December 6, 2022 — Lawrence/Geist

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Fishers mom creates a business from a pandemic pen pal relationship

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

During the height of the COVID-19 pan demic, Fishers resident Erica Seabaugh gave a “mom assignment” to her first-grader, Joseph, when she saw an opportu nity to teach him the art of letter writing. From there, a business idea was born.

BUSINESS

The “assignment” was to write a letter each day to his grandmother who lives in Florida, thus establishing a pen pal relation ship. The communication between grandma and grandson deepened their relationship and sparked Seabaugh’s idea of Postbook, a postcard writing kit that encourages chil dren and adults to learn more about each other through creative prompts.

Seabaugh said at the beginning of the pandemic, virtual learning only did so much to fill the time in her son’s school day.

“In the early stages of the pandemic, af ter we were all sent home and the schools were closed, the schools were not experts at virtual learning,” Seabaugh said. “(Teach ers) did the best they could to arm the par ents for the kids’ learning, but my son was a first-grader. There wasn’t a lot he could spend time doing. We tried to do workbooks at home to practice (school subjects) but quickly ran out of those. One of the assign ments I came up with was to write a letter every day.

“It took him a bit to get used to the idea, but as time progressed, he started writing about books and movies he had seen re cently. It taught him to write letters.”

Those letters were sent to Joseph’s grandmother, who penned her own re sponses and mailed them back. Soon, Seabaugh saw a business idea emerge, and with the help of Postbook co-founder Jona than Haag, her idea came to fruition.

Haag and Seabaugh work together at CICOA, an Indianapolis-based organization that offers aging and in-home solutions for older adults in central Indiana. Seabaugh is a care manager and Haag is the vice pres ident of CICOA who oversees the research institute and venture studio. According to Seabaugh, Haag helped narrow the scope of Postbook to focus on bridging the gap between generations.

“I had gone to Jonathan, and we talked about wanting to do work connecting generations,” Seabaugh said. “I had a great

relationship with my grandparents, and I have a strong connection to older adults, in general, because of my job. I wanted to think about how CICOA could do more in connecting younger and older populations. We walked through the concept of con necting the generations. We spent months talking about what that meant and looking at various concepts throughout the world.

“I mentioned that my son started writing to his grandma and it formed a sweet rela tionship. It made me realize that the basics of letter writing make us more connected than we think we are.”

Each Postbook comes with six postcards and six prompts designed for younger kids to understand. Each page has a different prompt, which Seabaugh said includes thought-provoking questions that are great for any age, such as, “What does light look like to you? How do you bring light into this world? How can you help others share their light?”

The Postbook system is based on trading postcards and answers. One pen pal will

fill out a postcard with their answers for a prompt, then send it to their pen pal for review and their thoughts on the questions.

Seabaugh said the process “opens up a conversation with the person” that may have otherwise never taken place.

“As people, these prompts help us realize we’re more connected than we think,” Sea baugh said. “I mean, Joseph was not even 7 years old and didn’t really know how to talk to people. (Postbook) gives people tools to build stronger connections and get past just small talk.”

With the first edition launched in mid-No vember, Seabaugh wanted to make Post book products available for the holiday sea son as a unique gift idea. She wants to see more customers enjoying the opportunity to deepen relationships through Postbook.

“I’m excited to see it in the real world and hopefully impact people in a positive way,” Seabaugh said.

For more or to purchase Postbook, visit shoppostbook.com.

Erica Seabaugh looks at her Postbook creation with her daughter, Lanie, and son, Joseph. (Photo courtesy of Erica Seabaugh)

New drive-thru show lights up Castleton Square Mall

news@geistcurrent.com

A new drive-thru Christmas display lights the parking lot of Castleton Square Mall at 6020 E. 82nd St. in Indianapolis. The Dasher’s Lightshow allows families to experience holiday lights in a more interactive and modern way than through traditional neigh borhood displays. Visitors can connect their vehicle’s radio to a dedicated radio station and watch the approximately 1 million lights and displays dance and blink in sync with holiday music.

EVENT

The Dasher’s Lightshow is open daily from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. through Dec. 31 in the Castleton Square Mall parking lot east of AMC Theatres, on the southeast corner of the mall. The display features six light ed tunnels, singing digital characters and 40-foot-tall trees. At the recommended idle speeds, the mile-long Dasher’s Lightshow drive-thru takes about 20 minutes to see.

“Dasher’s Lightshow identified Indy as a location we wanted to go to very early on,” stated Jon Prebish, a managing partner of Dasher’s Lightshow. “Partnering with Cas

tleton Square made sense from the begin ning. Dasher’s Lightshow prides ourselves on bringing reliable and impressive fami ly-friendly entertainment that is affordable for everyone.”

The holiday drive-thru experience starts at $29.95 per vehicle with capacity based on the number of seatbelts available and state law. For an additional $20, guests can purchase a VIP pass and skip the line the night they attend. If there’s no line that night, the VIP pass will get guests a second trip through the show on the same night, at the manager’s discretion. Season passes, which include two stuffed Dasher reindeers, are also available for families who want to visit the display throughout the season. Trailers, buses, limousines or vehicles with a height over 12 feet are not permitted.

To prevent long wait times, tickets can only be purchased online in 30-minute time slots.

Groups looking for fundraising opportuni ties can contact Dasher directly about set ting up a program unique for their organiza tion. For more, visit dasherslightshow.com.

Dasher’s Lightshow includes a 20-minute drive-thru experience with a synchronized musical light display. (Photo courtesy of Dasher’s Lightshow)

Local school collects shoes for cash

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

shoes to sell in their communities.”

Fund s2Orgs helps organiza tions turn shoes into cash. (Pho to courtesy of Fund s2Orgs)

FUNDRAISER

Gently used shoes may seem like unusual donation items, but for the Fortune Acade my at 5626 Lawton Loop E. Dr., the Shoe Drive Fundraiser will turn donated shoes into cash for the school now through Jan. 1.

The Fortune Academy specializes in teaching children with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and language processing disorders, according to Staci Koehler, events and fundraising manager at the Fortune Academy.

“The kids come because the families don’t know where else to go,” Koehler said. “Big public schools can pass over these kids as they fall through the cracks. Families are down when they come to us, and then they get to see their kids thrive.”

This year is the first for the Shoe Drive Fundraiser at the Fortune Academy.

“When COVID hit in the spring of 2020, it was a struggle to get parents in (the school) to organize any events,” Koehler said. “We didn’t have the resources to do this. We were doing everything virtually for fundrais ing, so in-person donations were out of the question.”

The fundraiser is hosted by an Orlan do-based for-profit organization called Funds2Orgs, according to Koehler.

“(Funds2Orgs) does these types of fund raisers all over the world,” Koehler said. “We collect shoes in good condition, and we get paid 50 cents per pound. They provide the shoes to micro entrepreneurs internation ally that work with groups to rebuild the

The Fortune Academy typically holds an in-person gala each year to raise money for the school. In the past, the event included a silent auction, raffles and entertainment. However, the pandemic forced the school to conduct online events in place of the annual gala.

“We held two online galas during 2020 and 2021 as a celebration at the end of the year,” Koehler said. “One was a streaming auction event in May 2020. It was really a struggle to turn everything into a virtual event, but we raised $125 during that event. In 2021, we held an online trivia night. That year, we raised $117.”

Koehler said she was amazed the For tune Academy was able to raise that much during the height of the pandemic years because of the financial toll on schools, businesses and families. After organizing events for much larger schools, Koehler was “blown away” with the amount raised by the school during fundraising events. For the Shoe Drive Fundraiser, she expects similar success.

The school’s fundraising target is to raise $1,000, though Koehler acknowledges the figure is “ambitious.”

“We would love to raise $1,000, but it’s so much work to make that money,” Koehler said. “But you’re doing it for more than the money. It doubles as an opportunity for those less fortunate. We need about 2,500 shoes in order to reach our target fundrais ing goal.”

Donation boxes for shoes can be found at the Fortunate Academy and the Benja min Harrison YMCA. For more, visit thefor tuneacademy.org.

Delaware Township Trustee’s Office conducts food drive

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The Delaware Township Trustee’s Office is conducting a holiday food drive for its food pantry at 9090 E. 131st St. in Fishers. The initiative is called “Pack Santa’s Sleigh.” The donated food is available to all residents in the Hamil ton Southeastern Schools district now through Dec. 22. The food pantry relies solely on donations and requests nonperishable food items for those in need.

food items and have them shipped directly to the trust ee’s office. Organizers ask that all donors mark items as gifts during checkout to include their name and contact information for the donation to be correctly attributed. Donors can find the wish list at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/2EARHA2Z64NUP?ref_=wl_share.

GIVING BACK

Kaylee Edwards, office coordinator for the Delaware Township Trustee’s Office, said the food pantry has seen an “unprecedented need” from seniors and families in the area. As a result, it is stressing the importance of the “Pack Santa’s Sleigh” food drive.

“The use of our food pantry has doubled in the last year, showing unprecedented need from seniors and families,” Edwards said. “Our pantry serves all residents in the HSE school district, so we appreciate all the support from our community and local businesses to help feed families during the holiday season.”

The trustee’s office has a drop-off point in the lobby where all donations can be made. Organizers ask that do nors with large donations call ahead and arrange a time to drop off food.

The Delaware Township Trustee’s Office created an Amazon wish list, allowing donors to purchase requested

“Pack Santa’s Sleigh” food drive also has a competition incentive: The individual or group that donates the most food will receive a commemorative plaque, a shout-out on the Delaware Township Trustee’s Office social media pages and 50 percent off of a one-day booking of the Del aware Township Community Center before March 31, 2023. Availability and restrictions may apply when booking the center.

The winner will be announced on the Delaware Town ship Trustee’s Office’s Facebook page on Jan. 13, 2023.

To ensure donations are accurately counted, notify an office staff member when donations are left so they can be weighed and attributed to you. For donations left after office hours, call ahead to leave contact details and make sure all bags/boxes of your donation are labeled with your group’s name. Receipts will be provided upon request.

The trustee’s office will also post updates on its Facebook (DelawareTownshipIN) and Twitter (@Del awaretwnspIN) pages with current rankings for the contest.

Donors are encouraged to use the hashtag #PackSan tasSleigh to tag videos, photos and posts of donations.

Fishers High School baseball players made a holiday donation to the food pantry in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Delaware Township Trustee’s Office)

Hamilton Southeastern senior linebacker ‘tackles’ success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern senior outside linebacker Clayton Allen found it easy to pinpoint his biggest improvement — tackling.

“I almost doubled my tackles from last season to this season,” he said.

Allen had 76 tackles, including 26 solos and 50 assists for the Roy als, who finished 12-1 after losing to Fort Wayne Carroll in the Class 6A semistate.

Allen had 26 total tackles as a junior and primarily played special teams on varsity as a sophomore.

“He had some medical issues his fresh man year and overcame a lot of adversity and became a really good high school foot ball player,” Royals coach Michael Kelly said. “He’s a smart kid, just an all-around great kid.”

Kelly said one way Allen made improve ment was his commitment to working hard in the weight room.

MEET CLAYTON ALLEN

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show “Riverdale”

“Last year, he was in the battle for a po sition, whether he was going to be a starter and he wasn’t a starter last year, but he kept fighting,” Kelly said. “He came in and was one of our best players on defense.”

The Royals won their first sectional title since 2011 and first regional since 2005.

“We have a phenomenal coaching staff,” Allen said. “Coach Kelly is such a great head coach. He really has instilled a culture of

I’M BACK TO LIVING A NORMAL LIFE.

For Jay, the thing that pained him most wasn’t his back, it was living within the limits his back pain set for him. Skipping workouts. Contorting to pick up a shoe. Avoiding playing with Agnes. Now that Goodman Campbell physicians treated not only his pain, but the underlying spine issues that caused it, Jay is back to living the life he loves.

Learn more about Jay and his story at GoodmanCampbell.com.

”

hard work and dedication in HSE. I think that was key, especially on the defensive side. Our defensive coordinator had us pre pared for every single game. There wasn’t a single game where I wasn’t prepared for what coverage we were going to be in.”

Allen said he is eager to see how the team progresses next season.

Allen competes in the 400 meters and the low and high hurdles for the track and field team, but football has always been his top sport.

Allen started playing flag football in kin dergarten and moved to tackle football in second grade.

“I used to be a running back through elementary (age) and junior high, and then I kind of developed and ended up liking defense more than offense,” said Allen, who became a linebacker as a freshman. “I fit right in at the outside linebacker spot.”

Per his college plans, Allen said he wants to go to a larger school, perhaps in the Big Ten, for education, so he might not play football in college. He is leaning toward majoring in business, but also is considering engineering or computer science.

Jay R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Hamilton Southeastern senior outside lineback er Clayton Allen was key contributor to the Roy als’ 12-1 record. (Photo courtesy of Clayton Allen)

Allen

Emergency room nurse launches toy drive

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

The season of giving is here, and with it are people looking to give back to their community and help those around them. One nurse at IU Health Saxony Hospital is doing just that.

GIVING BACK

Brittany Power, a registered nurse in the emergency department, launched her own toy drive when she started her position about 10 months ago.

“I had never worked with pediatric patients before, so that was intimidating,” Power said. “I thought one thing I would want as a child in the ER was some comfort. It would make me more willing to work with health care professionals.”

Power began bringing in stuffed animals she won from arcade crane machines. The toys were given to pediatric patients in the emergency room, and Power saw the kids relax when they received the toy.

“It started really hitting off,” Power said. “Co-workers started bringing in items, too, and the kids responded well. We provided a safety measure to let them know they can trust us. A lot of times with children, they say things like, ‘Doctors and hospitals are scary.’ I wanted to bring in a positive view for children who visited the ER.”

Power decided to increase the emergency depart ment’s efforts by creating its first-ever Christmas toy drive, an expanded version of her initial toy-sharing

efforts.

Power said participation in the program has been successful. The toy drive saw a total of 10 donations in its first week, half of which came from the department’s Amazon wish list.

“We put flyers all around the hospital — in the main lob by and ER lobby,” Power said. “The flyers have a QR code that links directly to the Amazon wish list, so it’s easy for people to donate on the spot.”

Power said donated toys can be purchased from the wish list or dropped off at the hospital’s toy drive box in the emergency room lobby. The department requires all toys be new with tags and can’t contain glitter because it can an interfere with an MRI machine.

“We want (patients) to be able to have a toy with them every step of their stay, including in the MRI room,” Pow er said. “It makes for better relationships between nurses and kids.”

Donated toys will be given exclusively to children who visit the emergency room at IU Health Saxony. The toy drive ends Dec. 31.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of donations through this,” Power said. “If we receive a surplus of donations, IU Health will continue to provide toys to kids beyond holi days, just like we’ve been doing.”

Donors can find toys at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/3F17F8MJM18OX/.

Brittany Power pauses by the emergency room toy drive box at IU Health Saxony Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Emma Packard with IU Health Saxony)

Art council to display artwork by disabled artists

news@geistcurrent.com

During the month of March in 2023, the Fishers Arts Council, in conjunction with the City of Fishers Advisory Committee on Disabilities and Conner Prairie, is looking to exhibit artwork created by artists with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

ART

The artwork will be featured at the Collaboration Hub Gallery at the Hamilton County Community Foundation at 11810 Tech nology Dr. in Fishers. The initiative is a way to demonstrate the importance of art as the council celebrates “Building our Future Together” during the month of March in the City of Fishers, according to organizers.

“Fishers Arts Council loves to celebrate and showcase the talents of our community because the arts are for everyone,” said Les Reinhardt, executive director of Fishers Arts Council. “We’re anticipating at least 60 submissions of 2D and 3D creative works by individuals with disabilities from central Indiana, including pieces from organizations such as Janus Developmental Services, Studio Outside the Box, ArtMix and many others.

“We always look forward to this annual exhibit in our gallery at the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foun dation and at Conner Prairie. Talent truly abounds in our community.”

Eligible artists must have a developmen tal or intellectual disability, be a 2D or 3D visual artist, be able to provide at least two to six pieces of family-friendly art for ex hibit and agree that Fishers Arts Council or Conner Prairie may alter artwork for proper hanging and installation in the galleries if said artwork is not properly equipped for

display.

Submissions must be emailed to info@ fishersartscouncil.org indicating their desire to participate. Email should include “March Awareness” in the subject line and include the artist’s name, physical mailing address, phone number, email address and one or two samples of artwork in JPEG or PDF format. The file size of each image should not exceed 2MB.

Artists do not have to be from Fishers to participate. Representatives from the Fish ers Arts Council will review submissions and select artists for the exhibit. Artists will be notified of their acceptance into the exhibit by Jan. 20, 2023.

Accepted artists will be required to de liver artwork to the Fishers City Services Building on Feb. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. or Feb. 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more, contact info@fishersartscoun cil.org.

Artist Krista Darrow discusses her artwork with a patron at Conner Prairie during the Disability Awareness Exhibit in March 2019. (Photo by Cour tesy of Fishers Arts Council

Cultivating community through fresh produce

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Many residents are unaware that an or ganization cultivates and sells homegrown produce in the City of Law rence. Founded and managed by Sharrona Moore, Lawrence Community Gardens are run by a mix of paid workers and student volunteers of all ages. The gardens make fresh vegetables and fruits easily accessible to the community.

call ‘food apartheid.’ There’s limited access to grocery stores. There’s also very low in come. A lot of people here experience health and food-related illnesses like not getting an adequate amount of sustenance.”

GARDEN

Located on a 7.6-acre farm at 9240 E. 46th St., just east of Post Road in Lawrence, Lawrence Community Gardens use a “coop erative business model to empower young people with knowledge and skills to grow food as a foundation to build a sustainable community,” according to the organization’s website. Employees and volunteers work together to run the farm and grow afford able organic produce. The farm also donates to local food pantries to provide fresh food next to shelf-stable and nonperishable items typically found in food pantries.

“Lawrence Community Gardens is really what’s needed for this community,” said Amber Toombs with Lawrence Community Gardens. “Indianapolis has something that I

Lawrence Community Gardens began in 2016 when representatives for the proposed garden met with leaders at Monarch Bever age, a beer distributor on Pendleton Pike, to propose a partnership whereby the gardens would be planted on unused land owned by the distribution company. Monarch Bever age agreed, and soon the partnership began that helped the gardens thrive.

“We’re just trying to heal our community through food and get the youth involved,” Toombs said. “For me, this is a sacred space.”

Organizations such as restaurants or grocers looking to support the gardens can call 317-748-2437 or email lawrencecommu nitygardens@yahoo.com to place an order. The gardens also have a roadside farmstand at its 46th Street location that is open Mon day through Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon from June 15 through Oct. 1.

For more, visit lawrencecommuni tygardens.org.

Lawrence Community Gardens sells produce roadside during the summer and early fall. (Photo courtesy of Lawrence Community Gardens)

GLC supports toy drive

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

To support the Lawrence Fire Dept. Fire fighters Family Assistance Program, the Greater Lawrence Cham ber will hold a toy dona tion event Dec. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Country Club at 6098 Fall Creek Rd.

DONATIONS

The After Hours: Holiday Celebration event will be hosted by the Rotary Clubs of India napolis Northeast. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine will be served courtesy of Total Reward Solutions.

During the event, the Chamber will ac cept new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations via check benefiting the City of Lawrence Firefighters Christmas Toy Drop. All checks should be made payable to the Firefighters Family Assistance Program.

Anyone unable to make the event who would still like to donate is encouraged to drop a gift off at the Greater Lawrence Chamber Office at 6501 Sunnyside Rd., Suite A216. Donations can be mailed to that ad dress as well.

“This fundraiser is really a reality check,”

Toy donations awaited packaging for the 2021 Firefighters Family Assistance Program. (Photo courtesy of the city of Lawrence)

LFD Chief Dino Batalis said. “It makes you re alize how many people do without, especially around the holidays. We almost always see our efforts paid forward with later volunteer efforts from families we’ve helped.”

For more, contact Kalie Kearney-Dunker son at the LFD’s administration office at 317-547-4371 or drop off new, unwrapped toys in the boxes provided in the lobby of the Lawrence Government Center at 9001 E. 59th St., or with the fire department in Suite 302, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A Lawrence Christmas kickoff event for Winterfest was highlighted by, from left, 2022 Miss United States Lily K. Donaldson, emcee Brian Wilkes of Fox 59, Santa, Mayor Steve Collier, The Grinch and City of Lawrence Chief of Staff Cori Korn. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

Winterfest

A Lawrence Christmas event

Business is still open through construction.

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DISPATCHES

Send us your stories and photos — Have a story suggestion? Want an event covered? Know of a new business or have photos for submission? Please email Current in Lawrence/Geist Managing Editor Rebecca Fending at rebecca@youarecurrent.com or call 317-489-4444. Remember our deadline is about eight days prior to publication.

LPD is hiring — Open enrollment for the Lawrence Police Dept. opened Oct. 19 with the hopes of hiring new officers by March of 2023. The first 20 eligible interest form sub missions sent to Lawrence Police Dept. will have the first opportunity to participate. To learn more, visit joinlawrencepd.com.

United Way seeking volunteers for Read UP program — United Way of Central Indiana is seeking volunteers for its ReadUP pro gram. The program sends individuals to ele mentary schools across the region to read with third graders who are behind on their reading skills. Volunteers who are interest ed must complete a background check and a one-hour training session. For more infor mation, visit www.uwci.org/readup.

State’s cutest dogs — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Develop ment Corp. and Indiana’s First Dog, Henry, are searching for adorable dogs in great locations across the state through the Visit Indiana Cutest Dog Photo Contest. A dif ferent winner will be selected every week for one year. Each winning dog will get a note from Indiana’s first dog, an exclusive ‘More To Discover IN Indiana’ dog bandana, a feature as one of the Cutest Dogs IN Indi ana on the Visit Indiana social channels. To enter, upload a photo or video of your dog to Instagram, tag @VisitIndiana and use the hashtag #DogsINIndiana. Entries must include the location where the photo was taken.

Prevent catalytic converter theft - Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropol itan Police Dept. have partnered to launch the Catalytic Converter Identification Initia tive to combat a trend of catalytic converter thefts and support vehicle safety. Through this initiative, Hoosiers that visit a Jiffy Lube store in central Indiana can opt to have their technician engrave the last 8 dig its of the vehicle’s VIN on the catalytic con verter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of protection to any vehicle at no additional cost (and no purchase necessary). Services will remain in effect indefinitely.

DISPATCHES

Princess Program applications — The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2023 500 Festival Princess Program. Appli cations are available at 500Festival.com/ Princess. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023. The program provides 33 wom en from Indiana colleges and universities with the opportunity to make an impact during their college years as ambassadors of the 500 Festival and its mission to enrich lives and positively impact the community. Each 500 Festival Princess will also receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Arts & Culture digital passport — The re cently launched Indiana Arts & Culture digi tal passport encourages visitors to discover new places and enjoy some of Indiana’s creative spaces. Sign up online for the pass port and receive custom prizes for visiting multiple destinations across the state. Visi tors need to check-in from a smartphone at one of the designated passport locations. Participants earn more by visiting more locations. For more, visit VisitIndiana.com/ arts or follow Visit Indiana on social media at @VisitIndiana on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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

Roads to Reconciliation exhibition — In diana artists who identify as Black, Indige nous or Persons of Color are encouraged to submit work for Roads to Reconciliation, a juried exhibition sponsored by St. Christo pher’s Episcopal Church in Carmel. The Au gust exhibition will feature work celebrat ing progress on the journey to dismantle racism, as well as work acknowledging the importance of continuing to walk this path with intention and determination. There is no entry fee for submitting work. Learn more at stchriscarmel.org/roads-to-reconcil iation.html.

Lawrence’s Blue Star Banner Program honors active military members

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

For the last 12 years, the City of Lawrence has fostered a project focused on honoring hometown military service members. The Blue Star Banner Program recognizes people from Lawrence or with connections in the city who are active duty in any branch of the U.S. military.

The program’s 2-foot-by-5-foot banners, inscribed with the service member’s name, rank and military branch, line Lawrence streets.

The Blue Star Banner Program was created to instill a sense of community and honor Lawrence residents who are actively serving in the military, according to city officials. With the decommissioned Fort Benjamin Har rison military base at the center of the city, Mary Jo Rothenbush, executive assistant to Mayor Steve Collier and head of the program, said the concept “just made sense.”

Rothenbush said the program was cre ated in 2010 by Candy Davis, the executive assistant to the city’s previous mayor.

“(Davis) had gone to a wedding in Califor nia and saw banners hanging throughout the city for their active-duty military,” Rothenbush said. “She knew then that she wanted to bring it to Lawrence.”

Davis launched the Blue Star Banner Pro gram by hanging banners for 35 active-duty service members who had a connection to the city.

Rothenbush said that when she was hired as an administrative assistant to the city’s economic development director in 2016, Collier told her that he wanted to ensure the program continued. From that point forward, Rothenbush began organiz ing events throughout the year to continue and enhance the Blue Star Banner Program.

“We do many things throughout the year,” Rothenbush said. “We have a float at the city’s Fourth of July parade, where military families join and toss candy. We also have military flag-raising events for anniversaries of the branches of service. We typically do six raises from June to December. For in stance, on June 14, we had a flag raising for the (247th) anniversary of the U.S. Army.”

Rothenbush has worked to recognize city employees who have served in the military.

“I enlisted in March 1978,” Salsbery said. “My dad was my recruiter, so we discussed options, and I ended up choosing the United States Air Force. I served in a relatively peaceful time. There was no active shooting war, and I volunteered for overseas duty.”

Rothenbush said each year, the program holds an annual dinner to honor Lawrence’s mil itary families and the sacrifices they make at home.

“We recognize the families’ sacrifices just as much as our military members,” Rothenbush said. “The families are the ones who hold down the fort and care for other family members while those deployed are away.”

Since the creation of the program, Rothenbush said that only one service member’s Blue Banner Star became a Gold Star Banner when he was killed in the line of duty.

“In 2010, Christopher Karch, a Lawrence Central (High School) graduate, was killed in action while stationed in Afghanistan,”

Damein Michael Haynes displays his Blue Star Banner alongside Mayor Collier. Da mein is medically retired from the U.S. Army and was a former student of Collier’s when he taught at Law rence North High School. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)

comes together and supports (the Blue Star Banner Program) in any way they can.”

ON

COVER:

Rothenbush said. “Candy (Davis) planted a tree and placed a stone as a memorial for him in Memorial Plaza. The Karch family is now considered a Gold Star Family. Although the family no longer lives in Lawrence, (Christopher’s) aunt drives through the city for work and expressed that she would like for it to stay up.

“So, of course, we honor that. His banner is the only one that stays up year-round.”

Each of the Blue Star ban ners are taken down for the winter and cleaned thoroughly before being reinstalled in the spring. The program currently has 33 banners. According to Rothenbush, several families have two or more banners in the program, with multiple brothers or sons on active duty.

The program is funded completely through donations, sponsors and the sup port of local businesses. For that reason, Rothenbush said it is a true community project.

“There’s so much to it,” Rothenbush said. “It’s such a supportive community, espe cially on a former military base. Everyone

ORIGIN OF “BLUE STAR” AND “GOLD STAR” TERMS

According to the United Service Organizations, the Blue Star and Gold Star service banners originated in 1917 during World War I, when a U.S. Army captain designed and patented the Blue Star to honor his sons who were serving on the front lines of the war. The captain chose blue to mirror the white stars on the American flag. Soon after, it was determined that a gold star should represent those who sacrificed their lives while serving. Gold was the chosen color to “represent the honor and glory accorded the person for his supreme sacrifice in offering for his country.”

Scott Salsbery, utility superintendent for Lawrence, is one of those employees.

THE

From left, Angie Lee, Amy Ashmore and Marcia Ashmore pose before the 2021 Fourth of July parade honoring active duty members. Each has a family member with a Blue Star banner. (Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Rothenbush)

Christopher Karch’s banner hangs per manently on 56th Street in Lawrence. (Photo courtesy of the city of Lawrence)

Lawrence Utilities Supt. Scott Salsbery joined the Air Force in 1978.

ESSAY

Give or take?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Giving Tuesday has now officially passed, although the requests for the “final” gift of the year continue to flow in. Private philanthropy is a good thing. People make direct and immediate choices about the world around them and decide how they are willing to do nate their own labor to contribute to the cause. Instead of showing up hammer in hand to help raise the barn, most of us these days choose to spend the day at our own toil, whatever it may be, and forgo the benefit to ourselves and our families, and instead giving the fruit to some cause of our liking.

While it is important to follow laws regarding government revenue, one cannot claim a personal moral gold star if the tax collector eventually comes, gun in hand, to take from us the product of our labor. Conversely, there is honor to be had in working voluntarily for the benefit of others. We might contribute from excess, from gratitude, from a hope that others might care for us if we were in need, or from a genuine charity, agape. Whatever the motivation, we have worked so that some other — un able, unwilling or un-situated — does not. There is no exchange. There is little market. There is no expectation of inter est paid.

Even so, as some give, others take. Many of us hold our philanthropy to in clude direct service on boards or in the soup kitchens of nonprofits, in addition to our financial contributions. So, we be come both benefactor and beneficiary. What roles do — and should — we play? Is it right to expect gratitude from the takers? Is it right to expect gifts from the givers? Are there strings attached? Should there be? If Giving Tuesday is a mirror to Taking Tuesday, how do we make sure that doing the right thing is doing the right thing?

You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

CURRENTOON

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

POLICIES

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HUMOR

It was nice while it lasted

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve been an empty nester officially now for three months, two weeks, and five days, and I have loved every single glorious moment. The quiet evenings, the relatively clean kitchen (my husband, Doo, still doesn’t seem to understand that we have a dishwasher), and the peace of mind that can only come when your babies-turned-youngadults are no longer underfoot have been simply magical. Which is why I am somewhat dreading the holidays, as my college kiddos will once again be home.

Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be great to see them, especially our twins who are studying in Colorado and California. But why, sweet mother, do classes not resume until the end of January? Why must universities start second semes ters so ridiculously late? Do they not realize the disruption these extended breaks will cause to my beautifully crafted, long-awaited parental mile stone? This is enough time to form ac tual habits, like 1 a.m. muffin baking and sleeping ‘til noon. This will enable my newly independent offspring to rejoin the dole, which in turn will fundamen tally alter our Meijer bill and undoubted ly drive me bat-poo crazy.

And one of them is bringing her cat! I haven’t even begun to wrap my head around how a temporary pet is going to add to the chaos. No, my only chance at survival will be to convince them to return early. Perhaps between a few white lies (“We’re vegetarians now” and “The dryer’s broken”) and guilt trips about their jobs (“The lab really needs you there!”), I’ll manage to convince them to leave ahead of schedule.

Fingers crossed! Because I have grown to love being an empty nester. Peace out.

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

Danielle

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC.

“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.”

— LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Present company withstanding

ry building, a jail, cops and police dogs. At kids’ bedtime when toys must be put away, parents can post a sign that says, “Decon struct the police.”

HUMOR

The Hammacher Schlemmer Christmas ’22 gift catalog just arrived! It’s the lon gest-running mail-order retail er of its kind, its pages filled with unique (if not quirky) selections. Here are some of my favorites. Who knows, maybe this holiday you’ll receive…

John Wayne’s Canvas Rancher Jacket: This hand-crafted jack et features a notched corduroy collar. I guess the notches each rep resent some poor soul Duke wasted in a mov ie. Do the five buttons denote the people he eliminated in his real life for not embracing the Second Amend ment? None of these jackets were returned, with customers saying, “You’ll have to pry that coat from my cold, dead hands.”

The Electronic Tag Game: This is a modern version of tag, where kids wear LED lights so they can see who has been tagged. Huh? When I was a kid, I wasn’t smart enough to reduce a fraction, but I sure didn’t need a light to know who was “it.”

This giant plush pachyderm sings, “Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?” At 8 years old and first discovering my body, that’s not how I sang the words.

The New York

The Warming Cat Bed: “Recommended by veterinarians,” says HS. But only two vets could make an honest endorsement — the only two small enough to fit in the bed. The catalog says it can also be used for a small dog — but I’d take the cat out first.

The Side Sleepers’ Ergonomic Pillow: Ideal for someone who is sleeping with someone on the side. The pillow adjusts to your head and neck, providing support (pro viding support is what you will have to do if you get caught).

The Perfect Spiral Robotic Quarter back: This training tool loads footballs and launches them 75 feet. You pump each ball, putting in as much air as you like. Endorsed by Tom Brady.

The Lego City Police Station: The 680-piece Lego set comes with a three-sto

– DICK WOLFSIE

Times Jigsaw

Puzzle of Your Birthdate: Ever wonder what the front page of the New York Times looked like the day you were born? Me, either. This 600-piece puzzle tests your concentration and pa tience. Remember the New York Times slo gan, “All the news we print will fit,” unless the dog chewed a piece.

The Personalized Animated Singing Elephant Chair: This giant plush pachyderm sings, “Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro?” At 8 years old and first discovering my body, that’s not how I sang the words.

One favorite item from a past holiday edi tion is still available:

The Soft Kangaroo Wallet: This billfold is made from the hide of a kangaroo. How ironic that here’s an animal, one of the few on the planet with an actual pocket that can carry something, and we made him into a wallet.

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

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

HEALTH Reduce holiday stress with gratitude

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCHES

For many people, the holiday season dra matically increases stress. Planning family visits, accommodating guests or adhering to a tight budget for holiday shopping can con tribute to struggles with mental health and well-being. However, licensed counselors recommend practicing gratitude to alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.

Richardson said. “I encourage people to reflect and be mindful while making note of the feeling associated with it. You can also go a step further and do something to con tinue to benefit your health.”

HEALTH

Kimble Richardson, a licensed mental health counselor with Community Health Network at Community Hospital North, has 35 years of experience in the field and said expressing gratitude can be “satisfying” and encourages people to maintain a positive, action-oriented approach to life.

“Gratitude helps us with two things,” Richardson said. “You start to reflect on what you’re thankful for, so it asks us to be mindful. It also encourages us to do some thing action-oriented, like the act of saying ‘thank you.’ It really doesn’t take much of your time.”

Richardson said it is also possible to “have gratitude for oneself.”

“You can also have gratitude for oneself by saying, ‘I feel gratitude for my health,’”

Richardson said that taking the step to express gratitude can be especially helpful for those who face challenges speaking up for themselves.

“Step out of your comfort zone and try telling someone how they impacted you,” Richardson said. “It’s really satisfying know ing the other person is getting joy from your expressed gratitude.”

Richardson said gratitude can have a lasting effect on stressors down the line, such as at some point needing help from a person to whom you expressed gratitude.

“I called a leader in our network and asked for some advice,” Richardson said. “They listened and offered a few sugges tions. It meant a lot to me that they listened so well and provided great advice. I could have just left it at that, but I sent them a text and said, ‘Thank you for your guidance. I appreciate it.’ It took me a few seconds to do, but hopefully next time, they’ll remem ber that.”

Healthier bread — Like it or not, bread just isn’t that good for you, especially white bread. Even though whole grain bread is a better option, it is still low in nutrients. Now, though, there is a healthy bread substitute. Called Barely Bread, it’s a soy-, yeast- and gluten-free, paleo-friendly bread substitute that actually tastes a lot like real bread. The texture isn’t identical to regular bread, but it is close. Available online or at Whole Foods, it’s worth trying.

Source: MSN.com

Reduce arthritis pain naturally — Un like many medical remedies for arthritis, these are safe and inexpensive. Give them a try to see if they work for you:

1. Tea – contains polyphenols that suppress arthritis inflammation

2. Vitamins C and D

3. Grapes and grape juice – contain resveratrol which suppresses inflammation

4. Taping – therapeutic taping has been proven to reduce symptoms. Have a physical therapist show you how to do it properly.

Holiday Porchfest

Kimble Richardson discusses what gratitude means for a person’s mental health during the holidays. (Photo courtesy of Kimble Richardson)

Local roofing company supports workers, communities

By Elle Kreamer elle@youarecurrent.com

Growing up with parents in the roofing industry, Zionsville siblings Gene and Randy Judd were no strangers to the hardships associated with the sea sonal nature of the busi ness. Randy said growing up in Rockford, Ill., their mother encouraged them to attend college and not become roofers.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Despite his mother’s ad monition, Gene followed his entrepreneurial dream and started his own roofing busi ness. After graduating from Indiana Univer sity in 1987, Gene, who now lives in Zions ville, worked out of his garage in Speedway as a roofer. He launched Bone Dry Roofing in 1989 and it now has 13 locations across the U.S., including Indianapolis.

“It was tough for (our parents) to make a steady living at the time,” Gene said. “We moved 13 times when I was younger because my parents would be looking for a job. I would come home from school and the sheriff would be there to move my family out of our home.”

Gene’s brother, Randy, who also lives in Zionsville, joined the business as its vice president in 1997. He is semi retired from Bone Dry Roofing.

“The culture at Bone Dry has always been very employee-centric, as well as custom er-centric,” Randy said. “At the start, the company was highly based on referrals and reputation and word of mouth. So, we were very, very much concerned about all the customers being happy with our work, and that’s really how we were able to grow.”

Gene said he tries to maintain a consis tently supportive work environment for employees, no matter how much the com pany grows. He said the firm does its best to take care of employees by providing them with financial advisors, 401(k)s, paid-time off, health insurance and educational opportuni ties through the company’s training program, Bone Dry University, among other benefits. The company has approximately 500 employees.

“When I started the business, I wanted to provide stability and peace of mind for my family to be able to offer them some of the

advantages that I didn’t have growing up,” Gene said. “I want my people to be able to have that peace of mind so they can support their families and have a secure position.”

Twenty-four years ago, Grant Costeel, a longtime roofer, was living in a trailer on the west side of Indianapolis. He said he was looking for better opportunities, so he flipped through the phone book looking for the biggest ad for a roofing company. When he found a full-page ad for Bone Dry Roof ing, he said he applied immediately.

Costeel was hired as a roofer and soon after was running the crew. He is now the manager for Bone Dry Roofing in Indianapo lis, and said he is proud to be a part of such a reputable and supportive company and to be able to support himself and his daughter.

“It’s great to go to somebody’s house, especially as a salesman or as an employee, and to be able to go to the door and say all these great things and know that they’re true,” Costeel said. “The brand is how we make people feel. They always say people won’t remember you for what you say or do, they remember you for how they make you feel.”

Gene said in addition to supporting em ployees, Bone Dry Roofing promotes a cul ture of giving through philanthropic work.

Gene said the company has been building roofs for Habitat for Humanity projects in the Boone County area for approximately 20 years, and it tries to do the same in each of the 13-plus communities where Bone Dry does business. He said the company is involved in other philanthropic efforts, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and conducts a ‘Bone Dry Loves Pink’ breast cancer awareness campaign every fall.

Gene Judd

Bone Dry Roofing employees construct a roof for a home built by Habitat for Humanity of Boone County in 2019. (Photos courtesy of Bone Dry Roofing)

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

currentnightandday.com

Marie Osmond to make her Palladium debut

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Marie Osmond, Christmas is about memories, not possessions.

my sixth decade of music performing con sistently, which is crazy, so I’ll do a few things that people will enjoy.”

Osmond said she will share stories of her career during the concert.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

“I feel people need a little bit of hope, a little bit of laughter and some love,” she said. “They actually need to be togeth er. My philosophy has always been, ‘Do you remember what you got for Christmas five years ago?’ But I do remember the time I spent with friends and family, going to events and having dinner. Those are the things that make memories, and those are the things I like to provide for people.”

CONCERT

Osmond wants to add to the audience’s memories with an 8 p.m. concert Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel. It is Osmond’s first visit to the Palladium and is part of her symphonic Christmas tour.

“I’ve been associated with Christmas since I was a fetus,” Osmond said. “I started out with Andy Williams’ Christmas shows at 3. I did my first Bob Hope Christ mas show when I was 13, and he kind of became a second dad. I did USO Christmas shows and then Donny and Marie and Os mond Family (shows), so I know a little about Christmas. It’s super fun.”

Osmond will perform a couple of songs from her 2021 album “Unexpected,” which feature a collection of Broadway and opera classics that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Classical Crossover Albums Chart.

“It blew my mind,” she said. “I didn’t think it would do anything. It was me spend ing 25 years learning to sing legit opera.”

Osmond, 63, said the type of Christmas music she performs fits well with an orchestra.

“It’s going to be musi cally diverse, eclectic,” said Osmond, adding she will mostly perform Christmas songs. “It’s

Osmond and her older brother, Donny, ended their 11-year residency at the Flamin go in Las Vegas in 2019. Donny now has a solo residency at Harrah’s in Las Vegas.

“He’s going to die Wayne Newton,” Os mond jokingly said of her brother. “It was lovely (that) people came 11 years to see the show. In my heart, I felt I needed to go to people, especially because traveling is costly right now. I love the road. I’ve probably performed more on the road than anyone in my family, whether it was doing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of

“I think the whole part of the holiday spirit is to interact,” she said. “I think a good location is important. I hand-pick all these areas. I wanted to go to places that I hav en’t been. Although I swear I’ve performed everywhere, from fairs to festivals to honkytonks, I wanted to put this show in places where I felt people would enjoy it.”

Her nephew, David Osmond, will per form with her.

“He’s a phenomenal talent,” she said. “I don’t use him because he’s an Osmond. I use him because he’s terrific. He has an amazing story. He teases me, ‘I know why you have me in the show, so you can make costume changes.’ I said, ‘OK, there you go.’ But, no, he’s terrific. There will be things that bring back wonderful Christmas memories. We’ll have some new

Osmond will perform with local orches

“I believe in (doing) that. There are so many talented musicians,” she said. “Some of them have been performing five or six decades, too. It’s nice to utilize local

One thing that drives

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

‘A

CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

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

‘THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT’

Mud Creek Players’ production of “The Christmas Spirit,” a holiday comedy, runs through Dec. 17 at Mud Creek Theatre, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

‘UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS’

Carmel Players will present “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” from Dec. 9-18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘CHRISTMAS AT THE PLAYHOUSE’

“Christmas at the Playhouse” will feature six original one-act plays from Dec. 9-11 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

Osmond is

“When we did the show in Vegas, the show would be an hour-and-a-half and my meet-and-greet would be like three hours,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot of difficult things and people know that I understand, so they will come and talk to me about things. God doesn’t care who you are in this life, he cares about how you do your job and how you treat other people. That’s my philosophy.”

For tickets, visit thecenter presents.org.

Marie Osmond will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium. (Photo

‘DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR’

“Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘MARIE OSMOND: A SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS TOUR’

“Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas Tour” concert is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenter presents.org.

‘I’LL

BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” concert is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Palladium at the Center for the Perform ing Arts in Carmel. There will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more, visit thecen terpresents.org.

courtesy of Marie Osmond)

Soloist returns for IWS show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Director Charles Conrad that kids would love the drama of the piece.

In the evening, Anderson will sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonder ful Time of the Year” and “O Holy Night.”

CONCERT

After graduating from Carmel High School in 2011, Jessamyn Anderson began perform ing with the Indiana Wind Symphony. The soprano soloist will appear with the IWS Dec. 11 for two performances at the Palladium at the Center for the Per forming Arts in Carmel. The matinee performance at 2 p.m. will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The 7 p.m. performance’s theme is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Anderson

“I am most excited about bringing my daughter to the afternoon kids’ show,” An derson said. “It’s wild that I was a freshman in college when I first sang ‘O Holy Night’ with the IWS, and now I’m bringing my baby to the shows. I feel like I’ve grown up, pro fessionally speaking, with this ensemble. For the afternoon show, I will perform ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’ and our special, epic arrangement of ‘O Holy Night,’ a first for the matinee.”

Anderson said she convinced IWS Music

“It has been a joy to watch and hear her develop over those years into an outstanding operatic sopra no who has tremendous versatility,” Conrad said. “I am certain that we will be seeing her on stages around the world in the next few years. She is a wonderful artist with which to collaborate.”

Anderson and her husband live in Colum bia, Tenn., near Nashville.

“We love it in Tennessee, but I do miss being close to my family — and round abouts,” Anderson said.

The guest conductor for the concert is Catherine Maloney, who is the band teacher at Pendleton Heights Middle School. She has been accepted to be the next conductor of the Indiana National Guard Band following recent auditions. She has played flute with the IWS since 2013.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

‘Christmas at the Playhouse’ set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nicole Amsler is eager to direct her own one-act play as part of “Christmas at the Playhouse.”

Amsler said. “It’s about a family and you see all the dysfunction, but they are all writing those newsletters that are very sweet. They all say the best things but behind the scenes you realize that is not truly how it is.”

PLAYS

The group of six oneact original plays is set for Dec. 9-11 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

Amsler, a Noblesville resident, wrote and directs “Holiday Cards.” She also is the director for “Clara The Christmas Tree Angel,” which was written by Enid Cokinos.

Two plays, “A Requiem for Shermy” and “Last Minute Shoppers,” were written by Mark Harvey Levine. The other plays are “Garland, Gynos, and Gurneys” by Megan Ann Jacobs and “Tradition” by Josh Elicker. The short plays by Indiana writers are 10 to 12 minutes long. Amsler said Logan Laflin will sing between the acts.

Amsler said “Holiday Cards” started as a book she wrote during National Novel Writ ing Month several years ago.

“When I started playwriting, I decided it would make a really good short story,”

There are six performers in “Hol iday Cards” with a mother, her two adult children and significant others and a younger daughter.

“I’ve had this play staged before where I went to go see it and some one else directed it,” Amsler said. “It was done in New York and in Wis consin. It was very interesting to see other people direct that play, so I’m ex cited to be able to do it myself. If you don’t direct the ending correctly, there is a pretty big reveal that gets lost if you change the lighting or let people think it’s come to an end. There is actually a pretty big surprise at the end.”

Amsler said all the plays are uplifting and fun.

Earlier this year, Amsler acted for the first time in 27 years in “Calendar Girls” at Epilogue Players Theatre in Indianapolis.

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

Amsler

Carmel teen gets special role

the Snow Queen has many entrances at the end of Act 1.”

Stephenson plays other roles in the scenes in the two shows when the other dancer, Indianapolis resident Miriam Danek, portrays Snow Queen.

BALLET

Stephenson Farley

The Carmel High School freshman will appear in the Ballet Theatre of Carmel Acad emy’s production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 16-18 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18.

“Something that has been important to me is building my stamina,” Stephenson said. “The choreography is very intricate and there is a lot to think about because

Stephenson is Snow Queen in the final two performances.

“It’s one of my favorite ballets to watch and to dance in,” Stephenson said. “I love learning new chore ography every year and it never gets old.”

Ciara Farley, a homeschooled junior from Carmel, will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the first two performances. She has been with BTCA for 11 years.

“This is one of my dream roles and I’m ex cited to have been cast as Sugar Plum,” Far ley said. “One of the things I look forward to is the artistry of the performances. I love ‘The Nutcracker.’ It has so many memories. It’s a magical experience.”

For more, visit ballettheatreofcarmel.org/ nutcracker/.

CCP to present holiday play

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

One of Kevin Shadle’s favorite authors is Robert Fulghum.

PRODUCTION

So, it’s not surprising Shadle would be a fan of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas,” a play based on Fulghum’s books.

Shadle, a Fishers resident, will perform in Carmel Community Players’ production of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” from Dec. 9 to 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. The play features a collection of stories, songs and vignettes.

“What I like about it is that it is very real,” Shadle said. “It’s very human. It’s not your usual Christmas show in that you don’t feel like you are sitting in church and it’s not sil ly. Everybody will be able to identify with so much in this show. That’s what I definitely love about this.”

Westfield resident Kate Hinman is the di rector, and it is her first time directing with CCP. She also is a Fulghum fan. So, when she saw on Facebook that CCP was looking for a director for the show, she asked to see the script.

The cast of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” in cludes back, from left, Kevin Shadle, Tom Riddle and Matt Trgovac, and front, from left, Joy Ried and Tonya Rave. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Haas)

“I was through three vignettes, and I said, ‘I want to do this show,” Hinman said. “It’s very funny. It’s an actors’ show be cause they are challenged because they are going from telling the story to interacting with invisible characters. Each actor has one to two monologues.”

Tonya Rave, a Lawrence Township resi dent, said the vignettes are poignant.

“A lot of what my character Peggy says resonates with me, so it makes it more fun to play the character,” Rave said.

For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

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

Based on

motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark,

Wind

CHRISTMAS MUSIC A day of Perfect for the whole family!

Commentary by Mark LaFay

CHARCUTERIE

called Rustic Bakery. They make several dif ferent toasts, crackers, cookies and more. In fact, if you go to a wine tasting in California, the odds are good you will find Rustic Bak ery’s flatbread crackers at your wine tasting. Its Sel Gris flatbread crackers are delicious. Thin and flavorful, these crackers pack great flavor and pair wonderfully with anything you could have on your charcuterie board. They also go great alone (and they are great for resetting your palate when wine tasting).

The water cracker is great for meat and cheese because it is thin, light, savory and generally very mild in flavor. Carr’s Water Crackers are a very popular brand, and for good reason. Carr’s has been in business since 1832. The crackers are baked in a tradi tional brick oven, and they are thin, crunchy and tasty! Carr’s crackers are great for providing crunch without overpowering the meat, cheese or jams with additional flavor. Whatever route you go, don’t leave off the crunch carbs from your charcuterie board.

Wind Symphony

In Northern California, there is a bakery

Where’s Amy?

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

Where’s Amy attends IBC’s ‘The Nutcracker’

In light of the great celebration of car bohydrates also known as the holidays, it is only fitting that we take a look at some great carby, critical charcuterie components (score 4 points for the alliteration). Crackers, bread, and toast are must-haves for a successful charcuterie board. They are delicious on their own. They also serve as excellent vehicles for deliver ing meat, cheese and accoutrements to your mouth. Unlike the ballpark hot dog bun, the crumble of toast and the crunch of a cracker provide additional dimension to your munch ing experience besides having tasty flavors that can be savory and sweet.

Toast is a great option for a charcuterie board. You can make your own toast by crisping up some brioche and cutting it into bite sized pieces. You could also opt to get a pre-made toast like Trois Petite Cochon Toast. These toast minis are made in France with natural ingredients and baked off into a crunchy, crumbly bite. These are great for sweet jams or savory toppings. I find the ‘crouton-esque’ nature of these toast minis to be quite pleasing.

Where’s Amy attended Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s annual “The Nutcracker” performance Nov. 26 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The presentation included a special accompaniment by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. For more on future performances, visit indi anaballetconservatory.org. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Visiting Chicago’s Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks

Commentary by Don Knebel

Keeping watch for sasquatch

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

My daughter has started roaming the streets looking for Bigfoot clues. Accord ing to her kindergarten classmates, Big foot only comes out at night, and that’s when he drops clues around the neighborhood. While on walks with our puppy, my daughter finds interesting rocks, oddly shaped pieces of mulch and even the occasional rusty shard of unknown garbage. All of these items are clues. My friend Byron (the con spiracy theory enthusiast) is thrilled by my daughter’s new Bigfoot obsession.

GRAMMAR GUY

abominable snowmen to adnominals, or adnouns. No, these aren’t nouns you find in popup ads on websites; adnouns are adjectives used as nouns. While I’ve written before about the “verbification” of nouns; now we’re going to “nounify” some adjectives.

Here’s an easy example to understand adnouns: “…the land of the free and the home of the brave.” At the end of “The Star-Spangled Banner” (an unfortunate na tional anthem because who has that kind of vocal range?) we find two adjectives used as nouns. “Free” and “brave” stand alone as adnouns here.

In the “Sermon on the Mount” in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Here again we see an adjective — the word “meek” — standing alone as a noun.

Today, we visit Millennium Park and Mag gie Daley Park, which each year draw mil lions of people, including fami lies, to the heart of Chicago. Millennium Park lies just west of Lake Michigan, between Randolph and East Monroe streets. Named for the third millennium, the 25-acre park opened in 2004, four years behind schedule.

TRAVEL

The park cost $475 million to construct, about half provided by private donors in exchange for naming rights. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion features a band shell designed by architect Frank Gehry, with 4,000 perma nent seats and lawn space for 7,000 more. The AT&T plaza features “Cloud Gate,” a three-story sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor. Nicknamed “The Bean” because of its shape, the sculpture, made from 168 sheets of polished stainless steel, reflects the nearby skyline. Crown Fountain, named for Chicago’s Crown Family, includes a black granite reflecting pool between two glass brick towers. The 50-foot-tall towers display videos of the faces of about 1.000 Chicagoland residents, with water appear ing to flow from the subject’s mouth about every five minutes. The 2.5-acre Lurie Gar den, named for philanthropist Anne Lurie, features perennials, trees, grasses, shrubs and trees.

Maggie Daley Park is named for the wife of longtime Chicago Mayor Richard Michael Daley. She died of cancer in 2011. Lying be tween Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive, the 20-acre park is linked to Millennium Park by the BP Pedestrian Bridge, a winding footbridge over Columbus Drive. The park

many attractions for families and children, including a quarter-mile ice-skat ing ribbon, rock-climbing walls, tennis courts and a miniature golf course featuring Chicago highlights. A 3-acre Play Garden for children 12 and under includes the popular Enchanted Forest.

In 2021, Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park collectively attracted about 25 million visitors, making them among the top 10 most popular destinations in the United States.

As a kid, I wasn’t as concerned about Bigfoot. Instead, I lost sleep over the Okie Ogre, a nocturnal monster who ate family pets and spit out their bones in the driveway. Was the Okie Ogre merely a freakishly large raccoon, or had the abominable snowman missed a left turn at Albuquerque? Was it even real? It’s hard to say. Perhaps I should have been getting ready for a yeti or keeping watch for a sasquatch.

It’s time to make a hard pivot from

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

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

includes

The “Cloud Gate” sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Don

Don Knebel at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.

Crown Fountain in Millennium Park.

Nuts: ALMOND, CASHEW, HAZELNUT, PEANUT, PECAN, WALNUT; Characters: BRUCE, JOKER, PENGUIN, RIDDLER, ROBIN; Holders: CUP, GLASS, MUG, TUMBLER; Companies: KAFFEINE, NEIDHAMMER, RABBLE; Arsenal: AVENUE, TECH; Attraction: CONNER PRAIRIE

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