November 29, 2022 — Lawrence/Geist

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Lawrence council approves $3.6M bonds for citywide parks, streets projects

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

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

DEVELOPMENT

The Lawrence Common Council met Nov. 16 and approved $3.6 million in general obli gation bonds for sev eral projects through out the city.

Councilor Rick Wells of District 2 cast the only dissenting vote for the bonds.

As a stipulation of the ordinance, the bonds will allow the following projects to be completed chronologically in descending order:

• $1,675,000 will update parking lots in both Community and Veterans Parks.

° $1,000,000 — Community Park, Frank lin Rd. parking lot.

° $175,000 — Veteran’s Memorial Park, south parking lot.

° $500,000 — Veteran’s Memorial Park, north parking lot.

• $350,000 will allow for the addition of eight pickleball courts at Lee Road Park.

• $345,000 will be invested in ADA acces sibility of the parks.

° $125,000 — Community Park, pouredin-place (a post-consumer recycled rubber material) playground surface.

° $85,000 — Alexander Park, poured-inplace playground surface.

° $85,000 — Veteran’s Memorial Park ADA-compliant walkways.

° $50,000 — Lee Road Park ADA-compli ant path to pickleball courts.

• $25,000 will be used to add program mable Locks for all Park restroom facilities.

• $1,205,000 Funds will be used to design 59th St. building expansion.

° Parking lot reconstruction/ expansion.

° Additional storage facilities for equipment.

° Wash bays for vehicles.

Parks Director Eric Martin said the last general obligation bonds approved for the city was in 2000.

“The last (general obligation) bond used exclusively for park developments was in 2000 for a grand total of $3.2 million,” Mar tin said. “The development included the 21

soccer fields at Burns Park, (the) concession at Lee Road Park and Explorer Park shelter and restrooms.”

Approval of the bonds reflects the city’s focus to improve the area for residents, according to Lawrence officials. Lawrence Deputy Mayor Dave Hofmann spoke on be half of the city, saying it is “thrilled” with the opportunity.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to uti lize this bond funding to bring some great improvements to our Lawrence parks and recreation that will be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and with absolutely no tax increases to our residents,” Hofmann said. “It’s a win-win for us all.”

Lawrence Controller Tyler Douthit presents project plans to the council. (Photos by Rebecca Fending)

The southern parking lot of Veteran’s Memorial Park will undergo construction under the new bonds. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

uwci.org

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Described as a “tiny arts show,” Arts for Lawrence is celebrating the hol iday season with ArtisTree, an art show at Arts for Lawrence’s Visual Arts Center at 8970 Otis Ave. The show currently has approximately 50 local artists submissions. The small sea sonal artwork — no bigger than 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall — will be displayed in the gallery of the Visual Arts Center until Dec. 16. Submissions came in all styles and media, including 2D and 3D, presenting a mix of mediums and artwork.

HOLIDAYS

In the holiday spirit and to attract holiday shoppers as well as art collectors, the artwork is displayed on evergreen trees and wreaths.

According to Marketing and Communica tions Manager for Arts for Lawrence Nick Ramey, the idea behind the show is to

enhance “the connection between arts and the community.”

For more about the show, visit artsfor lawrence.org.

Cardinal” by Mary Mindiola won Staff’s Choice for the ArtisTree show.

Artists submitted their small works to be dis played on evergreen trees. (Photos by Rebecca Fending)

Some artists submitted paintings, postcards and ornaments to be displayed.

A different Christmas celebration

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The holidays look different for essential workers of a community.

HOLIDAYS

For Lawrence Fire Dept. firefighter Ryan Mack, his family’s Christmas Day celebrations work around his schedule.

“I’ve worked Christmas Day before, and it’s a mix of missing my family but enjoying the day with the guys at the firehouse,” Mack said. “It helps because the guys at the firehouse are like my second family. You’re with them 24 hours at a time, every third day. On Christmas, it’s still like celebrating, especially with making our own traditions like a potluck and cooking together.”

Mack’s family starts the Christmas cele bration early in the morning to accommo date his schedule.

“For me, my wife and daughter, we get up super early and celebrate before I leave for the day,” Mack said. “Then my wife and daughter do the rest of the family stuff throughout the rest of the day.”

Mack “got lucky” as both he and his wife grew up in a family of firefighters and police

officers.

“I grew up in a family of firefighters, as did my wife,” Mack said. “She understood that it’s just a way of life. But for others who are unfamiliar with the crazy schedule, it hurts a little.

“The hardest thing is not being able to be around my whole family on Christmas. But with young kids, like my daughter, it’s the hardest on them. The kids go and visit with their family, but they miss Dad or Mom.”

Mack’s 10-year-old daughter visits Santa Claus at the Firehouse. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Mack)

Hamilton County’s first cat cafe set to open in Fishers

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Fields’ role in the cafe is being the “idea guy,” according to Moss.

BUSINESS

Cat and coffee lovers will soon have a unique destination at Hamilton County’s first-ever cat cafe, Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe. Located at 7852 E. 96th St. in Fishers, owner Holly Moss plans to open the cafe in January 2023 with her 20-year-old son, Collin Fields.

The Smitten Kitten Cat Café will not only be a place for guests to purchase and enjoy a variety of treats and beverages, it will also be a space for them to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens.

The idea first came to Moss, 54, when she heard about a cat cafe in Indianapolis. After she and her son — who is on the au tism spectrum — visited, Moss decided that creating a similar cafe concept would be beneficial in helping ease her son’s social anxiety while providing a unique cafe con cept to the community.

“Collin loves cats, and we thought it would be great for the cat community,” Moss said. “There are so many cats in the area that need homes, especially as the

humane societies are filling up.”

“My son helps with graphic design,” she said. “He puts the ideas on paper and we have someone else make the design. He’s helped with the floor plan, and he designed our custom cat tree on paper. He’s my idea guy, then we make (those ideas) come true.”

The cafe is split into two areas: the cafe and the cat room. The cat room is an en closed room with a large window facing the cafe area. Guests who want to visit the cats must do so inside the room. In the cafe, guests can purchase coffee and tea bever ages and pastries and enjoy them as they watch the cats from their seats.

Custom design firm 900 North Studios in Indianapolis is sculpting the cafe’s custom cat tree. When finished, the tree will be 9-feet tall and stand in the cat room.

All cats at Smitten Kitten will be adopt able through the Humane Society for Ham ilton County. Adoption fees will exclusively benefit the Humane Society, not the cafe. Moss plans to have a representative from the Humane Society present during hours of operation to help guests looking to adopt a cat.

“Adopters will do an assessment and fill out an application at the cafe,” Moss said. “We’re working on the program (with the Humane Society for Hamilton County) to make it super easy for everyone involved.”

Guests are welcome to walk in any time for coffee and snacks at the cafe. However, Moss highly recommends reserving a time slot for the cat room. Guests can make res ervations on the Smitten Kitten website for either 30 or 60 minutes at a time.

The cats won’t be the only local feature of Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe. It has a partner ship with Noble Coffee & Tea Co. The Nobles ville company will supply the coffee and tea for the cat cafe.

Moss’ mission with the cafe is to help her son while providing a service to the community.

“One big goal is to help my son become more social, that’s closest to my heart,” Moss said. “But I’ve been a cat lover my entire life. It’s great being able to work with local shel ters and helping those cats get the visibility they need (to be adopted.) That visibility and joy customers will have from playing with the cats will help get them adopted.”

For more, visit smittenkittencatcafe.com.

A 900 North Studios employee works on the cafe’s custom cat tree. (Photo courtesy of Holly Moss)

Noblesville fullback gets boost from added size, strength

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

At 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, Noblesville High School junior Logan Shoffner is still an undersized fullback. Shoffner has put on 20 to 25 pounds since his sophomore season.

“I feel like in the off season I got a lot stron ger, and this allowed me to power for some extra yards and allowed me to get a little faster,” Shoffner said. “The hits didn’t hurt quite as much, and it helped me get some extra hard-fought yards. I feel I was playing with more confidence.”

This season, Shoffner rushed for 1,414 yards on 189 carries and nine touchdowns for the Millers (4-7). As a sophomore, he ran for 1,270 yards on 148 attempts with four touchdowns. He set the school single-game rushing record with 347 yards against Mt. Vernon in the opening game of his sopho more year.

“Logan has a drive to be great, not only in football, but also in the classroom,” Millers

MEET LOGAN SHOFFNER

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Jonathan Taylor

Favorite types of music: Country and R&B

Favorite movie: “Grown Ups.”

football coach Dave Sharpe said. “He is a model citizen, great leader and incredibly hard worker.”

Sharpe said Shoffner has special qualities as a running back.

“He does not lose speed while making subtle cuts,” Sharpe said. “His vision and processing of information is the best I’ve

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ever seen from the fullback position.

He contortions his body to burst through small running lanes. His balance is un matched. He just doesn’t go down on the first tackle attempt. He always gets that extra yard or two after contact.”

Sharpe said Shoffner is an even better blocker than he is a runner.

“He is definitely a complete football play er and will be our captain and leader as we head into this offseason,” Sharpe said.

Although fullback is his primary position, Shoffner said sometimes when the offense rotates to other formations, he’s a halfback.

“Through elementary school, I was a run ning back,” Shoffner said. “In middle school, I shifted away from running back and played cornerback on defense. But I’m glad I went back to (running back).”

Noblesville improved to 4-7 in 2022 after finishing 2-8 in 2021.

“I feel like we are working on chemistry,” said Shoffner, who wants to play football in college. “We lose some offensive linemen, but we have a lot of returning starters that will help us take that extra step.”

Shoffner also plays baseball for Noblesville.

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Learn more at GoodmanCampbell.com.

Noblesville junior fullback Logan Shoffner rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the sec ond consecutive season. (Photo courtesy of Dave Sharpe)

Shoffner

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The City of Fishers held a preview night Nov. 19 for the new Geist Waterfront Park at 10811 Olio Rd. The 70-acre waterfront property features a public beach, a playground, walking trails, open green space and a nonmotorized boat launch. The park is slated to open in March 2023. Here is an aerial view of the new Geist Waterfront Park. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Parks Dept.)

Jingle Bell Run raises funds, awareness for arthritis

By Chris Bavender news@geistcurrent.com

The annual Jingle Bell Run is set for Dec. 10 at Conner Prairie. Organizers of the family-friendly, holi day-themed 5K and 10K run encourages partici pants to dress in festive costumes as they raise awareness and funds to cure arthritis.

Each year, people who either have arthri tis, are medical providers or are community champions who have made significant con tributions to help people with arthritis are honored.

eye opening to those suffering from arthri tis pain, showing all of us that we are not alone in this struggle.”

Fisk said arthritis hits close to home.

EVENT

“The Jingle Bell Run is the original holiday fun run. For 35 years, the Arthritis Foundation has brought people together for a festive good time that is also for a great cause,” said Sandra Messner, executive director of the Arthritis Foundation Indiana. “I think people like know ing that their registration fees and fundraising go to help find treat ments and a cure for America’s No. 1 cause of disability.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $79,750.

“We are already halfway there,” Messner said. “Every participant can create their own fundraising page or donate to a team.”

“By selecting honorees of all ages, we can highlight and show appreciation for these special peo ple and allow them a platform to tell their stories,” Messner said.

This year’s honorees are:

• Kate Elizabeth Sureck — Communi ty Champion Honoree

• Kevin Balog — Adult Honoree

• Samantha Lemieux — Youth Honoree

• Jonah Meier, Meier Performance — Physical Therapy Honoree

• Dr. Erica Garza Fisk, OrthoIndy — Medical Honoree

“(Being honored is) a huge priv ilege and very special,” Fisk said. “I grew up in this community and have participated in various races and volunteer programs as a teenager, but none quite like this. Bringing awareness to how arthritis is affecting our family and friends can be

“My father just recently underwent a knee replacement after enduring arthri tis pain for over 10 years. He finally had enough,” she said. “Now, I get to see how advancements in our medical treatments are changing his life.”

Fisk currently has about 20 people on her team with a goal of having between 40 and 50 as the race gets closer. Her fundraising goal is $3,000.

“But more than that, it is just a fun way to spread awareness and bring people I know out for a good cause and some hot chocolate — hopefully, dressed as elves,” Fisk said.

Messner said it’s always fun to see the creative costumes each year.

“Like always, we’ll have a costume con test to award the top team costumes and top individual costume,” said Messner,

To register for the Jingle Bell Run, visit JBR.org/Indy.

Fisk

Messner

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

For the past six years, Fishers resident Amy Crell has organized the Sharing and Caring program with her group, Sisterhood, at Congre gation Beth-El Zedeck at 600 W. 70th St. in Indianapolis.

The Sharing and Caring program partners with Jewish Family Services of Indianapolis by adopting a family through Jewish Family Services’ Hanukkah Adopt-A-Family program. Crell said the program served 77 families with the help of 819 community members in 2021. The Hanukkah Adopt-A-Family program is a communitywide initiative that helps local Jewish households during the Hanuk kah festival.

In previous years, Crell said Sisterhood adopts one family to “help brighten their Hanukkah,” which is celebrated Dec. 18 through Dec. 26.

“Gift requests range from clothing, shoes, socks, toys, cleaning supplies, toiletries and gift cards,” Crell said. “Our wonderful Sister hood members always rise to the occasion and fulfill all requested needs. In 2021, we

provided 72 gifts to a single mother and her two daughters.”

Crell said she is drawn to the cause be cause she has a passion for giving back to the community.

“As the volunteer coordinator for the City of Fishers, I am passionate about volunteer ing and giving back to the community,” Crell said. “Being involved with Sisterhood and helping with the Caring and Sharing pro gram has been very filling and rewarding.”

2021 Adopt-A-Family volunteers work to deliver wrapped Hanukkah gifts. (Photo courtesy of Jew ish Family Services)

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Once a diamond in the rough, Fort Benja min Harrison has become a gem for the City of Lawrence.

With the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority at the forefront of redevelopment, the Fort has flourished and become a destination for lo cal residents and visitors alike. A large part of the draw is the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, a small area near the center of the previous military base that serves as a community meeting place.

The Fort Ben Cultural Campus is a project overseen by Arts for Lawrence. The non profit has curated a small section of the Fort to be the focus of community art and entertainment. From live theater to a place to host an artsy girls’ night out, the organi zation works to foster a sense of culture in the city.

The Theater at the Fort, at 8920 Otis Ave., is one of the focuses of the Cultural Cam pus. It is a historic theater preserved from its earlier days when Fort Harrison was still a military base. The theater has a rich histo ry since being built in 1929. It has received modern renovations in recent years.

Arts for Lawrence received a $5.8 million grant from the Lilly Endowment’s “Strength ening Indianapolis through Arts and Culture Innovation” initiative in 2019. The grant allowed the theater to receive new carpet and flooring, lighting and updated seats and have repairs made to the stage.

Elana Thompson, the executive director of Arts for Lawrence, said the upgrades have been “great” and helped to make the theater a destination in the city.

“It’s really great the upgrades that have been made to the Theater,” Thompson said. “I started my position on Sept. 6 and I love seeing people come in and enjoying the updates.”

The theater’s dressing rooms also re ceived an upgrade with new countertops and mirrors.

The building houses more than just theater-based entertainment. The second level of the building has a puppet stage and live-art model room. Previous puppet pre sentations include “Peewinkle’s Christmas Puppet Show,” which debuted in the winter of 2021 at the Theater at the Fort. This year,

“The Wizard of Oz” will be performed at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10 by Stevens Puppets.

Thompson said the open area facing the stage is where Arts for Lawrence occasion ally holds figure drawing classes.

“We’ll set up easels and people will come with their own materials to draw a nude model,” Thompson said. “It’s really fun to see who we have show up, especially if it’s someone we know.”

The Visual Arts Center, at 8970 Otis Ave., is another building Arts for Lawrence presents art-related events. This month, the gallery is hosting the ArtisTree show, where local artists submitted small, holi

day-themed artworks to be displayed.

In the basement of the Visual Arts Center is the ceramics studio, which has eight pottery wheels that people can reserve for their own events. Thompson said the room is especially popular for girls’ night events.

“We’ve had women rent this out for a fun and different girls’ night activity, birthday parties or anyone looking to do some art,” she said. “We also offer art nights as rehab for veterans with the Sterrett Center.”

Guests of the ceramics room have the option to hand-form clay or use the pottery wheels. Then, the clay creations are dipped in glazes, ranging from “barn red” to tur

quoise, and are fired in a kiln.

Thompson takes pride in the various pro grams and events Arts for Lawrence hosts, with the Theater being at the center of it all.

“We have so many programs and events happening, and the theater is so cool,” Thompson said. “I hope to see more people come out.”

Arts for Lawrence has several special events during the holiday season. For more, visit artsforlawrence.org.

ON THE COVER: Theater at the Fort is the cen ter of many Arts for Lawrence events.

Fort Ben Cultural Campus has become a Lawrence destination

The interior of the recently renovated Theater at the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. (Photos by Rebecca Fending)

(Photo by Rebecca Fending)

The basement of the Visual Arts Center has eight pottery wheels available for reservations.

The dressing rooms at the Theater at the Fort.

ESSAY

Stating facts

Commentary by Terry Anker

We identify those in the room we believe to be prevaricating and, as if we are honor bound to do it, call them out for their transgression. “Not true,” we exclaim, demanding a fact check — at least one that is confirming. Those who stand accused strike back, pointing the finger of deceptive conduct right back at us. The “facts” — those concrete arbiters of reality — can be surprisingly fickle. Any first-year law student will tell you that whosoever frames the case will eventually win it. Laying claim to data by showing that it supports our point of view is a powerful first-mover advantage. By the more nuanced second year of study, that same would-be attor ney can effectively argue the identical evidence with multiple possible out comes. Could the same data be used to prove diametrically opposed positions? Experience answers with an unequivo cal affirmation.

Now, more than ever, it is easy to find supporting information to prop up our “facts.” The internet delivers study after study dedicated to building — and then destroying — the accepted under standing of what is happening in our world. Some directly use propaganda to lead us down the primrose path. Others, assured in their intellectual superiority, use their position of legitimate or in fluenced authority to prevent disagree ment with their perspective. Many with draw entirely, not thinking, reflecting, or learning past some point of saturation that may have passed decades ago. As such, who is to be believed? And does it really matter?

Most of us hope it does. We innately seek veritas but get fatigued in pursuit. Perhaps our journey to find certainty would be improved with a few simple rules: Don’t intentionally intend to mis lead; don’t assert as truth what is likely an opinion; and don’t use our mouths to tell your lies — asserting your presump tive knowledge of our view.

CURRENTOON

‘Tis the season for tension

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

It’s that time again, friends, when a major holiday throwdown is almost in evitable in my household. Will it be over tinsel? Perhaps, though 2022 is clearly marked as a year for the most glorious sparkly adornment ever created by man. No, my money’s on the tree itself. Real or fake?

Normally, we hold a forced-family out ing to Ace or Lowe’s where we choose the tallest, fattest fir in the lot. My hus band, Doo, will struggle to get it tied to the minivan, and I’ll nearly forget I have it atop the car when I pull into the ga rage, and then we’ll wrangle that sucker into the living room and pray to all that is holy that we won’t be yelling “timber!” or “fire!” anytime soon.

But last December, we headed over seas and decided on scaled-down deco rations, including a 12-foot fake Frazier that came in seven separate parts, each of which folded up like an umbrella. I ba sically assembled it by myself, no fuss, no mess. A veritable Christmas miracle in my book, though everyone else im mediately dubbed it “The Imposter” and accused me of essentially ruining their lives.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

— MAHATMA GANDHI

POLICIES

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

I suppose it’s no real surprise then that 5 of 6 Wilsons polled said there is no way on god’s green earth that my perfect plastic tannenbaum will ever see the light of day. I’d argue, of course, that a happy mom is a happy home, and that a little artificial foliage is a small price to pay for Yuletide peace and goodwill.

‘Tis the season for tinsel and tension, with a real-versus-fake tree throwdown clearly on the horizon. We shall see!

Peace out.

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

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

“Where there is love there is life.”

Now (I) hear this

what I did, until this week. Here’s what I discovered:

•

HUMOR

This week, I purchased a good pair of hearing aids. My wife has bugged me for a long time to do this. Hearing loss runs in my fam ily. My grandmother was born nearly deaf. When she finally got hearing aids, they did little more than raise the vol ume of sounds. “Don’t speak louder, speak slower” she would say. At dinner, she would constantly ask us to repeat things. But when she said something to annoy my father, he’d whisper under his breath to my mother, “What a pain in the butt Mildred is tonight.” Then Grandma would glare at him and say: “You’re a pain in the butt, too.”

When I give a presentation about humor, I tell this joke:

A man reports to his doctor that his wife is in denial about being hard of hearing. The doctor tells him to go home and see how close he has to get to her for her to hear him. That night, he calls from the front door, “I’m home, honey. What’s for dinner?” No re sponse, so he tries calling from every room. “Honey, I’m home. What’s for dinner?” Noth ing. He goes into the kitchen and screams near her ear, “Honey, I’m home. What’s for dinner?”

Wife: “For the fifth time, Edward, pot roast!”

This joke is particularly funny to older women with stubborn hubbies who refuse to face reality about their hearing, claiming the loss is just a part of aging and noth ing can be done about it. That’s kind of

The turn signal makes a clicking noise when you hit the lever.

• Leaves do rustle when you step on them.

• At night, rain on the roof can wake you up.

Just joking, of course. My loss was eas ily corrected with the appropriate devices. Severe hearing loss, though, is devastating and life-altering. Helen Keller once said, “If you are blind, you are cut off from things. If you are deaf, you are cut off from people.”

I once did a story about a racecar driver born deaf. He had never experienced the roar of the engines — or the roar of the crowd. After he had a surgical procedure to repair the congenital issue, I took a camera crew to tape his first trip back to the track to watch (and hear) trials at the Indy 500. Oh, the ex pression on his face that afternoon.

I’ve been bragging to everyone about how great my hearing aids are. I took one out of my ear and showed it to my friend Bob.

“What kind is it?” he asked.

“About 4:30,” I told him.

It was a very old joke, but I’ve waited my whole life to find a way to use it.

P.S., did you know bacon makes a sizzling noise when you fry it?

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Helen Keller once said,

“If you are blind, you are cut off from things. If you are deaf, you are cut off from people.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Orthopedic practices partner

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

OrthoAlliance, one of the nation’s leading orthopedic management services organi zations, announced its partnership with Central Indiana Ortho pedics on Nov. 16. The partnership will allow OrthoAlliance to continue its expansion into the Midwest thanks to Central Indiana Orthopedics.

PARTNERSHIP

Fishers’ new Orthopedic Care Center is thanks to the partnership of OrthoAlliance and Central Indiana Orthopedics. (Photo courtesy of Central Indiana Orthopedics)

The partnership added four main loca tions to OrthoAlliance’s network, one of which opened in 2020 at 14300 E. 138th St. in Fishers. Two satellite locations and 26 physicians have also been added to the OrthoAlliance network with the partnership.

Central Indiana Orthopedics will continue to provide patient care while OrthoAlliance will deliver administrative and clinical support to Central Indiana Orthopedics patients throughout central Indiana.

“For more than 70 years, Central Indiana Orthopedics has been delivering compas sionate and expert care to the residents of Central Indiana,” said Dr. P. Jamieson Kay, a surgeon with Central Indiana Orthopedics.

“Joining OrthoAlliance allows us to further our mission of getting patients back to doing what they love by offering orthopedic services provided by board-certified doctors and licensed specialists.”

In the last few years, OrthoAlliance has grown to nearly 150 physicians and 2,000 employees.

The partnership will not affect patient care, according to the OrthoAlliance press release.

“With this partnership, and OrthoAlli ance’s proven track record, we will be able to continue growing our organization while focusing on exceptional care and service that our doctors and medical providers bring to every patient we serve,” Kay stated.

Early

An annual mammogram is an essential part of your health routine and gives you the best chance for early detection.

Carmel man creates candles

By Chris Bavender news@geistcurrent.com

Mike Zemelko has loved scented candles since he was a kid.

RETAIL

“I remember helping my fami ly take all of the Christmas dec orations out of the basement every year and the scents of pine, cranberry and cinnamon that would waft from the boxes as we opened them,” Zemelko said. “I’ve always had strong emotional connec tions to scent, and I believe everyone does, even if they don’t realize it.”

In 2014, Zemelko received a candle-mak ing kit from his husband, Philip Siegel. The kit contained enough supplies to make three small votive candles, so Zemelko went online to learn more about candle making and where to find additional supplies.

In 2019, the couple moved to Carmel, and Zemelko set up a studio in his basement and began making candles again as gifts for friends and family. He still didn’t see it as a business. But earlier this year, he had an “ah-ha” moment while scrolling through Instagram.

Roundabout Candles use all-natural soy

wax and fragrance oils free of phthalates and carcinogens. Prices range from $13 for a 3.5-ounce mini jar to a 9 ounce jar for $24.

Zemelko plans to release four scents for the holidays.

For more about Roundabout Candles or to place an order, visit roundaboutcandles. com.

Mike Zemelko displays Roundabout Candles’ “Sacred Honey” candle. (Photo courtesy of Mike Zemelko)

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‘Holiday Pops’ to feature variety of performers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Leah Crane, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Pops” show will be a special showcase.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianap olis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LIVE AT THE CENTER

ORCHESTRA

“The tunes I’m doing are really great pieces,” said Crane, who is a singer with Pavel & Direct Contact. “I love holiday music. Most people do. I’m just excited to be a part of a show that has so many different artists and a dance group involved, and the India napolis Children’s Choir and Josh Kaufman is incredible. I feel it’s going to be a great revue of Indianapolis talent.”

The CSO “Holiday Pops” performances will be at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This will be Leah’s third time with the CSO in a year,” CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes said. “Because she is a crossover artist, meaning she sings classical, pops and Latin music, she has fit into many of our programs. Leah knows many of the other artists, which makes for a nice mu sical experience.”

Crane performed with Pavel & Direct Contact in a Latin music celebration in a Masterworks concert in October. She previously performed with CSO at Cedar Creek Winery and Brew Co. in Martinsville in 2021.

For the holiday concert, Crane will sing two songs arranged by Chicago-based arranger/producer Paul Langford.

“He helped me to produce and arrange an album this year, so I got to release my first solo album with him,” Crane said. “He’s a great friend and fabulous arranger.”

Crane will perform arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song.”

“(Langford arranged ‘The Christmas Song’) specifically for me to do for a couple of years with Anderson Symphony Orches tra, and it has a bossa nova feel to it,” Crane said.

Crane will sing two duets with Kaufman, performing on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas,” which she will perform for the

first time.

“Josh has such a soulful voice, and he has really incredible range,” Crane said.

Crane said she and Kaufman did some caroling gigs, where the singers dressed in madrigal costumes.

“Before he won ‘The Voice,’ maybe the year before is the last time I’ve done any thing with him,” Crane said.

Kaufman was the winner of the sixth season of “The Voice” in 2014.

“It’s always great to be backed by a full orchestra and the Carmel Symphony Orchestra is phenomenal,” Kaufman said. “I really like a lot of the slower, softer, tradi tional carols, too, but for a show like this you tend to want more of the high-energy stuff.”

Kaufman said he likes performing classic soul pieces like Donny Hatha way’s “This Christmas” and “Someday at Christmas.”

This is the first time Kaufman has per formed with the CSO.

“I was rooting for him, on ‘The Voice,’”

Hymes said. “When I came to work in Car mel, I was happy to learn Josh lived here. I went to the Jazz Kitchen to hear him a few years ago and we met at that time. The rest is history.”

Hymes said each year she tries to pro gram a concert that features Indianapo lis-area talent.

“Often, audiences know these artists and seem to appreciate the collaborative effort,” Hymes said. “Having younger performers, such as NZ TapZ and ICC, is a wonderful way of bringing them onstage to work with professional musicians and also to introduce them to our audience. I enjoy working with young people and this is often a highlight of the concert.”

Hymes said the show usually has a vari ety of new numbers each year.

“We play ‘Sleigh Ride’ every year and that is always a hit,” Hymes said. “When we arrange music especially for a concert, I always enjoy bringing it to life for the first time.”

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

The Live at the Center series will feature the Marrialle Sellars Band at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $5 for in-person. To register for free livestream, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” from Dec. 2-24 at The Tarking ton at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘HOLIDAY & MORE’

Ashley Nicole Soprano’s “Holiday & More” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players will present “The Christ mas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, from Dec. 2-17 at Mud Creek Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplay ers.org.

‘ALL

IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914’

“All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

The Belfry Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” through Dec. 4 at the Ivy Tech Audi torium, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. For more, visit thebelfrytheatre.com.

“HOLIDAY POPS”

Carmel Symphony Orchestra will hold “Holi day Pops” concerts at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Palladium at the Center for the Perform ing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmel symphony.org.

‘A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS’

“A Motown Christmas” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Vocalist Leah Crane will perform in the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert. (Pho to courtesy of CSO)

CHS senior gets dream role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This dream has come true for Allie Hanning.

DANCE

“As a young dancer in the role of a tiny unicorn watching the Sugar Plum Fairy, I knew I wanted to take on that role so badly but never thought my dream would become a reality,” the Carmel High School senior said. “Growing up and watching her perform was always such a magical experience.”

Hanning will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Carmel-based Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s G2 company’s performanc es of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis. The dancers are from G2, the pre-professional GHDT company for ages 13-19 and students from The Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre.

“The first dancer (Abigail Lessaris) I saw in that role in 2013 is now coaching me on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, which makes my experience even more special,” Hanning said. “I hope to be that inspiration

Allie Hanning, left, and Leigh ton Metcalfe will perform in Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s G2 company’s presentation of “The Nut cracker.” (Pho to courtesy of GHDT)

to the young dancers as she was to me when I was just a unicorn.”

Hanning has been performing in GHDT’s production of “The Nutcracker” since she was 8 years old.

“My favorite part of this role is getting to play such a delicate part,” Hanning said. “I love feeling like a princess when I’m danc ing, and not only does the costume reflect that, but the movement does as well.”

For more, visit gregoryhancockdancethe atre.org.

Meyer to perform at Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For more than 13 years, Craig A. Meyer has been portraying Elton John in a tribute show.

Eve with Elton & Me: My Life As Elton John” show. The performances are at 7:45 and 10:45 p.m. Dec. 31.

The 1981 Carmel High School graduate, who is based in At lanta, finally brought the act home in March, appearing at the Palladi um at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

PERFORMANCES

“It’s going to be different than anything I’ve ever done with the show because I won’t be performing as Elton John,” he said. “I’ll be performing as my self, telling my life story with the music of Elton John and a few other people. I’ll be wrapping my story up with those great Elton John songs and how they have impacted my life.”

“The March show was great fun, and it was so great to be back in the arms of such dear friends and play to the hometown crowd,” Meyer said. “It was a lovely evening. I was even more excited when I got a call from Michael Feinstein’s manager, who runs his clubs. He said Mi chael had heard about how well the show had gone at the Palladium and wanted to know if I was interested in performing in some of his clubs.”

Meyer will make his Feinstein’s club debut at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Car michael in Carmel. Meyer will not wear his usual Elton outfits during his “New Year’s

Meyer

Meyer will perform by himself on piano.

“The terror that I felt about that was pret ty high,” he said. “It’s subsiding now that I’ve got a feel for where the project is and how it’s going to pan out and flow.”

Meyer said he’s happy the first appear ance with the format will be in Carmel because his family will be the first ones to see it.

Meyer said there has been a lot of laughs and tears as he worked through the show on his life.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. For more about Meyer, visit almosteltonjohn.com.

Westfield country singer River James, center, continues to write and perform music after being diagnosed with anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastocytoma, a form of brain tumor that occurs most frequently in children and teenagers, in March. He is set to start his second round of chemotherapy in early December. (Photos courtesy of River James)

Westfield country singer perseveres despite brain tumor

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

County flavor.

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL 12/2-12/24 ACS Ad for The Current.indd 1 11/10/2022 1:33:07 PM

MUSIC

The scenario that sculpted the name James Will Watson has used the past eight years could be mistaken for lyr ics to a country song: Young guy in a Corpus Christi bar ordering a drink; attractive young lady serving him doesn’t hear his name correctly because of the loud music playing; mispronounces it; and River James it is.

A Dallas native who grew up mostly in Wills Point, Texas, a town of 3,500 tucked away in the state’s northeastern corner, the 32-year-old now resides in Westfield, where he writes and plays country music.

James, who aspires to eventually use his talents on an acoustic guitar to entertain and inspire larger audiences with his brand of outlaw and folk country, understands the importance of a positive attitude to achieve his objective.

If the past eight months are any indica tion, he’s well on his way.

In March, James was diagnosed with an aplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, a brain tumor that occurs most frequently in children and teenagers.

“During the scans, they discovered a tumor,” said James, who said the tumor is on the right side of his brain. “I did have the chemotherapy and radiation starting back in July and finished it in August. My dad passed away 17 years ago of a brain tumor. They were on the hunt for his medical re cords but have kind of hit a dead end.

“I haven’t once gotten down about it. I’ve got the Big Man upstairs on my side.”

James has lived in Indiana since 2017, his years here carrying a very distinct Hamilton

James worked as a barn hand in Sheridan prior to his chemo treatments, formerly lived in Noblesville and is now in Westfield. He used to paint houses and perform other tasks to earn a living, all while continuing to write and perform music. The latter is a love born from a lifelong love of country music, and his Uncle Dave’s rather unique instruction.

“When I was 18, he heard me singing and said, ‘You need a guitar in your hands,’” James said. “He told me I needed five beers before I would even pick up a guitar. He thought that would keep me loose and from getting frustrated.”

Five Keystones later, James was hooked on concocting lyrical hooks.

On Oct. 1, the Benefit for River James con cert was performed in Carmel, raising ap proximately $2,000 to help with his medical bills while away from work.

He begins his second round of chemo therapy in early December.

James, who through age and circum stance, admits he has mellowed greatly from the man he was in his shot-glass-raising 20s.

At the same time, he wants to musically give Indiana a taste of Texas.

“This has made me a more spiritual per son,” James said. “I have an appreciation for the ground I walk on. I’ve been given a second chance. I have a spark beneath me, and I won’t settle for second. I’ve made some good connections here in Indiana, and they’ve helped me get back on my feet.”

James, whose single “Ballad of a Drinkin’ Man” is available on Spotify, is determined to make the most of it. For more, James’ Facebook page contains covers of other songs.

Koz to perform holiday show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dave Koz never expected to have a 25th anniversary tour.

Peter White, Keiko Matsui and vocalist Re becca Jade.

Koz said a new album, “Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Ballads,” is a companion piece to the tour.

CONCERT

“This started out in a very small way, never thinking it would last this long,” Koz said. “We were just doing it in the beginning to go out and play some shows. We’ve managed to be here for a long time. We’ve seen people bring their kids and now their kids bring their kids.”

Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel.

Saxophonist and bandleader Koz has regularly brought his high-energy Christmas show to Carmel.

The show’s opening act will be bass play er Bethany Robinson and vocalist/keyboard ist Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin. Both are Noblesville residents. Robinson is the jazz band director at Noblesville High School.  Joining Koz will be musicians Rick Braun,

Koz

Koz’s friend David Benoit, a jazz pianist, had the idea for the tour.

“We both lost a parent within a few weeks of each other,” Koz said. “I was interviewing him for a radio show I host. He just said it as an idea to go out and play some Christmas shows and deal with our emotions that way.”

Koz said one thing that keeps the tour fresh is the lineup changes every year.

“You’re not necessarily seeing the same people every year,” Koz said. “It gives people a chance to see different combinations and different artists. The songs we get to play have so much meat on the bones, we can do so much with them.”

Koz said the concert will be a mix of songs from the album and traditional favorites.

“We do a Hanukkah medley every year,” Koz said.

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From our bar to yours. The ready-to- pour St. Elmo Old fashioned is now available! Formally known behind our bars as the “Pop’s Old Fashioned,”

This libation can now be enjoyed in the comfort and convenience of your home or anywhere you choose to indulge. Now available in Indi ana grocery and liquor stores.

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

(Photo

courtesy of Huse Culinary)

BEHIND BARS: ST. ELMO READY-TO-POUR OLD FASHIONED

Blueprint for Improvement: Modern kitchen makeover

After

Built in 1956 in Indianapolis’ Crooked Creek neighborhood, this kitchen was raising its hand for a glow-up. The space not only needed a cosmetic overhaul, the function and flow also no longer met this family’s needs. The owners sought more room to store, prepare and entertain while also incorporating Mid-centu ry-inspired modern style, honoring the home’s history.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Clean lines throughout the design — from the custom cabinetry to the minimalist hardware and sleek appliances — make all aspects intentionally constructed to make the space feel larger and provide doses of Mid-century style.

• Relocating the appliances improve the room’s flow and function, while the new island adds work and gathering space.

• Removing the soffit makes the room feel open and airy while also creating space to extend the upper cabinets, increasing both the room’s visual height and storage space.

• The statement backsplash provides the perfect accent to the room’s neutral palette, providing bold color pops with modern appeal.

Before

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Commentary by Larry Greene

Embracing unembraceable idea nouns

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

In elementary school, we learn a noun is a “person, place or thing.” Rabbit. Cereal. Toilet. Especially toi let. Words like “toilet” make Mad Libs a hit with my kids when we take road trips. However, at some point down the line, we learn that an “idea” is also a noun. I don’t know which governing English lan guage body decided this or at what point it became part of the school curriculum, but I’ll bet it was met with the same backlash as Pluto being relegated to a lower-level planet.

GRAMMAR GUY

Yes, ideas are nouns, and they’re my fa vorite types of nouns. These ideas were the ones the Founding Fathers often capital ized, and that the Bible extols: joy, honesty, freedom, loyalty, wisdom, truth and friend ship. Sam the Eagle would be proud. Pride — there’s another one.

The above examples were all positive words (except “pride,” depending on con text). What about some negative idea nouns? I’m all too familiar with disappoint ment, failure, misery, sadness and under achievement. I find these negative idea nouns as real mood-lifters in the Mad Libs road trip game: It’s time for your summer failure; don’t forget to pack disappointment and plenty of misery in your suitcase!

You can’t have idea nouns without “-isms,” which, again, are great Mad Libs head-scratchers: communism, antidisestab lishmentarianism, totalitarianism, fascism, absolutism, materialism and even patrio tism: It’s time for your summer fascism; don’t forget to pack communism and plenty of materialism in your suitcase!

After a few drinks, philosophical Mad Libs would be hilarious. In this version, you wouldn’t change any of the subjects: T.V. shows, president for a day, the recipe for a perfect great clam chowder. Instead, you’d have to pepper in a constant flow of ideas, concepts and belief systems. Who wants to get a kick out of disappointment with me?

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

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