December 13, 2022 — Lawrence/Geist

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Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. VIII, No. 46

Copyright 2022 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

Construction begins on new Fortville Elementary

By Edward Redd news@geistcurrent.com

School will be converted to an intermediate school by the fall of 2025, where fifth- and sixth-grade students will attend classes.

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

SCHOOLS

A few years ago, the Mt. Vernon Community Schools Board came up with a plan to make new additions to the district in response to the increasing population of the school community.

A Nov. 30 groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the new Fortville Elementary School and Mt. Vernon transportation building at 1806 W. Ind. 234 in Fortville.

According to Supt. of Mt. Vernon Schools Jack Parker, planning for the project started in 2019.

“We were looking at the projected growth of our district, and we knew that we were going to need more capacity,” Parker said.

Community input helped determine that a new building was needed and that the school district wanted to organize the grades differently. There are currently three

Mt.

schools that are kindergarten through fifth grade, one school is sixth through eighth grade and a high school for ninth through 12th grade.

Parker said fifth-grade students would be moved from the elementary schools and sixth grade would be moved from the middle school. The current Fortville Elementary

Parker said the reorganization would give the other schools more space for growth.

Mt. Vernon Community Schools Board President Kellie Freeman said construction of the new school is part of “a plan in place” to manage future growth within the school district.

“We may not be able to stop the growth that’s coming to this part of the county, but having a plan in place to maintain our facilities and monitor our growth is incredibly important,” Freeman said. “We can be prepared to engage and educate any student that comes to our school system.”

Fortville Elementary School Principal Vince Edwards said the new school will increase opportunities for the school district.

“We want to make sure there is something for every student,” Edwards said. “That way, we can help every student grow and reach their potential.”

Representatives from the groups involved participate in the groundbreaking, celebrating the beginning of a three-year plan. (Photos by Edward Redd)

Vernon Supt. Jack Parker displays the New Fortville Elementary School design.

uwci.org

Marauders perform in Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

During Thanksgiving Break, approximately 60 students from the Mt. Vernon High School Band of Marauders traveled to Philadelphia to perform in the 103rd ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade Nov. 24.

MARCHING BAND

The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade began at 8:30 a.m. on the holiday. Thousands of people lined the streets of Philadelphia to cheer the performers, including the Band of Marauders. Although the band did not receive air time during its twohour march, many were eager to be a part of the experience.

Band director Jackie Nason said the trip was “historic.”

“For the band program, this was a historic trip as it was the first time in program history that the marching band performed in a parade of this magnitude,” Nason said. “I couldn’t have been more proud of their performance.”

The band learned two new songs to perform at the parade: “Santa Baby” and “Let It Snow.”

Nason thanked the community for its support of the school’s marching band.

“We have really enjoyed all the support and congratulations that the community and MVCSC district has shown our students,” Nason said. “This opportunity has opened new doors for the Band of Marauders to march in even bigger parades in the future.

“This trip surely was one to remember for all of the students, parents, siblings and teachers who thoroughly enjoyed many new experiences.”

The Mt. Vernon High School Band of Marauders prepare to march their route in the Nov. 24 ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation)

Mt. Vernon High School’s color guard performs in the parade.

Longtime educator is new principal at career academy Bank of America offers internship program for high school students

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

for the Indiana Connections Career Academy, said Gaard was chosen based on her prior virtual experience and leadership roles.

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

EDUCATION

Indiana Connections Career Academy, a tuition-free, full-time public virtual school, announced Nov. 29 that Fishers resident Colleen Gaard was hired as its new principal. Gaard has more than 10 years of teaching experience at Mt. Vernon Community School Corp. in language arts and joined Connections Academy in 2014 teaching high school English.

“I couldn’t be happier to join the Indiana Connections Career Academy family,” Gaard stated in a release. “The Indiana Connections Career team is an incredibly talented group of educators committed to opening up a world of possibilities beyond high school graduation and equipping students with the skills they will need to thrive in the workplace and build successful futures.”

Jane Ketzenberger, a media representative

“Colleen brings strong instructional expertise from the middle and high school levels,” Ketzenberger said. “Gaard has succeeded in various leadership roles, and Indiana Connections Career Academy welcomes her with open arms.”

Indiana Connections Career Academy is an online public school that offers education focused on providing career readiness for students in grades six through 12.

By engaging in Career Education LiveLesson sessions, completing career-facing activities and demonstrating employability skills, students earn badges and gain elective credit, according to the Indiana Connections Career Academy.

Enrollment for Indiana Connections Career Academy’s 2022-2023 second semester school year is open for students in grades six through 12.

Now through Jan. 13, 2023, Bank of America is accepting applications for its annual Student Leaders paid internship program.

“This internship helped with media presentation, civic engagement and improved my constructive communication skills,” Guyse said.

INTERNSHIP

The eight-week program places students with a local nonprofit to learn firsthand about the needs of their community and the critical role nonprofits play. They will also attend a leadership summit to learn how government, business and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs.

During the summer of 2021, Lawrence Central High School graduate Madison Guyse worked as a virtual community engagement liaison intern for Christamore House, a nonprofit that provides life skills training for children, adults and seniors at 502 N. Tremont St. in Indianapolis, in the student leader internship program. Guyse said the internship was rewarding.

For students looking to pursue work with nonprofits, Guyse highly recommends they apply for the internship.

“I strongly believe that (chosen applicants) will gain leadership, workforce and engagement skills through interning as a Bank of America Student Leader,” Guyse said. “Early experience in the work field is important and will set you apart as well as put you at an advantage from potential candidates for job or internship opportunities.”

To qualify for the internship, students must be a high school junior or senior, be in good standing at their school and receive a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor or school administrator. Students can apply at about. bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/ student-leaders before Jan. 13, 2023.

Gaard Guyse

NHS sophomore basketball player develops into ‘stat stuffer’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville High School sophomore Meredith Tippner has had a memorable calendar year.

She has already been a part of state championships in soccer and basketball and now is off to a strong start in the 2022-23 basketball season. In games through Dec. 3, the 5-foot-10 Tippner was averaging 16 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.6 assists for the Millers, who were 7-2 during that span.

“Meredith has been awesome for us this season,” Millers coach Donna Buckley said. “She is a stat stuffer. She scores, rebounds, defends and has the ability to impact the game in so many ways. She is an unbelievable talent and an even better kid.”

Tippner said her biggest improvement has been rebounding, inside post presence and using her body to establish position.

Noblesville captured the IHSAA Class 4A girls state title in February. Prior to this

MEET MEREDITH TIPPNER

Favorite athlete: Steph Curry

Ideal vacation spot: Florida

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite TV show: “All American”

school year, Ashlynn Shade, who has signed with the University of Connecticut, transferred to La Lumiere, a prep school in La Porte.

“Ash cannot easily be replaced,” Tippner said. “But I think the best way we replace her contributions is as a team. We all need to score more efficiently than last year, rebound more and defend at a high level. I

have been focused on trying to make the best decisions for my team. I feel like that’s what we all need to focus on in order to make another run. A better decision, a deflection, an extra pass, these are the things that make winning teams.”

Tippner already has collegiate basket-

ball offers from Ball State University, the University at Buffalo, Butler University, the University of Evansville, Purdue University Fort Wayne, the University of San Francisco and the University of Toledo.

In soccer, Tippner scored 15 goals for Noblesville’s girls team, which captured the IHSAA Class 3A state title Oct. 29 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tippner loves both sports, but basketball is her favorite because she said she is always in a position to make a contribution.

“With a soccer field being so large in comparison, the action may be 40 yards away,” Tippner said. “But in basketball, I’m always just feet away from making a difference, even if it’s just getting into a passing lane, bumping a cutter, or taking a charge.”

Tippner said one sport helps the other with vision, explosion, judging speed and direction of teammates and opponents and making something a player could do on their own easier by combining with a teammate.

“Both sports are actually very similar as far as what it takes to win,” she said.

Tippner said being part of two state championships was exciting.

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.

”

R., Goodman Campbell Patient

Jay

Noblesville basketball player Meredith Tippner prepares to shoot a free throw. (Photo courtesy of Matt Tippner)

Tippner

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 submissions sent to Lawrence Police Dept. will have the first opportunity to participate. To learn more, visit www.joinlawrencepd.com.

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

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

State’s cutest dogs — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Destination Development 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 different 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 Indiana 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.

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Coffee, books and bread all seemed to go hand-in-hand when owner Will Worley and his wife, Marcy, opened their cafe, Porter Books & Bread. Since September 2015, the cafe has become a destination for business professionals, residents and visitors in Lawrence.

Porter Books & Bread is a community-focused, locally owned and operated cafe known for its sandwiches. It is at 5719 Lawton Loop E. Dr. and partners with local businesses to bring a “neighborhood feel” to each item on the menu.

Opening a cafe, however, wasn’t initially part of the Worleys’ plan. According to Will, food was more of a “hobby” prior to opening Porter Books & Bread.

“I have a master’s in social work, so I thought that was the field that I was going to get into,” Will said. “I had worked in restaurants before, like a lot of people did in their younger years. So that background kind of helped (Porter Books & Bread) come to be. But once my wife and I moved to Indy (from Lafayette), one of our passions was to try to find smaller, locally owned places to support. “Twelve to 15 years ago, that was hard to do.”

The couple became acquainted with Indianapolis brands that are now widely recognized, such as Smoking Goose, Tulip Tree Creamery, Turchetti’s Deli and others across the city. With that as a hobby, Will and Marcy dreamed of opening a bookstore.

“We quickly realized that selling books wasn’t going to be a great margin pusher,” Will said. “So, we decided we would make bread while we were here. And if we were making bread, why not sandwiches?”

From there, the menu bloomed to feature Porter’s freshly made bread topped with locally sourced produce and protein. The Worleys met coffee roasters, one of which taught Will how to roast coffee, thus establishing the cafe’s draw of serving in-house roasted coffee.

Will said the broad mission of Porter Books & Bread is to “support and stay involved with the community.”

“We (follow our mission) in a number of ways, one of which is making sure that we’re keeping local dollars in the local economy by featuring local businesses on

the menu,” Will said. “But one of the unique issues when sourcing locally is that local goods change frequently. By virtue of that, so does our menu.”

Porter Books & Bread features menu items made with meat from Turchetti’s in Indianapolis and produce from Garcia’s Gardens on 42nd St. in Lawrence.

Will said the look and atmosphere of Porter Books & Bread seems to change each year thanks to the community.

“We accumulate stuff,” Will said. “We have art on the walls from people we’ve met who try to sell their art through us. One year, we put up Christmas lights around the upstairs

banister and they just never came down. We were babysitting plants for a regular (customer), and the plants ended up making home here.”

Of course, the name Porter Books & Bread requires the cafe to keep a variety of books available for customers to read. The book supply is a community effort, too.

“When we first opened, we bought out a couple of estate sales (for books),” Will said. “So, we have a ton of inventory. But we kind of do a trade program. So, if you bring in books, you can take some, too. But we have a lot of people who just donate books.”

The Worleys initially planned to open their

store in Fountain Square but saw the listing for the shop’s current space online. The building had yet to receive a breath of new life after being part of the decommissioned Fort Benjamin Harrison military campus. After speaking with the building owner, Tom Martin, about how he envisioned the building to be repurposed, the Worleys decided Lawrence was their best option.

Will attributes Porter’s launch to his wife, Marcy.

“She had a ‘real job,’ and (financially) allowed us to open up,” Will said. “She worked every weekend, right up until the birth of our first child. She was committed to the shop.”

Porter Books & Bread manager Neil Freeman has worked at the cafe for more than six years.

“I was new to the area and just Googled ‘coffee shops,’” Freeman said. “I came in and had a cold brew nitro and a scone and was sold. I loved the atmosphere and had never seen a place like this. So, I started working here.”

Although the cafe had a rough start getting established, Will said he wouldn’t change anything about the journey.

“I hope we have an impact on the community,” Will said. “Lawrence is a small place. Everyone knows each other and works together. It’s a great place to be.”

For more, visit porterbread.com for hours and the full menu.

LOOKING AHEAD FOR PORTER BOOKS & BREAD

Starting in January 2023, Porter Books & Bread will present a concert series.

The cafe has partnered with Indianapolis Independent Entertainment, a group focused on pairing local performing artists with local venues. The third Friday of every month will bring a different local artist to the cafe for a performance.

Owner Will Worley plans to open a Shelbyville store in early 2023.

Lawrence cafe centers on community, supporting local businesses

ON THE COVER: Porter Books & Bread owner Will Worley pauses on the cafe’s second level. (Photo by Rebecca Fending)

The cafe features a spiral staircase that connects the upper and lower levels.

Manager Neil Freeman and employee Laura work the coffee bar and prepare sandwiches for customers.

Porter Books & Bread features its book collection, tables and couches on the second level. (Photos by Rebecca Fending)

ESSAY

’Tis the season

Commentary by Terry Anker

Among the many blessings of aging is that along with the extra pounds and fine lines comes a considerable amount of perspective. Although a few of us get a bit crankier as our bones begin to creak, there are just as many that come to better understand the difference between the truly unacceptable and the merely inconvenient. Life is long, and much learning occurs. Things that we found to be beyond the pale in the rigid certainty of ignorant youth come to light with greater nuance as we travel through life. The “I will nevers” of a teenager become the “I can understand whys, even tolerate” of a fully developed adult.

Despite social media, politics and the 24-hour news cycle, this is a season to pull together. What does it really matter if Aunt Jane disagrees with us on the genesis of the pandemic if she makes killer sweet potato pie? And even if Uncle Mitchell demands that we defund this or that, he still used to attend all of our childhood softball games, cheering the loudest.

If Ecclesiastes has it right and “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” why can’t this be a season of acceptance? If we are so certain in our position or simply too immature to get over ourselves, can’t we just overlook the disagreement and seek to find commonality for a few short weeks? With the cold, gray days of February, we can return to disliking each other again. But maybe, just maybe, we will have realized that it all didn’t really matter as much as we thought. Grandma only had one brother, and it would make her very happy to know that he came over for dinner — even if he is a Patriots fan!

CURRENTOON

Slept in heavenly peace

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, you’ll never believe what happened this weekend. No, I didn’t win the Powerball, but it was like hitting the lottery in some ways. I slept through the night! I know, a true Christmas miracle.

Prior to having children, I could sleep eight hours without even turning over. Solid, deep, delicious ZZZs almost every single night. I’d awake rested, energized and generally in good spirits. Pregnancy changed all that, what with raging hormones and an ever-growing belly that made staying in bed for more than 120 minutes a pipe dream. Then of course, once the rugrats arrived, my time became their time. Feedings, diapers, bad dreams, sudden coughing and the random thunderstorm all colluded with my little ones to ensure I never reached REM sleep.

The tween and teen years were no better, as my kids became independent creatures of the dark. I’d jolt awake to a toilet flush or a microwave beep, possibly a poorly concealed guffaw. And once they started driving, it was always the post-curfew garage door opening that thrashed my hopes of uninterrupted slumber.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK POLICIES

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

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

And despite being an empty nester now, I still generally wake up two to three times. Basically, the combination of motherhood and middle age has made me a perennial light sleeper with superhuman hearing and little bladder control. Go figure.

Which is why I am rejoicing this morning. I went to bed at 9 p.m. and can’t remember seeing the clock until 5 a.m. What? I had to confirm this tremendous feat with my husband because I simply couldn’t believe it. My sleeping through the night?

Peace out.

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

Terry

“Never

Have time for a fob story?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

This kind of thing could only happen to me (in a way, that’s good, because if things like this happened to you, you’d have your own humor column).

Kevin asked where my spare fob was, and I told him it had been missing for several weeks.

HUMOR

The other day as I got into my car and pressed the button to start the engine, it fired up as usual. But wait: My key fob was not hanging on its little knob where I always put it.

I went inside the house, and sure enough, there it was on the table. How could my car start without the fob? It was way out of range. It meant anyone could get in my car and drive off.

I was on my way to visit my friend, Bob. I said to him, “My car started this morning, but it wasn’t supposed to.”

“Were you out of gas?”

“No, my car is not supposed to start without the fob inside.”

“Your fob was not inside?”

“Yes, it was inside — inside the house.”

Bob was no help. He reminded me that a month ago I drove around with my cellphone on the hood of the car, so this didn’t surprise him. He suggested I go to the dealership.

I headed over and spoke with my service advisor, Kevin.

“You have great technicians, right?” I said.

“Only the best, Dick. What’s wrong?”

“My problem is that my car started.”

“Hmmm. In 25 years, that’s the oddest complaint I’ve ever heard.”

“BingoI It must be somewhere in your car,” he said, “Go home and look for it. I have people waiting with serious powertrain issues. I can’t help you now.”

Back in my driveway, I looked for it under the seats, between the seats, under the floor mats. The problem was the fob is black, the seats are black, and the carpet is black. Looking for it in the daylight was not working, so I waited until it was dark out and used a flashlight. Mary Ellen came outside and found me on my knees searching the car. I explained what happened.

“Do you want me to call it?” she asked.

“Jeesh, it’s a fob Mary Ellen, not a cellphone.”

I finally found it, lodged on the track that the seat slides back and forth on. I put the extra key in a safe place, and I felt relieved.

By the way, I’m not the only one in my family who loses things. The next evening, Mary Ellen said she wanted to prepare a holiday dessert ahead of time and couldn’t find our electric mixer that we keep in the basement.

I told her not to worry, that I’d give it a call first thing in the morning.

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

“Bob was no help. He reminded me that a month ago I drove around with my cellphone on the hood of the car, so this didn’t surprise him.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Local man launches electrical contracting business

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

Trevor Agre moved to Cicero from Southern California in 2021 with a dream of owning a business. In June of this year, that dream came true.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Agre is a licensed electrician who owns and manages A5 Electric, a residential and commercial electrical contracting business based in Cicero that provides services to the greater area of central Indiana.

Agre has been in the industry for 21 years and used his experience to create his own company.

“I was born and raised in Southern California,” Agre said. “My family and I moved to Cicero because we saw opportunities here that we didn’t have in California. While working in construction as a laborer, I saw the benefits of a skilled tradesman and decided being an electrician was a great fit for me. So, I joined the (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and did a fiveyear apprenticeship in Los Angeles.”

A5 Electric, named for Agre’s family of five, offers services from full-service upgrades, whole home re-wires, outlet upgrades and light fixture installations. If it needs electricity, Agre said, A5 Electric can install or fix it.

Agre became a journeyman electrician in 2009. From there, he “worked (his) way up” through the management side of the trade to become a general foreman. Agre oversaw projects with a budget of $500,000 to $15 million in electrical work. He said those projects prepared him to operate his own electrical contractor business.

A5 Electric officially started business in late June 2022. Agre set out to specialize in residential, commercial and tenant improvement construction. So far, he said business is going well thanks to the support of the community.

“Business is doing very well,” Agre said. “I never expected to have the support of my community as fast as I have earned it, but I pride myself on quality installation and practices.”

Agre looks forward to what the future holds for A5 Electric. His goal, he said, is to grow his team.

“I hope to keep growing my business to the point where I have several employees,” Agre said. “I want to help train up future generations in the construction and electrical trade. As this is a family business, I hope to hand over the company to my three boys when they are old enough.”

For more about A5 Electric, call 317-982-1587.

Trevor Agre, owner of A5 Electric, and his family moved to Indiana from California to start the electric company. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Agre.)

tremor can make your life difficult. Even simple tasks like eating and drinking may become daily hurdles when you have shaky hands. If essential tremor is impacting your life, Neuravive from Community Health Network may make an immediate and significant impact. Neuravive is an incision-free treatment that improves tremor of the hand using MR-guided, ultrasound technology. Steady your future

Healing with halotherapy

By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com

When most people hear of a salt cave as a holistic healing option, the first question is “how does it work?” According to one local salt cave owner, all clients need to do is breathe.

HOLISTIC

Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy Center, 8899 Kent Ave., Lawrence, is owned by Stefanie Spiczenski. The cave will celebrate its five-year anniversary this spring.

Spiczenski, 34, said salt caves, which are enclosed, dimly lit rooms with Himalayan saltlined walls, provide many health benefits.

“Salt therapy, or halotherapy, is the action of inhaling a dry salt that is aerosolized into the salt cave,” Spiczenski said. “It cleans out your airways like a toothbrush does for your teeth and alleviates bronchial inflammation.”

Faren Jones, a regular Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy Center client, strongly recommends the unique therapy.

“If you’re one of the ones battling whatever is going around, after you’re no longer contagious, I highly suggest scheduling yourself an appointment at Indianapolis Salt Cave

The interior of the salt cave features zero gravity lounge chairs and warm lighting. (Photo courtesy of Stefanie Spiczenski)

and Halotherapy Center,” Jones said. “It’ll get you on the road to recovery more quickly.”

Indianapolis Salt Cave and Halotherapy also offers detoxification and infrared sauna services.

“We are so happy to be in Lawrence surrounded by the history of Fort Benjamin Harrison,” Spiczenski said. “We absolutely love the building we are in. It was the fire station on Fort (Benjamin Harrison) and already feels like a place of refuge.”

To learn more and purchase gift packages, visit indysaltcave.com.

Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com

currentnightandday.com

Irish Christmas music coming to the Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Celtic Woman violinist Tara McNeil views the group’s Christmas Symphony Tour as special.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

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

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL’

CONCERT

“It’s a very different show than our spring tour,” McNeil said. “We get to perform with these incredible orchestras around the states. Every city has incredible musicians we get to share the stage with. It’s such an honor, especially for me because I’m from a classical background. As a violinist, I performed with orchestras at the start of my professional career. It’s special to make music with these people who have given their lives to it from a very young age.”

The “Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony Tour” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The 16-show tour, which began Dec. 2, ends Dec. 22 in Waterloo, N.Y.

“It’s been three years since we were last out on our Christmas tour (because of the COVID-19 pandemic),” McNeil said. “We missed it because I had got used to it being part of my Christmas routine. We are very grateful to be back. The Christmas music is always so much fun and everyone is in great spirits, especially the audiences.”

McNeil said the show begins with “Ding Dong Merrily On High,” a very energetic number.

The group will perform songs from their new EP, “Christmas Cards from Ireland.”

“We have songs that have never been performed that we are doing on this Christmas tour,” she said.

The songs include “The Toys’ Waltz” and “I Saw Three Ships.”

The concert includes new arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

“It’s going to be great to perform them,” McNeil said.

There are traditional Celtic Woman songs such as “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace.”

“Even though it’s not Christmas music, I don’t think it would be a Celtic Woman show without those two,” McNeil said. “We

wanted to include them, otherwise people might be kicking up a fuss.”

Celtic Woman formed in 2004. McNeil joined the group in 2016 and is now the longest-running member.

Hannah Traynor is making her first tour with Celtic Woman. Murgen O’ Mahony is making her first Symphony Tour.

McNeil replaced Mairead Nesbitt, the only other violinist for Celtic Woman. Nesbitt left to pursue solo projects.

“Celtic Woman is a combination of Irish traditional music,” McNeil said. “It brings in classical musical elements and brings in musical theater. It’s always been the platform for Irish women to perform and showcase their talents across the world. It’s always been made to be this platform for us. It’s always been about the music, and the music is the priority. We’re trying

to give a little piece of Ireland and our history. I think it will continue, and I hope it does for a long time.”

The group performs nearly 90 shows in the spring in North America. Typically, it tours Europe and China in the fall, but the pandemic has curtailed that the last three years.

“With our big 20th anniversary coming up (in 2024), I’m hoping we can do a worldwide tour,” McNeil said. “I feel very lucky to be part of Celtic Woman. I admired the women who were in the group before me. I wanted to find a way to showcase my talents. I feel lucky with these talented singers. They are some of the closest friends in my life.”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more, visit celticwoman.com.

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Story, The Musical” through Dec. 24 at The Tarkington 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 Theater, 9740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. For more, visit mudcreekplayers.org.

‘UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS’

Carmel Community Players will present “UhOh, Here Comes Christmas” through Dec. 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘MICHAEL BOLTON: GREATEST HITS & HOLIDAY FAVORITES’

‘‘Michael Bolton: Greatest Hits & Holiday Favorites’’ concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘GLORIA’

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will have four performances of “Gloria” from Dec. 1618 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. For more, visit icchoir.org.

‘FESTIVAL OF CAROLS’

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols will present concerts at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Vocal groups get Songbook honors — The Great American Songbook Foundation has selected three acclaimed vocal groups as its 2022 Songbook Hall of Fame inductees. The Lennon Sisters, The Manhattan Transfer and Straight No Chaser took part in a video induction ceremony and will be honored throughout the coming year with programming.

From left, Celtic Woman members Hannah Traynor, Murgen O’ Mahony, Megan Walsh and Tara McNeil will perform Dec. 15 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Celtic Woman)

ICC set for ‘Gloria’ concerts

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

p.m. Dec. 17.

The final “Gloria” will be presented at 4 p.m. Dec. 18.

MUSIC

It could be said that Joshua Pedde saw the light when contemplating options for a potential theme to upcoming Christmas shows.

As a result, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s “Gloria” will be performed four times from Dec. 16-18 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

“Every year we look for a new theme of what our Christmas show should be,” said Pedde, a Carmel resident who is in his seventh year as the artistic director for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. “The word ‘Gloria’ just kept coming up, and when I looked at the definition, it’s the abundance of light.

“As we continue to find our way out of the pandemic, it’s how we are coming back together, that sense of joy that we experience during the holiday season.”

The Dec. 16 performance of “Gloria” starts at 7 p.m., followed by shows at 3 p.m. and 7

Indianapolis Children’s Choir is comprised of 600 kids ranging in age from kindergarten through 12th grade. The afternoon shows will feature 400 singers, with 200 taking part in the lone evening performance.

In every performance, the choir will be accompanied by a 15-piece chamber orchestra.

Performance pieces include “We Need A Little Christmas,” “What Child is This?” and “A Tribute to Carols.”

All performances will be inside the church’s main sanctuary.

“I think the joy that I see, not only from the audience, but from the singers, is absolutely wonderful,” Pedde said. “I think it goes back to me having wonderful teachers, so to be able to do that for other students is just a great blessing.”

For more or to purchase tickets, visit icchoir.org or call 317-940-9640 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

A twist on ‘The Nutcracker’

By Mike Beas editorial@youarecurrent.com

Growing up just south of Milwaukee in the city of Oak Creek, Wis., Lauren Nasci was barely past her second birthday when she was introduced to the world of ballet.

DANCE

Now 30, her passion for this approach to performance dance has only increased.

Nasci, a 2014 Butler University graduate who is a founder and community outreach director of Ballet INitiative, will take part in the upcoming productions of “Nutcracker with a Twist,” set for Dec. 16-18 at the Basile Theater at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis.

Naturally, the question the Carmel resident receives most frequently centers on the so-called twist in the title of the holiday favorite.

“Our twist is that our first scene is set in the 1920s with Duke Ellington’s version of Tchaikovsky’s scores,” Nasci said. “Most ‘Nutcrackers’ are the classic Tchaikovsky score. We do use the classic score in our second act, so we do have a little mix of both.

“We wanted to have a fresh take to ‘The Nutcracker.’”

Ballet INitiative dancers will perform “Nutcracker with a Twist,” at Dec. 16-18 at The Basile Theater at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Ballet INitiative)

The Dec. 16-17 shows are at 7:30 p.m.; the Dec. 18 presentation begins at 2 p.m.

The show lasts between 1 hour, 45 minutes, to two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

Adult tickets are $35 and can be purchased at balletinitiative.org. Tickets are $20 for those 13 and younger.

Fross, ingrown toenail and hammertoes patient

Pedde

‘Festival of Carols’ concerts set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

There you can spread out.”

Toombs, a tenor 2, has been a member for 27 years. He is a Steffen singer, which means he has been in the choir for more than 20 years. The honor is named after ISC founding conductor Elmer Steffen.

CHOIR

Jim Toombs has watched as the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” has come a long way. The Carmel resident said when he first started singing with the group, “Festival of Carols” was held in a local church.

“We were hoping that two/thirds or maybe the whole congregation was there,” Toombs said. “Nowadays there are usually three soldout performances at the Palladium with a full orchestra.”

“Festival of Carols” is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The ISC will perform the “Festival of Carols” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University’s campus in Indianapolis

“The Palladium is such a wonderful facility to sing in,” Toombs said. “It’s easy to hear and easy to see. Some places you get stuck on these risers and your elbow to elbow.

“The organization has really grown,” Toombs said. “We’ve been to Carnegie Hall several times. We’ve been invited to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 2010, we went to China to sing in the Beijing Concert Hall.”

The artistic director is Eric Stark, the director of choral activities at Butler.

“He is amazing,” Toombs said. “The quality of the performances are great. We’ve developed relationships with other music organizations.”

There are approximately 150 ISC members.

A 1976 Carmel High School graduate, Toombs was a member of the Ambassadors, the mixed show choir, and played clarinet in the marching band at CHS. He is a deputy prosecutor with Hancock County.

For more, visit indychoir.org.

Toombs

Where’s Amy?

BEHIND BARS: THE WHISTLER

The Whistler is a tart and refreshing cocktail featuring Hiatus blanco tequila, elderflower, grapefruit soda, lime.

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

Where’s Amy attends ‘A Christmas Story’

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.

Jennifer and Justin Leavell (McCordsville) with daughter Mara Leavell attended Civic Theatre’s Dec. 2 opening night of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” 2 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This family-friendly musical is sensational. Do not miss it. The feel-good holiday classic runs until Dec. 24. For more, visit Civictheatre.org or call 317-843-3800.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)

Blueprint for Improvement: Meridian-Kessler kitchen refresh

Sometimes, a little refresh is all a room needs to give it an entirely new look and feel. That was exactly the case with this Meridian-Kessler home. The previously-updated kitchen needed a style upgrade to transform the room into a brighter, more modern gathering space.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Zellige hex tile was used to transform the backsplash, providing a subtle yet vibrant pop of color, reflective of the homeowner’s style.

• Granite countertops were replaced with quartz for a more durable work surface with less maintenance and a more seamless, sleek appearance.

• Brass hardware was added to the existing cabinets, giving them an instant upgrade that blends classic warmth with modern style.

• New floating wood shelves provide additional storage and display space, with a rich chestnut stain that adds dimension to the bright space.

• The existing sink was replaced with a farmhouse sink, including a built-in soap dispenser and a goose-neck faucet that provides a more contemporary look.

Commentary by Larry Greene

Visiting the Chicago River and historic Navy Pier

Commentary by Don Knebel

Chicago has many excellent places to visit, any one of them justifying a trip to the nation’s third-most populous city. Today, we visit two of them — Navy Pier and the Chicago River for an architectural tour.

TRAVEL

Navy Pier is Chicago’s second-most visited site (after Millennium Park), drawing about 9 million visitors each year. The pier, extending 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, opened in 1916 as both a dock for ships carrying freight and passengers and a waterfront recreation site. Originally known as Municipal Pier, it became Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of Chicago’s World War I veterans. The name became literal during World War II, when the United States Navy used the pier as a training center, employing about 10,000 people on its 50 acres.

After the war, use of the pier for shipping declined and it was reimagined, opening to the public in 1995 as a place for dining, relaxation and entertainment. Among its most popular attractions today are the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a botanical garden, a large Ferris wheel and a drop tower. A variety of tour boats leave from Navy Pier, some offering dinner cruises.

The most popular cruises, departing from both Navy Pier and near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, tour the Chicago River and explore the city’s history and unique architecture. Probably the most informative of these tours is run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The 90-minute tour includes a description of 50 landmark buildings visible from the river, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina Towers, the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the Montgomery Ward Complex.

Knowledgeable guides explain how the flow of the Chicago River was reversed to keep sewage from flowing into Lake Michigan and how some of the buildings along the river are perched above rail lines.

Navy Pier in Chicago at night. (Photo by Don Knebel)

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

The Chicago River in downtown Chicago.

A view of Chicago from the Chicago River.

Rides at Navy Pier.

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