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Founded Jan. 27, 2015, at Fishers, IN Vol. VIII, No. 48
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30 South Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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The Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce held its annual After Hours: Holiday Celebration event at the Hillcrest Country Club on Dec. 14. The event, hosted by Rotary Clubs of Indianapolis Northeast, benefited the Lawrence Fire Dept.’s Family Assistance Program, a yearround initiative that focuses on families and children in need during the holidays.
Attendees brought new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Family Assistance Program, resulting in a record amount of donations. According to Dr. April Krowel, chamber chair and neuropsychologist at The Brain Center at 6246 W. Broadway in McCordsville, the annual event has enjoyed success for nearly 10 years.
“I joined the Chamber in 2017, but this is my first year as chair,” Krowel said. “We’ve held this event for around 10 years, and it gets better each year.”
Krowel marveled at the number of toy donations displayed at the event.
“It’s so amazing to see the thoughtfulness of the community,” Krowel said. “Obviously, it was a huge turnout this year. It’s a great opportunity to allow kiddos from all different backgrounds to celebrate Christmas with nice, new toys.”
Krowel said the LFD’s Family Assistance Program has been around for many years thanks to LFD Chief Dino Batalis, who founded the initiative.
“He’s been doing it for as long as I can remember,” Krowel said.
Batalis began the Family Assistance Program 38 years ago to help support families in the Lawrence Township school district. However, sometimes help goes to families outside of the township’s boundaries.
“We try to keep everything within the boundary of Lawrence,” Batalis said. “But it’s hard to say no to a family in need that’s so close to the community just because of a
street boundary.”
In previous years, the program has helped 700 families and gifted new toys to more than 800 children in the community.
“It’s just really great to see the spirit of the community come together for a great cause,” Krowel said.
The After Hours: Holiday Celebration event garnered a large collection of donated toys for the Lawrence Fire Dept.’s Family Assistance Program.
The 2021 Family Assistance Program saw a large turnout of donations and volunteers. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
Toys collected at the After Hours event were organized and packaged at the Lawrence Fire Dept. at 4450 McCoy St. the weekend following the event. The program’s food and toy donations helped over 800 families this holiday.
By Rebecca Fending rebecca@youarecurrent.com
A retired nurse, who is being lauded as a “good Samaritan,” helped save the life of a Community Heart and Vascular Hospital patient Dec. 8. Barbara, whose family requested her last name not be published, collapsed because of a cardiac event as she walked through the entrance of the hospital for an appointment. Carmel resident Stephanie Schwebach, 68, a retired nurse, performed CPR on Barbara for about 30 seconds before caregivers got her to the emergency room. Barbara said the quick response helped save her life.
Q: What is your best habit, and what is your worst?
“If someone hadn’t saved me like she did and then they did, you know, it wouldn’t have been good,” Barbara said.
Afterward, Barbara sent out a public plea to find the good Samaritan who helped her. On Dec. 16, she reunited with Schwebach.
“I never expected to see (Barbara). I didn’t know if she was still alive,” Schwebach said. “I could not get her out of my mind. I thought and prayed about her for the whole
week, and I was glad we were coming back for one of (Schwebach’s husband’s) appointments, because I was like, ‘I’m going ask them. As soon as I walk in that door, I’m going to find out what happened to her.’ And when they said she was alive, I just praised the Lord for that, and I had to have the privilege of meeting her and her husband. It was lovely.”
The two exchanged phone numbers, and when Barbara leaves the hospital, they plan to meet again.
A: When my husband and I are both home in the morning, we have family breakfast with our kids and a cup of coffee together before work. I’m not a morning person, so it’s a great motivator to wake up and spend time together before the craziness of the day begins.
My worst habit is procrastinating, although I’ve gotten much better with it over the years. Breaking projects into smaller, more manageable pieces has been a lifesaver for me.
Q: Do you have a favorite podcast?
A: I’m a big “Crime Junkie” fan. True crime is my go-to podcast genre. When I need to feel inspired, it’s “The Lazy Genius” or “The Simplified Podcast” with Emily Ley.
Q: How do you exercise?
A: I love to run! I’m part of the Fishers Running Club and enjoy running on the Nickel Plate Trail, especially the southern portion near Cheeney Creek. I love the half marathon at Carmel and Indy Monumental, and we always do the Wishbone 5K on Thanksgiving at the Fishers YMCA. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions!
Q: Favorite local meal?
A: Red curry chicken from Thai Kitchen on Allisonville Road is my ultimate comfort meal. I also love The Weekender breakfast from The Roost, especially after a long run.
On Dec. 15, Teach Plus Indiana, an organization that helps teachers refine leadership skills, kicked off its Indianapolis Equity Change Agent Network. The two-year program brings together 22 teachers from across Indianapolis’ school districts to focus on improving the culture and climate of schools and the educational experience of Indianapolis’ students.
reading teacher at Brook Park Elementary in Lawrence Township, was selected as a Change Agent. A teacher at the elementary school for two years, Cooper, 24, looks forward to the opportunity.
Funded by the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative and the Urban League, the IECAN equips educators of color to lead the way in creating more equitable classrooms.
“The goal of the Indianapolis Equity Change Agent Network is to bring together teacher leaders to work on problems of practice using a continuous improvement process rooted in equity,” said Rachel Hathaway, Teach Plus Indiana’s executive director. “We believe teachers, in the daily work they do, are best positioned to lead change and reinvent schools to meet the needs of their students for an equitable education now and in the future.”
Shana Cooper, a fifth-grade math and
“The fact that Brook Park has the opportunity to add something to our book for making the school better is so exciting,” Cooper said. “It’s another opportunity for the children here, and we need all the help we can get.”
Cooper plans to “enforce motivation” when it comes to learning, especially in the upper grades of Brook Park.
“Attention to school just doesn’t hit the same as we get older,” Cooper said. “I want to keep (students) motivated up to sixth grade. I want them excited to come to school.”
Part of Cooper’s plan includes creating a reward system where teachers can “hold kids to a higher standard” in testing, big assignments and behavior. Students who perform, behave and test well will receive a reward, such as a goodie bag, extra recess time or a pizza party.
“We’re going to start planning for this in early 2023 so that it can be ready for the next school year,” Cooper said. “I don’t want to rush this. We want to make Brook Park a better school.”
As part of the city’s initiative to enhance area, Lawrence has put up new welcome signs at the city limits to close out the year of change. The signs display the new city emblem and city motto, “Great City. Great Schools. Great People.” (Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence)
news@geistcurrent.com
CarmelFest 2005 had just wrapped up about nine hours prior, when Carmel resident Steve Greenberg made a call to Brian Kelly, also of Carmel. At the time, each was working on a plan to launch a weekly newspaper in Carmel, but neither of them knew the other was on the same track.
It was at CarmelFest, where Greenberg ran across Ron Carter, the former longtime city councilor. Carter asked how Greenberg’s plan for the paper was coming along, and Greenberg, a career journalist and marketing specialist, said it was developing fairly well, although distribution was kind of a sticking point. Carter asked, “Do you know Brian Kelly? He’s working on the same plan as you are. You ought to give him a call.”
So, at 8:45 a.m. the next day, Greenberg called Kelly, whose career exclusively has been in publishing, and after a short conversation it became readily apparent to both that combining strengths and “going for it” was the wiser move.
Now, more than 17 years later, after launching their dream, Kelly has opted for retirement at the ripe young age of 64. His last day at Current will be Dec. 31. Soon, he and his wife, Maggie, a former media and marketing executive who also is concurrently retiring as bookkeeper for Current, will have no need to set an alarm clock.
Kelly will be succeeded as a co-owner, president and publisher by Carmel resident Ben Weir, who joined Current in September 2020.
“Brian shared heavily in the development of Current, and I believe we’re in a good position for future growth. His retirement is well earned,’’ Weir said.
Greenberg will remain as co-owner and executive vice president with no plans to retire as of now.
“My role still is to serve my customers and help the staff however I can while also helping to further Ben’s development at Current, not that he needs much assistance, believe me,” Greenberg said. “He is the future here, which is exactly what Brian and I wanted.”
What became evident led Kelly to his decision.
“Ben joining us made my decision not only easier, but he made it possible. Maggie and I have been talking about retirement for a handful of years, but the timing just didn’t seem right. Now, it is,” Kelly said. “Ben has brought a lot of energy and new ideas that
have resulted in a lot of growth the past two years, so the timing is perfect.
“We’ve been working on the transition, really, since March of this year. There are a lot of moving parts, but the process has gone quite well. A lot of that is the result of an outstanding staff. It may sound cliché, but it is absolutely true: Current would not be where and what it is without the brilliance of the people I’ve been so fortunate to work with.”
Meanwhile, back to the beginning, Kelly and Greenberg traipsed through the customary startup minefield, always managing to put, collectively, one foot in front of the other. After 16 months of business formation; a capital raise; legal, accounting and logistics work; and hiring a staff, the pair was off to the races, signing landmark advertisers, whose initial commitment to Current never will be forgotten, they said.
“It was pedal to the metal for both of us back then,” Greenberg said. “As late-stage entrepreneurs, it was either success or failure, and the latter never was an option. I recall a former Gannett publisher telling
me, ‘Good luck. You’ll be chewed up and spit out within six weeks.’ I told Brian what was said to me, and, after our respective blood pressures came back to normal, it was ‘go like hell’ from then on. It worked out well, I’d say.”
Joining forces proved to be a successful pairing of strengths.
“The partnership with Brian worked well, just as it will with Ben, because we both brought different attributes to the company. Complementary, I’d say, and perfect for a business with seemingly a billion moving parts,” Greenberg said. “Brian was strong on fiduciary experience and distribution/ operations, while I had heavy newsroom experience and years of sales behind me. Brian could sell, too, and often we paired for ‘four-legged’ sales calls. Suffice it to say, we slept in our spare time. I’m extremely proud of what we built. And if anyone could turn a penny into a spool of copper, it’s Brian. If he and Maggie end up on a beach in St. Somewhere, I’ll be happy for them, but, no lie, I’ll be overly envious … and he knows it.”
Kelly said the “cast of characters” made
Current the best stop of his accomplished career. Both founders recognize and appreciate that the accomplishments they’ve enjoyed through the years never would have been possible without the team they assembled way back when and have grown since then. It’s a colorful troupe at Current — and it always has been — so much so that Kelly often would say, “That belongs in the movie,” or “That belongs in the book,” and always preceded by, “Man, I love this place.”
Three of Kelly’s longtime Current colleagues are Mark Ambrogi, Night and Day editor; Dennis O’Malia, senior advertising sales executive; and Zach Ross, art director. Ambrogi actually was a childhood friend of Kelly’s in Cincinnati. Ambrogi is a veteran of central Indiana media. O’Malia was hired before Current even had a business address, and Ross came along in Year 2.
“I can’t say enough about Ambro, Dennis and Zach. You could say we’ve pretty much been through it all,” Kelly said. “I’m amazed at the detail and amount of work they each process week in and week out, year after year, and the same goes for the rest of our team. And speaking of outstanding talent, I can’t say enough about Maggie’s contributions to our company. She’s the best bookkeeper in town!”
Terry Anker, a Current Publishing board member, founding investor and weekly essayist who owns Anker Consulting Group, said, “As a longtime Hamilton County resident, Brian Kelly knew firsthand of the lack of a local journalistic perspective on events affecting our communities. When we were talking about the idea of a new concept in local news that would include print editions, it would be an understatement to say that not everyone supported the concept. Now, almost two successful decades later, Brian and Current have unequivocally proven to me and everyone else that newspapers work, especially the ones that he helped to found. Kudos to him on a well-deserved break from the daily action — but let’s hope he doesn’t go too far. The tireless work he and his bride, Maggie, have done for the not-for-profit community and as an advisor and friend to countless of small business owners and young people just starting their careers is more important now than ever.”
Fellow Current board member and founding investor Ersal Ozdemir owns Keystone Corp. He offered Kelly “heartfelt congratulations” on his pending retirement:
“Seventeen years ago, Brian co-founded
Current Publishing and set in motion several important local publications that helped fill a void in coverage in Hamilton and Boone counties,” Ozdemir said. “Over the years, Current’s publications have become valuable resources to residents and local businesses. This would not have been possible without Brian’s dedication and vision, and I am proud of what he has achieved and has done for so many communities. I am glad to call Brian a friend and wish him the best.”
Long before Current was even an idea, Kelly sold advertising for the Indiana Daily
Continued from Page 6 Student while attending Indiana University. Upon graduation from IU’s Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree, he joined Gordon Publications, a national trade magazine company. After stints at Gordon’s Tustin, Calif., and Chicago offices, and later, the home office at Randolph, N.J., he was promoted to publisher of Software Retailing magazine at the ripe young age of 28. Later, he would help launch NUVO Newsweekly, and he was the founder of Kelly Publications, Inc., publisher of The Greenwood Gazette, The Greater Greenwood Business Journal and Business Update. He later sold KPI to Central Newspapers, Inc.
(now Gannett). He also previously served as publisher of Thomson Newspapers’ niche division in Indiana, launching Indy Curiocity, which was distributed in more than 1,700 Indianapolis-area classrooms, and Image Newspapers, a group of weekly newspapers in Hamilton County.
Kelly also is the recently retired chief executive officer of Grow Local Media, publisher of The Southside Times, Hendricks County Business Leader, Hendricks County ICON and Center Grove ICON.
“I’ve been very lucky in life, to say the least,” Kelly said. “I married the woman of my dreams and had a great career in an
Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
industry I absolutely love, and always will. The partners I’ve had; the outstanding people with whom I work; the wonderful communities we’re fortunate to serve; and our wonderful customers and readers, many of whom have become great friends through the years … it’s all to be valued. I treasure these relationships, and that’s why Maggie and I will continue to call Carmel home. We’ll be doing some traveling and I’ll be indulging in my favorite pastime, reading. I’m looking forward to the challenge in my next stage in life, but I know I’m going to miss a lot of the day-to-day action in the office, and the people, of course.”
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Sam Orme knows one way his Carmel High School basketball team can improve.
“I feel like we can be a lot better defensively as a team right now,” Orme said. “We haven’t got there yet.”
Orme said the Greyhounds have taken some big steps.
“We have a long way to go in becoming our best,” Orme said.
The 6-foot-9 senior is Carmel’s most experienced player. Orme was averaging 16.6 points and 7.5 rebounds as of Dec. 20 for the Greyhounds (5-3). Orme averaged 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds as a junior.
“He’s a leader by example, more so now,” Carmel coach Ryan Osborn said. “We graduated seniors last year that were naturally leaders, and these (current seniors) have stepped into the role.”
Osborn said Orme is coachable and engaged in practice.
“He’s always willing to do whatever (is
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: “Fight Club”
Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”
asked), and that goes a long way when your best player is one of your hardest workers,” Osborn said. “He’s turned the page from leadership perspective with his effort with practice every day and showing up to games ready every night.”
Osborn said Orme is the team’s anchor defensively.
“He has a high basketball IQ,” Osborn said. “His confidence exudes to everybody else.
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
He passes with either hand and finishes with either hand. He’s efficient offensively for us.”
The Greyhounds won the Class 4A state title Orme’s sophomore year. He averaged 5.8 points in that 2020-21 season. Last season, Carmel lost to Westfield in the sectional final.
“It was a tough one, but we’ll be back,” Orme said.
Orme’s biggest growth spurt came when he grew about five to six inches to 6-foot-6 the summer before his freshman year.
Orme chose NCAA Div. I Belmont over Miami (Ohio) University to continue his playing career.
“Belmont was the right fit for me in the end with the coaching staff and style of play,” Orme said.
Orme said the style of play is similar to Carmel offensively.
“They play a little faster, put up a lot of shots, which is going to be fun,” said Orme, who plans to major in finance.
The City of Lawrence will see a mix of projects in 2023 — some new, some ongoing, and some nearing completion. From utility projects to on-going work on schools, the new year will focus on improving the area for residents and visitors.
Lawrence will see several water, road and sewer projects begin in 2023, including a replacement project for the Brookside Park water main.
“This is still in design, and we do not have final plans or construction estimates yet, but based on past projects, this one will likely approach $2 million in construction costs,” City of Lawrence Utilities Supt. Scott Salsbery said.
The project is in the “older” part of the city from 54th Street south to 49th Street, and from Richardt Street west to Shadeland Way/Interstate 465, according to Salsbery.
Salsbery said that the department is negotiating with the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources to install two new water supply wells in Fort Harrison State Park, where the city’s existing Fort Harrison well field is located. The project does not have final design plans, but the cost of the actual drilling of the wells is about $250,000 to start with. Salsbery “hopes” to have the project in full design in early 2023.
However, several projects are expected to be completed in the new year.
“We will be finishing up our Phase II Contract B Water Main Replacement Project started in 2022 that is replacing mains on Franklin Road, 46th Street, Elmhurst, Woodcroft, McGuire Court and Richardt Street,” Salsbery said. “This is a $3.7 million project that is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.”
Salsbery said the Maple/Zoeller/Wallingwood Water Main Replacement Project will be completed early next year as well.
“This $1.7 million project is substantially complete now, but there will likely be some additional restoration work needed in the spring,” Salsbery said.
The city will complete the 2022 Manhole and Sewer Rehab Project, which was
funded by a State Water Infrastructure Grant with a matching amount from the city’s ARPA funds. The cost of the project is $4.1 million, and the work involves lining and replacing gravity sewer mains, manholes and customer service laterals in the right-of-way.
“The goal is to replace badly deteriorated sewer infrastructure, thereby reducing and/ or eliminating inflow and infiltration of clear water sources from entering the sanitary sewer system resulting in surcharging and sewer overflows in rain events,” Salsbery said.
The city also expects to begin work on stormwater drains in the Brookhaven neighborhood north of 52nd Street. The city is applying for a $600,000 grant from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Officials ask that area residents participate in a survey to help support the need for the grant money. The survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/TS96DYC.
This year saw progress in renovations and upgrades to school buildings within the Lawrence Township district. According to the district’s Director of Communications Dana Altemeyer, 2023 will see continued improvements and the start of new renovation projects.
Although construction at Lawrence North and Lawrence Central high schools will not be completed until 2024, Lawrence Central’s newest completions include a three-story academic addition, tennis court and pavilion, kitchen/cafeteria and performing arts
center. The construction team broke ground this month on the 50-meter pool just east of the new academic addition.
Lawrence North’s completed projects include the performing arts wing, visual arts area, tennis courts and pavilion and exceptional learners’ area. The new pool will open in the summer of 2023.
The district also plans to begin renovations on Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Lawrence Education and Community Center that will begin in June of 2023. Construction on the administration building will begin in the fall of 2023.
Altemeyer said the district is preparing for the expansion of building-wide, two-way immersion programs in Skiles Test and Sunnyside elementary schools for the 2023-24 school year.
In addition, the district is planning for the expansion of year-round preschool at the four Early Learning Center sites beginning in 2023.
Altemeyer said the district plans to continue its equity work in creating learning environments devoid of “racial and ethnic disparities in achievement” while raising achievement goals for all students.
“We are in the process of developing a strategic plan for the next three years,” Altemeyer said. “(The plan) will go to the
(school) board in April or May.”
ON THE COVER: A rendering of the front of both Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools. (Photo courtesy of Schmidt Associates)
Lawrence will present multiple events in the new year, including:
• Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 23
• Spring Fling on April 8
• Fiesta Lawrence on May 13
• Fort Ben Farmer’s Market each Thursday from June to October starting June 1
• Juneteenth Celebration on June 17
• 4th Fest Celebration on July 4
• Community Safety Day on Aug. 12
• BBQ and Blues during September
• Lagers in Lawrence on Sept. 23
• Día Latino de Lawrence on Sept. 30
• Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben on Oct. 7
• The return of Winterfest on Nov. 25 that begins with A Lawrence Christmas
The Wicked Witch of the West famously warned Dorothy, “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too.” The erstwhile Kansan, at that moment, was under the protection of the most powerful sorceress in the Land of Oz, Glinda, The Good Witch of the South, and far beyond harm’s way. But true to her wicked word, the evil enchantress spent the rest of her life chasing and tormenting the youngster and her pet. Getting even for the accidental killing of her partner in crime, the Wicked Witch of the East, became an overwhelming obsession.
The Hatfields and McCoys battled for decades. Hamlet fought to the death. And Richard Nixon famously kept lists — all to ensure that the score stayed even. Likewise, the Book of Exodus demands “an eye for an eye” in retaliatory consequence. But does it all really do any good? Are we able to extract anything close to justice by tit-for-tat attacks? Or is our effort to find equilibrium creating a hopelessly unstable arms race, sure to collapse like a stack of Jenga?
Political leadership seems especially fond of vengeful action. We have come to expect all manner of investigation, special prosecution, and congressional hearing from one election to another — as if our newly elected majority representatives are the Horsemen of the Apocalypse arrived to right all wrongs perpetrated by the unholy who had ruled just before. Perhaps it’s inseparable from power, this desire to punish those who would challenge or resist us. If so, can we break the cycle? Those in charge would have to show restraint. We’ve done it before with nuclear arms treaties signed by our government. But as the Russians once again maraud, is armed détente more prudent? Still, could a little kindness to our foes impede vengeance from generational reproduction?
Longtime readers know that I am highly conflict adverse. I’m terribly uncomfortable with emotional displays, particularly anger, and avoid hard conversations like they’re large gatherings in 2020. But no more! My New Year’s resolution is to woman-up and learn to engage with friends and family in a healthy, productive manner when the proverbial poo hits the fan. Basically, I’m embracing “Fight Club.”
And I’ve started early. My husband Doo and I have been at each other for a few weeks. The stress of holidays, work and parenting four young adults has led to neither of us sleeping particularly well and numerous stupid but hurtful squabbles. Normally, I run for the hills (i.e., hide in my bedroom) at the first sign of an impending confrontation, but this time I decided to put my big-girl pants on and dive headfirst into the fray.
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.
After 30 minutes of neither of us really hearing each other and both of us pretty upset, we hit the pause button. I was honest and told him I needed to cry (privately, of course!) and blow dry my hair (which was on the verge of becoming a frizzy monstrosity). I felt better afterward, and when Doo offered to run errands with me, I assumed we were good.
We were not. The next morning, Doo announced he was still mad, and I had to force myself once again to step into an argument. I was anxious and uncomfortable, and we didn’t entirely resolve the issue, but at least we are now on the same page. And more important, I did it!
So welcome, “Fight Club 2023.” I embrace thee!
Peace out.
Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.
Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.
snore?”
“I get a lot of complaints from the neighbors.”
Every year about this time I look back at the previous 12 months and express appreciation for the people, places and things that have made their way into my weekly columns. So, thanks to:
• My old roommate from college who called me after 55 years. He reminded me we hadn’t spoken in 55 years. I told him it was 57, if you count the two years we lived together.
• My wife’s mother, Margaret, gave an original copy of the “The Joy of Cooking” to Mary Ellen to read. Not to cook anything, just to read. In the poultry and game chapter, here is a summary of its advice: “Draw out the entrails, cut the neck close to the body, remove the windpipe end then chop off the feet.” As you can tell, this book was also a big hit with serial killers.
• My physical therapist, who helped me through rehab. For several months I was encouraged to do Kegels. There is a specialist for that at Community Hospital, but she was out one day, so I asked a question of another therapist who was not trained in the procedure.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Wolfsie, that’s a little over my head.”
“Then you are doing it wrong,” I told her.
• The folks at the Sleep Center at Community Hospital, where I participated in a sleep study. They had lots of questions:
“Does your wife say you snore?”
“She has no idea because she sleeps in another room … maybe because I snore.”
“Mr. Wolfsie, then how do you know you
• My wife, who wanted to try a new Chinese restaurant, found one online and ordered the food. I called back because I wanted to know how long it would take to get there. “Where do you live?” I was asked. I told him the northside of Indianapolis.
“Oh, about six hours. Sir, you are calling a Chinese restaurant in Canton, Ohio.”
“That’s OK,” I said. “I love Cantonese food.”
• The researcher at Ohio State University found that the average couple kisses about 25,000 times in a marriage. Were we keeping up with the Joneses, the newlyweds down the street? I told Mary Ellen how beautiful she was, how good dinner was, and how hot she looked in her jeans. I was hoping that kissing up counted.
• My brother-in-law, Tom, who gave me an Apple Watch for Christmas last year. I called him in Oregon and admitted I was overwhelmed by how complicated it was to operate.
“Come on, Dick. You just think you are out of your league. Relax. Don’t be nervous. And don’t be intimidated like so many others have.”
“Tom, that is exactly the same advice you gave me when I married your sister.”
I’m not done. More next week.
Tom Wood Subaru believes that all students deserve an equal and fair opportunity for a quality education. Through our partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, all Subaru retailers combined, have supported more than 300,000 students nationwide and are proud to be their largest corporate supporter!
Millions of students in high-needs schools lack the supplies and learning materials they need to be successful in the classroom. In fact, 92% of classrooms have students whose families cannot afford to purchase any school supplies for their children, often requiring teachers to purchase resources using their own money. We find these teachers just absolutely, amazing individuals!
My old roommate from college who called me after 55 years. He reminded me we hadn’t spoken in 55 years. I told him it was 57, if you count the two years we lived together.
Here at Tom Wood Subaru, we celebrated Subaru Loves Learning by providing teachers with flexible funding to purchase the school supplies and resources they need to help their students thrive in the classroom, through Adoptaclassroom.org. They believe that every child deserves the tools and materials they need to learn and succeed in school. With the help of sponsors such as Tom Wood Subaru, they’ve helped to equip classrooms with the supplies students need to learn and thrive. Since 1998, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised $57 million and supported more than 5.8 million students across the U.S........So amazing!
Our selected school for the last several years has been Edison School of the Arts. Principal; Amy Berns and
her team have been so amazing to work with and they sent us some amazing photos and videos to share with you! English Teacher; Mrs. Buchanan was so grateful for the new headphones and glue gun she was able to purchase for her classroom. Another teacher sent us a great video of her opening many items she ordered to help calm and destress the children in her class. She opened each box with joy, in amazement that these items were purchased for her classroom!
Edison is still really in need of so many more items though. How can you help you ask........well let me tell you! The teachers have created a wish list of items they are really in need of: https://docs.google.com/ document/d/1lL_vrJ65EzMKqgRXuuE1xmc-cy1GRbNfbyki3DSwVHY/ edit?usp=sharing
If you go to this link, you will be directed to a list of each individual teacher, with the link to their needs included. We would like to thank Subaru and Adoptaclassroom, for providing these great resources to the children in our community!
Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano
It’s that time of year again! When the dust settles on all the toy wrappings, tree needles falling and broken slot cars, we find ourselves on Dec. 26 starting to look at our unused health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. That’s when the panic sets in, because “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” What to do? And the mad end-ofyear rush starts.
Most folks aren’t aware of the “gift of sight” they are missing out on. It’s the perfect gift for your returning college kid, that husband who hasn’t had his eyes checked in “forever” or that 5-year-old who has never had a full “real” exam before. It’s also an opportunity to give to others who don’t have as much under the tree this year.
Fashion frames, sunglasses and contact
lenses are eligible with most HSA/flex spend programs. Have you been eyeing that second pair of frames? How about computer lenses? Night driving lenses? Sport contacts for the pickleball players and golfers out there? There are myriad options available for you to help better your hobby, sport, fashion or functionality with new glasses.
So, this holiday season, when you are struggling to find that perfect gift for a loved one who already has everything, find a local optometrist and use your flexible spending/HSA before it runs out. The “gift of sight” is powerful and lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.
Improve your focus — Do you have more trouble concentrating than you used to? Studies show that our attention spans are declining, largely due to the use of technology. We feel we have to respond to every text, alert and call immediately. Instead, try putting the phone on “do not disturb” mode for a few minutes when you need to focus on something else. You may find it easier to concentrate and you probably won’t miss anything truly important.
Source: Cynthia Green, Ph.D.
Reduce arthritis pain naturally – Unlike 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.
Source: Bottom Line Personal
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
Current in Lawrence/Geist geistcurrent.com
currentnightandday.com
“Clue” will be presented from Dec. 28 to Feb. 5 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
For Jeff Stockberger and Suzanne Stark, it’s only appropriate that the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre regulars appear in the first show of venue’s 50th anniversary season
Stockberger and Stark will perform in “Clue,” which will be presented Dec. 28 to Feb. 5 at the Indianapolis venue.
Stockberger estimated he has appeared in 75 to 80 Beef & Boards productions as an actor.
“If you add in all the shows that I either directed, stage managed, or backstage managed, that number goes up significantly,” he said.
His first show was “Peter Pan” in 1996 when he portrayed Noodler, the pirate.
“I’ve been a part of the second half of the 50 years, especially the last 20 years, and it’s been amazing to watch this theater continue to thrive in this difficult business,” Stockberger said. “Beef & Boards is one of the few remaining Equity (Actors’ Equity Association) dinner theaters in the country. (Owner) Doug Stark and the whole Stark family have proven that you can have a successful business while treating all employees with respect.
“There is a reason there has been so many people that have worked for Beef & Boards for 20 to 30-plus years. We’re family.”
Stark, the former wife of Doug Stark, has regularly performed in Beef & Boards shows through the years.
“I am terribly grateful to Beef & Boards every time they ask me to be in a show,” Suzanne said. “This year, especially, it really is special. Fifty years is remarkable for any business, and I know that many of the employees have been a part of the operation for a good number of those years. I am blessed to have been a part of the story.”
Stark has never seen “Clue” performed live, but said she loved the movie when it first came out (in 1985).”
“I really do love these comedy ensemble pieces,” Stark said. “To know we’ve made
an entire audience let loose and laugh for an evening is really satisfying as a performer. The waves of laughter are a bit addictive.”
Scot Greenwell plays the role of Mr. Green in “Clue.”
“I love ‘Clue,’ the film, which I’ve seen innumerable times, so I have to put that aside because the play is different in some places,” Greenwell said. “And trying not to break character will be a big challenge with this hilarious cast. I love being part of an ensemble, and I haven’t done a mystery like this, so I’m excited. I enjoy Agatha Christie plays, as well as sendups like the film ‘Murder by Death.’ Like those others, ‘Clue’ will be a fun escape for the audience.
Greenwell has performed for several theaters.
“I’ll perform wherever they’ll hire me,” he said. “I’ve acted at Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, Civic Theatre, and Actors Theatre of Indiana. I’ve worked in the galleries of The Children’s Museum, and even outside the (Indiana) Statehouse, playing the father of gerrymandering.”
Greenwell said he wanted to act since he was a child.
“I loved school programs and singing with the church choir,” said Greenwell, who grew up in Loogootee. “I did high school musicals, alongside community theater, then went to the University of Evansville with broader theatrical interests. In 2004, I remembered how much I loved acting, and I’ve been doing so ever since.”
When not doing a play, Greenwell said he works as a standardized patient, “helping health care professionals and students hone their skills.”
Standardized patients are independent specialists who are trained to portray patients in realistic scenarios to help students learn.
Greenwell had an interesting internship with the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” when he was in college.
“I’d watched ‘Days’ since I was quite young, when my mom watched it,” Greenwell said. “So, in 1999, I lucked into an internship there, and it was thrilling. I learned about the soap industry and rubbed elbows with Deidre Hall, Ali Sweeney and Jensen Ackles. I wrote previews for magazines and attended an awards show.”
David Ranalli’s “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Craig A. Meyer’s “NYE with Elton & Me: My Life as Elton John” shows are set for 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Songbook Academy accepting applications
— High school students with a passion for singing and the stage can learn directly from Broadway performers and other arts and entertainment professionals at the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy, which is now accepting applications for its 14th national summer intensive July 15-22, 2023. Only 40 students nationwide are selected each year to attend the weeklong intensive at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Candidates may apply at app.getacceptd.com/songbookacademy. The application deadline is March 26, 2023, with an early bird discount available through Feb. 26.
Crash Test Dummies set to perform – Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies, best known for their 1990s hit “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” will perform March 11, 2023, at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Opening the show will be Carleton Stone, an Americana and pop singer-songwriter from Nova Scotia, Canada. Tickets starting at $40 are on sale at the Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, online at thecenterpresents.org and by phone at 1-317-843-3800. The concert is part of the Faegre Drinker Encore Series and the 20222023 Center Presents Season, presented in partnership with Allied Solutions.
Izzy Spritz features Exotico reposado tequila, aperol and grapefruit soda
To see a video of this drink being mixed, scan this QR code.
After more than a decade, we arrive back in the world of Pandora, where Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have started a family and are raising their three children. Life is good until the Sky People invade, led by Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephan Lang) and his troops, who attempt to capture and retrieve Jake.
To protect his family, Jake relocates them to the islands of Metkayina, where the Reef People offer them sanctuary. The tribe introduces the family to their rituals and how they coexist with nature and animals.
In “Avatar: The Way of Water” — the sequel to director James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar” — the audience is treated to a journey alongside the natives as they lead the children through the new aquatic habitat. You’ll need to remind yourself that what you’re watching isn’t real as the ocean floor and its creatures come to life!
Chaos erupts when Quaritch locates Jake and launches a military attack, kidnapping
his children. The Reef People join Jake and Neytiri in a battle to save their kids and protect the “Great Balance” of their world.
A suspenseful battle aboard a warship ensues with thematic and visual elements of “Titanic,” Cameron’s epic, action-packed film.
There are a few hiccups with the story: a rocky road into Pandora at the film’s beginning, and Quaritch’s obsession with tracking and capturing Jake is never really explained.
But for its hitches, this long-awaited sequel grabs the audience with stunning special effects and wholesome themes.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is a flight of imagination showing that family isn’t just who you start with but those you connect with along the way.
During the past 14 years, Julieanna Childs has worked as a film studio representative, contracting for all the major Hollywood studios, including Marvel, Disney, Sony, Netflix, Universal, Paramount, Columbia, and Warner Bros. Her film reviews can be found at TheJujuReview.com. She is a Hamilton County resident.
• The floorplan was redesigned to accommodate a larger shower, a soaking tub and a master closet.
• The custom wall treatment and floating vanity feature clean lines and warm wood tones, adding a touch of mid-century modern flair that honors the home’s roots
• Matte black
• The curves on the soaking tub, vanity mirror and vanity pendants balance the room’s clean lines for a sleek appeal.
words like “moist,” “slurp,” “bulbous,” “pus,” “phlegm,” “mucus,” and the like.
But today we’re not focusing on “moist” and its legions of blech; we’re going to take a “meh” word and make it marvelous by using euphonyms.
GRAMMAR GUYThere’s a subreddit page I like to visit called r/eyebleach. It essentially gives your eyes a break from scrolling through cynical and often disturbing Reddit entries by showing photos of kittens, baby otters and puppies doing funny puppy things. The page has 9.4 million subscribers.
Our eyes and brains all need a respite from bad news, polarized politics and 2 a.m. doomscrolling. But, what about our ears?
There’s a term I love for synonyms that sound more pleasant than similar words: euphonyms. A euphonious word is a word that is pleasing to the ear. C.S. Lewis posited that the most pleasant-sounding term was “cellar door.” Others have their preferences, but I like cellar door.
On the other hand, many people have unofficial list of their least-favorite words. My friend Jeff has an official list in a Word document. The term for avoiding icky terms is called “word aversion.” By employing word aversion, we can avoid
Euphonyms allow neutral or negative-sounding words to seem more pleasant. We take “moist,” and it becomes “dewy.” “Supple” (one of the words on my “ick” list) becomes “limber.” We can replace “orifice” with “aperture.” Pleasant-sounding synonyms can really save a sentence.
You may be reading this and wonder, “Could a euphonym have a different definition?” Yes! We can consider an alternate application for this pleasing prose. Personally, I’m fond of the sound of former Major League Baseball pitcher “Goose” Gossage.
Commentary by Don Knebel
Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.
Today, as we begin our trip through Israel and Palestinian territories, we stop at one of the area’s most scenic and historically significant sites. Tel Dan Nature Reserve is a 120-acre park in the far northeastern corner of Israel, about 100 miles from Jerusalem. The Dan River, fed with runoff from Lebanon’s nearby Mount Hermon, runs through the park. Trails along the river, the most important source of the River Jordan, pass through lush forests, including 60-foot-tall ash trees.
The park also includes Tel Dan, a large archeological mound that has produced many important archaeological discoveries. The oldest structure uncovered in Tel Dan is a mud-brick gate from Laish, a city established by the Canaanites about 4,000 years ago. The gate includes the oldest known arched opening, an invention once incorrectly attributed to the much later Romans. According to the biblical Book of Joshua, members of the Israelite Tribe of Dan conquered Laish from the Canaanites. Archaeologists have unearthed stone gates and walls from the period of Israelite occupation of Dan, which formed the northern boundary of the United Monarchy established by King David. Visitors can also explore an excavated “high place” the Bible says King Jeroboam built when the northern Kingdom of Israel split from the southern Kingdom of Judah after the death of David’s son Solomon. Dan’s high place, originally featuring a golden calf, competed for worshippers with the Temple in Jerusalem.
During excavations at Tel Dan in 1993 and 1994, archaeologists discovered pieces of a broken stele (monument), probably erected by King Hazael of Aram-Damascus in the
late ninth century B.C. Aramaic writing on the stele boasts of capturing Dan and killing Israel’s King Jehoram. Most scholars now believe the writing also says the king killed Ahaziah, “son of (a king) of the House of David,” the first non-biblical evidence of David’s existence.
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Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.
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We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.
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