as prolix (an adjective) include talking or writing to a tedious length, not being able to stop talking, and excessive verbosity. The noun version of “prolix” is “prolixity,” as in, “Deb bie is prone to prolixity.”

Speaking of undesirable symptoms, have you or someone you know expe rienced “logorrhea”? As gross as this sounds, it does not involve GI issues. Logorrhea is excessive talking or writ ing that is often redundant or tedious. Being around someone with logorrhea is unpleasant, as her long-windedness can result in frequent headaches.

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

Touring the mansions of Newport

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, on our way home from Cape Cod, we stop by Newport, R.I. Founded in 1639, Newport was originally best known for its religious free dom. A Quaker meetinghouse, built in 1699, is the oldest religious struc ture in Rhode Island, and Touro Synagogue, founded in 1763, is the nation’s oldest synagogue. Newport is now famous for its palatial oceanfront mansions.

TRAVEL

In the 1880s, America’s wealthiest fam ilies began competing to build the most expensive and elaborate “cottage” in Newport. The competition became most intense between two grandsons of Cor nelius Vanderbilt. Between 1888 and 1892, William Kissam Vanderbilt built Marble House, which he presented to his wife, Alva, on her 39th birthday. The 50-room summer residence, designed in the Beaux Art style by Richard Morris Hunt, a graduate of the French School of Fine Arts, cost $11 million to build ($359 million today). When Marble House opened, it was the most lavish house in America. Its dining room, with bronze chairs covered in gold, helped define the so-called “Gilded Age.” Not to be outdone, a year later, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, William’s older brother, began constructing his own cottage, designed by architect Hunt to emulate Italian Renaissance palaces. When The Breakers opened in 1895 at a cost of $12 million ($425 million today), its 70 rooms on five floors encompassed 138,000 square feet. The imposing Great Hall ceiling was 50 feet high. Soon after The Breakers was com pleted, Cornelius II suffered a stroke and died in 1899 at age 55.

Today, Marble House, The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff and other spectacular Gilded Age mansions are maintained by the Preser

vation Society of Newport County and open to the public. Most provide parking, but parking near the harbor and walking to the mansions provides an opportunity to see much of Newport, a very pleasant city with a population of about 25,000.

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

The Breakers mansion in Newport, R.I.. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Great Hall in The Breakers mansion in Newport, R.I.

Statue on a street in Newport, R.I.

NOW HIRING: PAINTERS

(317) 397-9389

LIKE TO SEW & CREATE?

Custom drapery and soft furnishings workroom in Carmel is looking for friendly, personable people who like to sew. Sewing experience is necessary and the desire to learn and enjoy and increase your skill is a must. We’ll teach you our methods. Part-time weekday daytime, flexible 20 hour week position in a handy location in Carmel. Ability and willingness to climb a ladder is needed. Good communication skills. Call Mark at Silk Mountain Creations 317 815-1660 to set a time to come by. Please do not drop-in. www.silkmountaincreations.com

PRESCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT

Seeking a reliable, motivated, positive Christian applicant with good communication and interpersonal skills to assist the Lead Teacher. Experience with children preferred. Full time - $16/hour + Email ltob.preschool@gmail.com to apply or for more information. Little Town of Bethlehem is a ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN.

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

Indiana 46032

Lines: ARMANI, CHANEL, DIOR, GUCCI, PRADA, VERSACE; Activities: CANOE, FISH, HIKE, PICNIC, SLED; Games: BRIDGE, HEARTS, POKER, RUMMY; Colors: BLUE, RED, WHITE; Candidates: MCDERMOTT, YOUNG; Cemetery: CROWN HILL

is bigger than a hospital.